Bike servicing near Eastleigh or Cosham

[E65Ross]

I have been using Velocity bikes in Cosham for my bike servicing for a few years now and have found them head and shoulders better than just about anyone else I've used. When going for a full service they strip and rebuild the whole bike. Unfortunately, they're closing down soon so I'm looking for somewhere else that go that extra mile.

I've used Hargroves cycles in Winchester or Peter Hansford in Chandler's Ford and neither do anything like Velocity bikes, it seems.

Here is what their gold service consists of....

http://www.velocitybikes.co.uk/index.asp?upid=22&a...

Many thanks in advance

[sma]

Always been happy with GA Cycles in Shirley (Southampton)

[idiotgap]

Hey Ross, forgive me if you're already doing a lot of this but...
bikes aren't all that complicated and whilst there are a few tricky jobs that do need an expert touch/specialist tools it's very satisfying to get stuck in and spin the spanners yourself.

I take the approach that I'll have a go and buy the tools I need as I go and I don't think I've cocked anything up so badly it cost me any more when I gave in and took it to the bike shop. I think that's only happened once where I just couldn't get the front mech adjusted right but in the end the cage was bent so a new one was the answer anyway. Man maths kicks in - you can easily buy the new shiny tools with the cash you save on bike-shop tinkering.

The nice thing is that as the jobs mount up you get more and more understanding about how the various systems on the bike work so you get to a different level of mechanical sympathy. It makes diagnosing problems easier and means that out in the field you are more likely to be to able get yourself moving again more quickly. It also means you can get that just-serviced smooth/silent running feeling anytime you like!

I hope this post doesn't come across as patronising!
- I know your question was about finding a good new bike shop. All I really wanted to say was that I have got a lot of pleasure out of fixing up my own bike and helping others. I guess having three sons growing fast I reckon I'm in for a lot of bike maintenance over the years so it's really worth it for me. There are really helpful youtube videos from park-tools and others which make it pretty easy to work out what you have to do. If you haven't already got one - you could start hankering after a new shiny work-stand right now.

All the best,
Dave

[S10GTA]

Try bikeguy in Southampton. Guy called Tobie. He can collect too.

http://bikeguy.co.uk/

[SoliD]

Graham Childs, Hargroves manager Fareham is setting up his own shop soon, always had great service from him in the past, so expect his new shop to be very good, filling the Velocity gap.

[E65Ross]

Many thanks for the replies everyone! Much appreciated!

I will actually look into getting a small torque wrench, cassette removal tool, Crank removal tool, perhaps a pedal spanner..... I've already got loads of Allen keys, hex keys etc.... What else would I need? Cable cutter I suppose?

[idiotgap]

E65Ross said:

Many thanks for the replies everyone! Much appreciated!

I will actually look into getting a small torque wrench, cassette removal tool, Crank removal tool, perhaps a pedal spanner..... I've already got loads of Allen keys, hex keys etc.... What else would I need? Cable cutter I suppose?

Things I've ended up with on top of normal tools like socket set/spanners etc. and the items you mentioned (and I don't have a pedal spanner or a torque wrench (yet)):-
- work stand
- track pump
- chain whip
- chain tool (portable has been enough and I carry this everywhere on the bike now)
- quicklink pliers
- cable/outer cutters

[wal 45]

That's a shame Velocity are closing, bit of the wrong spot I guess.

I do most stuff myself on my bikes but I'd recommend Solent Cycles in Fareham, they've moved to the old Raff's site by the train station. Reasonable size workshop now and know what they are doing.

[SoliD]

wal 45 said:

That's a shame Velocity are closing, bit of the wrong spot I guess.

I do most stuff myself on my bikes but I'd recommend Solent Cycles in Fareham, they've moved to the old Raff's site by the train station. Reasonable size workshop now and know what they are doing.

Unfortunately it is due to sickness of the owner, I believe they were doing very well. Solent have always been very good for me and done great turn around times, especially on truing up wheels.

[E65Ross]

SoliD said:

wal 45 said:

That's a shame Velocity are closing, bit of the wrong spot I guess.

I do most stuff myself on my bikes but I'd recommend Solent Cycles in Fareham, they've moved to the old Raff's site by the train station. Reasonable size workshop now and know what they are doing.

Unfortunately it is due to sickness of the owner, I believe they were doing very well. Solent have always been very good for me and done great turn around times, especially on truing up wheels.

Yes, it's a pity they're closing, I've always been happy with their services. They're stock of bikes isn't very good but in terms of servicing etc they're spot on in my experience.

Cheers