The North’s fastest growing independent cycle retailer secures £200K investment

Thursday, 17 August 2023 Simon Cox

A Yorkshire firm which is the North’s fastest growing independent cycle retailer, J’s Cycles has secured a £200,000 loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, managed by Mercia, and a part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, following its takeover of a store in Leeds.

J’s Cycles, which had 3 existing outlets across Yorkshire, stepped in to save the popular triathlon shop Triangle following the death of its owner Adam Nevins in April this year. Situated in the Leeds suburb of Guiseley, Triangle was established over 25 years ago and has served Team GB and professional athletes. The funding will allow the new owner to expand the business and create two new jobs.

The business is one of the top 3 UK retailers of Scott Bikes, also stocking Cannondale, Pinarello, Specialized, BMC, and Yeti, selling in store, to local customers, and worldwide, via its website. The announcement highlights that, driven by the growing popularity of cycling, the company’s turnover has trebled over the past 3 years.

James Wagner, mtb helmet and waterproof jacket on, stood trail side J’s Cycles is led by 30-year-old cycling enthusiast James Wagner. He founded the company in Knottingley in 2014 at the age of 21, with the support of John Tanner, a retired professional cyclist who had competed in the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games and who continues to work in the business. The company now also has a store in Epworth, near Doncaster, and a warehouse and showroom in Wakefield and employs 11 staff across the 4 sites.

“Cycling is a sport with so many benefits. It is enjoyable, environmentally friendly, good for your health and wellbeing, and it helps foster a sense of community. It is an honour to have taken on the Triangle store and we are keen to build on the business that Adam created. The funding will provide additional working capital to enable us to expand the range, increase stock levels and employ new team members.” comments James.

Andy Clough of Mercia added: “James and the team are passionate about cycling and offer an expert service catering for cyclists of all abilities. The company has become the fastest growing independent in the North of England. It is good to be able to support them as they continue their expansion and help more people discover the joys of cycling.”

Keira Shepperson. Profile picture. Keira Shepperson at British Business Bank, said: “J’s Cycles is fostering a growing sense of community in and around Leeds. Serving professional athletes as well as Team GB puts J’s Cycle Shack on the map as one of the top stores for cycles nationwide. With the growing popularity of cycling, the business is playing a central role in the region to provide access to the sport and enhance the wellbeing of local people.”