Evans Cycles returns to store at Leeds Station

Evans Cycles has confirmed the opening of a new store at Leeds Station, including 400 square metres across two floors.

The new store replaces the old ‘Cyclepoint’ store on New Station Street directly opposite the station, which Evans pulled out of in 2018. According to the retailer, the opening brings the number of Evans Cycles stores up to 52.

Evans Cycles has had a rollercoaster second half of the decade. It was taken over in 2015 by ECI Partners but by 2017/18 was in significant financial difficulties. Eventually, after rumours of a Halfords buy-out receeded, Mike Ashley-owned Sports Direct bought Evans Cycles in 2018. Initially, the new owner was quoted as hoping to save half of its 60-odd stores, though with Evans Cycles’ own store count at 52, those initial fears were not fulfilled, despite some high profile closures such as the store on The Cut, Waterloo.

The New Station Street branch in Leeds stocks over 70 bikes for customers from the likes of Trek, Brompton, Fox Clothing, GORE Wear and more. There will be a fully equipped workshop offering expert mechanical assistance, honouring Evans Cycles’ new 24 Hour Servicing Pledge, while the bike parking scheme, previously run in partnership with CyclePoint, will return.

“We are hugely excited to announce the opening of our new store at Leeds Station and to be back home in the Cyclepoint unit,” said Matthew Atkinson, Head of Retail at Evans Cycles. “Network Rail, Leeds City Council and Evans Cycles have all worked together to reopen this vital facility for Leeds cyclists. We have invested in a substantial refurbishment and the facility now offers secure bike parking and an excellent range of products from leading brands including Trek, Pinnacle and Brompton. Our expanded workshop, along with our 24 hour service guarantee will keep our customers riding throughout the year. We have an exciting pipeline of activity planned for 2020 and look forward to sharing more store openings later in the year.”

In other bike shop chain news, Cycle Surgery – with a store portfolio now much reduced from its heyday – is reportedly set for closure.