The 'new breed' of bike shops

Jawgap

I was buying some bits and pieces recently and did the usual poking about online only to find that some of the shops in and around Dublin had the bits I was looking for at close to or even less than CRC, Wiggle and the usual suspects.

Anyway, in the end I bought what I needed from Fitz Cycles in Stillorgan - a little bit of a hike out from the city, but worth it financially. I'd also add that it's an absolute top shop - and the service was excellent. A good website too, probably one of the better ones for a shop in Dublin.

Other recent experiences with Cycleways, Bike Hub in Howth and Cyclebike (off Capel Street) have also been very positives and have included a great after sales service for herself's bike, replacing some defective clothing with a higher spec at no extra charge and 'refusing' to sell me a component that was not suitable before recommending another shop where I could get what I needed.

I know Cycleways has been around for a bit, but the other three are recent additions. Compared to my experiences with some of what might be considered to be established shops, these are a breath of fresh air. A cynic might suggest they are brilliant salespeople, but I think they are just enthusiastic about cycling and bikes and it shows.

Good luck to them.

PS - I have absolutely no affiliation with any of the shops mentioned.

el Bastardo

Jawgap wrote: »

I was buying some bits and pieces recently and did the usual poking about online only to find that some of the shops in and around Dublin had the bits I was looking for at close to or even less than CRC, Wiggle and the usual suspects.

Anyway, in the end I bought what I needed from Fitz Cycles in Stillorgan - a little bit of a hike out from the city, but worth it financially. I'd also add that it's an absolute top shop - and the service was excellent. A good website too, probably one of the better ones for a shop in Dublin.

Other recent experiences with Cycleways, Bike Hub in Howth and Cyclebike (off Capel Street) have also been very positives and have included a great after sales service for herself's bike, replacing some defective clothing with a higher spec at no extra charge and 'refusing' to sell me a component that was not suitable before recommending another shop where I could get what I needed.

I know Cycleways has been around for a bit, but the other three are recent additions. Compared to my experiences with some of what might be considered to be established shops, these are a breath of fresh air. A cynic might suggest they are brilliant salespeople, but I think they are just enthusiastic about cycling and bikes and it shows.

Good luck to them.

PS - I have absolutely no affiliation with any of the shops mentioned.

CRC and Wiggle are no longer that cheap though, particularly since it's in pounds rather than Euro.

smacl

Fair play to the local shops for being competitive with large web based players in the Irish retail sector; no mean feat. Interesting also seeing Fitzcycles bringing in different brands (BH & Stevens) that seem to have some good entry level offerings.

CRC and Wiggle aren't cheap on many items and haven't been for a long time. It's also worth remembering that the euro has slipped against sterling by ~14% in the last year, so buying anything from the UK that is not manufactured in the UK will be expensive.

(Edit: Beaten to it by El Bastardo!)

Mycroft H

I've bought a lot of stuff from RoseVersand recently, they're prices are very good.

ratracer

I had noticed that CSC are generally cheaper than wiggle or CRC for the last while now. As much as possible I prefer to use my LBS, and don't mind spending slightly more there if prices aren't too far off web prices.

As an idea for a thread, what is the charter policy for recommending shops? Although it would probably be hijacked, could people recommend their LBS if they feel it worthy? The reason I'm suggesting this is say for example one is cycling away from home and needs parts spares etc, it may be helpful to search on here for a good LBS with reliable service, price etc?

godtabh

I just bought a bike in fitz cycles after a recommendation from a work colleague. So far I'm the 3rd /4th person who has bought a bike there. Good service/price brings ,ore business in

CramCycle

My missus got a bike helmet there recently and tells me she was super impressed, not with the price because she has no idea what bike stuff costs, but with the service.

Commended them on being absolute gents and going through the different sizes and measuring her up.

Another LBS that I frequent that I have found good on price is ThinkBike in Rathmines, got a load of Cateye lights from them over the last few years and they have always been cheaper than CRC or wiggle at the time, got altura shorts at cheaper than online as well as arm warmers and leg warmers at better than online

brayblue24

I'll add Everest in Bray to this for first class service, advice and knowledge