The Bicycle Kitchin was originally formed in 1991, and re-cycled in 2018. It's operated by Steve Kitchin, I've been riding, racing, improving and fixing bikes for most of my life.  

 

The original business plan in 1991 was to provide high quality cycle repairs and tuning. Before long we were into bespoke cycle retail. We offered high-end sales and service in the early days of disc brakes with Hope Technology. As suspension came into the sport we were at the forefront, becoming the official UK Marzocchi Forks Service Centre. 

 

​I was racing mountain bikes and it seemed a good idea to start a racing team to promote the business. The riders were my local riding friends going back to school and BMX days. I gained sponsorship from action sport brand Animal and before long the team went on to become the Animal Downhill Team and my career went in a new direction of Pro Team manager. Leading riders Greg Minnaar, Tim Ponting, Steve Geall, Danny Hart and many more had their first team sponsorship with me at Animal.

  

I’ve always been obsessed with performance and technology and proud to have worked closely with Orange Bikes in developing their suspension frame platforms.

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The Animal team grew to include some amazing projects, forming the Animal Bike Tour with Martyn Ashton and supporting the Athertons from talented kids to World Champs. 

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More recently, I've been working for one of the largest global bike companies and understand the needs of all level of cyclists. 

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So we are back, and like before, with the plan to provide high quality bike repairs and tuning.  But this time no racing!