How a young York man's hobby led to a booming bike business

10:04am 22nd February 2017
(Updated 7:14pm 10th March 2017)

Brad Want started off repairing bikes in his back garden eight years ago. His business, Re-Cycle is about to expand into new premises.

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Saturday 4th March marks the official opening of Re-Cycle York's new shop at the Enterprise Complex just off Walmgate.

It could be described as the ultimate eco-friendly and community-friendly business, taking old, worn-out bicycles and refurbishing them into a shiny, road-worthy condition. These are then sold on at an affordable price. Some bikes cost as little as £40, allowing those on lower incomes – and those who simply don't want to spend a fortune – the chance to take to two wheels and enjoy the benefits of cycling. The store also provides a range of discounted cycling accessories and parts.

It's proved such a popular and successful idea that they are now having to expand into the new premises just outside York City Centre. And it all started out as a simple hobby.

27 year-old owner, Brad Want, used to fix old bicycles as a pastime in his back garden eight years ago, learning how to refurbish them by watching YouTube videos and online guides. With a baby on the way at the time however, his partner was insistent he should get a job instead of tinkering with cycles.

When Brad sold his first bike online for £300 he realised that his hobby could be turned into a viable business, and so turned to the Prince's Trust for help and guidance.

I started on their Enterprise Programme in 2010 where they train you on the basics of business, and book-keeping. And then the rest of it's up to you. They help you and you help yourself.

Brad's first shop opened just next to Walmgate Bar in August 2011, with no additional staff, an experience he describes as...

Scary and exciting at the same time, never having run a business before.

Word quickly got around about the store, especially amongst York's student population who found a place where they could get hold of reliable bikes at an affordable price. Within the first two months of trading, Re-Cycle sold around 100 bikes. Within six months Brad was taking on staff and had his sights set on a bigger outlet.

Fast-forward to 2017, and Re-Cycle now has seven staff meaning Brad can concentrate on running and building the business.

Grand Opening, Saturday 4th March 2017

Re-Cycle moved into its new store in January, and the official, grand opening happens on Saturday 4th March, all day, including a 20 mile bike ride and cycle-based family fun-day. Brad explains more...

To celebrate the opening, we've got a charity bike ride featuring two teams collecting clues around the city. My local football team, the Jorvik Blades will be taking part, and we're raising money for the Lord Mayor of York's Charity. The Lord Mayor himself is attending the opening, also the Police will be here offering free security marking of bikes. We'll be giving free advice on bike maintenance including puncture repair. There'll be a barbecue, bouncy castle, tombola and lots of attractions. The Minster FM team will be here as well. It's free to come down, and we'll be welcoming everyone.

Lord Mayor's Charity Cycle Trail JustGiving Page – Donate now!