Chesham bike repair shop Cychemistry opens to the public

Mark Harris, who runs Cychemistry just off the High Street, opened his doors to the public for the first time on Tuesday, April 2 after trading in a nearby gym for the past two years.

A keen cycling enthusiast, he believes the introduction of his shop, which focuses on the restoration and repairs of vehicles, can help the Chesham community as high streets up and down the land continue to financially struggle.

There is also a work station for people to use (Cychemistry) (Image: Cychemistry)

Speaking to the Free Press, Mr Harris said: “I’ve been living in Chesham since 1996 and have seen many businesses come and go in that time and I noticed that the town was lacking a bike shop.

“I think the last one was from the early 2000s so I believe it was about time we had one.

“It’s a bit niche as we don’t buy and sell bikes per se, as it’s more repairs and restorations.

“Honestly is very important as I want people to feel good when riding their bike after it’s been worked on.”

Mr Harris has been in the bike industry for roughly 30 years where he has worked in retail stores as well as repairing many items that have come along his way.

The entrepreneur's experience over the last three decades led him to create his own business, as he aims to give Chesham a ‘boost’ to help the community.

And whilst there was some apprehension in opening the store due to the current financial crisis, the mechanic and shop owner are confident about what lies ahead.

He continued: “I have worked in bike shops in and around the area and when you look at places such as Amersham and Berkhamsted which are nearby, Chesham can sometimes be neglected as the other two towns are a bit more affluent.”

The bike opened on April 2 in Chesham (Cychemistry) (Image: (Cychemistry))

“Also, as the High Street in Chesham is pedestrianised, people don’t know what’s in the town compared to the other places as you can drive down them.

“I’m just off the High Street so that can hopefully work, and since I’ve been opened, people have been very receptive which has been nice.

“The Facebook post in the Our Chesham group from someone who saw the shop was lovely, and hopefully, we can get Chesham on the up.

“The football team have just won promotion, the market days are very busy, and we want to have a real community feeling about the town.”

Mr Harris continued: "If you see us, there's no pressure to buy anything as you can have a coffee and have a chat about bikes.

"It's an environment for those who live bikes where you can be in and around them."