Best bicycle shop in Dublin

lil_kev · 24-02-2020 2:21pm #1

Hi All! I would like to open this thread to list my personal experience with bike shops in Dublin that I've had best experience to average experience. This would include cost, bike service and customer service.

The purpose of this is to learn where is your go-to bike shop in Dublin.

My list:

1) Bee Cycles

2) Think Bike/ Mr. Orange bikes

3) Penny Farthing Cycles

4) Hollingsworth Cycles Templeogue

5) Spokesman

Thanks

)

Seth Brundle · 24-02-2020 2:54pm

Stagg's in Lucan (www.staggcycles.com)
Bikeworx in Celbridge (www.bikeworx.ie)

Effects · 24-02-2020 3:03pm

One of those on your list did a terrible job replacing a spoke that popped on me.
The wheel collapsed after 150 metres.
When I went back to them they said it wasn't their fault, the wheel was too badly damaged.
Then they tried to sell me some POS unbranded wheel for a very steep price, on top of what they had already charged for a bad repair.
It wasn't 1,3,4,5.

It was the last straw for me, in terms of letting bike shops to any work on my bikes, and now I do most stuff myself.

lil_kev · 24-02-2020 3:05pm

Effects wrote: »

One of those on your list did a terrible job replacing a spoke that popped on me.
The wheel collapsed after 150 metres.
When I went back to them they said it wasn't their fault, the wheel was too badly damaged.
Then they tried to sell me some POS unbranded wheel for a very steep price, on top of what they had already charged for a bad repair.
It wasn't 1,3,4,5.

It was the last straw for me, in terms of letting bike shops to any work on my bikes, and now I do most stuff myself.

You are more than welcome to list if you had problem with some bike shop listed. Thanks

Captain Flaps · 24-02-2020 3:10pm

I've bought my last 2 bikes from Cyclesuperstore and have been very happy with every aspect of dealing with them

Wishbone Ash · 24-02-2020 3:11pm

It a kinda pointless thread as everyone has different experiences of the same bike shop. With regular staff changes in bike shops, poor shops improve and good shops decline. Some shops with excellent service have a very poor stock range and so on.

(BTW - my 2 favorite shops aren't on your list nor is my least favorite.

Effects wrote: »

It wasn't 1,3,4,5. ....

LOL

Weepsie · 24-02-2020 3:19pm

Humphries for me. Always do good work, never felt ripped off, and the bikes on show are always gorgeous.

That plus I walked in last summer and they asked would I mind waiting about 15 mins, they were watching the end of the giro.

Live and breathe cycling so they do and it tells.

Got some decent deals on clothes in another local shop, and nothing but terrible service is another but it has a great location so does decently

mlem123 · 24-02-2020 3:33pm

I'm a low-spec commuter cyclist, so I'll probably be told I'm wrong buttttt I was really happy with all my interactions with Stillorgan Cycles.

I was looking to not pay too much for a second hand bike and wanted to trade in my old banger of a bike! I found a few shops not willing to trade (even without them knowing how bad it's condition was lol). He offered me €20 off the cost of a second hand one (which was very fair - we were also happy to get it out of the shed without having to pay to dump it) as well as putting the basket on the new(er) bike.

I payed about €100 for it but this "second hand" one I got, and it was perfect, looked more like someone got it as a gift or tax saver and then left it in a shed or garage for a couple of years!

Macy0161 · 24-02-2020 3:34pm

Harry's Bikes for me. Cliff has my total trust on all things mechanical!

cletus · 24-02-2020 4:36pm

Maybe not the right post for this, but for those of you who drop their bike for a 6 month or yearly service, what would you expect to have done for that?

I know what to expect with a car service (although I do that myself)

monkeyslayer · 24-02-2020 4:45pm

Lots of goods one about, usually find cyclesuperstore is my go to these days as there is rarely the 'we're still waiting on the part time come in' that a lot of smaller shops end up stating days after they said they'd have the job done. The grumpy teenagers working the tills is kinda hilarious tho... but have used penny-farthing and wolffe cycles in sundrive a lot in the last two years and have done really solid reliable jobs.

