Sheffield’s Woodside Bikeworks offers service, training & eco-consciousness

Recently launched Woodside Bikeworks, based in Shalesmoor, Sheffield, is branding itself a ‘new kind of cycle business’ favouring service, people and experiences over a buying and selling approach.

Founded by Propain Factory Racing’s UCI Downhill mechanic, Dave Mellor, Woodside was first started out of his spare room after being approached to teach a couple of cycle maintenance classes by his sister in law.

Present day, and the fully-equipped workshop has been based in Lambert Street since February, with a number of brands and suppliers on board such as: DMR, Hope, RaceFace, Elvedes, Fox and Shimano amongst others.

“I’m working with Kingud Products quite closely, they’ve been supportive since the very beginning and their eco-friendly product range fits my ethos well,” said Mellor. “Muc-Off have also been pretty helpful more recently- I’ve found their new dealer-direct distribution works well even as small a business as I am.”

Mellor carries out a full range of repair services on all kinds of bikes, including MTBs, road racing, commuter and so on. Woodside is one of the few places in the area to offer suspension servicing and tuning, stocking a full range of spares and eco-friendly maintenance products.

In addition to the workshop services Mellor continues to run regular maintenance courses for groups, individuals and corporate and community organisations. The next basic maintenance course is taking place on 21st August, hosted by the Cutlery Works.

Mellor believes it is important to try new ways to work with, rather than against, the rise in direct sales and online retailers: “Woodside isn’t a bike shop in the traditional sense and I really don’t want it to be. I think the landscape of retail business is changing massively anyway, but mainly I want what I do to be about service, the people and experiences rather than buying and selling product.

“One thing I think is important as a business and an individual is to look after the environment. After all, we ride bikes, we love the outdoors, we want to breathe clean air and enjoy forests and open spaces. It might not save the planet on its own but I try and do my bit to make a difference.”

All maintenance and cleaning products used in the shop are biodegradable and non-toxic, and Mellor buys spares in bulk wherever possible to cut down on packaging. All packaging is recycled along with any old bike parts which get replaced.

Woodside also offers custom bike builds for customers and is willing to take on special projects to meet customers’ needs. Find out more about the services and classes on offer at Woodside Bikeworks here.