The Tour de France starting in Yorkshire, gold medal success at the Commonwealth Games, huge crowds following the Tour of Britain… this year has been described as “The Summer of Cycling” and the booming demand in all things two-wheeled has led to a move for Taunton’s leading independent cycle business – Bike (UK) Ralph Coleman.
They are moving just a few doors from their present home on Station Road to take on much larger premises at 69 – 71 Station Road, at the junction with Priory Bridge Road.
“We’re thelongest-established independent bike shop in Taunton,” says director Lyle Finlay, “and the increasing popularity of cycling has put a lot of pressure on the space we have – preventing us from giving our customers the quality of experience we wanted.
“The new showroom and bike maintenance facilities will allow us to greatly increase our stock of bikes, accessories and clothing, as well as improve ourrepairs and maintenance service.
“What won’t change is our staff’s enthusiasm for cycling and their pride in serving customers through great advice: their knowledge is second to none.
“We’ll be opening at the new shop in October, and in the meantime we’re running a clearance sale at the existing shop – so bargains now and a wider range come October: something for every customer.”
Having successfully secured additional space in Bristol for Bike UK earlier this year, Bristol-based Williams Gunter Hardwick was appointed to identify suitable new premises in Taunton and negotiate terms.
“Cycling is now big business,” says their director Stuart Williams, “and total annual UK sales of bikes, accessories and clothing areprobably close to the £2 billion mark.
“Importantly, specialist retailers like Ralph Coleman still command the biggest share of the market because many of us prefer to go to outlets where we can secure expert advice from fellow cyclists.
“The new Ralph Coleman premises are not only larger – at a total of 3, 380 sq ft – but also far more prominent, and will be opening after the shopfitting is completed in October.”