Just to note to never go to Bolton cycles, the job the man did on my hack recently was shoddy, dangerous and he ripped me off pure and simple.

McGrath5 · 24-02-2020 4:48pm

Joe Daly in Dundrum are a nice bunch, they were closing up one evening and changed a tube for me when I had a puncture. They wouldn't take any money for it since they had cashed up, but I rang them up the next day to pay anyway. Would definitely go back.

GG21057 · 24-02-2020 4:51pm

Bikeworx in Celbridge is top notch.

LollipopJimmy · 24-02-2020 4:56pm

Like WA has alluded to, everybody has their own preference, I do most of my own work but when I can't due to time or not being arsed I use Shaka on Amiens St. or 360Cycles.

I had a terrible experience with CSS - they made an error of some sort when I used their click and collect service and refunded my card after I left with the goods, I got a call basically accusing me of shoplifting but others have a brilliant experience. I'm sure people have had a bad experience in the shops I go to

Effects · 24-02-2020 6:14pm

Maybe we need a poll with every bike shop in the country and people can vote on them.

I've had some good any bad experiences in the same stores to be honest.
If I get bad service I generally won't be back.

I've only used Bee Cycles when I needed a older rear hanger, which he happened to have in stock. Nice vibe from him and I'd go back if I needed to.

Cycleways. Had two bad experiences in 1990 and 1998. Avoided them for years but then found them pretty helpful the past few years. Not sure what's happening with the new place, is it the same owners, or just some staff continuing on the name?

Little Sport in Fairview. I've had a few bits of work done by the lads and was happy. They generally have small bits I need. Once left my bike in to have the rear wheel trued. I also had a torn saddle. They replaced the saddle with one they had laying around and didn't charge me.

Macy0161 · 24-02-2020 7:10pm

cletus wrote: »

Maybe not the right post for this, but for those of you who drop their bike for a 6 month or yearly service, what would you expect to have done for that?

I know what to expect with a car service (although I do that myself)

Harry's have different service options, but (like a car mechanic), it's about finding one you trust in my opinion.

cletus · 24-02-2020 7:14pm

Macy0161 wrote: »

Harry's have different service options, but (like a car mechanic), it's about finding one you trust in my opinion.

Thanks, but I suppose I was just wondering, in general, what gets done at an annual/biannual/whatever service

Gerry · 24-02-2020 7:29pm

I've had good experience with penny farthing and bikeworx. CSS - mixed.

secman · 24-02-2020 7:49pm

Ive had good experience and also bad experience with CSS one being downright dangerous

Ive had good and bad experiences with an indy mobile mechanic, the really bad one he put a serious dent in an alu frame... crossbar.
My latest go to mechanic is thus far very reliable, reasonable and noticeably good.

07Lapierre · 24-02-2020 8:26pm

Best mechanic I’ve ever used is in my own garage! He’s a bit grumpy sometimes, but charges for parts only. He only works on my bikes and is a stickler for cleanliness! (Won’t work on a bike unless it’s spotless!

)

Hurrache · 24-02-2020 8:57pm

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

Like WA has alluded to, everybody has their own preference, I do most of my own work but when I can't due to time or not being arsed I use Shaka on Amiens St.

I was directed to their existence recently when asking around when I was stuck for something and they were great, same day turnaround it seems for most people, and there's not many places right in the city centre if you're stuck.

I usually do my own stuff too apart from where specialised tools are required like cassette changes.

07Lapierre · 24-02-2020 9:25pm

Hurrache wrote: »

I usually do my own stuff too apart from where specialised tools are required like cassette changes.

I use this as an opportunity to buy the tool needed. Better to buy a new tool that can be used over and over, than to pay for labour?

Hurrache · 24-02-2020 9:29pm

I'd find a way to not use that tool! Last time I had one replaced was when I broke a chain in the office carpark one evening and there was no way I was bringing it home to replace it so didn't mind coughing up for the labour then. I'd be knocking on neighbours asking if they wanted a nixxer to get my moneys worth after that.

cletus · 24-02-2020 9:31pm

Is there no standardised 6 month/yearly service that bikes go through?

