Forum

Yeah, the red one looked nice. I think the BMC 29er looked good but 14.5kg carbon frame bike for £3200 I thought it is taking the mickey. I went to see the Lapierre frames as I have had my eyes on the new AM Zesty range.

CS Spitafield have pre-ordered Whyte T130 S in orange for me - with Hope conversion to 1x10 (T34 & 11-40). Not released to early August but I am looking at alternatives (LP 427 is one) just in case that one does not feel right. Geometry is way different to XC 29er I've been riding. Capra did not happen, I was not allowed to pay in Euros, had to buy in the UK.

I hated the 427 super efficient suspension but geo was wrong for me

I would like to think that people will continue to support their LBS whoever that may be. I know who I would rather get to service my bikes and who give me the best after sales

True, but the only independent shop here is Chelmer Cycles and they are pricey for new items. Have not tried them for servicing though. I work in Liv Street and Cycle Surgery is 300m away, practically my LBS as I can pop in at anytime during the week. Great guys and being hardcore MTB riders themselves they know what they are talking about. I have not bought anything there full price, they always look online to find me a discounted price to match. Priceless!!!

Not when I found out they ripped me off £60 to replace BB

CRC all the way for delivery speed
Evans for price match
Wheelies for price

Can't remember last time I went in to bike shop.

^^What he said^^
The old skool sort of bikeshops were the best! Last minute dash to find a brake cable or a tool you need! (Just sort me out when your passing kinda guys)! Sadly those shops all but have gone!, T mobile shop now or something! All seem super expensive with F all knowledge of what they are selling, couple of young boys working their because their parents told them to go out & find a job!

What you need is shops that just specialise in just one type of bike, plenty of roadie shops knocking about! Not enough MTB gear & know how! That's why we all take to the net!

Everyone is out for a good buy or bargain, I use the internet to find the bast price to spend my hard earned cash, if local shop beats prices then I'll shop their. Variety and choice is king and having more retailers is a good thing, just that Chelmsford shops seem to top 70 / 30 roadies to MTB scale though. Servicing wise get a good place and stick with em. Pedal-Worx is one such place, a fellow rider, and good mechanic.

It certainly won't be Evans..!!

I do ALL my own bike work as I don't trust my local shops, too many horror stories..

When i need parts I'm not really loyal to one shop, but online I find that I use Merlin, CRC, Wiggle, Ribbles the most

Free returns are a bonus as well..!!

I would quite happily shop in the high street if it weren't for the high prices and idiot untrained sales staff.!!

Rant over..

CRC & Merlin!

Evans do next day ship to store for delivery you can't get better than that and price match !!
Grips is my LBS but Matt knows he can't compete. They have made money from my enduro without being responsible for warranty or finance costs. I'm sure that's better for them