My Story...
Hello, my name is Alex Bienkov and I set up Halcyon Cycle Clinic in 2021 inspired by my travels and love of cycling and with an aim to provide a bespoke bicycle service for discerning cyclists.
Halcyon CC is a bicycle repair and servicing workshop, based in South East London. We collect and return to your home or place of work, which means you can get back on the road as quickly as possible. From a quick tune up to a more comprehensive service and specialising in commuter, road and touring bicycles we will provide you with a detailed quote before any work commences.
So a little about me... I got my first new bicycle (not a hand me down from my big brother) at the age of 12 and it was my pride and joy. An Elswick Hopper five speed road bike, from Blacketts of Woolwich.
My wonderful bicycle made the world a smaller place and I loved the independence that my new form of transport afforded me. I rode it for miles, from my home on Shooters Hill but I also wanted to know how it worked and how to make it faster! One of the first things I did was strip it down to it's bare components, not giving a moments thought to how I would rebuild it. I was totally absorbed and learning as I went, with the help of my patient Dad, who looked on with bemusement.
This started a lifelong passion for all things cycling and countless pan European solo cycle tours, latterly on my made to measure Chas Roberts Audax bicycle that I had built for my 50th Birthday. I learnt to service my own bicycles and loved sharing knowledge with other enthusiasts.
For the past thirty five years I have been fortunate enough to make my living working as a Tour Manager within the Live Music Industry. The Covid Pandemic put an abrupt stop to everyone's lives and was devastating for the Event Industry (in fact I was in Frankfurt with a band when lockdown was announced and the tour was cancelled and we all came home).
Like the rest of the world I was reeling from the enormity of what we all faced and had no idea what the future held. As the first lockdown lifted I was spurred on to try and improve my bicycle repair skills that I had taught myself from a lifetime of tinkering. I was fortunate to get myself on a City and Guilds Bicycle Mechanics course. I learnt so much and passed with flying colours and with the help and support of Mark Gately at The Velo Doctor, I have spent the past few years working, repairing, tuning and servicing bicycles. I have loved the challenge and enjoyed every minute.
Halcyon Cycle Clinic is a repair, servicing and rebuilds clinic where I put all the care and attention in to repairing your bicycle that I would with my own.
Thank your for choosing me and Halcyon CC I look forward to meeting you and working on your bicycle.
Alex