Or am I asking in the wrong thread?

I had a quick look online, and one website was advocating a complete strip of the bike, replacement of all cables housings and bearings, on an annual basis. This seems a tad excessive to me.

*Edit* I agree wholeheartedly with the 'buy a new tool' sentiment

DaveyDave · 24-02-2020 9:44pm

Stagg Cycles in Lucan have been very good to deal with. No issues with them in over a year so far. Don't have a huge range of parts and I haven't bought a bike there but have gotten miscellaneous servicing, parts and tools there. They have good prices, have been below quoted price a few times even had a "don't worry about it". Don't try upsell me, tell me something is wrong with the bike etc. Happy to spend a few euro extra because their services is good.

After a lot of attempted upselling, excuses for poor servicing and never having cheap parts in a pinch I'm done with going to CSS.

ThewhiteJesus · 24-02-2020 9:49pm

I found number 2 a rip off aswell, 50 just to look and examine the bike and they forgot to fix and have ready on time, never again.Think bike Rathmines never go there

07Lapierre · 24-02-2020 9:53pm

cletus wrote: »

Is there no standardised 6 month/yearly service that bikes go through?

Or am I asking in the wrong thread?

I had a quick look online, and one website was advocating a complete strip of the bike, replacement of all cables housings and bearings, on an annual basis. This seems a tad excessive to me.

*Edit* I agree wholeheartedly with the 'buy a new tool' sentiment

IMO a complete strip down on an annual basis really depends on the bike and your annual mileage. If you have one bike and you cycle throughout the year, then taking if off the road for a few hours on a weekend and giving it a "full service" is a good idea. That is, replace the BB and headset bearings, replace brake/gear cables, brake pads, tyres(and possibly tubes), new handlebar tape and give it a thorough clean and lube as well, will keep your bike in tiptop condition.

lil_kev · 24-02-2020 10:06pm

cletus wrote: »

Is there no standardised 6 month/yearly service that bikes go through?

Or am I asking in the wrong thread?

I had a quick look online, and one website was advocating a complete strip of the bike, replacement of all cables housings and bearings, on an annual basis. This seems a tad excessive to me.

*Edit* I agree wholeheartedly with the 'buy a new tool' sentiment

There is but I feel every time getting ripped
Off when servicing my bike. Some basic things I’m doing myself.

cletus · 24-02-2020 10:49pm

07Lapierre wrote: »

IMO a complete strip down on an annual basis really depends on the bike and your annual mileage. If you have one bike and you cycle throughout the year, then taking if off the road for a few hours on a weekend and giving it a "full service" is a good idea. That is, replace the BB and headset bearings, replace brake/gear cables, brake pads, tyres(and possibly tubes), new handlebar tape and give it a thorough clean and lube as well, will keep your bike in tiptop condition.

I can understand a proper clean and lube, but replacing parts annually seems a bit odd. Surely you just replace parts as they wear out. If the bottom bracket or headset bearing is still working why replace?

If a mechanic suggested he was going to replace wheel bearings in my car at each service 'to keep it tip top' I'd be changing garages.

Not having a go at you here lapiere, and I appreciate the response, I was just trying to figure out what people were using their local bike shops for.

07Lapierre · 24-02-2020 11:22pm

cletus wrote: »

I can understand a proper clean and lube, but replacing parts annually seems a bit odd. Surely you just replace parts as they wear out. If the bottom bracket or headset bearing is still working why replace?

If a mechanic suggested he was going to replace wheel bearings in my car at each service 'to keep it tip top' I'd be changing garages.

Not having a go at you here lapiere, and I appreciate the response, I was just trying to figure out what people were using their local bike shops for.

I use my local shop for buying bikes and buying parts that I need urgently and don't want to wait for delivery from wiggle or CRC.

Like I said, it does depend on the bike and your annual mileage. Thing is, cables don't wear out,they simply snap. So I'd prefer to replace them in the comfort of my garage, while the bike is in a workstand. I don't want to have to carry out emergency repairs on the side of the road on a cold,wet,dark rural road in the middle of December. If I'm replacing cables, I replace the handlebar tape at the same time.

