How Boroughlyx Was Born
From a simple idea to London's premier mobile bicycle repair service
The Origin Story
Boroughlyx was born from a simple observation in 2022: London's cycling infrastructure was expanding rapidly, with more dedicated lanes and cycling superhighways than ever before, yet bicycle repair services weren't keeping pace with this growth.
As experienced bicycle mechanics working in traditional bike shops across London, we noticed a recurring pattern. Office workers would rush in during lunch breaks or after work, hoping for quick repairs to get back on the road. Often, they'd have to leave their bikes for days due to the shops' busy schedules, forcing them to find alternative transport in the meantime.
The lightbulb moment came when one of our founders, after helping a stressed City worker who had cycled to an important meeting only to get a puncture, thought: "What if the workshop could come to them instead?"
This simple idea addressed a critical gap in London's cycling ecosystem. With the post-pandemic surge in bicycle commuting and the city's push toward greener transport options, the timing couldn't have been better for a service that minimized bicycle downtime for busy professionals.
From Van to Mobile Workshop
Converting a standard commercial van into a fully-functional mobile bicycle repair workshop presented unique challenges. We needed to create a space that offered all the capabilities of a traditional bike shop, but in a fraction of the footprint.
The process began with sourcing a low-emission hybrid van that aligned with our environmental values while offering sufficient space. Working with specialist vehicle fitters, we designed a custom interior with:
- A professional-grade repair stand that folds away when not in use
- Custom tool walls with secure mounts to prevent movement during transit
- Independent power supply for tools and lighting, including solar panels
- Ingenious storage solutions for parts and components, maximizing limited space
- Secure lockable compartments for high-value items
After three months of meticulous planning and construction, the first VelociVan was ready for service. The design has since been refined based on real-world experience, with each improvement making our mobile workshop more efficient and capable.
Our Mechanic Team
The heart of Boroughlyx is our team of skilled bicycle mechanics. Each member brings a minimum of five years' professional experience from London's most respected bicycle shops and service centers.
Our mechanics aren't just technically proficient—they're passionate cyclists themselves who understand the importance of reliable, well-maintained bicycles for daily commuting. This personal connection to cycling culture informs every repair and recommendation they make.
All our mechanics hold Cytech Level 2 or 3 certifications—the industry standard qualification for professional bicycle technicians in the UK. Many also have specialized training in modern e-bikes, high-performance road bikes, and the latest hydraulic braking and electronic shifting systems.
Beyond technical skills, we select our team members for their customer service abilities. Working directly at client offices requires clear communication, professionalism, and the ability to explain technical matters in accessible terms—qualities every VelociVan mechanic possesses.
Our Core Values
Sustainability
We're committed to environmental responsibility in everything we do. Our hybrid vans minimize emissions, we prioritize repairing over replacing where possible, and we responsibly recycle all waste materials. By supporting cycling commuters, we're also contributing to London's cleaner air goals.
Reliability
We understand that London professionals depend on their bicycles for daily transport. That's why we prioritize prompt service, quality repairs, and honest communication. Our 30-day repair guarantee demonstrates our confidence in our workmanship and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Fast Turnaround
Time is valuable, especially for busy professionals. Our mobile service model eliminates the need to transport bikes to shops and wait days for repairs. We complete most repairs within a single visit, often while you're in meetings, minimizing bicycle downtime.
Corporate Focus
We've designed our service specifically for the needs of London's office workers and corporate environments. From scheduling that works around business hours to tailored corporate maintenance packages, everything we do is optimized for professional settings.
Typical Service Scenarios
Office Lunchtime Repair
A common scenario involves a City worker who commutes daily on their bicycle. They notice an issue with their gears on the morning ride but have meetings all day. They book our service online during their morning coffee, and we arrive during their lunch break. While they eat and catch up on emails, we diagnose and repair the problem. By the time they finish lunch, their bike is ready for the evening commute home.
This scenario typically involves quick-turnaround repairs like gear adjustments, brake tuning, or puncture repairs—issues that would otherwise require dropping the bike at a shop for a day or more.
Pre-Commute Check
In this scenario, office workers schedule our visit for early morning, before their workday begins. We set up in the building's car park or designated area, and employees drop off their bikes as they arrive. Throughout the morning, we perform safety checks, minor adjustments, and quick repairs.
This proactive approach is particularly popular before major cycling events or at the start of spring/summer when many fair-weather cyclists return to commuting by bike after the winter break. It helps prevent breakdowns and ensures bikes are operating safely and efficiently.
Corporate Fleet Maintenance
Many forward-thinking London companies now maintain fleets of bicycles for employee use. These bikes require regular, scheduled maintenance to remain safe and functional. We partner with HR and facilities teams to create customized maintenance schedules, typically visiting quarterly to service the entire fleet.
During these visits, we perform comprehensive inspections, preventative maintenance, and necessary repairs on all bikes. We provide detailed reports on each bicycle's condition and maintenance history, helping companies manage their fleet assets effectively while ensuring employee safety.
Ready to experience convenient bicycle repairs at your office?
Book our mobile workshop or check our upcoming schedule for visits to your area.