The Bike Shack

06/04/2026

I may have done a thing..

It will get its full debut on Saturday for the Mysterious Brewing trail ride!

Come and join us!

31/03/2026

One hasn't died - I am very much still going, albeit now from Hampshire rather than Berkshire!

Stay tuned for updates - There will be some at some point. Until then, My Sanderson Soloist looking all tarty.

27/07/2025

Been enjoying the sun just lately and contemplating life - I think it may be time to leave cycle repairs behind and move on in life.

As much as I was enjoying working for Halfords, I no longer feel that I'm valued for my knowledge or skills, instead just used to make up for the lack of skills or motivation from my colleagues.

I cannot afford, or justify setting up a workshop again to effectively assist customers with their bikes. I did this once and lost around £12k in doing so. I also no longer have the tools to be able to offer complete and professional repairs due to personal circumstances.

So, for anyone reading this, my friends and past customers, I truly thank you.

See you on the trails!

13/07/2025

Had a 2025 Voodoo Zobop come in for a customer, so had to build it and have a proper look over it - First one I've seen in the flesh.

Absolutely love the paint colour, it has some snazzy pearl to the paint. Almost 100% sure that it's just a Canzo with a 27.5 rear wheel on it. The framesets are virtually identical.

19/06/2025

14/06/2025

10/06/2025

Spent the day dialling and riding up at Swinley Forest today

Have to admit, I'm super impressed with the Voodoo Canzo Pro - It's a ridiculously big bike at around 6'7" on end, and can take you by surprise when you're not used to the way it handles, but get the tyre pressures dialled and suspension set and it's an absolute dream on everything! (Had it up to 30mph on one of the downs on a fire road, loose baby heads and sand, didn't twitch once!)
.I can see me hurting myself with the excess of confidence this bike brings!

26/04/2025

Did a 25 mile loop around Reading and South Oxfordshire ending with a beer or two at Phantom Brewing Co.

Voodoo handled amazingly. One puncture, but otherwise a clean and tidy ride with minimal issues!

23/04/2025

Fitted some new toys to the Voodoo today!

While I could have stuck to the standard Tektro rotors and pads, as they worked (I guess, albeit noisy!), I upgraded to Shimano Ice Tech rotors and Shimano B05S sintered brake pads not just for looks, but also for performance.

Needless to say, I remember why I love this braking combo.

10/04/2025

I now can diagnose and repair Shimano Di2, Bafang, Hyena and Bosch components and Ebikes!

This is only be doable though the shop, as I don't personally own the diagnostic tools, but now have the added capability of working on ebike systems!

23/03/2025

It's been a beautiful few days for getting out and about - Random rides along the waterways and beer collections have been a thing!

It's almost time to start working on the charity bike thing again - I'm doing what I can to keep some basics held to one side at my Halfords branch, lioe tyres and the odd wheel, but there's only a certain amount I can do from work..