Back2Bikes

Completion, sort of.

2011-06-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like we are almost back to normality. Our new store room is fully functioning and we even have a set of stairs go up there now. Instead of having the lug things up a ladder.

Building new and interesting foundations

2011-05-27T07:31:00.000-07:00

Over the past week Mark and Steve have worked tirelessly to get the new roof storage room all up and working. The roof itself was in such a sorry state that the entire office needed to be restructured. The roof itself now have a full load bearing roof and will soon have a full staircase.

We hope it will look much better when it is finished, and will hopefully allow us to get a new sales counter on the go.

2011-05-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a visit from a Birmingham based youth group, they were interested in setting up a similar project in their local area. We were happy to show them around and answered alot of questions that they had.

When we get the video that they recorded we will post that here along with some more information about their organisation.

eBay Power Seller!

2011-05-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

Great news, we have now been accepted as an eBay Power seller. We have reached the 200 Sales thresh hold to be given the status last night.

Thanks to everyone who helped us get this badge.

Slime Updates

2011-05-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, we are now a Slime Dealer for the UK. we have a vast variety of new stuff for sale, from the cheep and cheerful to the full professional range.

Not only do we have all this new stock, but if you come into the shop and say you have seen this offer online you will get a 10% discount on any slime products(Valid untill July 1st.)

Slime, everywhere!

2011-05-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

We just received our order of Slime. Marketed as the Eco friends way to use bike tyres it is used to instantly repair punctures when it comes into contact with air.

So if you are looking for some some nicely prices eco friends bike tubes or just want to put slime into your existing tubes then come and give us a visit.

New and big things in the works

2011-05-12T03:23:00.000-07:00

Although there isn't much information on this as of now, but big things are coming soon. Possibility of an expansion is in the works.

But in other news, the Work experience students have now seen everything that goes on here, they have met staff and its just a couple of days of the work routine now.

Work Experience

2011-05-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Well today we got a couple of new Work experience students from the local college. As the week progresses they will learn the workings of the business as well as the know how of working in a bike shop or workshop.

We will keep everyone updated one their progress through the week as well as some of the stuff they will be doing for us.

All for the Students

2011-04-28T03:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a visit from some students from Newcastle College. They were interested in using some our old collectible bikes for a biking campaign that will be used. No matter what the intentions were they seemed to have a blast on some of the old bikes.

The latest shipment to Africa

2011-03-08T05:16:00.000-08:00

Well we are at it once again, Yesterday(7th March) we sent out 40 of our bikes to be used in the Crizback project in Mozambique . Ranging from Childs bikes to full size 26" adult bikes a wide variety was sent with the the intent of aiding those abroad.

Birmingham Mail

2011-01-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

One of Back2Bikes staff recently got rather more publicity than he bargaining for when he feature in a recent edition of the Birmingham Mail.

Sean is the first admit he has had a colourful life but he has now put all that behind him. The article in the paper – on the Crime Files pages – described Sean’s past, his run-ins with the law, and how getting the job at Back2Bikes had helped him.

The full article can be found at http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/latest-features/2011/01/06/victim-s-story-ex-offender-cycling-onto-the-straight-and-narrow-97319-27940778/2/

Saturday afternoon - fixing bikes...

2011-01-09T00:13:00.001-08:00

Sean fixing a semi-knackered Dahon.
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Back2Bikes Takes To The Streets!

2010-12-13T04:41:00.000-08:00

Letting people know we exist is really important, so we were pleased to be asked to take part in the Adult Care Panel Awareness Day which was recently held at the Oddfellows Hall in Stafford. We were even more pleased as we had the prime position - on the main street just outside the front doors.

Barry and Sean took along four bikes and lots of leaflets and spent an enjoyable four hours talking to passers-by. They also had an important job trying to tempt people into the rest of the exhibition by shouting out the fact that free tea, coffee, and cakes were available in the main hall.

It’s clear that recycling bicycles and street vending do go well together!

Christmas Bikes - A Way To Save Money

2010-11-08T05:25:00.000-08:00

Every year bicycles are a must have for children at Christmas. However in these days of economic restraint the cost of a new bike is outside the reach of many families. Parents are not only worried that their children will soon outgrown an expensive new bike but also that the bike will be thrown aside because its novelty has worn off.

A much better, and more affordable alternative, is to buy a guaranteed, fully serviced pre-used bike. To meet demand the boys in the workshop have been working hard to prepare a wide range of bikes and scooters which have been especially selected for Christmas as they are unmarked and look new! In fact some of the bikes are as new returns from a major high street shop so there should be something to suit everyone.

To give parents even more piece of mind we are even extending our guarantee period for bikes brought as a Christmas present so the 60 days will start from Christmas Day and not the day the bike was purchased! And if that was not enough the boys in the workshop are even willing to build, set-up, and check over any new bike you may have brought from a local supermarket for just £15!

