Gareth and Tim met through serendipity in 2022. Both first-time expectant dads, they got to know each other over an antenatal course run by the National Childbirth Trust. A shared loved of cycling, combined with mutual respect for each other’s dexterity in changing a nappy, laid the foundations of a strong friendship.

One year after the arrival of their children (Gareth’s son Milo, and Tim’s daughter Sofia), both took time away from work to look after and bond with them. Over several “play dates” together (for the benefit of Milo and Sofia, as much as Gareth and Tim), they discussed a shared desire to play an active role in their children’s lives, whilst also doing meaningful work that benefitted their family, local community and the environment. At the time, Gareth owned and ran Reg Taylor Cycles on Iffley Road, where he had worked for 17 years. Tim, a keen cyclist and home mechanic, worked in London, commuting from Oxford during the week.

In 2023, Gareth took a break from the shop and was retraining as an electrician, whilst utilising his new skills and knowledge working on electric cargo bikes in his spare time. His passion for bikes remained, and the urge to get back into the industry full-time was too great to ignore. One glorious day mountain biking together, Gareth and Tim decided to team up to relaunch Reg Taylor as a workshop-only business with a fresh new look and premises, but with the same commitment to excellence and quality for which it is known.