A brand-new hub for all cycling enthusiasts has opened to provide a much-needed destination for high-quality cycle workshop services, sales and consultancy from a newly built state-of-the-art workshop and showroom.
Cycle Services, which opened in the spring, is based in the newly refurbished Barrington Court in Brackley, Northamptonshire, and is run on a day-to-day basis by industry expert Mark Akers.
Part of the already well-established APS Group, which has been trading in Brackley for nearly 20 years, Cycle Services was a long-term dream for both the owners of APS, Ed Jackson and Nathan Sammons, and of Mark Akers, to realise a gap in the market for a highly regarded, specialist cycle workshop.
Mark brings with him more than 20 years of experience, having worked previously as a head mechanic and store manager as well as a professional race mechanic. He has built up a trusted reputation and loyal customer base and is available to help with every aspect of the cycling journey, be it technical and mechanical questions, or sales and product advice.
Mark said: “Cycle Services aims to provide a personal approach that can be trusted by cyclists to look after their pride and joy to the highest standard. The workshop facility can help with all sized jobs, from simple general maintenance or the replacement of worn parts to full strip down servicing and custom builds, as well as offering a selection of specialist services.”
Although Cycle Services specialises in Performance Drop Bar products, it is also very experienced in mountain bike and hybrid servicing and all types of bikes are welcome, with Mark having vast experience of all shapes and sizes of bicycle.
Having graduated with a degree in Fine Art in the early 2000s, Mark started working in cycle retail with the intention of it being a short-term role. Having a passion for all things bike and at the time competing nationally on his downhill mountain bike, it soon became clear that his love for bikes would be something that he’d like to occupy his long-term professional life, so he committed his future to learning the trade and growing his knowledge of cycle mechanics and products.
He subsequently spent several years working in Oxford’s busiest and most respected bike shop, and was appointed manager of its specialist road bike store in 2012. He then spent more than 10 years growing a trusted following and has been a ‘go to’ for all enthusiasts who want a personal and professional service for their bicycle needs.
He is also an experienced race mechanic, having worked in the UK and Europe supporting multiple successful cyclo-cross racers. He has also worked as a professional track mechanic, supporting HUUB-Wattbike on its high achieving World Cup campaign and National Championship winning season.
Cycle Services provides a place for Mark to be able to deliver a level of service that is both professional but also personal, treating everyone’s bike with care and attention. With easy parking, easy booking by either phone or via the Cycle Services website, all bicycle needs can be dealt with the minimum stress.
APS Group offers award-winning car workshop and bodyshop facilities, and includes APS Specialist Vehicles, which buys and sells handpicked, high-specification, second-hand vehicles, including rare collector models. All cars are carefully selected to meet APS’ criteria, with only well-maintained vehicles, or those that have some unique feature, are chosen to be among the small number, usually no more than 10, vehicles that are on offer at any time.
The synergy between car enthusiasts and cycling enthusiasts has always been evident. So, as part of the carefully planned expansion of APS, Cycle Services was the next logical step.
Having completed a four-month makeover, Cycle Services now operates in its own 1,300 square foot premises alongside the home of APS, allowing customers plenty of parking and easy access to the nearby M40 and M1 motorways.
Mark added: “If you’re looking to spec up a new bike or upgrade your existing ride then we’d love to help you on that journey. We have many top brands on offer, and a relaxed and comfortable environment to ‘talk bike’.”
Find out more about Cycle Services on 01280 852799, email info@cycle-services.co.uk or visit their website.
Find out more about APS Specialist Vehicles on 01280 840491 or visit their website.