Whether you are looking for a bike for your toddler or even a teenager this Christmas or just want piece of mind that the new bike you've brough has been assembled correctly don't forget to try Back2Bikes you certainly won't be disappointed.

Voodoo Hoodo

2010-10-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Well how about this for a bike we recently had through our unit. It’s a red, 27 speed, Voodoo Hoodoo AL, that someone donated to us as they no longer had a use for it.

The bike was fully equipped with 14" frame, 26” wheels, Marzocchie Bomber forks, Titec bars and Shimano Deore shifters, derailleur, and chainset. Its condition was great apart from some slight chipping and scratches on the levers and forks no doubt caused by past use. It certainly was a eye catcher and all the cycling enthusiasts that saw it just stood and drooled, especially when they saw the price we were asking – only £185.

As you can imagine it didn’t hang around long and was soon snapped up. As we rely on donations its impossible to know what’s coming through the door, but if you’re looking for something special give us a ring and we’ll add you to our wants list. You never know tomorrow another Voodoo might appear!

An Intesting Visitor

2010-09-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

He’s an interesting machine we recently had in for repair – a Dutch Freewiel Co-Pilot 3 tandem - in the configuration of a T-Bike trike, which gives it inherent stability and enables the smaller of the two riders to be the pilot. As such this type of tandem is really popular with people who not only have children but who are also paired with adults who are visually impaired, have poor balance or poor motor ability.

This particular bike has the smaller front seat configuration which is ideal for a child or small adult. Another version know as the Co-Pilot Mature is also available with matching size front and rear seat posts – designed just for adult use.

As you can see we tried out the configuration just to see how well it worked with one of our smaller volunteers on the front seat and the largest one we could find on the rear. Luckily for the public at large they only posed for the photo and didn’t take the bike for a spin!

Back2Bikes please to support African Charity

2010-09-03T13:41:00.001-07:00

At Back2Bikes we try to reduce to the bare minimum the amount of waste we send to either landfill or for scrap. This is especially important where the bikes are concerned. You can imagine we get a real mixed bunch donated to us. We’ve had almost new bikes given to us as well as ones that have been at the end of the garden for years!

If the bikes, once restored, are unlikely to sell through our shop they are passed on to another charity – The Krizevac Project – which is based the other side of Cannock.

This Charity works to improve communities in Malawi, Southeast Africa, and one of the areas of work they are involved with is providing bicycles which can be restored, hence providing both employment and affordable transport to local people. So every couple of months we are really pleased to be able to donate a trailer load of our unwanted bikes to help in this work.

So even if you have a bike that you think is beyond hope, don’t give it to the scrap man, give it to us and you never know in a few months time if it is not being ridden around Stafford it could be being ridden on the African continent!

VIP Visit to Back2Bikes

2010-09-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

We had a VIP visitor in the unit today - Jeremy Lefoy Stafford’s recently elected MP. He was invited by Barry to come and see exactly what we get up to and to talk to him and Mark about how the charity might tap into the Governments Big Society plans which could future possible developments.

He certainly seemed impressed with the work and all the efforts that are being made to help our volunteers back into full time employment. In fact he must have been impressed as he decided to buy a bike from us. Unfortunately we didn’t have one in the size and style he wanted, but he left his mobile number and we’ve added his name to our “wants” board, so hopefully we’ll get him fixed up in the next couple of weeks. So if you see the MP for Stafford cycling around the town give him a wave and just remember where he got his bike from!

Bike Thief Out Paced By Vintage Bike!

2010-08-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

Well here’s a turn-up for the books. Last week a cheeky thief dumped his old worn out bike and snatched a newer 8 speed mountain bike which had been left outside the unit. He didn’t think he had been seen, but he hadn’t realized that a couple of workmen where sitting eating their sandwiches in their van at the end of the road and saw everything. To cut a long story short they came and told us and Sean, our young workshop assistant, gave chase. Unfortunately for him he jumped on the first bike he came to which was our three speed vintage PO delivery bike. However unperturbed he took off at breakneck speed and caught the thief who apologized and gave the bike back.

Sean was in fact so quick that by the time he got back to the unit we were still on the phone to the police! However the event did prove to Sean just how unfit he was as he spent the next hour or so sitting in the corner of the office trying desperately to cling to life!

Stafford Cycling Grand Prix

2010-07-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

Stafford hosted its own Cycle Grand Prix on July 8th - an 'elite' circuit race featuring a pack of whippet-fit gentlemen in lyrca atop a fleet of costly and exotic bicycles. A few Back2Bikes stalwarts did a spot of marshaling on the event - below is our very own Lisa, busily texting.

Bicycle Thieves?

