Peter Samuel’s new business is well and truly on the road after support from the Caerphilly Start-up Fund.

Or to be more precise, Suspension Inc is more concerned with the ‘off the road’ world of mountain biking. The sport is flourishing in the Valleys which is fast becoming a mecca for bikers.

Peter initially trained and gained qualifications with another company learning to service the front and rear suspension and also the seat posts of mountain bikes, and then decided to launch his own enterprise.

Based in New Pontlottyn, Suspension Inc has a growing client base with bike clubs and individuals, as his reputation builds in the mountain biking fraternity.

Peter said: “A mountain bike can be a big investment which needs looking after properly.”

And the heart of the machine are the shocks, which take most of the punishment.

“These can be costly – ranging anywhere from £180 for an extendible seat post to as much as £1200 plus for the most advanced forks – and need a minimum of an annual service by a professional,” he said.

“If you neglect them you can be looking at a big replacement or repair bill.”

The sport is growing rapidly and Suspension Inc is well placed to take advantage.

Bike Park Wales at Merthyr, Cwmcarn Forest Drive and Afon Forest Park are some of the top spots in the UK, drawing visitors from far and wide.

“Mountain biking is going through the roof at the moment and the Valleys are an important part of that,” said Peter.

He has invested in a workshop he currently works out of, and in the longer term plans to take over a business unit and eventually take on an apprentice to learn the skills of the trade.

He received a grant from the Caerphilly Council Start-up Fund, run jointly with Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise.

“It was very helpful and I am most grateful. It gave me the ability to buy tools and equipment I needed,” said Peter.

Glyn Thomas of UK Steel Enterprise said: "Suspension Inc offers a skilled service to the community and also to visitors and we are delighted to be able to provide support.”