As Le Tour approaches, which Yorkshire bike shop is the biggest?

So who does have the biggest independent bike store in Yorkshire?

With all eyes on Yorkshire in the run up to Tour de France Grand Depart in Yorkshire this July, various claims have been made to the title.

JEJames has stepped forward and laid down the gauntlet.

The firm told BikeBiz: "It’s a really positive sign for the industry that so many new cycle shops are opening up in Yorkshire. With the TDF coming through our region in July, JEJames Cycles is looking forward to the raise in interest and new cyclists coming into the sport.

"A few weeks ago you ran the story on the new All Terrain Cycles flagship store in Wetherby. One of the quotes in the feature was from MD Tony Booth, who claimed the new 9,000 sq ft store will be the "largest [independent] bike store within a hundred mile radius." JEJames Cycles has three stores in the Sheffield / Chesterfield area (well within the 100 miles radius).

"JEJames’ destination store is based in Rotherham and has the retail area of 11,197.75 square feet of retail space. There is also an additional 3,328 square feet of storage space for stock, however we would like to just keep the figure to sales space. We also have space for over 500 bikes on the shop floor.

"With this in mind it would be a good opportunity to put the question out there and find out what the sales space of other Yorkshire retailers, to work out the Yorkshire grand total as well as a national one."

In other JE James news, the firm has put together its first CycleFest with a number of long-term suppliers. Taking place in Sheffield over May 17th to 18th, a 98 bike demo fleet, held at the Norfolk Arms, Ringinglow, not far from the Peak District with road and MTB riding on the doorstep. Featuring MTB orienteering, a Watt Bike Challenge, film screenings and the CycleFest Friendly Sportive, the CycleFest promises prize draws for GoPro, Osprey Packs and a multitude of other offerings. Find out more at www.facebook.com/jejcyclefest2014