The Bikes College is a self-sufficient CIC that restores and repairs bicycles.
We collect unwanted bikes, recycle them and teach people how to take care of their bikes. TBC sells bikes and spares, and provides repair services to fund their talent development program and sponsor riders, teams, leagues and other projects.
We are responsible for #smilingchainlink and #TBCPolska.
Museum Store, Copley Hill
Leeds, LS12 1HY
Monday - Saturday 12.00 pm – 8.00 pm
Get back on the road with our fully serviced bikes in four steps:
Start-up service for almost new bikes or bikes used infrequently; to be carried out when needed.
(cables and outers included if needed)
Safety check of your bicycle (covering frame, wheelset, drivetrain, brakeset)
Gears adjusted (index)
Brakes adjusted (setup)
Headset adjusted (setup)
Next service date advised
Part replacements advice
*Ebikes +£20. Regular service advised to be carried out twice per year: before and after the winter season.
(cables and outers included)
Everything in Bronze Service and:
Wheelset trued and aligned in the frame
Hubs serviced (dismantled, cleaned, greased and reassembled where possible)
Drivetrain service (cleaned/lubed if applicable)
Bottom bracket service (where possible)
Brakes service (flushed and/or bled where possible)
Headset serviced (removed, cleaned, greased and reassembled where possible)
Next service date advised
Parts replacement advice
Annual service advised to be carried out approximately every 1500 miles road or 1000 miles off-road.
(cables and outers included)
Everything in Silver Service and:
Full bicycle strip, clean and reassemble
Wheels trued and aligned in the truing stand
Next service date advised
Parts replacement advice
Optional Frame and fork polish for £50
Cycling is facing a crisis—and the old ways aren’t working. While industry giants double down on outdated models, small independents like us must adapt, unite, and rethink everything. To survive, we must be smart, stay relevant, and help shape the future from the ground up. This isn’t about being loud. It’s about being unignorable.
We’ve spent years building the most complete, impartial, and mobile mechanical support in racing—free for riders and events alike. Backed by brands, driven by purpose, and fuelled by experience, our setup carries spares for nearly every bike on the hill. No catch. No BS. Just support where it’s needed most.
As racing support fades and costs soar, we’re stepping up with free, off-grid mechanical support for riders who need it most. Thanks to the brands backing us, our truck is packed with tools, spares, and passion—keeping the next generation of mountain bikers between the tapes and in the race.
Yes, we do. We are a fully operational professional workshop that can undertake the majority of work necessary to get your bicycle back in shape- see here for more details.
Yes, we do. The bikes sales are still a large proportion of our income. We sell fully functional, roadworthy and safe bicycles to people of Leeds (and beyond).
Most of the time we do not. On a few occasions we have had a couple of bikes ready immediately due to no pick ups, etc. but this is not our business model. Almost all our bikes are stored and displayed in a state of disrepair.
No, we re not a charity; we re a social enterprise. Legally we are a not-for-profit privately owned community interest company, limited by shares (see more info here) that collects and refurbishes unwanted bicycles.
No, we do not. We chose to run our project the way we do not rely on donations, grants or any other funding. We pay for our bills, our fuel, our parts and all your free drinks with the money we make in the shop.
We do not. We sell some of the bikes, we provide heavily discounted services too. We sell parts and other accessories. We choose to keep the prices at the very lowest so anyone can afford to cycle in Leeds and beyond.
You come along and choose one; you pay a fully refundable deposit or full amount (Make Up No Story policy); you leave your name and a mobile number, and are being assigned a day slot in our busy diary. On this day you will receive an automated text message stating any outstanding balances ONLY when the bike is ready. Prior to this message the bike will not be ready for collection. You visit again to collect your new bike.
Yes, we do support many riders in the UK and beyond. They are not sponsored as you know it, they work really hard to be on our team. We do not accept just anyone, we choose those who in our eyes represent the values that we stand by every day: we support, we elevate, we have fun but we work hard, and we do our best for them to be the best at what they are doing. Most of them never have and probably never will race but they ride a bike well and they represent what’s important to us thus they have been chosen. We will NEVER respond to social media request, if you posses the above attributes you do not have to apply- we will find you. Stay friends with our sponsored riders too- they are on a constant look out for some new talent.
We do understand things get in the way sometimes. We are more than happy to keep the bike in storage for you but ONLY if arranged and agreed upon. We will NOT be in touch again to remind you to collect it. After a few days wait the bicycle will be put back onto sale and you can then return for your deposit at anytime.
No, we do not.
Most of the time we sell only refurbished (second hand) bicycles, occasionally we build a bike that looks new.
Additionally we have a few brand new bikes for sale. If you want one- just ask us.
Yes, we can. We are just like any other bike shop- we have built a strong list of suppliers of anything you can think of. Albeit we can offer the majority of brand new brands and/or accessories we supply only to our loyal supporters.
You come along and choose one; you pay a fully refundable deposit or full amount (Make Up No Story policy); you leave your name and a mobile number, and are being assigned a day slot in our busy diary. On this day you will receive an automated text message stating any outstanding balances ONLY when the bike is ready. Prior to this message the bike will not be ready for collection. You visit again to collect your new bike.
This is Amelia, number 187 and 224. She knows her stuff. Listen to her. She is a bike mechanic. She also is one of the Managing Directors. And the cleaner. And the sales assistant. And the driver. She rides a BTR Ranter, a BTR Ignitor and an Aurelius single/fixed.
This is David, number 148 and 666. He knows his stuff. Listen to him too. He is a bike mechanic. He is also one of the Managing Directors. And the cleaner. And the sales assistant. And the driver. He also started this place as explained here. He rides two BTR Belters, one Identity AKA, one Sanderson Town Crier and one Aurelius single speed. He rules too.
Jasper is our famous resident cat. The Black Cat as in TBC. He does not really help out, he does not know much about bikes either. He does not ride one, he has not got any thumbs to hold onto the handlebars. He is a truly awful listener but he is cute so we kept him. Please do not feed him, ignore the begging eyes, he is trying to use you…
