Favourite bike shops...

Bluefoam

We all have different needs & bike shops have different specialities... So what are your favourite shops for different stuff? No one is wrong... Add categories if you need:

Leisure Bikes: Dublin Loves Bikes
Commuter Bikes:
Road Bikes: Holingsworth
Mountain Bikes: The Bike Rack
Touring & Gravel:
Gear/Cloths/Accessories:
Parts:
Service:
Mad Owner:

LollipopJimmy

Bluefoam wrote: »

We all have different needs & bike shops have different specialities... So what are your favourite shops for different stuff? No one is wrong... Add categories if you need:

Leisure Bikes: Dublin Loves Bikes
Commuter Bikes:
Road Bikes: Holingsworth
Mountain Bikes: The Bike Rack
Touring & Gravel:
Gear/Cloths/Accessories:
Parts:
Service:
Mad Owner:

Mad Owner: Shaka (Gabriel)

Lads a looper(the good kind), gets me anything I need and always nice. Joins me and other customers on rides too

Borderfox

Leisure Bikes:
Commuter Bikes:
Road Bikes: Humphries
Mountain Bikes:
Touring & Gravel:
Gear/Cloths/Accessories: 360 cycles
Parts:
Service:
Mad Owner:

ED E

Best mechanic: Gizmo the cat @ DLB

CramCycle

Leisure Bikes: Think Bike / CSS
Commuter Bikes: Fitzcycles
Road Bikes: Fitzcycles
Mountain Bikes: The Bike Rack / miss the bike inn
Touring & Gravel: Fitzcycles
Gear/Cloths/Accessories: Fitzcycles
Parts: Eurocycles
Service: Happy with all above
Mad Owner: He wasn't mad but Freeman's sold me a bike with two new tyres and a decent lock for 90pound once. I can't imagine he made much profit of me but she was a beauty.

I presume this is one of those threads where we don't pass comment on shops we don't like, because if it's not, I have a list.....

Luxman

Billy in Richies is cool, bit mad but cool. Had a inconsequential issue with Di2 and he wouldn't let it go, had to fix it, he even learnt something from me!

Tombo2001

Just a tip

For a given bike - say Trek or Giant - the website will have a list price. You can buy it online from Trek at the price.

Say €599.

Its interesting to phone around the shops then and see how much they are charging for same bike - some will charge the €599; some will charge €625; some will charge €650.

There is a message in that for me.....

LollipopJimmy

Actually, anybody know where Cliff is these days (formerly of everywhere?)

Macy0161

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

Actually, anybody know where Cliff is these days (formerly of everywhere?)

Harry's Bikes. The son seems to running upstairs/ sales, while Cliff does the mechanics.

I've never shopped around, but I was happy with (young) Jamie and the old Harry's crew, equally happy with the new gang! Enough I've never felt the need to shop around, and it's very convenient to work. So basically laziest cyclist - me.

godtabh

Leisure Bikes: -
Commuter Bikes: -
Road Bikes: The Bike Rack
Mountain Bikes: -
Touring & Gravel:-
Gear/Cloths/Accessories: The Bike Rack
Parts: The Bike Rack
Service: The Bike Rack
Mad Owner:

my LBS is The Bike Rack. I've bought my last bike there, last power meter, last service, last bottle cages etc etc. Always go there.

In the last week I've bought a set of Mavic Kyrsium Discs off him, had a free hub replaced and possible looking for a new garmin. Some times the LBS is best.

Wishbone Ash

Luxman wrote: »

Billy in Richies is cool, bit mad but cool.....!

Do you realise that his first tool of choice is usually a hammer. He claims it sorts out lots of problems!

C3PO

Service (especially MTBs) - Expert Cycles

letape

Wayne (mechanic) in cycle plus in Greystones is great. Really good mechanic and always very accommodating. Nothing is ever a problem for him.

Miklos

CramCycle wrote: »

Mad Owner: He wasn't mad but Freeman's sold me a bike with two new tyres and a decent lock for 90pound once. I can't imagine he made much profit of me but she was a beauty.

I used to live across the road from his shop.. definitely mad!

AndrewJRenko

Joe Dalys have looked after me well for the last five years or so. I had poor service from them way back, when they had some hipster looking after maintenance. Two weeks plus for a set of brake pads.

But I bought my current bike there, and they've maintained it well for me. The late opening on Thursdays is a boon. They can usually get it back to me on Saturday. I get the feeling that they've lost money on a few jobs, and charged me for less work that was actually involved. They seem to have more female staff these days, which is nice to see.

I'll almost certainly be going back to them for my next bike.

Eamonnator

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Do you realise that his first tool of choice is usually a hammer. He claims it sorts out lots of problems!

Many years ago, There was a Mountainbike mechanic, who subsequently opened a bike shop. It was said of him, that the only 2 tools he needed were a hammer and a big hammer.

paddydriver

Unfortunately looks like Fitzcycles has closed down. The road works outside for last few months obviously didn't help. Liked going in there for a browse and some bike porn when I was early to collect the kids from school next door.. only ever bought the odd bit so cannot say I was a big supporter, but all the same sad to see a long standing cycle shop like it disappear.

terrydel

Find staggs great, a proper old school bike shop.

