Tuesday 11 March 2008

My top 3 bike shops in London


1. Bobbin Bicycles is my current favourte. They sell range of elegant Dutch bicycles, pictured above is the Bobbin Play bike, along with vintage style accessories. Based in Clerkenwell they operate on an appointment only basis so you can be sure you will have the undivided attention of either Sian or Tom, the company owners. The shopping experience is about as differnet as you can get from your 'Evans' style service, the focus being much more on how you feel on the bike than the technical details. The icing on the cake is the price, bikes range from £200-£260 around half the price of other Dutch bikes on the market.

2. Camden Cycles is a fantastic shop if you're looking for a bike to get you going and don't want to spend much money. They specilaise in re-conditioned second-hand bikes, prices starting at around £60. They also sell last years models of reliable brands like Ridgeback, Tiger and Claude Butler, prices range from £100-£200. For the nervous beginner they operate a 2 week return policy and a 1 year guarntee for repairs if anything goes wrong with the bike. Tony, the manager is friendly and enthusiastic and will go out of his way to find the right bike for you.

3. Velorution is by far the most stylish bike shop in London. Selling a wide range of high end bikes from your classic Pashleys and Bromptons to unique European bikes that you just dont see anywhere else in the UK. If you have some money to spend and are looking for a bike to impress Velorution is your shop. Even if the bikes are beyond your budget it's worth popping in to have a look, the shop is just off Oxford Street and really is a feast for the eyes. They also have a range of stylish accessories on sale.

Let me know other Bike shops you like...

5 comments:

Dave said...

http://www.theoldbicycle.co.uk/

they stock the lovely looking velorbis bikes.

Caz said...

Thanks dave, the Velorbis is lovely indeed. Where are they based or do they just sell online?

Dave said...

Says please make an appointment via email or telephone, if you wish to visit us - Near Great Dunmow, Essex

I'll find out when I get to collect my new velorbis!

nick said...

I concur with Bobbin. As you know, I just bought a Bobbin Classic and I really love it. Sian was absolutely delightful to deal with and even endured an after-sale phone conversation over lunch about what case/basket would be best on the rear rack.

I had the bike shipped to Manchester as well, so no problems if you're not in London. Camden Cycles sounds interesting... might have to visit next time I'm in London.

Unknown said...

A new bike shop has opened in Herne Hill That's pretty cool. It's called Bon Velo. You can visit the website here: www.bonvelo.co.uk