Dead Rats Cycles is Alexander Cook, a Cytech 4* Master Technician with 16 years of professional experience (after growing up in his father’s motorcycle garage) who has been building unique, high quality bikes and performing top class servicing in Manchester since 2009.
Alex ran a series of independent workshops in Chorlton, specialising in creating retro modern custom bikes and restoring vintage classics to their former glory. Though well regarded in the cycling community, Alex reluctantly decided to close his shop in late 2023 due to spiralling costs.  In January 2024 he joined Bicycle Doctor, the workers’ co-op in Rusholme, as a mechanic working on the likes of Surly, Brompton and Genesis. In August 2024 Alex began working with Cyclists Fighting Cancer at The Charity Bike Shop in Chorlton as a mechanic.
Dead Rats Cycles is a Retrobike Gold Trader and an ACT member, plus Alex is still available to his established clients for mentoring and restoration work. He is still trading in parts which are available here and on ebay.
Alex takes great pride in balancing function with form, creating individual bike builds that look incredible and ride beautifully. Elbow Grease and attention to detail are also key, with each cycle tuned to perfection. As a Green Award winner, sustainability is also a priority for Alex along with optimising resources, repairing rather than replacing where possible and advocating cycling in general to the wider public.
Hi, Are you looking for volunteer cycle mechanics, I am looking to getting back into work, (after breaking my ankle) within cycling and i thought this would be a good idea, I work on the more modern tech these days, how ever, I do enjoy building vintage bicycles, e.g. purchased a vintage 1980s Campagnolo Super Record TI Raleigh, stripped down, cleaned and polished parts and rebuilt, and then sold. Experience from building the bike from that era was enjoyable.
Hi Cliff, feel free to drop us an email, not really looking at the moment, but good to keep in touch, thanks, Alex
Good Day, i’m from South Africa and would like to know if you freight to S.A ? Can you assist with Ralreigh Bomber mk11 decals?
No problem with shipping smaller items worldwide, but currently out of stock on Bomber decals I’m afraid
Hi, I have a old sarcen hardtrax bike which is nice condition but frame decals are tatty, so was wondering if you have them or obtain them. Regards Keith.
I would try Gil at Retrodecals, I’m out of stock