Bluefoam

paddydriver wrote: »

Unfortunately looks like Fitzcycles has closed down. The road works outside for last few months obviously didn't help. Liked going in there for a browse and some bike porn when I was early to collect the kids from school next door.. only ever bought the odd bit so cannot say I was a big supporter, but all the same sad to see a long standing cycle shop like it disappear.

They are doing a bit of a refurb. I was in there last week... Jim sure they'll be back open.

Bluefoam

paddydriver wrote: »

Unfortunately looks like Fitzcycles has closed down. The road works outside for last few months obviously didn't help. Liked going in there for a browse and some bike porn when I was early to collect the kids from school next door.. only ever bought the odd bit so cannot say I was a big supporter, but all the same sad to see a long standing cycle shop like it disappear.

They are doing a bit of a refurb. I was in there last week... I'm sure they'll be back open.

paddydriver

Bluefoam wrote: »

They are doing a bit of a refurb. I was in there last week... Jim sure they'll be back open.

"To Let" sign on the shop this weekend.. doesn't look promising.

godtabh

Pity

http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mediamaster-s3eu/8/9/8920d2242fa9e8a1c49466d46a996368.pdf

I thought Fitz Cyles was doing ok? Didnt they put a lot of money into UCD for this year as well?

Bought my first adult bike there.

secman

godtabh wrote: »

Pity

http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mediamaster-s3eu/8/9/8920d2242fa9e8a1c49466d46a996368.pdf

I thought Fitz Cyles was doing ok? Didnt they put a lot of money into UCD for this year as well?

Bought my first adult bike there.

Rates 8k a year, can only imagine what the rent would be for there !

godtabh

secman wrote: »

Rates 8k a year, can only imagine what the rent would be for there !

€60k per year


https://www.property.ie/commercial-property/Old-Church-Lower-Kilmacud-Road-Stillorgan-Co-Dublin/829670/

magicbastarder

I assume one figure is council rates, the other is rent.

Seth Brundle

terrydel wrote: »

Find staggs great, a proper old school bike shop.

+1 on them. Knowledgeable and helpful.

secman

Seth Brundle wrote: »

+1 on them. Knowledgeable and helpful.

Jimmy sound as a pound

Mad Benny

godtabh wrote: »

Pity

http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mediamaster-s3eu/8/9/8920d2242fa9e8a1c49466d46a996368.pdf

I thought Fitz Cyles was doing ok? Didnt they put a lot of money into UCD for this year as well?

Bought my first adult bike there.

Just been to the shop and a note pinned to the door states they are looking for a new premises. Very sad. My favourite bike shop. I live on the North side and travel over there as the service was so good.

They should open a shop North side!

LollipopJimmy

Mad Benny wrote: »

Just been to the shop and a note pinned to the door states they are looking for a new premises. Very sad. My favourite bike shop. I live on the North side and travel over there as the service was so good.

They should open a shop North side!

I found the mechanics in 360 really good. Well, Tomas to be specific, he serviced my Scott last year and the attention to detail was to be admired and not pushing me to spend more

CramCycle

Mad Benny wrote: »

Just been to the shop and a note pinned to the door states they are looking for a new premises. Very sad. My favourite bike shop. I live on the North side and travel over there as the service was so good.

They should open a shop North side!

Always fond of them, planned to buy my next bike there in January.

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

I found the mechanics in 360 really good. Well, Tomas to be specific, he serviced my Scott last year and the attention to detail was to be admired and not pushing me to spend more

A colleague uses them and is mightily impressed with them.

CormacH94

Cycle Power in Crumlin gets my vote, always bring my bikes to Larry, he's an absolute gent - turnaround times can be a bit iffy but there's only himself and another lad working in there atm - last time I was chatting to him he was planning on moving to a bigger premises just up the road.

Great little LBS!

Haven't tried many others apart from
CSS, can be a bit hit and miss I find, head in at a quiet time and the service is excellent, if it's busy you can be easily ignored, although in saying this, it's probably a case with most shops

Rothar - Went in for a puncture repair (before I copped on and learned how to do it myself!) quick and easy, nice little shop

54and56

Mad Benny wrote: »

Just been to the shop and a note pinned to the door states they are looking for a new premises. Very sad. My favourite bike shop. I live on the North side and travel over there as the service was so good.

They should open a shop North side!

Have used Fitzcycles since they opened and was always happy with their sales and service. Bought 6 bikes from them there over the years (2 for me + four family bikes) and was talking to them a couple of weeks ago before they closed when the official line was NAMA wanted a huge rent increase they couldn't afford so were left with no choice but to up sticks and find a new location.

The veg shop next door is also "for rent" but the shop must have a longer or more established lease as they are not affected.

Although Fitzcycles were literally in the process of re-furbishing the shop (just re-organising display layout etc, nothing too heavy) and thus it felt genuine that this came as a surprise to them I found it hard to believe that any owner, particularly a politically sensitive owner such as NAMA would be so firm on their rent demand and give them such little time to move out. I get that NAMA has to try and secure the best market rent they can on behalf of the taxpayer etc but I don't get that they are prepared to put taxpaying jobs at risk to do so and wouldn't have granted them an extra 6 months to get a new premises sourced and a smooth transition of the business facilitated.

