There are more than 27 million cyclists in Britain and nearly four million cycles are sold in the UK. We’re a nation in love with our bikes, and no wonder with over 12,000 miles of traffic-free walking and cycling paths, quiet lanes and on-road cycle routes to choose from. But no-one is crazier about the old two wheeled horse than Gary Moger, a committed bicycle mechanic and founder of bike repair outfit Revolve. He’s on a mission alright, to fix up the bikes of Cornwall, one rusty bike chain at a time. Stranger met up with him to find out more…

Stranger: So how did you get into bikes, then?

Gary: I think it all started when I was about nine and got into BMX racing in the 80s. I then raced road bikes in my twenties, and now mainly ride mountain and cross bikes. I've also taught City & Guilds Bicycle Mechanics courses, and am qualified myself. Oh, and I was a bicycle courier in London for a bit as well. 

After school I trained as a Precision Engineer and then worked in bike shops for years all over London and later in Oxford, as a Manager and Workshop Manager. After that, I spent several years working as a freelance photographer, and used to be an Assistant and Studio Manager to the late Lord Lichfield [that’s another story], but ultimately bicycles have always been there for me.

S: What’s the big idea?

G: Well, I set up Revolve a couple of months ago, as friends were always asking me about their bikes and saying they could not get them fixed for weeks at a time, I saw a niche and took the opportunity.

S: So it’s just a bike repair shop?

G: No, it’s more than that. I've always wanted to improve how people perceive bicycles and also how the role of a Bicycle Mechanic is viewed. In Italy and France the mechanic is a really respected job, and yet it's only just getting that way here now. I pride myself on my mechanical knowledge, ability and experience, and that’s ultimately why my clients receive the service they do, it is literally years of experience that allows me to provide such a bespoke service.

S: What’s special about Revolve?

G: Well we’ve got a full mobile workshop with an emphasis on providing a high quality service. I offer everything, from a basic puncture, right up to suspension tuning and custom bicycle builds - it's for everyone. I visit the clients home and initially assess the bike, I then either take the bike away with me or book it in for a specific date that fits in with the client. I aim to have the bike for no more than 24 hours.

S: Sounds labour intensive. Who’s in the team?

G: Me! It’s very much a one-on-one service; I’m the person who books the bike in for repairs and I fix it too. With extensive repairs, maintenance or renovations, I also photograph the strip-down of the bike and then email the images to the client with a detailed breakdown of work that has been carried out, along with any future work that may need to be undertaken. People have told me that they find this really useful as they can not only see the extent of what has been done but it also makes them aware of any future repairs or wear. I have also taught Basic Bicycle Mechanics courses, which really help to give people an understanding of their bike and the different set-ups and styles of riding you can achieve.

S: So you’re helping people to learn more about cycling, as well as repairing bikes?

G: Absolutely. There has never been a more exciting time for the bicycle in the UK than now and it is going to get even better. I think the 2012 Olympics is going to really boost cycling's profile and get people more interested, especially as we are actually pretty good at it, and lots of the British team have also made the cross-over to professional road cycling and compete in events such as the Tour de France. I want everyone to love cycling the way I do, and to know there is someone there that can help them enjoy it, keeping their bike in top condition. I’ve have lots of future ideas for Revolve, which is still really small, but they are definitely going to put Cornwall on the cycling map!

Gary will be at the Eden Project on the 26/7 June as part of National Bike Week to advise people on their bikes, riding styles and repairs.To book a consultation with the mobile repair service contact Gary 07946 351461