Modern day Evans opinion

The test ride experience in Evans is pretty crappy compared to most decent independent bike shops. I've used. They made me leave a card, and put through a refundable transaction of a quid the only time I tried it. Its not the money I object to, more the crappy customer experience.

Every LBS I've used just let me hop on and ride. As others have said, any half way reasonable bike shop will order in whatever frame size you need, and may even be able to measure you up and work out precisely what size/geometry from the various brands will fit you best.

If you must finance the bike, surely other options such as opening a 0% credit card deal makes more sense?

Evans are good at selling you a bike. It's the follow up service, in my opinion, that is terrible. When I had problems with the last bike I bought from them they just weren't interested. On my actual last visit there was a queue of seven people at the counter, five of them were there either to get a problem sorted or to complain! So your initial cheaper price could cost you in the long run. Personally I will never set foot through their doors again.

Errrrr ... kind of depends on which Evans you go to, I've had enthusiatic service in some branches and ignorance/apathy in others. Go and have a chat to them. If you strike up a rapport with the staff its probably going to work out just fine. If, on the other hand, they suck, don't give them your money.

On the other hand, a comment that applies to all Evans stores: they will sell you what they stock. They won't have an off piste solution for any unique issues that you might have.

I wouldn't have thought there would be an issue with the LBS ordering a bike in for you. If they are worth their salt they will measure you up and then order the respective bike. If you don't like it they will keep it as they can sell it on. Evans and the likes hold large stock but only because that allows them to keep the price down. Problem is I've overheard some s***** advice been given by Evans staff. Few months back I was in having a nosey at the Hoy bikes and this staff member was trying to sell a sportive bike to some bloke who was just wanting to commute with the cycle to work scheme. No suggestions of guards panniers or anything like that. All depends on what you want the bike for.

As for the finance, why enter an agreement where you are going to pay another 10 % of the value of the bike. A small loan from the bank would have a lower APR.

If you are just buying a mass manufactured bike, Evans is as good a place as any, they give test runs, have mechanics and assist with warranty, so why not?

A bit like a modern car dealer.

Personally, for me, if the LBS don't do it, I just use the cheapest, Evans doesn't excite me.