Ascend Cycle Workshop, located on Christchurch Road, Pokesdown Hill, officially opened on Monday, October 26, following a launch party held two days earlier.
The opening event on Saturday, October 24, featured a DJ and beer supplied by Outback Brewing Company, giving cyclists and residents the chance to take a look inside the new business and meet its owner.
Jo Sinclair, owner of Ascend Cycle Workshop (Image: Submitted)
Jo Sinclair, who is currently running the shop on his own, has spent more than 20 years working in the cycling industry and is a fully qualified Cytech mechanic.
He said: “I have always been in the cycle trade. I have been doing it for just about 20 years.”
A keen cyclist himself, Jo has taken part in mountain biking events and trips across the world.
Last year he completed a cycle tour of Japan and has previously spent three months cycling around Europe.
Ascend Cycle Workshop (Image: Submitted)
The new workshop offers a range of services from minor repairs to full bike servicing, as well as a selection of modern cycling accessories.
Jo said he chose the Christchurch Road location after noticing a lack of bike repair shops in the area.
He said: “There appeared to be a gap in bike shops in that area.”
He added that there has been some form of bicycle shop operating on Pokesdown Hill for around 30 years and felt the area was in need of another dedicated cycle business.
Ascend Cycle Workshop (Image: Submitted)
Before opening Ascend Cycle Workshop, Jo ran a business in New Milton and also spent time working in London.
His latest venture has been designed with what he describes as a modern style, blending ‘rustic meets industrial’ influences.
Jo said he was particularly looking forward to the launch event as an opportunity to meet local residents, cyclists and neighbouring businesses.
His interest in bike maintenance began as a teenager when he’d need repairs, but only had money from his paper round.
He said: “It came from necessity, taking my bike into bike shops on paper round money.
“Learning to fix your own bike was important to me.”
Looking ahead, Jo hopes to build a loyal customer base while becoming part of the local community.
He said he is excited to meet customers and other businesses in the area as Ascend Cycle Workshop begins its journey in Pokesdown.