The Insider’s Guide to the UK’s Best Bike Shops and Bike Brands

We’ll let you in on a little secret: at Roz Buehrlen HQ, we absolutely love all things bikes and cycling. Whether carving up the mountain side or exploring London, cycling is a great way to de-stress and get some fresh air. Recently we’ve been exploring the Kentish hills, and we’d highly recommend it to you. If you’re thinking about taking up cycling, we’ve compiled a list of the UK’s best bike shops and bike brands for bikers of all levels.

Ellis Briggs 

Ellis Briggs are the oldest custom bike makers in the UK, and first set up shop in Shipley over 80 years ago. Over this time, the team have honed the knowledge and skills that can only come with decades of experience. As well as repairs, Ellis Briggs sell an endless array of parts alongside their re-spraying and bespoke bike making services.

ACTiV

Based in Kent, ACTiV is more than just a bike shop. The team pride themselves on catering to every style and level of cycling. Not only do ACTiV sell, repair and design bikes, but they even have a spinning studio on site if you just can’t wait to get on the saddle.

Rourke Cycles

Brian Rourke has been hand making bikes in Stoke on Trent since 1972. Over these years the shop has become the authority on racing frames, with hundreds of their bikes winning national and international titles. We love how Rourke manage to update their designs and cater to the modern rider’s needs without losing their timeless aesthetic.

Pashley

Founded in 1926, Pashley is England’s longest established manufacturer of hand-built bicycles. With nostalgic designs that hark back to a simpler time, Pashley Bikes are the epitome of style and elegance. Pashley used to produce the now iconic Royal Mail delivery bicycle and have unveiled a limited edition re-release to mark their 90^th birthday.

Shand Cycles

On the other end of the spectrum is Shand Cycles, a newer bikemaker based in Livingstone who began making bikes in 2003. They design and make a wide range of bikes that tap into the growing desire for thrills and adventure.

Merican

Mercian has been committed to hand building beautiful bespoke bicycles since 1946. The name Mercian originates from the English Kingdom of Mercia, which existed until the 10th Century. Hand built in Derby, Mercian cycles have been exported all over the world to countries as far as Fiji, Australia and Hawaii.

At Mercian one craftsman brings each frame from start to finish. It is this attention to detail that has allowed the brand to stand the test of time.

Brooks

Last but certainly not least, there is probably no bike brand more iconic than Brooks. Founded in 1866, the brand is renowned for leather saddles and has more recently expanded its accessory range to include bags and helmets. While times may have changed in the last 150 years, a leather saddle is still considered superior in terms of style and durability. With saddles made by hand in Birmingham, you can’t do better than Brooks.