After the economic challenges of recent times, it’s good to hear a success story. Buxton’s premier bike shop Peak Ascent Cycles has not only survived the financial rollercoaster but has thrived and developed its service for 2023. Starting off on smaller premises on the High Street in Higher Buxton in 2018, owner Patrick Healy found demand outstripping supply during the pandemic. Buxton being on the doorstep of the Peak District and in close proximity to some of the most thrilling cycle trails in the UK, in some ways Peak Ascent came to Buxton at the right time, especially during a time when people had a little more time on their hands for outdoor pursuits. Now on more spacious grounds in the Cavendish Arcade in Lower Buxton, Peak Ascent seems to have found a permanent home and mission.
One stop shop for everything you need
Being in the right place at the right time is not enough. The shop has a winning formula because it’s more than somewhere just to go and buy a new bike. They offer the full package: Maintenance, repairs, clothing, accessories, the full kit! Contraptions of the two-wheeled variety have grown in complexity and Patrick understands even the most experienced cyclist needs continuous support.
“We wanted to fill a gap in the market to provide cyclists with a premium, bespoke service here. We wanted to fuel the passion that comes with this sport by showcasing the latest models but also being able to share our knowledge have conversations with like minded-cyclists – both veterans and newcomers alike. People are welcome to come in for a coffee and a chat!” said Patrick.
Things appear to have shifted up a gear for the business, despite the difficult times businesses continue to face. The new premises has meant being able to offer more bikes than ever before. The range at the shop features a wider choice of mountain, road, hybrid and E-bikes from favourite brands such as Nukeproof, Cannondale, Bianchi, Lapierre and Forme, the latter of which are made locally with local terrain in mind.
Derbyshire based bike manufacturer Forme have even named a bike after Buxton itself! The folding Forme Buxton Pro E-bike is perfect for portability – ideal to pack away in your car, caravan or motorhome for days out and if you’re heading out to explore, or, perfect for a trip on a packed train.
Electric back hire returns this summer
With the shop now located in the heart of the tourist trail in Buxton, E-bike hire was trialled in summer 2022 and was an instant run-away success.
“We’re right on the tourist trail here near the Crescent and round the corner from the Tourist Information centre and visitors were popping and asking if we offered bike hire, so last summer we did just that. We offer E-Bike hire on our brilliant all-rounder Raleigh bikes, which are great – people love it!. The bike hire is also a perfect chance for anyone to try out an electric bike before taking the plunge and making that purchase”. Cost is £40 per day (9.30am – 4.30pm) or £25 for a half day. If you’re interested – call in to the shop or contact the team by phone or email (contact details below). Find out more at peakascentcycles.co.uk/pages/hire
According to Pat, the biggest sellers are now E-bikes, which generate their own power and require a little less effort. Perhaps people need a bit of help with those notorious hills! The demand for Electric bikes has exploded in recent years and we now sell more electric bikes now than any other,” explains Pat.
Spread the cost – flexible finance options
Peak Ascent can also help you with the cost of purchases, offering flexible finance options with V2 Retail Finance with 12, 24, and 36 month terms available. Cyclescheme is also offered here, a flexible way of buying a new bike and paying for it direct from your salary. Find out more here.
To accompany their streamlined and bespoke service, Peak Ascent launched a new website last year. The team has grown too, with Tommy and Mark now joining the crew. “The business has gone from strength to strength since we opened in 2018”, Pat reflects. “Interest in cycling really spiked during the pandemic but the craze has continued. People have realised the health and well-being benefits of cycling and being able to enjoy the outdoors and these new cyclists the pandemic spawned have continued with their new hobby!”
Opening Times are Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5pm, Sunday CLOSED
Peak Ascent Cycles, 6 The Colonnade, Buxton, SK17 6AL
T: 01298 299011
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