Two Suffolk businessmen are targeting the fast-growing cycling market with the launch of a new venture offering custom-built road bikes.

Customers of Aspire Cycles, which is based in Stowmarket, will not only be able able to select the type and size of their frame, from among 15 design options, but also specify components from a range of leading brands and even select their own paint finish from a pallet of 24 colours, including a choice of matt or gloss.

Founders Jason Battle and Jamie Warner calculate that well over a million permutations are possible, but say the process has been made easy – and fun – through the use of an online Bike Builder tool.

Jason is already well-known on the bike scene for his business Performancecoaching.me, through which he trains many athletes locally and nationally.

Having previously competed for the GB AG team in triathlon, he is now a level three cycling and triathlon coach, working with athletes from novice to elite levels.

Jason said: “We wanted to offer riders from all levels something very different to just an off-the-shelf bike.

“With the option of a personal build consultation and the ability to come ride one of our demo cycles, with Aspire Cycles you can build the perfect machine for you,” he added.

Business partner Jamie Warner is also a keen sportsman and understands the importance of personalisation as the managing director of sportswear brand STC Teamwear, which is also based in Stowmarket and is part of Touchline, one of the UK’s leading sports teamwear and leisurewear suppliers.

Jamie said: “Cycling is a competitive place; everyone wants to have the lightest or the fastest bike and ultimately it’s got to look good.

“Aspire Cycles is all about ‘your bike – your way’ with an extensive range of customisable designs, and a one-off design and build service for teams, organisations, companies and individuals.”

Aspire Cycles’ range consists of four “high modulus” (high strength) carbon race-ready road bikes in sizes from XS to XL, all of them fully customisable.

The models are designed for different styles of riding; for example, the Ardour has been developed for the competitive rider, fast and comfortable, the Aerobe is all about aerodynamics, the Altus is the lightest frame set available, with many sub 7Kg builds available for the serious climber, and the Aeolus is the TT bike, which is all about speed.