A Macclesfield mechanical engineer has opened his own bicycle repair shop in Bollington.

Chris Bateson, who has 30 years of expertise in engineering, has moved his bike repair business from his garage to a permanent premises.

His company Bspoke Cycles has opened inside Clarence Mill in Bollington.

"It has been a boyhood dream to open a bike repair shop," said Chris.

Bspoke Cycles offers a free no obligation chat about your bike aspirations. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"I have gone from fixing mates bikes as a teenager, to my own bikes, to creating a business from it.

"For the past two years, I have been operating from a small workshop at my home in Macclesfield.

"I noticed there was a massive boom in biking because of COVID. People re-evaluated their lives and wanted to get out more. Macc Forest has never been so busy [with cyclists].

"This year, I have got busier than ever and ran out of space. So I decided to open up in a warehouse."

His unit is located round the back of Clarence Mill, up the hill from the carpark. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

His services include building custom bikes, as well as bike repair, the latter of which is more popular.

"I repair every bike like it is my own," added Chris.

"To me, there is a lot of responsibility. You are putting somebody's life in your hands, and their pride and joy. And bikes cost a lot of money these days, so for me it was important to create a safe environment for the bike.

"Making sure the customer is happy at the end, is also important to me."

His new unit is passionately-themed with cycling paraphernalia. Even the stools have pedals on! (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Whether you are a pro cyclist who lives in Bollington, or an amateur rider who lives to pedal around Macc, Chris will have you covered.

The Macclesfield resident has been especially grateful for the welcome that the community of Bollington have given him.

"As soon as I saw the unit, I fell in love with it. The light, the window, the views, it feels like a loft apartment," recalled Chris.

"My criteria for a place was a ground floor unit, and double doors. So it is accessible for bikes, wheelchairs and trikes. Within seconds, I knew I wanted it.

Chris is known in cycling circles as 'The Macc Missile', a nickname that can now be translated to his efficient bike repair and bike customisation service. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"The response from the Bollington Facebook groups have been amazing, my website was at capacity.

"We had an open day to invite Kickback Coffee and Flour Water Salt in to say thank you to the community for their support.

"I have been fully booked up for a couple weeks. And I love it here, I feel like I am on holiday in Bollington.

"I have lived in Macclesfield for most of my life, but going around Bollington it feels like I am on holiday.

The father-of-two gets bike supplies from the top national suppliers. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"It is almost like somebody is going to tell me to go back to work soon, because it feels like I am on holiday and doing something I love.

"A very big thank you to those who have supported me, without them I wouldn't be in this position to grow the business the way I have. I am forever grateful."

And while new to Bollington, the former Henbury High Pupil is a familiar face around Macc.

"I've given the day job up to expand my work with bikes, but I've had decades as an engineer", added Chris.

Macclesfield: You can follow Chris' business on Instagram @bspoke_cycles. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"I used to make Hovis tins, and was an apprentice of ER Burgess' on Lowe Street. But have always had an interest in bikes.

"I have been building my own bikes since I was 16. I used to do downhill racing, grit racing, and track cycling.

"There are lots of aspects of cycling that I have done. And bike repair is the next one.

"My favourite thing about my new job is meeting new people, and also seeing the reaction from my old customers to see this new place."

His new unit is also just a stone's throw from the canal, which is handy for cyclists should their bike break. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

If you want to enquire about his services, give Chris a ring, arrange to see him and he will give you a quote about the full cost.

His number is 07734208529.

You can also email Chris via [email protected].

Macclesfield: You can learn more about Bspoke on their website.

The business name is a pun on 'bespoke', which emphasises the quality he puts into utilising his skills for each individual enquiry, and the word spoke which are rods that connect the bicycle hub and the rum. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

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