FORTY years in the same saddle has been a smooth ride for the Alford Brothers of Felixstowe.When brothers Ken, Eric and Fred left their bicycle business in south east London to move to new premises in Felixstowe they never dreamt it would be such a success.

By Georgina James

FORTY years in the same saddle has been a smooth ride for the Alford Brothers of Felixstowe.

When brothers Ken, Eric and Fred left their bicycle business in south east London to move to new premises in Felixstowe they never dreamt it would be such a success.

Alford Bros of Hamilton Road has been trading for 40 years and serving the Felixstowe community and the business is going from strength to strength with no sign of a puncture.

Having probably sold more bikes than they've had hot diners, they have never tired of being in the biking business and still love what they do and are extremely proud of their achievement.

Ken Alford, 63, joined his two elder brothers at the age of 21 after he had completed his national service.

"The rent we were paying in London was not viable and it was not practical to stay.

"We saw a bicycle shop in Felixstowe for sale which we could afford, looked at it and decided to take a gamble – we have never looked back.

"Felixstowe is a great place and we love it here," said Ken.

The shop sells all types of bikes including racers, BMXs and mountain bikes, ranging from £100 to £2,500 and there is something for everyone.

They also sell mopeds and have a repair service and carry out MOT testing and are renowned for their excellent customer service.

Peter Nunn, who has worked at the shop for 12 years, said: "Everyone in Felixstowe has probably bought a bike from here at some point in their life."

Alford Bros employees two full time members of staff who have been with the business for a combined total of 37 years.

Ken still oversees the Felixstowe shop but relies on his two loyal staff Peter Nunn, 27 and Tim Vaughan, 54, for day-to-day affairs.

Eric Alford has now retired and Fred is running a motorcycle shop in Folkestone.

Ken hopes that when he finally stops pedalling, his son will take over the handlebars and continue with the well-established family business.