About Us
We are a small, fully equipped workshop based in Bakers Yard, Marsh Barton, Exeter. Providing world class cycle servicing to any bicycle. With over 15 years experience, we’ve hit most corners of the cycle industry, including support for BBC charity events, Downhill World Cup racing as well as guided mountain bike rides .
Since 2015
Our Story
Built from a love for dirt jumping and tinkereing with my mates bikes, my journey as a bike mechanic started back in 2007 aged 15, where i started working as a Saturday boy for the legendary Exeter shop, Sidwell Cycles. It was there that my passion for cycling and everything around it evolved into what it is today. I absorbed a huge amount of information from past and present to start and build a career in the cycling industry.
I went on to manage the shop up until it’s sad closure in the height of the recession in early 2011.
Silk Road:
A Little Bit
Of History
2013
Jump forward a few years to 2013 where I was working at Forest Cycle Hire at Haldon. Here I worked with amazing people and grew great relationships with local cyclists – one of which informed me of an amazing job opportunity that was available – a junior mechanic role with FMD Racing
2015
After some encouragement from peers, I put myself forward and after a few meetings found myself taking on the role as Kaos Seagrave’s mechanic for the 2015 season.
That first year was one of the most eye-opening experiences I would ever have, learning more with the team than I had ever done in any shop. By the end of that first year, I knew it was time to take a bit of a leap into the unknown and start out on my own – this was where Silk Cycles was born! The vision was to offer a non biased, fully equipped cycle workshop to people living in Exeter and the surrounding areas.
2020
Over the last 5 years Silk has organically grown into exactly that, taking experience from past and present ventures, past and present people and past and present technology. The workshop now sits on the cycle route between Exminster and Exeter in a lovely steel container at The Storage Factory, easily found but incredibly secure.
2021
The end of an era – my final year with FMD racing. Its been a wild ride but the timing was perfect. Silk Cycles will now be my sole focus and will begin to grow and expand from here. Here’s to the future
The Future
The aim is to continue growing with Silk, it has now outgrown its humble tin container and has upgraded to bricks and mortar, where it will be based for the forseeable future. Here’s to another 5 years and beyond!
testimonials
“Top Job Done!”
“
‘I’ve been looking for good bike chap locally as not keen on the usual big bike shops in exeter. I was given Jake’s number at silk cycles and he’s done a great job on my bike, quick, explained exactly what he’s done, good price, will definitely be taking my bike to Jake in future – top job done!’
ADRIAN CUMING
“
‘Jake has maintained my mtb bike for a few years now following recommendation from a friend. Great bike mechanic and friendly, helpful service 👍’
SCOTT LAWRENCE
“
‘Jake is one of those few people that actually deliver on what they promise and normally goes beyond what you expect to be done! Highly recommend him for any bike related problems.’
CHRIS DAVISON
Visit Us
Silk Cycles
We've Moved!
You can now find us in our lovely new workshop -
Unit 10a
Bakers Yard
Alphinbrook Road
Marsh Barton
Exeter
EX2 8TH
Store Hours
Mon 9.00-5.30
Tues 9.00-5.30
Weds 9.00-5.30
Thurs 9.00-5.30
Fri 10.30-5.00