While online retailers continue to grow share of the cycling market and big chains go from strength to strength, many cyclists know of a local, independent bike shop that provides a service or experience you can’t find elsewhere – and BikeBiz wants your help in finding them.
Each year, the trade journal throws open nominations to find the best independent bike dealers in the UK, and publishes a list of the top 20 – here’s the 2014 version.
And it’s not just a case of back-slapping, either – we know that when we publish stories of local bike shops closing, their passing is mourned in the comments by former customers, so recognising those that get it right hopefully helps them keep thriving.
BikeBiz says:
Celebrating the best examples of bike retailing, we're seeking independent bike shops that offer service above and beyond the call of duty, whether that's supporting local cyclists or clubs, pioneering a new market in the cycle world, reaching out to non-cyclists or the local community or just providing an excellent shopping experience for consumers after bicycles and accessories.
We've already been independently consulting with distributors and brands to get their take on the topic, but we're also throwing the net open to anyone who has, or knows of, a great independent bike shop that they think should be included. Email us here with your suggestions.
It adds that the Top 20 list will feature in the April edition of the print magazine, and will be posted online the same month.
17 thoughts on “Search starts for UK’s best independent bike dealers”
+1 for J.E. James from the
+1 for J.E. James from the 2014 list.
My dad claims he was the first customer of their store in Sheffield way back in the stone age (he bought a spare inner if i remember the yarn correctly and the owner {JE James presumably!} gave him a lifetime discount).
I remember as a nipper going with him each year or so to get the next bike to grow into.
Later as a teenager I got the parts to build my first “5-speed racer” from them, whilst all my peers were messing about on those new-fangled BMX thingies (Raleigh Burners mainly, the posh kids had DiamondBacks).
Having long since moved away from the area, its no longer my local bike shop but I am glad it is still there, still family owned and still going strong!
I would like to nominate
I would like to nominate Venture Cycles in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.
The shop has been open for less than a year but already has a large customer base due to the quality of service. Its run by a young lad who is on his own but offers great advice on all things cycling whether thats road or off road.
As he works on his own all the repairs are done after the shop closes and he’s never usually away home till gone 8pm each night so that the bikes are ready for the next day or unless its urgent and he will do them on the shop floor whilst you wait.
He is always courteous and if he doesn’t have something in the shop he will get it ordered that day for you to collect.
Its what a shop should be run like imho.
I know they’re associated
I know they’re associated more with expensive bikes, triathlons and teams, but I’ve never had a bad experience with Sigma Sport in Hampton Wick. Always friendly and helpful, and they have even fitted and fixed stuff for me for nowt after I just walked in off the street (mind you I do spend a fair bit with them anyway). Strictly roadie though.
A second here for Sigma. Been
A second here for Sigma. Been a customer a long time and just brought my new bike from them, excellent service and advice. You can’t ask for more. The finished product is exactly what I wanted and the whole experience was really professional.
Veloton in Tetbury, who are
Veloton in Tetbury, who are doing a stirling job of creating a quality bike shop cum cafe in a sleepy market town… and…
Cadence in Bath, for providing a level of service and advice that a number of other unnamed LBS’ in the vicinity seem to struggle with.
I would like to nominate Le
I would like to nominate Le Peloton Cycles in Enfield, North London.
I went in there with no knowledge of road bikes about 18 months ago; the owner, Paul, spent a lot of time with me and gave me huge amounts of advice. The shop offers a small but high quality range of bikes and clothing. Also, following an incident with a car in December, the mechanic, Jim, helped me sort out new parts and fixed up my bike so it was just like new.
Le Peloton is my favourite place to drop in to get a coffee and have a proper bike chat.
Cheers,
P
Evernden Cycles in Kent is my
Evernden Cycles in Kent is my nomination. Only just found them but will probably become my primary LBS.
Absolutely cracking service, really friendly and helpful.
The Bike Company in Windsor
The Bike Company in Windsor is great. They take time to get to know their customers well, listen to them and make good recommendations regarding components. Service/ repairs well done and good value. They also act as a focus for a number of local cycling and tri clubs. Even offer you a cup of coffee if you look shot at the end of a ride.
I have to nominate my LBS in
I have to nominate my LBS in Gloucester, Eastgate Cycles. I popped in the other week in need of a replacement headset. It was looked at, but in such disrepair that bearings and the broken rusty race fell all over the floor. As no suitable replacement was in stock they removed the headset from a new bike for sale and fitted it to mine, just to get me back on my way there and then. They had checked with Scott and ordered a replacement beforehand I should add!
=D>
That and the oh so popular Wednesday night social rides they organise, for free, every week. Top shop, top guys.
Brixton Cycles – I’m a long
Brixton Cycles – I’m a long time customer and it’s a great shop for buying bikes, bits, advice, servicing and so on. The shop handles roadbikes, MTBs, BMXs and even strider bikes for the very young, as well as skateboards. Customers get a friendly reception and the servicing and help for regulars (as well as newbies) is particularly good.
Wheelcraft, glasgow.
Don’t
Wheelcraft, glasgow.
Don’t stock bikes, but great workshop, world class wheels and a massive parts ‘inventory’
I would like to nominate
I would like to nominate Sutton Runner in Boldmere Sutton Coldfield.
They started out as a pure shop for athletes but have stocked bikes for the past 2/3 years and brought all my Focus bikes off them.
Also with Alan and Paul they have two excellent mechanics who charge reasonable prices and sometimes none at all for their services. Go to their bike repair shop now and see loads of bikes ready to be maintained and sent onto very satisfied customers.
Alan for example is now Campag EPS certified which is fairly unique in this country.
Did have a nomination….
Did have a nomination…. However I called into the shop today for a headset, however with a bit of success they seem to have come over all ‘we sell penis-erellos’ and up their own arses- you only want a headset attitude. Such a shame, they started so well.
Pedalsport, Halifax.
Very
Pedalsport, Halifax.
Very helpfull, will only sell you what you want.
Eddie McGrath Cycles,
Eddie McGrath Cycles, Urmston,
Your typical old school bike shop since 1931, nothing is to much trouble for Martin and Phil they look after local club riders to first time bike riders, first class repairs at a very reasonable price and even known to open on a Sunday.
I would like nominate Ride
I would like nominate Ride 24/7 in Cirencester Gloucestershire. I have been a customer for a number of years now and have always been impressed with their relaxed yet knowledgeable approach to my cycling needs. Lots of enthusiasm and support. So much so that I joined their cycling club! A great bunch of people. Highly recommended as you always get a great deal on bikes and kit. Top notch stuff too.
Flag Bikes, Battersea. They
Flag Bikes, Battersea. They opened last year and are a real asset to the area, great service, enthusiastic staff. I bought my “best” bike from them recently and go out on their shop rides most weekends…
Also in Battersea, The London Cycle Workshop has to get a mention. Same day servicing, always have obscure parts in stock. The majority of easy repairs are done while you wait, often free of charge. Again the staff are friendly and have a wealth of knowledge. They don’t sell bikes, but for everything else, they are top notch.
I’m spoilt where I live…