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Some 18 years ago Linda Rumsey found herself clearing out her garage to raise a bit of cash and amongst the contents were a couple of old bikes. She mended punctures for the first time in her life, cleaned and polished them and advertised them in the local paper. Within literally hours of the paper going to print, Linda had sold the bikes.
Amazed by the response to the advert, Linda just happened to read an article by the Police about lost or stolen bicycles which would be auctioned if not claimed. After a few phone calls, it became a weekly trip down to Sussex, bidding against Dealers for more old bikes. Still working as a secretary at the time, Linda would repair and renovate the bikes in the evening and weekends, then sell them in the local paper each week. Purchasing more and more bikes each week which sold like 'hotcakes' Linda realised there was a niche in the market for secondhand bikes. So, the next step was to find some suitable premises, which would not be too expensive. Eventually after a few enquiries Linda arrived at Lea Green Farm and negotiated with the Farmer to rent a small section of a huge barn for a nominal sum per week. After bailing out silage,replacing broken wndows and moving the first few bikes in, The Barn was Born!!
After the first year of trading, new bikes were introduced slowly. With a personal and caring approach, the business grew and grew, till eventually Linda took over the whole of the barn, enlarged the workshop at the end and created a mezzanine floor for storage and her office.
Today, almost two decades later, Linda is still there, but now with a team of bike crazy enthusiastic staff, providing a brilliant retail experience for the area. It might get a little chilly in the winter, but you will always get a warm welcome at The Bicycle Barn with no pressure selling. You are free to browse at your leisure or chat to one of the experienced and very helpful mechanics/sales team as you wish. There is every type of bike you can think of, for the whole family, whether experienced cyclist or novice. Come and say "Hello" - You'll be amazed!
