Toby Hadden and Jo Harrington founded The Union Cycle Works in 2010. They believe that every bike should have a story. They make ruddy beautiful, bespoke bikes whilst working with disadvantaged people.

The concept was developed over the course of two years, and was trialled in North London with Homeless charity The Margins Project and The London Cycling Campaign.

Jo and Toby believe the easy-to-learn, difficult-to-master nature of cycle maintenance is good for personal development and the perfect way to build social and practical skills. They also really wanted somewhere where they could meet friends and tinker with bikes. The Union Cycle Works was the solution they came up with to do both.

(photos courtesy of The Union Cycle Works)

The Union Cycle Works workshop is part of The Deptford Project, a hub for creative, community-based organisations and enterprises.

(photos courtesy of The Union Cycle Works)

Joe talks us through one of the more unusual bikes the Union Cycle Works have built – the 1979 Trevor Jarvis ‘ Flying Gate’.

The Trevor Jarvis ‘Flying Gate’ 1979 frame (track drops and canti bosses)
 features a Sturmey Archer 3 speed S3X fixed gear rear hub
, Schmidt dynamo hub with Schmidt Edelux front light, Campagnolo record track chainset
, Campagnolo record BB
, Campagnolo Mirage headset
, Campagnolo record quill pedals and NJS straps
, Campagnolo record seatpost
, Brooks Swallow
 saddle, Nitto Moustache bars
, Panaracer pasela tyres
 and Grand Cru cantilever brakes.

This lightweight 1950′s Italian track frame from unknown builder
 has Campagnolo record track hubs on Rigida rims
, Vintage MKS track pedals
, Campagnolo record fluted seatpost
, GB Kromo stem
, Stratelite track bars
, Campagnolo Gran Sport chainset
 and a Rare Brooks 1950′s track saddle
.

The Union Cycle Works website features some nice examples of bikes with their owners and stories:

On Friday 8th October the Union Cycle Works officially opened with a launch party down at the Deptford Project.