Tell us about yourself!
James Marvin, king of the dad joke, football enthusiast, runner and in recent years a keen cyclist.
Role
I’m the one who looks after the website.
One of your favourite rides?
My one and only time on the MTB trails at Sherwood Pines was brilliant. I probably wasn’t the fastest round the course but I can see why people get hooked. I can honestly say that every time I’ve been out in the peaks on my road bike, it’s been amazing. Taking in places like Baslow, Chatsworth, Bakewell, Froggatt, Hathersage, Grindleford, Hope, Castleton, Eyam, Great Hucklow and Little Hucklow as well all the surrounding sites is a fantastic way to spend a few hours.
Tell us about your cycling journey
In fact, my cycling journey only started about 2 years ago as part of the ride to work initiative to reduce commuting emissions. At the time I had in the words of Barry, a “bike shaped object,” that I'd bought for £50 off a friend of the family. The very first day I turned up on it, Barry looked across the room, got up and said to me “come on, get in the car.”
Off we went to Halfords, where my first ever gravel bike was bought for me! The same trip included a visit to other bike suppliers to get other key accessories like bike shoes! I was now an “all gear and no idea” cyclist who would commute on a “proper” bike in “proper” (mostly donated to me) kit. But I was, and still am, really grateful that this gave me my first taste of real cycling.
Since, I’ve rode many times in the peaks, and really enjoy getting out there as much as possible. I’ve gradually increased my distances putting in some 100km sessions. I’ve also dabbled with a MTB session on a borrowed Orbea Oiz bike which I really enjoyed. I’ve also added a road bike to my collection.
I’ve been able to combine my running with the bike too. After a couple of shorter distanced Duathlons, I recently completed the half ironman distance Geordieman in Northumberland.
I love learning from the rest of the team, their passion for the industry is very infectious. You can tell they’re all extremely experienced by the way they talk about bikes and kit. They just get what’s good and bad about everything and I’m really looking forward to being part of this and continuing my development and growth in the industry.
Big adventures coming up?
Current bikes
Gravel
A Boardman ADV 8.6, the one that started my journey into the industry.
Just about to upgrade to a Specialized Crux Comp Cyclocross.
Road
I progressed from riding the Boardman on the road to a Specialized Tarmac SL6 2021 Expert.
How does NEW Polaris differ from old Polaris?
Being new to the industry I don’t really have first hand experience of the brand. However, I’ve looked at old marketing, products etc and been involved with discussions about the new stuff and I can guarantee that new Polaris will continue to uphold the traditions that made it a favourite amongst cyclists, whilst bringing it kicking and screaming into modern times.
What about relaunching excites you the most?
It’s my first involvement with a clothing brand. I’m really excited to see our new products out there in the community and being part of a brand that will be disruptive for the benefit of the bike enthusiast in terms of quality, performance and responsible price point.
What new Polaris product are you currently testing?
They haven’t trusted me with any as yet. Rightly so, the more experienced riders are doing the initial testing, but I’m sure I’ll get chance to try some asap. In the mean time I have been given a number of samples to test from other brands so that when the time comes I know what good feels like.
