Recommend me a LBS in London...

JackCB

Preferably SW.

I've been looking around for a new bike and I'd really like to buy somewhere where they'll give me a decent fitting, as well as a reasonable price. Everywhere I've found that looks like they'll have half decent service charges full RRP. I've considered going to Epic, but it's quite a way.

(forgot the 'please' )

Chip \'oyler

Soth West London

Try Sigma in Kingston.

BTW - why would you expect a shop that you've never visited before and expect great service from, not charge you full RRP?

owenlars

I agree why would you expect discount from someone you have not yet done business with.

Great service, of course, should be a given and if you want that I agree with Sigma, but also try Pearsons in Sutton.

JackCB

Bike shops rarely do charge full RRP, do they? Taking a fairly random example: Felt F4sl 2009 from SBR (admittedly this is the online price - might not be the same in shop) costs from £1,615.00 as opposed to from £1,900.00 RRP.

As I understand it, the RRP - recommended retail price - is the price that the manufacturer suggests the product should sell at, but most shops will offer a price slightly lower than that.

I'm not being crazy here am I?

Anyway, thanks for your suggestions. I would be willing to go further afield than SW London, if there are other good options.


EDIT: A further example, from Sigma: Cervelo RS 'Price: £1,349.00 (RRP £1,565.95)'

I wasn't asking for shops willing to slash their own prices, just places where the bikes were sold at competitive prices to start with. The reason I asked is that my friend had recommended Prologue to me (in terms of service, etc.) but it seems to me you pay more for the same bike there than you do elsewhere.

bikerZA

Try Evans. They've got shops all over London.

wjws

Depends what you are after - high end road bike - Sigma or Prologue.

Mid range road bike / hybrid commuter - I would personally go to Stratton's in Wandsworth (East Hill) - they do not have the biggest range but they will get something that fits (if they don't have it they will order it in), take pride in what they do and will sort out all issues.

They also make a big fuss over my Spaniel every time I go in with doggie biscuits at the ready....

JackCB

bikerZA wrote:

Try Evans. They've got shops all over London.

Certainly attractive from a price point of view. But will they fit/set up my bike properly? I've heard horror stories, but are they the exception or the rule?

Incidentally, I'm looking to buy a upper end road bike.

andyp

You might get a discount on a 2008 frame at some bike shops if you're lucky but I don't think you should expect it. In my experience an LBS will give a discount once you become a regular customer, i.e. they reward loyalty. I think that's reasonable.

Chip \'oyler

If you're after a high end bike then go to Sigma.

Aggieboy

JackCB wrote:

bikerZA wrote:

Try Evans. They've got shops all over London.

Certainly attractive from a price point of view. But will they fit/set up my bike properly? I've heard horror stories, but are they the exception or the rule?

Incidentally, I'm looking to buy a upper end road bike.

Depending on where you are:-

GB cycles, Croydon or Luciano cycles,Clapham. Speak to the owner Dudley if he's there, nice bloke and knows his stuff.http://www.lucianocycles.co.uk/