2010-07-11T01:20:00.000-07:00

Crikey, is there a showing of Vittorio De Sica's classic 1948 movie 'Bicycle Thieves' in Stafford? No, sadly, no there isn't.

There is, however, someone going round Stafford in a van, knocking on people's doors, saying that they're 'the Back 2Bikes charity' and asking people if they have old bicycles they want to get rid of.

So it's worth saying: This isn't, actually, us; we don't do this.

Just another old bike...BSA Gold Crest 1961

2010-07-07T06:02:00.001-07:00

Yep, 'nother old bike - ho hum. Except, this is really nice one: A 1961 BSA 'Gold Crest' with a 4-Speed Sturmey hub. The thing rides like a damn Bentley - it's glorious.

Look at this bold & eye-catching paint job!

Wonder at the sheer quality of the solid, thoughtful engineering that went into this bike (& then compare it with the 'bicycles' you get at B&Q for £79.99...) .

Lovely bike. We put it out today at 1.30pm and by 2.30pm it had sold to a nice young lady from Wolverhampton who knew a good deal when she saw one. 70 quid. Bargain.

Scarecrow Ride Photos!

2010-07-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

By crikey, this looks like it was a good day out! Here are some photo's of those intrepid folks who attended yesterday's 'Back2Bikes Stafford to Church Eaton Scarecrow-Viewing Expedition'.

BACK 2 BIKES SCARECROW RIDE! Sunday 4th July!

2010-06-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday 4th July departing Back 2 Bikes 10:00am

After the great success of our open day and Stone ride we are now going to hold the above Scarecrow ride. Taking a steady ride out along cycle paths and country lanes to Church Eaton, approximately 8 miles. There we will have over three hours to follow the Scarecrow Trail, see craft displays and open gardens etc. The village hall and some gardens will be serving refreshments and there is a village pub serving food (which is likely to be very busy). We will be leaving around three to be back at Stafford by 4:30 pm. Tel 01785 257483 for more details.

Superb Mercian Road Bike!

2010-06-30T06:52:00.001-07:00

Gawd yes, this is lovely. It needed a little bit of work when it came in but now that's been done it is quite simply a stunning bicycle to ride. I was sceptical, I confess, when Steve here said it was one of the nicest bikes he'd ever ridden but five minutes of pootling it round the carpark at Homebase was enough to change my mind: it's a tremendously smooth, comfortable and positive experience - there's not a trace of any tooth-rattling harshness transmitted through this thoroughbred frame.

Handbuilt Reynolds 531 Mercian frame, Shimano 600 throughout, Mavic ceramics, 22.5 inches (centre to top). We want a measly £500 quid for it (as a guide, there's one going for £800 on Ebay right now! Here.)

Well as we predicted this bike didn't hang round long - so for all you would be Mercian owners out there we have to say sorry - it's now found a new home!

The inaugural Back2Bikes Stafford/Stone, Stone/Stafford bike ride!

2010-06-21T07:05:00.000-07:00

Here we go: a montage of shots from the inaugural Back2Bikes Stafford/Stone, Stone/Stafford bike ride. This very pleasant event began with riders assembling on a beautiful summer Sunday morning at the Back2Bikes workshop before moving off to cycle the new NCN5 (National Cycle Route)

PCSO's putting identity numbers on bikes.

Liam fixing bikes. Shaun watching.

Mid-point of the ride, A.K.A 'Checkpoint Terry'.

Great steaming SPD's, Batman!

Post-cycle kick about.

The assembled riders - sunburnt and triumphant - at the Westbridge Park end of the ride.

Back2Bikes Caption Competition!

2010-06-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

Well tasty George Longstaff flip flop road hybrid!

2010-06-16T02:52:00.001-07:00

Yep, bit of a thoroughbred, this one; a George Longstaff hand-made frame, light as you like Reynolds 653, chrome forks & chainstay, (20.5cm centre to top seat tube and seat tube), flip flop hub with a fixie on one side and freewheel on the other (current gearing is 40/18 i.e., 62.2 inch).

We're asking a measly £270 for it. R32EC27WNKAS

'Richmond' Reynolds 531 Touring Tandem for Sale!

2010-06-15T03:56:00.000-07:00

This is a very tasty little item: a Reynolds 531 'Richmond' touring tandem. People ask us about tandems all the time but we rarely get them in. Dimensions are 24 inch centre to top for the front, 21 inch centre to top for the stoker. We're selling this bike on a commission basis and we're asking £550 for it. Give us a bell (01785 257483) or drop by and have a look if you're interested.

Stafford - Stone Bike Ride! 20th June!

2010-06-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

We're having a special event to celebrate National Cycle Week and the fact that we've become a charity in our own right. We've joined forces with Cycle Stafford to organise a Sunday Cycle Ride along the newly opened section of National Cycle Route No5 which runs from Stafford to Stone. It'll be on June the 20th, it'll be really easy, and everyone is welcome.

