bishyroad.net (Bishopthorpe Road)

Cycle Heaven

Cycle Shop

2 Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 1JJ

Opening times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 8am-6pm; Wednesday 11.30am-6pm; Sunday 11am-4pm.

Cycle Heaven has been in business on this street since 1993. It is the primary architect and sponsor of Bishyroad.net. and the largest independent cycle retailer in this grand old city of cycles. The driving force behind Cycle Heaven are the owners Andy Shrimpton and Piers Maffett, whose commitment to the ideals of urban community life are reflected in the products they sell and the values of thier business.

Although a brief perusal of www.cycle-heaven.co.uk will show that the store offers a large array of different styles of cycle, the shop is most famous for the kinds of bike that make possible a civilsed and comfortable car free urban existence - namely classic and contemporary town bikes and folding bikes. As this ethic can also embrace jaunty but nonchalant rides out into the country, this is also the place to go for non-hardcore, longer distance cycles such as hybrids and touring bikes. They also offer a lot of family options - child seats, trailers, child trailer bikes and the like. Make no mistake, at Cycle Heaven they 'cycle to live' (and not the other way around!).

However, there is plenty to interest those looking for something more hardcore. Made of carbo-titanium kryptoflexinium or something, these are in their upstairs showroom - probably to stop them floating out the door, they're so light. Ther'e's also loads of clothing, accessories and a growing selection of books, maps and guides.

The heart of the shop is their busy 'open' workshop, which can seem frenetic, come summer, but with their long opening hours and four full time technicians they can usually accomodate your repair, with a smile.

Cycle Heaven, in addition to hosting this site, sponsors York's Cycle paramedics, providing all of their cycles, cycling equipment and cycle servicing. They also like to support local community groups.