ONE of the country’s largest cycling businesses is on target to smash its record sales figures, despite the current economic gloom.

Wheelbase, the specialist bike and cycling equipment supplier based in Staveley, looks set to increase its turnover by 25 per cent compared with last year.

The company, which was established 15 years ago, has seen its profits rise year on year since it was taken over in 2005 by Chris Herd, James Dalton and Toby Dalton as part of a management buyout.

According to Mr Herd, managing director of Wheelbase, the economic downturn, with rising fuel and transport costs, has started a renaissance in the cycling trade with more people choosing to cycle than drive.

A survey of 17,500 AA members carried out this year found that more than a third had made a conscious decision to start leaving their cars at home.

Mr Herd said: “The current economic conditions are fuelling a national boom in cycling and we are in a good position to take advantage of this locally and business is currently very busy. The business prides itself on offering customers first class service alongside the best quality products.

“Cycling is very popular at the moment, with costs associated with the banking crisis and environmental impacts magnifying this.”