Hello !

Hello ! I just thought I would fill you in on some of the new things happening at Alan's in Wigan. To coincide with our already strong Bmx shop we are developing our Mtb/road/ hybrid side of things. We'll be stocking a lot more product and our new Shimano service centre will soon be up and running.

I guess I must introduce myself ! My name is Lee - I've worked in the bike trade for almost 20 years. I've been head mechanic at some really well known stores so I hopefully know my stuff. I've also been a pro wheel builder for these shops. I've built bikes for Tour de France riders and worked on race teams.

At Alan's we will be servicing in house , including forks and shocks. We can help with bike set up and give you all the advice you need to keep your pride and joy in tip top condition. We also do all the cycle to work program's .

If you need any advice/info call us on 01942826598 !

Our new workshop!

Rider Wanted

We are looking for an up and coming XC rider to represent us for the 2012 season, ideally North West-based.

After success running Shimano's official BMX team in the UK winning the BCF title three years consecutively we are expanding our MTB operation and what better way than to get involved in racing. A commitment to the national series is required.

We are dealers for Cannondale, Scott, GT, Mongoose, Genesis & Intense.

Details of what we can provide and expect can discussed. If you feel you might be the man or woman for the job please send us your racing CV and a bit about yourself to sales@alansbikes.com.

Carbon On-One Alfine

Rick just built this, I'll let him tell you about it later.

MAN RIDER

"I believe in today (believe boy, believe boy)
'Cause it's better this way when you work through the night
I know what it means to work hard on machines,It's a labour of love,
so please don't ask me why

You take me up
So high" *

IT'S WHAT I DO THAT MAKES ME WHO I AM

Went riding today . With Tony . We're not identical twins , but he fits my bike just nice .

here , he's pretending to ride across a snow covered bridgey thing . We set it up for the camera .

i've been working so goddam hard just lately . Flat out . It's all outside , too , so no respite from the weather . I suppose we all ' big up ' our working lives , but honestly , this job is the toughest i can remember in the 25 or so yrs i've been doing this . I do insulation . It's very varied , but whilst i am often outside , and dont mind that , there is usually a fall back job indoors for when it gets particularly rough . Not here .

I'd thought I'd be mad at it 'til Xmas , but I've been gifted a ' rest day ' .I've done about 3 weeks straight , 7 days , + evenings , So , whilst i probably shouldve had a lie-in , instead I went for a bike ride .

And very cathartic it was . You know , mentally . Not in any bowel moving kind of way , although i did have a few Powerbars , so we'll see .

OK . Met Tony at 0830 , so a little lie in . I was full -retro on Harry Leary's Axis . Just the ticket that . Go out on an unreplaceable vintage time machine steel bike the day after the council have salted the roads . Hmm .Intended to get as far as the TV mast up Rivi , until about an hour in my wife phoned to say we had a burst pipe . It was outside in the garden , so I wasnt rushing home , but it kinda knocked me off track a bit .

so , we stuck with a Haigh Hall vintage woods blast . Crunchy .

Toast . Soggy .

Coffee . Bitter .

Wit . Ascerbic

Er....

TONY ON HARRY LEARY'S BIKE .

* Thompson Twins . You take me up .

NB . That's not me in that basket . But the day after it was .

We call it work .....

You'd pay good money for that at Alton Towers .....