Best place in Central London for bike service ?

Brocade

After clocking 2000km on my road bike, I think the time is right for some kind of service. I thought of doing this before Highclere last w/e, but instread got a degreaser and some of that Teflon spray lube and cleaned it up myself.

Now though, the front gearing is not working as well and I'd like to make sure the bike gets a tune.

So... does anyone recommend a local bike shop, chain store, or a specific branch of a chain store that appears to be doing an honest job with the service ? Somewhere in Central London please.

While we're at it, anyone to name and shame ? Any shop that just takes your money, gives the bike a mild wash and gives it back to you, or asks you to do all kinds of work on the bike for no good reason whatsoever ?

Thanks

Oska

Action Bikes - Embankment or Victoria

or try the London Cycle Campaign who list 120 London shops here

http://www.lcc.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=628

GemmaAtkinson1

not sure if you are desperate for it to be central london but iv heard nothing but amazing things about the bikewhisperer in ealing. VERY resaonable prices and people seem to rave about their personal and technical service - http://www.thebikewhisperer.co.uk/

cheaper than evans and the like and a reputation of gold. I plan on using these guys fior a fitting and service shortly.

The Kennington Kaiser

I've used Action Bikes in Dacre Street, Victoria for the last couple of times and they were pretty good. There's one Eastern European mechanic who did a really good job so if he's still there it would be worth trying them. It may not be a top end bike shop but he knew what he was doing. Bike came back sparkling too.

Brocade

Thanks very much folks, this was all very useful advice. Much appreciated, this is one of the most friendly and useful forums on the net.

I'll post back a summary of my experience for any future users advice.

akkers

Good post this.....I actually contacted Bikewhisperer myself yesterday, and spoke to them regarding a service on my steed. Must say theyre the best Ive spoken to and are clearly passionate about what they do and very friendly.

I will venture out to Ealing for a service even though its a bit of an incovenience - will let you know how I get along.

akkers

Took my steed to Bikewhisperer today for a service. Must say, extremely friendly and very passionate about what they do.

Will collect tomorrow and update everyone on how they got on

GemmaAtkinson1

excellent....

im going to book myself and bike in for a fitting session and also a service in july. They seem to be fab from the feedback iv heard and read, and also much cheaper than your average chainstore. £80 for a full fitting and adjustements is great value....

Brocade

I just did a bike fit and full service with Bike Whisperer. I've encountered sports mechanics and professionals of all sorts in the various disciplines I've been involved with over the years including rowing, sailing, motorcycling, snowboarding and cycling. Without doubt, this was the best experience I have ever had: fantastic advice, great job, honest, and instant benefits.

Picked up the bike this morning, cycled it to work, I can honestly say the fit probably added 20-40 watts of power to my cycling. Scherrit spent over two hours getting my stem, saddle height and most importantly, pedals/cleats/shoes right. Corinne also fitted the enourmously fidgety Polar Power meter. It's a good device for the cost but has the potential to be problematic if not done right. She spent over three hours getting it just right.

I will never go anywhere else again for a service or a fit. If you are in London, the trip to Ealing is worth it.

GemmaAtkinson1

thats great. i have only heard majorly positive things about these guys. so excited about getting a fit there now!