Support Your Local Bike Shop – Before It’s Too Late
In an age where online retail giants like Amazon dominate the marketplace, local independent bike shops (IBS) are struggling to survive. The convenience of ordering a bicycle or accessories with a single click has led many consumers away from their community bike stores. However, this shift comes at a cost—not only to these small businesses but to cyclists themselves, who may soon find they have nowhere left to turn when their bikes need repairs.
The Dangers of Fake Products
One of the biggest risks of purchasing bicycles, components, and accessories online is the influx of counterfeit products. These fake items are often indistinguishable from genuine brands at first glance, but they lack the rigorous safety testing and quality control measures that reputable manufacturers adhere to. Faulty carbon frames, poorly made handlebars, and weak braking systems pose significant safety hazards, putting cyclists at risk of injury—or worse.
Major brands such as Shimano and SRAM have repeatedly issued warnings about counterfeit products flooding online marketplaces. Yet, with third-party sellers operating unchecked on platforms like Amazon, many riders unknowingly purchase substandard components that compromise their safety. Unlike an independent bike shop, where experienced staff ensure the quality and compatibility of products, online retailers prioritize volume over customer well-being.
The Struggles of Running an Independent Bike Shop in 2025
The past five years have seen a troubling trend: a growing number of respected bicycle retailers, distributors, and manufacturers have been forced out of business due to rising costs, unfair competition from online giants, and shifting consumer habits. Among those who have shuttered their doors are Moore Large & Co., I-Ride, FLi Distribution, and Mercian Cycles—names once synonymous with quality and expertise in the cycling world. Even industry titans like Wiggle have collapsed, leaving a gaping hole in the market.
Operating an independent bike shop in 2025 is more challenging than ever. Rent, business rates, and supplier costs continue to rise, while many customers, accustomed to discounted online pricing, hesitate to pay full price for bicycles or components. Furthermore, manufacturers are increasingly bypassing local dealers, opting instead to sell directly to consumers. Without the necessary margins to sustain themselves, local bike shops are disappearing at an alarming rate.
Where Will You Go When Your Bike Needs Repair?
A new bike is only the beginning of the cycling journey. Maintenance and repairs are inevitable, whether it’s a punctured tire, a worn-out drivetrain, or a suspension service. Local bike shops have long provided these essential services, ensuring that riders can keep their bikes in top condition. But with so many independent stores closing, where will cyclists turn when their bikes need fixing?
Online retailers don’t offer hands-on technical support, and big-box stores lack the specialized knowledge required to properly diagnose and repair high-end bicycles. Without independent mechanics, many riders will find themselves with unusable bikes and nowhere to turn.
The Time to Act is Now
Supporting your local bike shop isn’t just about keeping small businesses afloat—it’s about preserving the heart of the cycling community. These shops provide expert advice, access to high-quality products, and the personalized service that no online retailer can match. When you buy from an IBS, you’re not just making a purchase; you’re investing in the future of cycling.
Before clicking ‘Buy Now’ on that too-good-to-be-true online deal, consider the real cost of your decision. Visit your local bike shop, speak to the experts, and make an informed choice. Because once these shops are gone, they won’t be coming back—and neither will the services they provide.
Over the past five years, the UK cycling industry has faced significant challenges, leading to the closure or financial difficulties of several companies involved in bicycles, components, accessories, importation, and retail. Below is a comprehensive list of notable companies that have gone out of business during this period:
1. Moore Large & Co. Ltd.
- Type: Distributor
- Details: Established in 1974, Moore Large was a prominent distributor of bicycles and accessories, representing brands such as Tern Bicycles, Lake, and Forme. In March 2023, the company entered liquidation, leading to the auction of approximately £35 million worth of stock, including around 35,000 bikes and various accessories.
2. I-Ride
- Type: Distributor
- Details: Known for its in-house brand, Orro Bikes, I-Ride entered administration in October 2024 after a key investor withdrew support unexpectedly. All staff were made redundant, and the company ceased operations.
3. FLi Distribution
- Type: Distributor
- Details: FLi Distribution ceased trading in 2023, citing post-Brexit trading difficulties as a major factor in its closure.
4. Mercian Cycles
- Type: Manufacturer
- Details: Established in 1946, Mercian Cycles was renowned for its handcrafted bicycle frames. In June 2024, the company entered voluntary liquidation after nearly 80 years in business.
5. The Bicycle Academy
- Type: Training and Manufacturing
- Details: The Bicycle Academy, a leading institution in bike building, permanently closed after more than ten years of operation.
6. 2Pure
- Type: Distributor
- Details: 2Pure, a UK-based distributor, ceased trading in 2023 due to financial challenges exacerbated by the economic climate and market conditions.
7. Hotlines Europe
- Type: Distributor
- Details: A prominent UK-based cycling distributor, Hotlines Europe entered administration in 2023, reflecting the financial difficulties within the industry.
8. Woolsey Cycles
- Type: Retailer
- Details: A family-run bicycle shop in Acton, London, Woolsey Cycles closed its doors in 2024 after 70 years of service. The closure was attributed to financial pressures and changing market conditions.
9. Langsett Cycles
- Type: Retailer
- Details: After 134 years of service, Langsett Cycles, one of the UK’s oldest bicycle shops, announced its closure in 2023.
10. Wiggle
- Type: Online Retailer
- Details: In late 2023, online bike retailer Wiggle collapsed into administration, leaving unsecured creditors owed £26.7 million. The company had been a major player in the online cycling retail market.
11. Orange Bikes
- Type: Manufacturer
- Details: In January 2024, Orange Bikes filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator due to financial challenges. However, later that year, the company was saved from closure after merging with its UK frame manufacturing partner.
These closures highlight the broader challenges within the UK cycling industry, including economic downturns, increased competition from online retailers, supply chain disruptions, and shifts in consumer behaviour. The decline of these companies not only affects local economies but also reduces access to specialized products and services that have been integral to the cycling community.
