London Bike Shops

Lordmooch
Lordmooch Posts: 23
edited April 2010 in Road buying advice
Hi Guys,

Bit of a n00b to the world of cycling :oops: and am looking for an indie bikeshop in the london area (don't mind where I'm willing to travel for the right shop) that offers good service and are gonna help me to get the right gear for me.

all suggestions much appreciated

Comments

  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,573
    One of either Condor, on Grays Inn Road, Mosquito, on Essex Road in Islington, or, if you're prepared to travel out of the centre, Sigma Sport in Hampton Wick (just across the river from Kingston).
  • Radioactiveman
    Radioactiveman Posts: 964
    What is an indie bike shop? Do they play crap music or something? Seriously though what is one ?
    £1.25 for sign up http://www.quidco.com/user/491172/42301

    Cashback on wiggle,CRC,evans follow the link
    http://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/MTBkarl
  • Lordmooch
    Lordmooch Posts: 23
    Radioactiveman wrote:
    What is an indie bike shop? Do they play crap music or something? Seriously though what is one ?

    I meant it as an independant bike shop as opposed to a chain (like halfords), maybe I'm using the wrong terminology? :?
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,573
    I knew what you meant.
  • Radioactiveman
    Radioactiveman Posts: 964
    I didnt :) learn a new bit of net speak everyday
    £1.25 for sign up http://www.quidco.com/user/491172/42301

    Cashback on wiggle,CRC,evans follow the link
    http://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/MTBkarl
  • Lillywhite
    Lillywhite Posts: 742
    Geoffrey Butler in Croydon.
  • weapons
    weapons Posts: 367
    Pearson cycles (Sutton) for road.

    Brixton cycles too.
  • tigerben
    tigerben Posts: 233
    +1 for condor.

    Have only bought bits & bobs there. but they have a good range of bikes and appear very helpful (based only on watching their salespeople at work) and they do let people take bikes for a spin. They can get very busy tho.
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    +1 for Sigma Sport.

    There's also Holdsworth Cycles on the Lower Richmond Road and Prologue in Sheen.
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • antikythera
    antikythera Posts: 326
    tigerben wrote:
    +1 for condor.
    Have only bought bits & bobs there. but they have a good range of bikes and appear very helpful (based only on watching their salespeople at work) and they do let people take bikes for a spin. They can get very busy tho.
    That would make you a very unique individual... :shock: I and quite a few folks I've spoken to haven't been able to share your experience, in fact quite the opposite. Most, if not all avoid Condor like the plague.

    On a positive note... +1 for Sigma Sport
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,573
    I've never had any problems in Condor and have always found the staff very helpful. It is best to avoid going during the lunchtime rush as it can get very busy.
  • mroli
    mroli Posts: 3,622
    I've never had any problems at Condor. I would also say Prologue too. Also Putney Cycles have been helpful everytime I've been in there. If you're in that part of the woods.
    http://www.georgesfoundation.org
    http://100hillsforgeorge.blogspot.com/
    http://www.12on12in12.blogspot.co.uk/
  • nicensleazy
    nicensleazy Posts: 2,310
    Lillywhite wrote:
    Geoffrey Butler in Croydon.


    +1 ...best around !
  • Lordmooch
    Lordmooch Posts: 23
    Awesome work chaps, thanks for all the suggestions, will check some out at the weekend and let you know how I get on. :D
  • tigerben
    tigerben Posts: 233
    As I said - I have only watched the sales people at work... they seemed helfpul / knowledgable.. but as I was only eaves dropping cannot vouch for the whole process. I have only ever bought clothing / saddles/ brake pads there and have always found it a good experience - good range/choice.

    The only other london shop i have been to is cyclefit and i would not recomend them for the OP as they are far too snobbish for a first timer.
  • chipperleenie
    chipperleenie Posts: 217
    I have found Condor staff very knowledgable - but most of their prices pretty steep. The only place that sells Assos mitts at higher than the RRP when I looked at them. But guess you are paying London prices!
  • racingcondor
    racingcondor Posts: 1,434
    +3 for Condor from me (just bought my 3rd bike from them) They were really helpful when I bought my first road bike (to the point of keeping the shop open an extra 1/2 hour to complete my fitting and patiently answering stupid questions as well as the good ones...) so as I've improved I've made sure to go back for things I can't buy 1/3rd cheaper online.

    They are victims of their own success though so if you arrive at a busy time it can be frustrating. The refubished store has been a huge improvement.

    I've also heard very good things about Mosquito bikes and Geoffrey Butler.

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