We are delighted to announce the opening of our 12th store, located at 164 – 167 Mare Street, Hackney.
The expansion of our warehouse facility in April 2021 has allowed us to stay well-stocked throughout the year, and the new store features 100 bikes on the shop floor from Trek, Specialized, Whyte & more, while the full Balfe’s line-up of over 30 brands is available online for Click & Collect orders.
As with every Balfe’s store, Hackney includes a fully equipped workshop for servicing and repairs by our team of Cytech trained & accredited mechanics, as well as a wide range of parts, clothing and accessories for riders of all levels and disciplines.
Store Manager Katie Jeffreys says:
“We’re delighted to be opening our Hackney store and are looking forward to sharing our passion for all things bike with the local cycling community. Hackney is an incredible, vibrant location with a strong affinity for cycling and we hope to become a much loved and valued part of its infrastructure.”
Balfe’s Bikes Hackney will be open 7 days a week. For more details click here, or read on to find out more about the team!
Meet the Team: Katie (Store Manager)
Katie has been with the company since August 2021, after spending 5 years at Halfords in various roles, from Deputy Store Manager, and Manager of a Halfords Bike Hut. Before taking on our Store Manager role at Hackney, Katie worked at a number of other Balfe’s stores including Islington, Sutton and Reigate and we were consistently impressed with her work ethic and enthusiasm for the role.
A roadie outside of work, Katie loves to ride for the escapism it brings – how you can just forget about everything, enjoy life and explore new places. She’s currently loving her S type Brompton the most, but her all time favourite bike is her custom built Tifosi SS26 Cosmic with Super Record (A lockdown treat – because, why not?!)
On taking on the Hackney store, Katie said:
“Taking over the Hackney store has been a dream – to mix my hobby with my job is the perfect balance to happiness. I love working at Balfe’s, it was a breath of fresh air after working in a very big corporate company. It’s so nice to know everyone and no matter which shop I’m working in everyone shares the same passion for cycling and bikes!”
We’re delighted to have Katie on board as Manager of Hackney and are looking forward to seeing her continue to grow in the role and within the company!
Meet the Team: Alessandro (Workshop Manager)
Alessandro is our Workshop Manager – he joined us at the end of 2020 after working for Evans Cycles before that. Alessandro has been a mechanic for 3 years, but before that he was a Psychologist and Musician!
Outside of work you’re likely to find Alessandro out touring on his bike – he loves the freedom of riding, pushing your limits and getting lost in new places. His favourite bike is his Dawes Super Galaxy 1992.
Meet the Team: Zac (Assistant Manager)
Zac is our Assistant Manager and resident Triathlete! Like Alessandro, Zac moved into the cycling industry from another profession (Zac was originally a Chef!) and has worked with Balfe’s since the start of 2021, after working previously in Evans Cycles.
Zac is a Road Rider/Triathlete and his current bike is a BMC Teammachine – he loves to ride to escape the crowd and become a faster, stronger and more competitive athlete.
