Coventry Bicycle Shops

I'm researching an article for the Veteran Cycle Club magazine, dedicated to older 'veteran' bicycles. The article will be about bicycle shops in Coventry, specifically in the 1960's and 1970's. In particular, does any one have pictures and information relating to Dick Sheppard Cycles (Bishop Street then later at Bell Green) and George Stokes Cycles (Much Park Street then later at Union Street). Many thanks - James Cooper living in Coventry from 1968 to 1988.

One that you may not be aware of was Barnett's in Coundon. It was on the upper right corner at the junction of Cedars Avenue and Evenlode Crescent.

There used to be a bike shop on the Radford Rd, sure it was Shepherd's, not sure of the spelling of the name, it was just past the Savoy, now a bingo hall. Perhaps Radford Kid can recall it.

Tom Bromwich ran a cycle shop in Far Gosford Street in the early sixties, he manufactured cycles under the name of Bromwich. The shop was later taken over by John Atkins. Alan H

In the 60s and 70s there was a Dick Sheppard's in Clay Lane and Ron Shepherd's on Ball Hill selling bikes and mopeds. Ron Shepherd took over the shop from George Cox in the late 50s and George Cox had another shop in Spon Street near the Butts. Dick Sheppard did indeed have a shop in Riley Square Bell Green and another on the Radford Road. The cycle trade was busy in those days.

Don't lets forget Mick Ives of Coundon, a very helpful chap if you had bike problems.

Hi all My son's 18", followed by his full size touring bike came from Mick. Top marks to Mick, as his shop enthusiasm was supported by his dedication. His shop is now a Sue Ryder business in Coundon.

When I was young, my bicycles always came from Swift's on Foleshill Road, close to the General Wolfe. My father rode a bicycle to work in all weathers from about 1935 to 1960 until he finally bought a car, and always used Swift's for any cycles, spares or accessories. I'm not sure when they started there or when they closed but they were certainly there for many years. They must have gone by the mid-90s as I have always used Jardine Cycles in Tile Hill for cycling requirements since then.

Dunn's, Foleshill Rd, now in Nuneaton. Also one near The Bowling Green, Spon End.

The bicycle shop I recall in Hillfields was Alf Simpson's. It was in King Edward Road.

Norman C. Dunn's was the Foundry by New Inn Bridge, the cycle shop was Dodd's and was opposite The William IV pub. Alan H

I seem to remember a cycle shop in Little Park St in the 1950s. It was run by a fellow named Eric Oakey who I believe lived on the Ansty Rd just past the Walsgrave pub.

There was also Biggs, nearly opposite Broad St on the Foleshill Rd.

Did Dick Sheppard also have a shop on the corner of Avon Street / Hipswell Highway? Or was that only mopeds? There also used to be Pollard's cycle shop on the Binley Road opposite the Church Lane junction.

Gas centre. You are correct, "Dodd's". The son was in the same class as me at school. There was also a Brian Dunn. My ancient brain cell gets a bit confused at times.