Bikes

We don't want to sell you a bike over the net. We want you to come in and checkout a few models, so that we can make sure you have the right size, and that the bicycle will do what you need it to do. We've chosen a few examples of our favourite things, to whet your appetite. We've made some notes about what you should be looking for in a new bicycle.

Test rides

We don't just recommend a testride before you buy, we insist on it. It's only when you ride the bike that you can make decisions about the size and the setup. You'll have to leave us a deposit or security, then you can take any models you're interested in out for a spin. Make sure you have enough time to ride a selection of bikes. We can also try different saddles, stem lengths etc. to ensure the bike fits you really well.

One year's free servicing

All our new bikes come with one years' free servicing. This includes all labour for the first year, whether it's routine maintenance, repairs, or fitting accessories you've bought from us. It doesn't include any parts or accessories, these have to be paid for separately. You must book your bike in through the normal workshop system – see the workshop page for details. The year starts as soon as you have bought the bike, so includes setting it up so that it fits you properly, and making any specification changes you require.

Payment

We accept most credit and debit cards (except American Express and Diners card), cheques with a cheque guarantee card, and of course cash in pounds sterling and now Brixton pounds! We can also arrange to have your payment spread over up to 4 months – ring for details on how this works.

 

see Bikes: Surly, BMX, Mountain, Racing, Kids, Single-speed and Commuter

 

 

On Buying Second Hand

Second hand.com and wibbelew.nicked.
A few kind words and a note of caution

 

“New bikes are expensive!”
“You could buy a car for that!”

 

A guy walks into a bike shop and asks if they buy bikes.
What would you say if it was you behind the counter?

The guy might be in a Paul Smith suit and appear to be super straight, but in fact be bad to the bone, house breaker extraordinaire. The guy might be sporting a tin of Super T in a brown paper bag but be totally legit.

 

It’s the moral maze without that mad woman, Clair Fox!
We’re lazy (karma aware) and steer well clear of the used bike scene. Darwin forbid the actual owner, from whom a bicycle was originally purloined, shows up in our shop and brings the law upon our heads! Once, the police weren’t motivated to deal with the epidemic of bike theft. The Misuse of Drugs Act circa 1971 actively encourages it. However, the new police squad dedicated to combating bike theft might be turning the heat up on the crims now.

 

There are various shops that deal in used bikes and Sunday “markets” that are choc a block with them. Car boot sales are a favourite, as well. If you are a total w****r then off you pop to the Sunday morning stolen bike market. Shame on you; I hope the rightful owner spots you at the lights and knocks the cr*p out of you.

 

Most bikes are stolen from the home. That’s right; if you buy you might as well have kicked a door in yourself. I’ve had a break in myself. Nothing beats trying to clear broken glass from your toddler’s books and toys. Don’t do it. You’re sponsoring a junkie break in.

Internet auction sites are also a minefield. If not being flogged a pig in a poke you’re possibly buying very hot bikes. If we had a pound for every time someone wheeled in a bayofpigs rip off through our doors, we could all retire to the South of France.

 

Whether you buy online or from a person, it’s easy to get ripped off. Often, people buy a second hand bike, find out it will be more expensive to fix it, than to just buy another, and so flog it again. The most tragicomic stories are those concerning individuals who have purchased a bike second-hand for more than it would have cost new.

What’s the answer? In some countries, a shop only buys with production of I.D. then has to wait 10 days while the cops check it out. Why we can’t do that here I don’t know. There are shops that take it seriously. They check I.D., do what they can to verify the legitimacy of the bike, service before sale and then pay the taxes on it. This obviously puts the price up, but what price a clear conscience?

 

Sometimes, I feel it’s the people who can afford new that are buying used/stolen bikes and the ones that really struggle to afford new are the ones that appreciate quality new and guaranteed bikes. The rich are often boasting about great deals they’ve had. The poor meanwhile save for they’re dream new machine.

If you’re going to research a used bike here are some tips:

People selling legit used bikes will be ok for you to collect from their home. They won’t mind providing you with a frame number. Leave the money and test ride (maybe to us so we can check it out for you).

 

If they’re selling a newish machine that with a retail price of £700 for £50 then it’s nicked. Check the underside of the top and down tube for ripples in the finish. This indicates a serious crash. Have a very good look at the forks-are they bent or scratched? Is the steering column loose? These can also be signs that the bike has been crashed and is therefore unsafe. Sharp dents in the frame might be the scars left when the bike was used to prise open a d-lock. These indicate that the bike is stolen and probably unsafe as well. Are the wheels straight in the dropouts, or do they rub on the frame? If not, the rear triangle may be twisted. Is the chain very slack? If so, add £20 to the cost. Are the teeth on the rear cassette and from chain rings worn or completely broken off? Add at least £88. Are the brake shoes missing or worn away? Add £32. Are the cables rusty or unmovable? Add £48. Are the wheels bent? Add £12 per wheel. Are the tyres flat or cracking? Add £58. If, after all these calculations, the bike costs more than a new one don’t buy it.

 

Before you buy the bike, stand over the top tube (don’t sit on the saddle). Put one hand under the saddle and one hand on the stem. Pick up the bicycle. Do you have at least an inch between your tender bits and the top tube? It’s an inch that you’ll appreciate should you have a crash.

 

If I were to buy a used car I’d take a car anorak with me. Do the same with bicycles, after all they can cost more!!!
A lot of people tell us they don’t need a good bike as their ONLY using it to get to work and back. WAKE UP! A commuter does more miles per annum than a tri-athlete and relies on their bike just as much as a cycle courier. WAKE UP! If you want to save £1000’s a year by cycling then for Pete’s sake spend more than £50.

Oh, by the by. Did we mention we sell bikes from as little as £350 that have a lifetime warranty on the frame and fork? Did we mention that we’ll make sure it’s the correct size and swap out any parts you don’t like for ones you do? Ohh. And did we mention the years free labour attached? And...we don’t sell stolen bikes.