Cloud 9 Cycles call time: ‘It’s not you, it’s us.’

‘Not a standard closure’ captures perfectly the news that Cloud 9 Cycles have announced today. In keeping with that, we are also running ‘not your standard feature’.

Here we give Alex from Cloud 9 the space to share the teams news, and their story with CI.N readers.

Alex starts, “it was a Thursday afternoon in late 2022, during our designated weekly ‘catch-up’; free of assessments, we instead had an uninterrupted workshop session after running through build sheets, bookings, enquires, loo-roll stock and so on. Nearing the end of this rare formality, we had 1 final point to address…… the decision this post is based around.”

“Our rental contract comes to an end in June 2023 and, in short, we have chosen not to renew.”

“After much discussion of our individuals wants and needs, ending on a high and creating space to consider fresh opportunities was the shared conclusion.”

“Cloud 9 was born in a railway arch in Camden in 2009, moving to its present location on Store Street in Bloomsbury in 2012. Adam (Owner) has been here from start, riding every wave and trough with his characteristic, albeit unnatural levels of exuberance. As with many businesses, Covid was a catalyst for change, and saw us move away from the more ‘traditional’ bike shop offering of bountiful retail and affiliated brands, to focus exclusively on bike fitting, servicing, and made-to-order custom builds, take care of by Luca and Alex.”

“Although 2020 was a trying time for everyone (to say the very least), there were many positive moments amongst the uncertainty. It was the year the current team came together and the C9 upheaval (prompted by a fresh perspective from Alex) took hold.”

“Remaining independent and unaffiliated, we’ve enjoyed the freedom and ability for genuine openness that this has afforded us. We’re also extremely proud of our free bike assessment system, which means folks receive a comprehensive, no-obligation quote before any financial commitment is required, reducing barriers and building trust. After 3 years of this system, we could never go back to golds and silvers…”

“In that time, we’ve also been fortunate to have the talented Foundation Bike Fit duo, Wei and Mat, running their own business downstairs, a resource we’ve greatly benefitted from.”

“There are others too who have inspired us, supported us and and helped us in the ultimate goal of serving our community as best we can. Without these role models, friends and trail blazers, we wouldn’t be where we are are today, and we hope that you’ll find pieces of everyone we admire in everything we do. Don’t assume the pictures here are exhaustive of this list!”

“The most heartfelt thanks has to go to those who have voted with their feet. Trusting us to build them a custom bike with no test ride, booking in religiously for that free assessment, for their patience and understanding when ETA’s proved unreliable and then going on to recommend us to their pals.”

“Maybe this is the moment for our message to any Shop owners reading this; trust your community, they are more adaptable and reliable than you might imagine, if in return you strive to offer an honest and professional service. So a special thanks to all of our regulars, you know who you are, thank you for your support.”

“As any small business owner/employee will know, it’s often more than just work, more than just a job. There have certainly been challenging moments, but the majority of the time we’re pinching our selves, feeling fortunate to be here, working alongside our friends and earning a living doing something we love.”