My concerns/suspicions/paranoia that the root problem of them closing down wasn't NAMA and that the situation isn't as stated on the note on the door (that they are looking for a new premises and to be back open elsewhere ASAP) has only been heightened by the fact that they no longer seem to have a Facebook page and their website https://www.fitzcycles.ie has been taken down.

If I owned the business and found myself suddenly facing relocation and having to find a new premises I'd be reaching out to my customer base to reassure them we'll be back up and running ASAP and to ask them for suggestions if they know of premises which might be suitable. I'd also do whatever it took to find some sort of pop up location just to keep some visibility and the brand alive and I'd do the same for servicing i.e. just get some space somewhere in the locality (Sandyford industrial estate is close by) where customers could continue to have their bikes services etc.

Customer loyalty is a very perishable asset. It doesn't take a lot to keep it ticking over in times of adversity but to disappear overnight and take down your Facebook page and website at the same time whilst leaving a note on your old premises door saying you are searching for new premises just doesn't add up.

I hope I'm wrong but if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck........

Tenzor07

C3PO wrote: »

Service (especially MTBs) - Expert Cycles

second Expert Cycles Rathfarnham..

Not sure where else I would go for MTB suspension servicing, Wheel building, Cyclocross stuff etc.

Bluefoam

New favorite bike shop...

Bee Cycles in Dolphins Barn. Sound guy, professional & good for a bit of banter... I went there because I was told he is handy with hub geared bikes, (I might have made a balls of doing some stuff myself). Fair play to him.

54and56

bedlam wrote: »

Fitzcycles have since shutdown for good, went into liquidation on the 24th May

I'm upset that this is the outcome but not surprised.

Trojan

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

Actually, anybody know where Cliff is these days (formerly of everywhere?)

+1

If I'm in the market for a new bike I'll text Cliff to find out where he is these days and go there. Over the years I've bought 8-9 bikes from him either myself or for a family member or friend. He's good people.

beauf

Fitzcycles I liked because they did Cuda bikes which were aluminum kids bikes which were good quality bikes and a half way house to the more expensive frog bikes. Bought a few there.

They also some brands that other shops weren't doing.

ridelikeaturtle

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

I found the mechanics in 360 really good. Well, Tomas to be specific, he serviced my Scott last year and the attention to detail was to be admired and not pushing me to spend more

I'll second 360Cycles (Clontarf), I was recently in there after a seatpost binder bolt which they ordered for me. It was nice to listen to one of the mechanics explaining & demonstrating to a customer how to use their pump with presta valves. They seemed busy, which is great to see.

RacoonQueen

Bluefoam wrote: »

New favorite bike shop...

Bee Cycles in Dolphins Barn. Sound guy, professional & good for a bit of banter... I went there because I was told he is handy with hub geared bikes, (I might have made a balls of doing some stuff myself). Fair play to him.

Don't think he visits these parts anymore but great to see him doing well in the bigger unit too.

Many bike shops closer to home for me, but Dara is the only one I'll leave my bike with. Good banter, good mechanic, good turnaround time, no messing - fixes up what needs to be fixed and runs it and cost by you before doing it unlike what I experienced with a bigger bike shop who gave me a serious bill shock when I turned up to pick up my bike after a service :rolleyes:

barrb

I am really shocked that fitzcycles is gone! They had really good customer base and excellent customer service. I wonder what happened?

CramCycle

Looks like the owners (possibly a NAMA owned one from back in the day) decided to f*ck over a successful local Business in search of insane rents. I seen what they were asking for on the paper. It's borderline criminal that NAMA can sell off property at cents on the euro and then screw over local businesses for what on their books will be nothing and being honest, will be unsustainable in the next downward part of the economic cycle.

ted1

CramCycle wrote: »

Looks like the owners (possibly a NAMA owned one from back in the day) decided to f*ck over a successful local Business in search of insane rents. I seen what they were asking for on the paper. It's borderline criminal that NAMA can sell off property at cents on the euro and then screw over local businesses for what on their books will be nothing and being honest, will be unsustainable in the next downward part of the economic cycle.

It’s criminal what they’ve done.
They had a fire sale and disposed of assets that laters sold for many times what they sold for.

The close down successful domestic SME.

They offloaded apartments in bulk rather than selling to individual family’s.

https://touch.daft.ie/dublin/commercial-property-for-rent/retail-units-for-rent/old-church-lower-kilmacud-road-stillorgan-dublin-829670

60k a year rent.
Say mark up on bike is 20%
Average bike 1000.

That’s one bike sale a day to cover rent alone. Before tax , wages, insurance , electricity, commercial rates etc.

Macy0161

Trojan wrote: »

+1

If I'm in the market for a new bike I'll text Cliff to find out where he is these days and go there. Over the years I've bought 8-9 bikes from him either myself or for a family member or friend. He's good people.

As per page 1 of this thread, he's in Harry's Bikes Clonskeagh.