Buying Bike in Berkshire

Eyeballs Out
Eyeballs Out Posts: 6
edited August 2009 in Road buying advice
Anyone got any thoughts about a good local shop to use or would my best bet be a long trek to Epic ? Ideally I'd like some expert help with sizing. The nearest shop to me is DNA cycles in Maidenhead but I've no idea what sort of reputation they have - anyone dealt with them before or with any other shops in the vicinity (Reading / Windsor etc) ?

Thanks in advance

Comments

  • CHAINF1RE
    CHAINF1RE Posts: 2
    Check out AW Cycles in Reading. Always take my Sunday there for servicing and they've always done a good job. Otherwise, if you're more cross country orientated, there's Mountain High in Pangbourne.
  • marklocke
    marklocke Posts: 20
    what about stows in slough?

    I used to go there when I lived in windsor. The owner was a top bloke.
  • bobtbuilder
    bobtbuilder Posts: 1,537
    Anyone got any thoughts about a good local shop to use or would my best bet be a long trek to Epic ?

    I recently made the 370 mile round trip from Sussex to Epic to get fitted for my new Orbea Orca. Time very well spent. Great products, really knowledgeable staff. I got to test ride multiple bikes before making my purchase.
  • Wooliferkins
    Wooliferkins Posts: 2,060
    +1 for AW
    Neil
    Help I'm Being Oppressed
  • Eyeballs Out
    Eyeballs Out Posts: 6
    Thanks for the helpful advice folks. At the very least I will need a good local repair shop and AW sounds a possibility. They also have some Wilier bikes in stock which is a plus for me (Stows seem to mainly do low end / Specialized stuff according to their website)
  • dag_on_a_bike
    dag_on_a_bike Posts: 581
    Eyeballs,

    Where exactly ar you? Berkshire is bordered by many counties extending all the way to Wiltshire/Oxfordshire/Hampshire/Surrey.
    There's no such thing as too old.
  • HonestAl
    HonestAl Posts: 406
    I've used DNA in Maidenhead, both for a complete bike and bits. On the complete bike they were FAR more helpful than AW. Told by AW they'd not arrange a test ride for me as I'd not be able to tell one carbon frame from another. (Please guys, let's not start the debate again on the factual basis of their claim, fact of the matter is that if I'm going to spend £2500 on a bike, I'd like at least the OPTION of riding it) Conversely DNA sorted a test ride of exactly what I wanted in a few days, and therefore got the business.

    Bits and pieces they're fine supplying. The reception you get seems to be a bit dependent on who's behind the counter, but overall they're pretty helpful.

    So in preference now I'll go to DNA rather than AW. I'm not saying AW aren't any good, just didn't make me feel that they were particularly bothered about taking my money from me.
    "The only absolute statement is that everything is relative" - anon
  • Eyeballs Out
    Eyeballs Out Posts: 6
    HonestAl wrote:
    I've used DNA in Maidenhead, both for a complete bike and bits. On the complete bike they were FAR more helpful than AW. Told by AW they'd not arrange a test ride for me as I'd not be able to tell one carbon frame from another. (Please guys, let's not start the debate again on the factual basis of their claim, fact of the matter is that if I'm going to spend £2500 on a bike, I'd like at least the OPTION of riding it) Conversely DNA sorted a test ride of exactly what I wanted in a few days, and therefore got the business.

    Bits and pieces they're fine supplying. The reception you get seems to be a bit dependent on who's behind the counter, but overall they're pretty helpful.

    So in preference now I'll go to DNA rather than AW. I'm not saying AW aren't any good, just didn't make me feel that they were particularly bothered about taking my money from me.

    Thanks, that's nice to know because I live close by to DNA. I need a few disposables for my old wreck anyway so I'll wander down there in the next few days and see what they say. Was hoping that I'd be able to get a bargain on one of this year's bikes before next year's hit the shops
  • strodey
    strodey Posts: 481
    +1 for aw cycles, bought mountain bike there and road bike, the bike fitting is brilliant and free if you buying a bike!
    Carbon is a mans best freind
  • Mister W
    Mister W Posts: 791
    I've heard good reports about Swim, Bike, Run in Windsor although they might be a bit too triathlon oriented if you're more of a roadie. TBH I'd probably make the trip to Epic. Take a picnic and make a day of it :D
  • Slow Downcp
    Slow Downcp Posts: 3,041
    Mister W wrote:
    I've heard good reports about Swim, Bike, Run in Windsor although they might be a bit too triathlon oriented if you're more of a roadie. TBH I'd probably make the trip to Epic. Take a picnic and make a day of it :D

    +1 on the trip to Epic - it's a long way granted, but they'll spend as long as you need to get sorted (phone first though). Free if you buy a bike from them, otherwise they charge £25/hour.
    Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos
  • mba007
    mba007 Posts: 95
    re: DNA
    HonestAl wrote:
    Bits and pieces they're fine supplying. The reception you get seems to be a bit dependent on who's behind the counter, but overall they're pretty helpful.

    +1. I go there as a first port of call despite not being a big spender.
  • Russell Smith
    Russell Smith Posts: 229
    Cyclezone in Earley (Reading SHop) is worth a pop to

    http://www.cyclezoneuk.com/

    They will order for you and also price match to..
  • Dunedin397
    Dunedin397 Posts: 149
    I can recommend Saddle Safari in Marlow. They're very much a Trek retailer and the guys are very knowledgeable.

    I'd also recommend Cycle Life in Windsor. They stock a lot of Willier and Raleigh as well as Marin.

    Stows in Slough and Windsor are also pretty good.

    Cheers,

    Dunedin
  • Lysander
    Lysander Posts: 349
    Bought my De Rosa King 3 from AW and they were fine. If you go in ask for Rikki he is very helpful.

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