Brake pads don't last too long and I regularly replace them. Headset bearings are relatively cheap, so I replace them annually,as it only takes a few minutes. BB bearings don't need to be replaced as often, but I do check them annually. Wheel bearings do wear out and I do replace them if needed (their also cheap).
I replace my chain annually as I'd say it's 90% worn at that point anyway.

magicbastarder · 24-02-2020 11:28pm

one time i opted not to buy the tool was when my bike needed a new BB, dropped it into humphries and it took two of them to get the old one out. so if i'd bought the tool, i'd still have been calling round to them anyway.

07Lapierre · 24-02-2020 11:38pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

one time i opted not to buy the tool was when my bike needed a new BB, dropped it into humphries and it took two of them to get the old one out. so if i'd bought the tool, i'd still have been calling round to them anyway.

Maybe, but you'd have the BB tool to replace the BB yourself next time?

magicbastarder · 24-02-2020 11:41pm

true, but standard charge of €15 to replace a BB was fair going; i'd a spare press fit one (not compatible with that bike) so they took that and installed an english thread one for me, no parts cost.

Wishbone Ash · 24-02-2020 11:55pm

cletus wrote: »

.... Surely you just replace parts as they wear out. If the bottom bracket or headset bearing is still working why replace?...

Sure the timing belt/chain in my car is working grand. I'll just wait until it snaps.

magicbastarder · 25-02-2020 12:03am

A bb wearing out is not going to do catastrophic damage to the rest of the bike though.

Wishbone Ash · 25-02-2020 12:12am

magicbastarder wrote: »

A bb wearing out is not going to do catastrophic damage to the rest of the bike though.

Point taken - bit of an extreme example I suppose but I'd rather replace a part before it wears out rather than be left stranded.

rolling boh · 25-02-2020 7:17am

Find cyclezone in blanchardstown very good bought a bike in there and always got looked after .

cletus · 25-02-2020 7:24am

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Sure the timing belt/chain in my car is working grand. I'll just wait until it snaps.

Timing belts have specific time/mileage intervals that they need to be changed at. In fact, so does engine oil, spark plugs, and various filters. All of these are listed quite clearly by the manufacturer, and make up part of the yearly service requirements. All part of the reason why I asked my original question.

What doesn't get changed at specified time/mileage intervals is brakes, bearings, bushings (wishbone or otherwise) clutches etc. Instead, these get replaced as and when they wear. I don't think I suggested at any point that you should wait for catastrophic failure of a component. Wear very often is indicated earlier than failure. In point of fact, I recently had the wheel bearing on my car changed as it was showing signs of wear. I did not wait until the bearing collapsed completely inside it's housing, causing the wheel to lock up on the motorway, but rather I noticed the telltale signs of wear, and had the appropriate work done.

As I said already, I see little point in replacing parts that still have life in them, but neither am I advocating for letting your bike fall apart before doing any work on it

magicbastarder · 25-02-2020 7:28am

I guess one of the differences between cars and bikes is that it's much easier for someone with just a slight mechanical bent to detect and deal with pending issues. Less so with a car, where the consequences of letting things go can also be much more catastrophic and much more expensive.

cletus · 25-02-2020 8:04am

magicbastarder wrote: »

I guess one of the differences between cars and bikes is that it's much easier for someone with just a slight mechanical bent to detect and deal with pending issues. Less so with a car, where the consequences of letting things go can also be much more catastrophic and much more expensive.

I think I've dragged this thread off topic enough

Really, all I wanted to see was whether there is a clearly defined list of items that get 'serviced' from one year to the next on a bike. I service my own car, and so far I've done everything needed on my bike, but done it as they've been needed, not on a schedule.

Thanks for all the responses.

LollipopJimmy · 25-02-2020 10:29am

Hurrache wrote: »

I was directed to their existence recently when asking around when I was stuck for something and they were great, same day turnaround it seems for most people, and there's not many places right in the city centre if you're stuck.

I usually do my own stuff too apart from where specialised tools are required like cassette changes.

