London bike shop recomendations

georgee
georgee Posts: 537
edited July 2008 in Workshop
This weekend I need go looking for road bikes for my other half (not satisfied with invading my golfing, she now is busy invading my cycling, why the hell she can't just go shopping like other girls), she has her cycle to work voucher for bike hut and want a road bike for triathlons. It looks like we'll have to order a giant or trek womens bike in for her, but standing at 5'2" we need test ride some small bikes.

Any thought on where might have said bikes in stock, or any particularly helpful bike shops?

G

Comments

  • _Brun_
    _Brun_ Posts: 1,740
    I found various branches of the Cycle Surgery were very helpful last weekend. Stock varies from store to store, so it's probably a good idea to phone a couple in advance to find out what they've got in. The bigger places are probably your best bet: Holborn, Spitalfields and the new Kings Cross store.
  • julietp
    julietp Posts: 67
    Evans in Canary Wharf had a really nice Trek 1500 (I think it's 2008) on sale for £700 earlier this week which was a 51cm frame - I am 5-4 and take a 52cm frame with Trek so I would think 51cm should be about right for your wife. If you leave a deposit they will let her test ride it - they are really helpful in there too.
  • Holty74
    Holty74 Posts: 50
    evans at the cut waterloo has some good quality bike. if you want to travel a bit further out then Ciclos Uno in Hainault is tip top for race and tri stuff
  • kr1s
    kr1s Posts: 125
    if you buy a bike from evans make sure its built properly before you accept it.
    My madone had loose wheels (spokes) and my mates fuel ex 7 had a faulty chain pin which nearly cost him a seven mile walk!! All of which should have been checked on build
    Trek Madone 5.2 08
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    Twitter @ChrisBedford1
  • simon johnson
    simon johnson Posts: 1,064
    Don't Condor accept bike-to-work vouchers? If so, none of the above can compete...
    Where\'s me jumper?
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,551
    simon johnson wrote:
    Don't Condor accept bike-to-work vouchers? If so, none of the above can compete...
    Yes they do.
  • northpole
    northpole Posts: 1,499
    Condor is a fantastic bike shop albeit mostly for their own models - that would be my first stopping point.

    Evans are not consistent - some branches seem to be okay, others dreadful - I'd steer clear.

    Cycle Surgery strike a nice balance and would probably be my second choice - their branch near Liverpool Street station held a good stock when I was there a year ago.

    Peter
  • captain_oakley
    captain_oakley Posts: 222
    Ditto re Condor........... or if your North then Shorter Rochford's in North Finchley.

    'Full Metal Bikini'
  • NWLondoner
    NWLondoner Posts: 2,047
    Are condor any good for repairs/servicing/upgrades/spare parts etc?

    Next year i want to get some better wheels for my bike. Evans Hendon is down the road from me and to date have had great service from them. However going to them for a service and upgrade could be an expensive option.
  • simon johnson
    simon johnson Posts: 1,064
    NWLondoner wrote:
    Are condor any good for repairs/servicing/upgrades/spare parts etc?

    Next year i want to get some better wheels for my bike. Evans Hendon is down the road from me and to date have had great service from them. However going to them for a service and upgrade could be an expensive option.

    Yes. Especially with regards to wheels, such an integral part of your machine, I would opt for Condor over Evans; but I am generalising here since I've no experience of that particular Evans branch.

    I've had wheels built at Condor which have been perfect and in the process of purchasing I received an excellent 'diagnosis' of what would be suitable etc

    No comp. for Campag parts, and Shimano retailer of the year 2006 & 2008; mechanical service is no more expensive than elsewhere (in my experience).

    I'm sometimes tempted to buy online but Condor gets my money 9.9999/10 times, I want the shop to survive another 60 years.....

    However, I would drop in in the week; Saturdays are extremely busy and subsequently staff are stretched to their limits
    Where\'s me jumper?
  • NWLondoner
    NWLondoner Posts: 2,047
    That sounds great then.

    I know that i need better wheels but would be great to get some "proper" advice on which is best to get.
  • Rich-Ti
    Rich-Ti Posts: 1,831
    In the South West there's Prologue on the Upper Richmond Road in East Sheen - seem to focus on the higher end stuff though.
    Brain Farts of a Bike Tart
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  • Beardy10
    Beardy10 Posts: 115
    I have a Condor bike and I can vouch for Condor's handbuilt wheels and also for the advice they gave on the wheels when I bought my bike. My Condor built wheels are DT Swiss RR 1.1 rims on Dura Ace Hubs...I love them.

    However whilst Condor supply a great product I think their service department isn't great. When I bought my bike up the rear mech wasn't adjusted properly so the bike had to go back the next day. My bike has since been back for it's running in service...it needs to go back again as the rear mech is worse now than when it went in and they have done something to the bottom bracket which is now clicking/creaking.

    I love my Condor Barrachi...I do not love their bike mechanics. I am sure they are great at the job....they are just bloody busy and a bit sloppy.

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