Testimonials.
What our customers say.
James Williams, One Road Bike, Build 6.
“I've had the pleasure of riding the Forwards One road bike for the past three years, enabling me to build a solid understanding of the bike.
For me, the One sits in a really interesting middle ground; I wouldn't describe it as an out and out race machine, but its certainly a lot racier than an endurance road bike. In that then, the One firmly hits the brief as a do it all road bike, developed to meet the needs of the single road bike rider.
The frame will take up to 32mm tyres, but I've settled on 28mm tyres as the right mix between speed and comfort. The bike is rather stiff, but the dropped rear stays and sloping top tube provides enough vertical compliance to maintain decent comfort levels. The geometry is steered towards allowing an attractive 'real world' position. If you are looking for long and low, there may be better options out there for you. But I race the One and have set the bike up in a racing position. Personally I like the way my bike can be set up with just one 5mm headset spacer; which looks hardcore, even if the real world bar drop is quite sensible.
Performance wise, as touched on, I regularly race the One and have won races and medaled at a National level upon it. It's good and snappy in a sprint so no complaints there. Handling wise, I'd describe it as reassuringly neutral. The front end is stiff, but the head angle relatively relaxed, which means it goes where I point it, but I never feel like its trying to buck me off like some race bikes can. Weight wise, it's not at all bad, but again, if ultimate light weight is your main goal there are lighter bikes and frames out there. I personally like the idea that there is a bit more material in the frame and that the build is focused on durability as much as ultimate performance.
Overall, its a great bike, my only challenge now is custom paint options; once you've opened pandora's box on personalised colours you can't help think about the next project!”
John, Fairlight Strael Custom Bike Build.
“Having previously had outstanding service from Ian on my other bikes there was only one place to go for my build when I bought a new high spec Strael steel bike frame from Fairlight. So much valuable advice from Ian to get the build just right – nothing was too much trouble. The end product as with all of Ian’s work was faultless with such attention to fine detail.
I could not recommend Forwards more highly whether looking for routine maintenance or a full bike build.”
Pauline, GR20 Classified Gravel Bike, Build 38.
“After the big freeze made me wait then the big rains made me wait …. Finally the stars aligned and out we went!
LOVING every one of the gears and v grateful to the classified system as I ground it up the hills out of Chagford 🥵 and the bouncy stem and seatpost once I got off the road. Just brilliant.
Blown away by the acceleration and feel of the bike. Huge thank you for curating the whole process.”
Simon, GR20 Gravel Bike, Build 19.
“Bought from Ian this time last year, I can report a hugely happy year of cycling locally on gravel, byways and rights of way everywhere around Salisbury and the New Forest. On or off road, this bike is comfortable, fast and gets admired by everyone who sees it. Thank you Ian, I'm now saving up for the next bike from Forwards in 2022!”
David, GR20 Gravel Bike, Build 10.
“I have really enjoyed the experience of having my bike built by Ian from the start to the finish. Compared to buying an off the shelf bike this beats it hands down. My GR20 is a beautiful machine, super comfy and the geometry makes it feel really balanced and manoeuvrable. Choosing your own paint job and graphics really adds to the fun factor of owning one of these bikes . Thanks Ian”
James, GR20 Gravel Bike, Build 15.
“I found Forwards while google searching for a cycle shop in Southampton looking to buy a Gravel bike. I telephone Ian, and was immediately taken in by his enthusiasm for his bikes. I visited shortly afterwards and I was sold, GR20 number 15 had my name on it. He walked my through the selection process of the components, matching the bicycle to my size, flexibility and most importantly needs. I initially ordered the bike with 700c tyres, but in less than a week called him back and ordered a second set of 650b for having fun. I am so glad I did, as I now have the perfect dual use bike, that can keep up on the road, and go crazy off road. I am still pushing the Gravel envelope with the 650 tyres, and refer to it (the bike) as my grin machine. The bike is great value for the high specification of components and service. And you feel so privileged when you get your own bike fitting, test cycle and colour choice. I even got a bespoke logo with the company blue paint to match, which was all part of the exceptional service you get from Forwards.”
Austin, GR20 Gravel Bike, Build 13.
“Ian could not have done more to help in putting my GR20 gravel bike together, definitely going the extra mile. The bike is fantastic - top quality components and solid value when you look at the current bike market. Most importantly it is great fun to ride. Highly recommended.”
Kyle, GR20 Gravel Bike, Build 17.
“What an experience! Purchasing a custom built bike form Forward Cycling is a process unlike any other. The time that goes into the planning and build is worth every penny and the end result is a bike that is entirely tailored to me.
The bike itself is a joy to ride and I couldn't be happier with the result. Highly recommended.”
Simon, S-Works SL7, Ultrasonic Service.
“Recently had my S-Works SL7 serviced by Ian. It had a couple of slight ticks /issues that needed fixing. Ian explained the process, gave his recommendation, and had the bike for a couple of days. You can tell he’s slightly a perfectionist, as it’s come back in amazing condition. It has never felt or sounded so good! Delighted with work he’s done.
100% I’ll be going back when needed. Thank you”
Jennifer, GR20 Gravel Bike, Build 4.
“I've had my Forwards GR20 Gravel bike for nearly a year and have done more than 10000 miles on it. I love it, it has been an absolute dream. I have two sets of wheels (off-road gravel and road) so the bike is so flexible that I have sold my road bike. I do gravel rides, group club road rides, I have done several centuries on it and bike packing trips away. The bespoke service I received from Forwards when buying the bike was fantastic and I have also had the bike serviced with them.”
Adam, GR20 Gravel Bike, Build 11.
“Flawless service and bike sizing from the start all the way up to the finished product!
The showroom, service, knowledge and bikes are stunning and the only thing that betters that is the ride!”
Will, Canyon Lover, Ultrasonic Servicing.
“Ian now services all of my bikes, due to his immense attention to detail nothing is ever missed when any of my bikes visit him.”