One of the oldest businesses in Highams Park, Heales Cycles, standing next to the Post Office on Hale End Road, is well known to generations of Highams Parkers.
What does Heales Cycles do?
Started in 1936, it has stayed in local hands. Run by keen and knowledgeable cyclists, the business is well known for providing all things to do with cycling, whether that is offering a great range of boutique bicycles, servicing and repairing them, and running local rides for the cycle community.
Why Highams Park?
It’s a great location. Highams Park is on the edge of Epping Forest, which informs the kinds of bikes and brands we offer. We are on the edge of London too, so we kit out urban cyclists who want to make more sustainable journeys.
How’s the business going?
The cycling industry is growing, and we will survive as a local business.
There have been pros and cons with Covid-19. We have offered a ‘closed door’ service to keep the best hygiene standards and have also seen a stock supply issue across the industry.
We have already ordered bikes for model year 2022, so we are in the queue for supply and hope to get around any shortages from factories and brands.
How do you connect with the local community?
We help out with as many local events with schools and the council as we can. We are keen to do more and would welcome approaches from the council.
Tell us about your staff team?
We have six staff members now. We are all keen cyclists. We cycle all over the country and around Europe, as well as making the most of Epping Forest on our doorstep.
What tips do you have for buying a bike? What accessories or kit do you recommend?
Speak with your local established bike shop, namely Heales – and trust their knowledge and experience. It is in their best interest long term to get you on the perfect bike…!
It depends what kind of cycling you are going to do as to the kit you need. But a basic set to get you going would include:
-Helmet
-lights
-lock
-pump
-puncture kit/tube
-chain oil
What advice would you give to a new cyclist?
Look after your bike and your bike will look after you!
Contact Heales Cycles on 020 8527 1592
Email them on info@healescycles.co.uk
or visit the shop at 477 Hale End Road, Highams Park E4 9PT
Words by: JudithBurnettConsulting@gmail.com
Photography by www.Whisper-cc.com
#ChooseLocalHP
The next Highams Park Business Group meeting is on Tuesday 11th May, click though to https://highamspark.london/online-networking/hpbg/ for booking details.