At our end, in the Back2Bikes shop itself, we'll have a display of vintage bikes as well as lots of preparatory refreshments; at t'other end, at Westbridge Park in Stone, we're planning all sorts of exotic and exciting afternoon activities.

The rides start from both venues at 11am. We're plotting the transport of bikes between the two sites for those people who only feel like riding one way so don't let the prospect of having to go there and back deter you. Come along and have some fun! Or failing that, just come along.

Raleigh Eighteen?

2010-06-09T01:44:00.000-07:00

Yep, not a Raleigh Twenty, a Raleigh Eighteen in all its not-often-spotted glory. We expect flocks of rare bike twitchers to descend on our shop for a peek of this elusive little gem. (Oh, and that's our Steve Kelly showing it off...)

Bike History - Raleigh Trent Tourist 1959

2010-06-04T03:53:00.000-07:00

Bikes show up here with notes attached from time to time; they tend to detail the personal history that someone has had with their bike - something they want to pass on with it when they donate it to us. Here's the note that came with this charming 1959 Raleigh 'Trent Tourist'.

It's a fifty-year-old bike but it's very solidly built; the Sturmey Three-Speed hub probably works as well as it did when it was new - they're nearly indestructible, these things.

It's a lovely bike we think, and we're grateful to its original owner for donating it to us. We did a couple of hours of work on it - taking a bit of surface corrosion off, re-adjusting the cones on the back wheel, cleaning and lubing the hub and the chain etc. Now it's sorted we're asking 55 quid for it. Built like a tank as it is, it's probably good for another twenty-odd years of use.

Tidy Shop Shot No.2

2010-06-02T02:37:00.000-07:00

Tidy Shop Shot No.1

2010-05-29T02:15:00.000-07:00

Cop Shop to Chop Shop

2010-05-27T06:23:00.000-07:00

We got a pile of bikes from the local police the other day - cycles that'd been recovered after being pinched or found on the loose and not claimed. So a big tangle of metal and rubber arrived on the back of a flat-bed and we spent a happy half-hour in the baking sun trying to prise the damn things apart and get them off the wagon; it's quite remarkable the bonding properties that tangled bikes possess.

Quite a mixed bag this time - a couple of unused, unassembled kids bikes that we were told had been half-inched from a local distributor (who, when asked if they wanted them back by the police said 'thanks very much, but no'.) We assembled them and they sold the next day - good as new the pair of them. Apart from those the usual mixture - some classic Sturmey three-speeds in somewhat less than sparkling condition being perhaps the pick of the bunch. We'll see what we can do with 'em.

Raleigh Ladies All Terrain Bikes

2010-05-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of the bikes that we've just managed to obtain. They're priced at £290 which is a fair bit under the Raleigh's recommended price. They'll also come with a free mini pump, light set and puncture kit. Good deal huh?

Sally's going to Ghana

2010-05-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

Sally's been working with us as a volunteer for months but is now - sadly! - moving on. She's off to Ghana to teach agriculture. Back 2 Bikes wishes her the best of luck.

Danny Holroyd 24/7 Trials Bike for sale

2010-05-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

Fancy yourself as a new Danny MacAskill?

Well, you might be (or you might not). But if you want a high spec bike to do this kinda stuff with...well, we can help.

Yep, it's a Danny Holroyd 24/7 in very good nick with 24 carat gold (bling!) Spank bars, Magura rear hydraulics etc, etc. Silly money on Ebay. Here? £250 to you.

Thing of Beauty - Campagnolo

2010-05-25T05:46:00.000-07:00

A glorious 70's yellow Raleigh road bike came in the other day; a nice light frame & lovely lugs with solid Campagnolo kit on it: pedals, changers, brakes, wheels & seatpost - the works.

Aside from admiring it, we're not quite sure what we're going to do with it - possibly Ebay it, possibly sell it in the shop. We're probably going to be asking £200 for it in the shop. [This bike has now been sold!]

Cheap Kid's Raleigh Burner BMX bikes!

2010-05-25T05:39:00.002-07:00

Yep, we got a couple of kid's Raleigh Burner BMX bikes. The RRP on these little guys is about £160, but we're only asking £120 for them. We'll never get any more of these so once they're gone they're gone!

The Back2Bikes Blog?

2010-05-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, the Back2Bikes Blog! Here's where we're going to be posting updates about day-to-day stuff at the project plus info about the more interesting, odd or desirable bikes that we get in (there's still going to be no substitute for dropping by and having a look at the bikes on the shop floor, though, we won't put everything up here!)

Subscribe to our posts if you want to keep on top of what we're putting out.

Cheers!