The Bike Factory

The Bike Factory, a bike shop in Chester

The Bike Factory is a bicycle retailer with a full range of products and a history in Chester dating back to 1912. The company presents itself as an establishment with more than a century of history in the sector, with its own workshop and advisory service for cyclists of all levels.

History and evolution

According to the shop's own information, the business was founded in 1912 under the name Marstons, on Bridge Street. Decades later it became Davies Brothers in the 1960s and moved to Cuppin Street. It later passed to the next generation and adopted the name The Bike Factory in the early 1990s. In 2012 it celebrated its centenary, coinciding with the year the British team dominated Olympic cycling with eight gold medals. The company describes itself as a benchmark in the cycling scene of North West England.

Bicycle catalogue

The catalogue covers adventure and gravel bikes, cyclocross, folding, hybrid, kids, mountain (hardtail and full suspension), road, triathlon and urban bikes, as well as a specific section for electric bikes with categories such as adventure and gravel, cargo, compact and folding, hybrid, mountain, road, trekking and urban. The shop also sells a selection of products on offer, with discounts on bikes, components, accessories, clothing and helmets.

Clothing, helmets and accessories

The equipment range includes technical and casual clothing: aprons, baselayers, belts and braces, bib shorts, bib tights, body armour, eyewear, gilets, gloves, hats, hoodies, jackets, jerseys, masks, pants, shirts, shoe covers, shoes, shorts, skin suits, socks, sweatshirts, T-shirts, tights, vests and warmers. Helmets cover the kids, leisure, mountain, road, triathlon and urban categories. Accessories and spares include bags and panniers, bike covers, maintenance products, bottles and cages, inner tubes, camping equipment, car racks, child seats, clothing care products, computers, extras, frame protection, GPS tracking, grips and tape, hooks and hangers, hydration packs, kick stands, lights, locks, mudguards, nutrition, phone mounts, pumps, racks, rider care, safety, sealant, spares, stabilisers, straps, tools, trailers, trainers, tubeless kits and umbrellas. Components listed include handlebars, batteries, bearings, bottom brackets, brakes, cables, cassettes, chain guides, chainrings, chains, cranks, cranksets, derailleurs, dropper posts, e-bike components, electronic gearing, forks, groupsets, headsets, inner tubes, pedals, saddles, seatposts, shifters, stems, suspension, tyres, wheels and tyre and tube sets.

Workshop, servicing and bike fitting

The company has its own workshop where every bike is assembled and checked by Cytech-qualified mechanics. The workshop has received recognition from the ACT for its quality. The Bike Factory is also an authorised service centre for Bosch, Shimano, Yamaha and Specialized electric bike systems, among others. The shop offers repair and maintenance services, as well as bike fitting tailored to the cyclist.

Brands and cycling community

The shop presents itself as an official stockist for brands such as Specialized, Trek, Brompton, Orbea and Raleigh, among others, and offers a wide range of bikes, clothing and accessories from leading names. The company sponsors the Birkenhead North End and Chester Cycling Club cycling clubs, and is actively involved in local events and in supporting the region's cycling community. The shop's team is made up of enthusiasts and former racers who share their passion for cycling.

Purchasing, finance and delivery

The shop offers free delivery on bikes over £1000 and on spares and accessories over £100, with exclusions applicable under the terms and conditions. It offers finance through V12 Retail Finance, with 0% APR options, and participates in the Cycle to Work scheme. It also offers Click & Collect, with same-day in-store collection if the order is placed before 2 pm, no-fuss returns and a price match policy if the customer finds the product cheaper at another shop. The company states that finance is subject to the applicant's ability to pay, age and circumstances, with a minimum spend.

Company details

The business operates under the company name DAVIES BROTHERS (CYCLES) LIMITED, with registration number 00480357, trading as The Bike Factory and registered in England and Wales. The registered office coincides with the shop's address in Chester.

Location and contact

153-161 Boughton, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 5BH · Phone: 01244 317 893 · Email: sales@thebikefactory.co.uk · Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 09:30-17:30; Sunday: 10:00-16:00