Big Bear Bikes in Pickering has been named a finalist in the Local Bike Shop Week Awards and is calling on the community to help them secure the win.
A Pickering independent bike shop has been shortlisted for a major industry award that recognises the best in local businesses, and the team is now calling on the community to help secure the win.
Big Bear Bikes, which has been based in the North Yorkshire town for 18 years, has been named a finalist in the Local Bike Shop Week Awards. The national awards champion the in-store, in-person experience over online cycle shopping.
The independent retailer has grown from a small local store into a 5,000 square foot showroom employing 25 local staff. The business, which also runs the Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, attracts cyclists from across North Yorkshire and beyond.
Managing Director David Beeley stated that the nomination reflects the shop’s focus on getting the right bike for every customer, rather than simply making a sale.
Mr Beeley said:
"We strongly believe in the power of cycling to be good for people’s physical and mental health, and that underpins everything we do.
We want to make sure people find the right bike for their size and shape, and the kind of cycling they want to do.
We find that more than 50% of online customers choose a different size or model after talking to our friendly, expert team in person.
You don’t get that kind of support when you shop online so we believe very strongly that visiting a local bike shop offers the very best customer experience."
The team at Big Bear Bikes is made up of keen cyclists with expertise across different disciplines, ranging from road cycling to mountain biking. The business places a strong emphasis on after-sales support, helping customers who may have purchased bikes online or elsewhere but need adjustments, servicing, or advice.
Their Pickering showroom features around 150 bikes on display, allowing customers to compare models in person and test ride them before buying. The facility also houses a workshop, a bike fit studio, and a parts department all under the same roof.
The retailer works with a range of leading brands including Trek, Santa Cruz, Orbea, Raleigh, Marin, Haibike, and Frog, offering a price match guarantee to ensure customers receive the best value.
Community involvement remains central to the business. Through its sister organisation, Dalby Forest Cycle Hub CIC, the team runs cycling courses for all abilities, from beginners learning to ride through to advanced off-road skills.
The company supports local schools and families through discounted children’s bikes and helmet offers, alongside a programme of sponsorship for local athletes competing at national and international levels.
Beyond cycling, Big Bear Bikes supports a range of local causes including Ryedale Special Families, Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue, and Help for Heroes. They also work with the North York Moors National Park to provide free e-bike charging facilities.
Mr Beeley added:
"Pickering is one of those rare towns where independent shops can still flourish, and the Local Bike Shop Week awards nomination is a testament to that kind of success.
The team at Big Bear Bikes would be grateful if the people and business of Pickering could get behind us and vote for us in these awards."
Members of the public can cast their vote for the shop online via the Local Bike Shop Week website at https://localbikeshopweek.uk/local-bike-shop-awards-finalists/ the deadline is 11.45pm on Thursday, April 30.
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