A FORMER oil industry executive took a leap of faith by fusing his life-long passion with business, and after 10 hard months, he is ready to open up shop in Knutsford.

Meccanica Coritani, a cycle and active lifestyle store, will officially launch tomorrow at its new premises at The Old Cycle Works on Windsor Way.

The man behind the brand, Colin Ball, has spent the best part of 2013 picking designers, suppliers and artists who fit with his vision and establishing his enterprise in the tough British market.

Now Colin is ready to reap the rewards of his hard work and is looking forward to seeing his bespoke designs on cyclists across Cheshire.
“It’s an exciting time, especially as we are doing something a bit different,” he said.

“Establishing a British brand in this climate has, however, been very, very difficult. It is about getting people to notice and take you seriously.”

The idea for the business was first sparked last year when Colin, who lives in Alderley Edge, was cycling in the Tour de France. Many of Colin’s fellow cyclists were also rugby players and he found that the cycling wear market didn’t cater to larger frames.

The 52-year-old had an ‘epiphany’ of sorts and thought he would be the perfect candidate to meet the demand of his fellow cyclists and so, quit his job and pursued his new business venture.

“It all grew organically. The whole idea was born out of demand. I wanted to make clothes that look good in all sizes and on blokes like me,” Colin added.

Based on Colin’s years of experience with classic motorcycles and retro racing cycles, Meccanica Coritani sell an eclectic range of clothing, cycles, vintage motorcycles, cycling and motorcycling accessories, grooming products, prints and books.

All Meccanica clothing products are designed and made in Britain and are inspired by the racers cycles and motorcycles from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

The clothes have a distinct Italian feel and the designs ‘hark back to the golden era’. Colin has even reawakened the dormant ‘Bollenium’ Workwear brand, established in the 1920’s, and reworked the classic jean to suit the modern consumer.

As he prepares to officially open his store, Colin’s company is already making waves in the online cycling market. Orders have been flowing in through his website from as far away as Taiwan and New Zealand.

For more information on Meccanica Coritani visit meccanicacycles.com or call 01565 651155.