Trying many bikes

[Still Mulling]

Hello. Is there anywhere these days that brings multiple brands together under one roof?

Mrs SM and I would like to get some hybrid e-bikes to do some weekend touring on and off road, but want to ensure we find comfort to last. Decathlon, Specialised, Giant, Ribble etc. all have their own shops and LBSes seem to stock a small number of preferred manufacturers. Is there anywhere one can go to plonk a bum into many seats these days?

[ian in lancs]

Wheelbase, Staveley nr Kendal. M6 J36 and BikeTreks about two miles away. BikeTreks also has a rental base in Grizedale Forest.

[Still Mulling]

Thanks Ian. However, as usual, I’ve missed a critical piece of info from my opening post (sorry!): I’m based in Wiltshire and can travel to Bath, Bristol, Cirencester, Cheltenham, Swindon, North Somerset, Reading, London (Canada Water area).

[WPA]

If your in the South West try: https://www.bicyclechain.co.uk/

[Still Mulling]

Fab, thank you.

[Daveyraveygravey]

Is there an Evans near you? Sound like they do exactly the thing you are looking for.

[Still Mulling]

Daveyraveygravey said:

Is there an Evans near you? Sound like they do exactly the thing you are looking for.

Looks like in the centre of Bristol. I thought they'd gone under!

[Daveyraveygravey]

Still Mulling said:

Looks like in the centre of Bristol. I thought they'd gone under!

The HQ near Gatwick is trading under the Balfe's name, maybe they bought some or all of the co?

[Gin and Ultrasonic]

Evans used to be great, but I've found it pretty poor since it was taken over by the Mike Ashley empire.

Decathlon have a decent selection of bikes for all budgets up to Tour De France pro spec, as do Halfords who sell some decent bikes if you can get past the reputation (can be hit and miss).

Also, there are sometimes open days at race tracks (car ones!) where different manufacturers / bike shops come along and let you try their bikes. Not sure if there are any in your area, but it's a good chance to look.

Other than that it's a chance to visit local bike shops and see what they have to offer.

[Nigel_O]

Leisure Lakes Bikes do demo weekends every now and then.

£50 to get in, but there are dozens of bikes to try out and the cost is partly donated to charity and fully refunded if you buy a bike.

Here's a link to their last event - there was also one at Cannock Chase earlier in the year

https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/blog/demo-weeken...