Our Story – Cycle King

Cycle King’s journey began in 1968, when a 16-year-old Nicholas Thake started buying, selling, and repairing bikes from his family home. Just four years later, in 1972, the first Cycle King shop opened in Sawbridgeworth, laying the foundations for what would grow into the UK’s largest family-owned cycle retailer.

By the early 1980s, Cycle King had become a trusted name for families, known for offering reliable bikes at great prices. In 1994, the business expanded with the acquisition of Hawk Cycles, a British bicycle factory that produced thousands of quality, great-value bikes for UK riders. Hawk continued building bikes until 2010, when it merged fully with Cycle King to create the nationwide retailer our customers know today – blending online convenience with a strong network of local bike shops.

At its heart, Cycle King is still very much a family business. Nicholas and his sons remain actively involved, carrying forward the same principles of honesty, customer care, and value that have guided the company for more than five decades.

Today, Cycle King are proud to offer one of the UK’s widest ranges of bikes – from leading brands to our own great-value models. Whether it’s a first bike for the kids, a budget-friendly student cycle, a refurbished second-hand bike, or the latest e-bike, we believe everyone should have access to cycling at a fair price.

For over 55 years, our mission has been simple: great bikes, trusted brands, unbeatable value.