Our January sale starts at 09:00am on Saturday 2nd January 2010.

• A minimum of 15% discount on all bikes and accessories not already discounted
• 3 for 2 offer available on clothing and accessories not already discounted.  Choose three items and receive the lowest priced item completely FREE!
• Special Bargain Room for those extra special sale items at extra silly prices

Our December 2009 Newsletter has been published containing all the latest news and special offers.

Read the newsletter>>

Hello again, welcome to another edition of Waughy’s Word!

You may remember a short while ago I mentioned that, along with three friends, I had planned to cycle the Coast to Coast route.  I am always keen to prove that, as a cycling shop, we practise what we preach.  We aren’t just a bike shop – we are riders too. The Coast to Coast route is 136 miles long, from Cumbria to Sunderland, and usually takes three days to complete.  In a moment of madness, one of my oldest friends and I decided to do it over the course of one day!  Once the plan had come to fruition, his son and nephew opted to come along for the ride.

Our team consisted of me, John Atkinson, who I have been friends with for 30 plus years, his son Andrew and nephew Jonathan.  Both of the younger lads were new to cycling, so this would be an even bigger challenge for them!
On Saturday 18th July, the day after a torrential downpour, we set off in a private bus to Workington. We left mid afternoon, and arrived at 7pm due to the adverse weather conditions.  After a supper of pasta (and just a few ales!), we went to bed relatively early.

We rose at 6am ready to leave at 7am.  Fortunately, it was dry with a roaring tailwind! The main problems we encountered were punctures- we had ten along the way! However, we were able to stop at Keswick where a friend, who owns a bike shop, was able to help with our tyres.
The team cracked on until 1pm when we stopped for lunch at the Hartside Top cafe in the Pennines. Unfortunately, John went off course and rode an extra ten miles!  When he finally arrived at Hartside, he was worn out!  We set off again and rode to Alston, but he was unable to carry on and needed a lift home.

The remaining three of us kept on going through punctures, hills, hunger and tiredness.  It reached the point where we were sharing inner tubes and energy bars just to get home!
We arrived at Seaburn at 9pm, tired but happy.  Even after the exploits of my younger days, I was totally overwhelmed by the fantastic day.  Previously, we would advise people doing the Coast to Coast ride on what to wear, what to take and so on, but now I have done it I can actually give a good account of what to expect.  And I was actually knocked for six at how hilly and challenging it was!

M. Steel Cycles are proud to announce that we now have our own M. Steels team, consisting of six riders, who have already taken part in cycle races and mountain bike races.  The idea behind our team isn’t to set out to win anything, but to be seen riding out and about.  We have jerseys in our team colours, which are available to buy in store.  If you see our riders out cycling, show your support by giving them a beep or a wave.
Last but by no means least, I would like to give a special mention to one of M. Steel’s employees, Alan Tuddenham, who gave up a Saturday to raise money for a very worthy cause.  On Saturday 1st August, Alan completed a static cycle ride at the Asda store in Benton for the Chris Lucas Trust, raising money for cancer research.  The Trust was set up by the parents of a teenager who sadly succumbed to the disease in 2000, aged just 18 years old.  Beginning at 7am, Alan cycled for 11 hours covering 200 miles, and finished just after 6pm.  With the donations of kind-hearted shoppers, Alan raised £1000 for the charity.  As an employer, and a friend I am very proud of Alan’s achievement.
Here at M. Steel cycles, we are proud to cater to a variety of cyclists, from the enthusiastic amateur to the professional, and provide a range of services including cycle safety checks and repairs.  We are also happy to give advice to fitness enthusiasts.

If you want to have a chat about anything bike-related, then pop into our store! The address is 6-10 Bowsden Terrace, South Gosforth, NE3 1RX or call us on 0191 2851251. We are also available on the internet at www.msteelcycles.co.uk and on Facebook!  Add us as a friend for all the latest news and updates from the M. Steel Cycles camp!
Until next time, happy riding!
Joe Waugh

As the annual Christmas shopping frenzy reaches a peak, one Newcastle store has predicted that this year’s must-have, topping the lists for adults and children, could be an old favourite.

Joe Waugh of M. Steel Cycles in South Gosforth, has seen an interest in cycling build over the year, which could mean that a shiny new bicycle tops some individual’s Christmas lists for the first time since they were children. And for those who are eternally difficult to buy for, Joe thinks a bicycle could be the answer.

The appeal of cycling seems to have climbed steadily throughout 2009, judging by the shoppers coming through the doors at M. Steels and enquiries received via their website. Sales have risen throughout the year, and despite the recession biting, the annual summer sale saw an impressive rise on 2008 figures of 52 per cent.

“I think the rising interest in cycling has been fuelled by two key factors this year- the recession, which has meant that this economic way to complete short journeys has been particularly attractive to many, and the government’s ‘Change4life’ campaign raising awareness of the need to get active.” Joe explains.

A poll run on the M. Steels website confirms that since the advent of the Change4life initiative, 21% of respondents had taken up cycling as an activity they could easily incorporate into everyday life, with the aim of improving their overall health. Joe is keen to highlight this to those considering making changes in their own lives, but admits that he has a very specific preference about the type of bicycle to secure a space under the Christmas tree this year. Joe and all his staff want to see people out riding in the fresh air; a pastime which they feel has more to recommend it long term to newly motivated fitness fans.

“I can’t see much point to these indoor stationary cycles that seem to end up gathering dust and the whole family’s washing year in year out once they’ve been used once or twice. There’s just very little incentive to keep using them- pedalling on the spot is so boring!

“A bike that isn’t fixed to the floor is the gift that keeps on giving as, when used correctly, it improves your wealth and your health! You can cut your petrol costs by getting where you need to on shorter trips under your own power and there may be much easier, faster routes available to you that aren’t accessible by car. The whole family can cycle together and have a day out, and for those who get really bitten by the bug, there’s local clubs, racing groups to join and different disciplines to try. There’s something for everyone.”

With cost being a factor for many families this winter, Joe is anxious to reassure that the price of a bicycle can be very reasonable indeed.

“There are definitely cycles available to fit every budget- it all depends on what you are looking for. If you want top of the range that’s great, but it may come with some features you are never going to need if you are only cycling in your neighbourhood and not looking to compete. Like buying a car though, it’s worth investing as much as you can. Good quality bikes, correctly maintained, will go on for years. Imagine the savings to be made on gym memberships in that time frame!”
Finally, Joe offers a word of comfort for those whose families may not be getting the less than subtle hints and planning to gift wrap a new two-wheeled metal steed.  The annual office spirit of goodwill could be a useful alternative resource.

“In the spirit of the season, of course, maybe it’s time to remind your employer about the shared benefits of the Governments Cycle to Work Scheme.  They get a healthier workforce, the environment gets a break and you get to pool any Christmas pounds and get a tax-free bike with just a little involvement from them – direct them to www.cyclescheme.co.uk for all the details”.

Anyone looking to explore their options this Christmas, even if they aren’t sure exactly what their family member will be looking for, is invited to contact the store for advice. For more information call Joe on 0191 285 1251 or visit the website at www.msteelcycles.co.uk.