Meet the team behind Barbells and Bikes

Helping cyclists get stronger, faster, and more resilient on and off the bike.

Our Story & Philosophy

Barbells and Bikes exists to give cyclists the strength to go faster.

Founded by strength and conditioning coach Chris Gibson, the business was born from a passion for performance and years of experience coaching elite athletes – from Premiership rugby players to GB triathletes.

Our approach is simple: structured strength training built around the individual. Every athlete is assessed before we begin, ensuring each program is tailored to deliver measurable results – increased power, mobility, and injury resilience.

We believe in doing the fundamentals well: building robust bodies, respecting individual limits, and making every minute in the gym count.

Meet Your Coaches

Chris “Gibbo” Gibson

With over 25 years as a strength and conditioning coach, Chris has trained everyone from weekend warriors to Premiership Rugby players. After a near-fatal accident, he rebuilt himself from scratch — reinforcing his belief that strength isn’t just physical. He brings unmatched resilience, experience, and care to every client.

Co-Founder & Head Coach

Sunrise Racing Team

Ben “Leachy” Leach

A world-class cyclist and elite-level coach, Ben has guided athletes from amateur to international level for over 15 years. With a sub-3-hour marathon and multiple GB age-group selections, he lives and breathes endurance. Ben combines deep scientific knowledge with real-world racing grit.

Co-Founder & Head Coach

Le Col Race Team

Lizi “The Ginger Ninja” Brooke

Lizi is a 5× Ironman champion, pro gravel cyclist, and podium finisher in the National Hill Climb and 100-Mile TT. After 16 years of coaching and racing worldwide, she now brings her passion for performance and purpose to helping athletes build strength and stay injury-free.

Coach

Das Hutchinson UCI Continental Team

Why Cyclists Trust Us

Coaches Who Walk the Walk

Our team includes Ironman champions, pro cyclists, and GB-level athletes who train like you, race like you, and know exactly what it takes to level up.

Specialised Strength for Cyclists

We’re not a generic gym or PT service. Everything we do is designed specifically for cyclists — from power development and injury prevention to long-term performance.

Proven Results, Real Athletes

From complete beginners to national podiums, our systems deliver. Clients have achieved FTP breakthroughs, pain-free riding, and career-best race performances — and they stay with us because they keep improving.