They've changed quite a bit about the way they work just recently, bikes are taken in, loaded onto a bike trailer and brought to an off site workshop which is kitted out from top to bottom with Park Tools and just around the corner - The owner was going to sell the business but then decided to go fully into it.

AndrewJRenko · 25-02-2020 12:29pm

I had good experiences with Think Bike, and really good customer services in Joe Dalys. This was a significant factor in my decision to get my new bike from them also.

Having a decent bike shop within walking distance of home or work is important for me. Late opening hours are a big help too.

Effects · 25-02-2020 12:58pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

A bb wearing out is not going to do catastrophic damage to the rest of the bike though.

Not catastrophic, but my BB is on the way out. Cranks are a bit off/loose as a result, so it's causing wear on my front shifter and chain.
Just haven't had the chance to order a new one and change it out yet.

I bought a tool kit from Rose bikes a few years ago that has most of what you need in it. Cost €50 which is pretty good value.

Recently bought their torque wrench kit for €36.
I find if you buy tools every now and then it's a good way of building up a set.

That said, I'm having trouble convincing my other half that I need to drop €2000 on two wood working tools to build some bookshelves.

Effects · 25-02-2020 1:02pm

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

I use Shaka on Amiens St.

So they are they good these days? I was put off a bit by them in their early days.
A bit specialised, but I'd asked them about changing a set of dropouts on a steel frame.
It was a finicky welding job really, but they didn't really get what I was asking about, but still said they'd be able to do it.
Nice and friendly guys though. Brazilian, aren't they?

Alkers · 25-02-2020 1:10pm

Used specialized out in Brownsbarn for some servicing recently and was very impressed. The shop is super-impressive too but their stock is obviously expensive, not rip-off but high end.

tdf7187 · 25-02-2020 1:14pm

I have had positive experiences in both Hollingsworths - Templeogue and Kilmacud, Stillorgan Cycles mostly positive, especially in recent years, Thinkbike in Rathmines all experiences very positive, Ferris Wheels in Booterstown positive, Penny Farthing Camden St positive also (though only used them once).

People swear by Joe Daly cycles in Dundrum but the admittedly young assistant I consulted over something or other there was clueless.

tdf7187 · 25-02-2020 1:22pm

mlem123 wrote: »

I'm a low-spec commuter cyclist, so I'll probably be told I'm wrong buttttt I was really happy with all my interactions with Stillorgan Cycles.

I was looking to not pay too much for a second hand bike and wanted to trade in my old banger of a bike! I found a few shops not willing to trade (even without them knowing how bad it's condition was lol). He offered me €20 off the cost of a second hand one (which was very fair - we were also happy to get it out of the shed without having to pay to dump it) as well as putting the basket on the new(er) bike.

I payed about €100 for it but this "second hand" one I got, and it was perfect, looked more like someone got it as a gift or tax saver and then left it in a shed or garage for a couple of years!

I use them more for repairs and maintenance but would second this. For a place that looks down-at-heel judging by the exterior they are pretty good. Don't judge by appearances I guess.

Seth Brundle · 25-02-2020 1:39pm

Effects wrote: »

That said, I'm having trouble convincing my other half that I need to drop €2000 on two wood working tools to build some bookshelves.

Well, to be honest it looks like she's not a keeper!

magicbastarder · 25-02-2020 2:07pm

Effects wrote: »

That said, I'm having trouble convincing my other half that I need to drop €2000 on two wood working tools to build some bookshelves.

must be nice pieces of kit at that price; planer/thicknesser and jointing machine maybe?

Effects · 25-02-2020 3:01pm

Seth Brundle wrote: »

Well, to be honest it looks like she's not a keeper!

With a baby on the way, she asked me this morning where I was going to keep my bikes. I'm not allowed keep them inside once the baby goes into the bike room. I told her the cargo bike won't fit in the house anyway so I don't mind leaving that outside when it arrives.

Reznorek · 25-02-2020 4:45pm

Bee Cycles guys are cool, always helpfull but I moved from Dolphins Barn to Drumcondra recently and could use some advice which decent and reliable repair shop should I use near my place (Hollybank Road).

Best bicycle shop in Dublin

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