Good bike shop - Essex

[markoc]

Does anyone know of a decent bike shop in Essex?

Looking for something that carries a decent inventory as I need to go shopping for a few things (computer, waterproof socks, new lights) for a trip to Glentress next week, and all the LBS's around Billericay seem to be rather lacking in terms of stock choice.

[Chris71]

I know two. Heronsgate Cycles (in Heronsgate) and Chelmer Cycles in Chelmsford.

[Deluded]

Essex is a big place. Where abouts are we talking? I know of a few around london end of Essex

[markoc]

Will try Herongate - their website looks good.

I'm in Billericay but happy to drive out to find one - not too keen on London, but if there's somewhere good I'll travel. Just looking for somewhere big enough to have a decent choice.


Edited for spellage.

Edited by markoc on Thursday 24th September 12:57

[baxb]

Try Thomas's Cycle Revolution in Colchester, normally have all the usual bits & stock & were cheaper than wiggle when I needed new brake pads last week

[baxb]

Edited for being a double posting numpty.

Edited by baxb on Thursday 24th September 13:09

[AARONM3]

Another mention for Herongate Cycles from me- great service both times I've used them. Although IIRC they're closed on Thursdays.

[Chris71]

I did used to find tracking Herongate Cycles down a little bit tricky on occasions, but I think that's largely because the guy who runs it actually does spend a lot of time out XC racing at quite a high level. Seem to remember they were cheaper than the other local bike shops when I lived in that neck of the woods too.

Plus, there's some surprisingly credible riding around Brentwood/Herongate if you know where to look.

[Jimbo.]

Chelmer Cycles. Top, top place...

[jesta1865]

you could try grips in rayleigh, mike who owns it has run it for years and always sees you right. if you buy a bike you never get a discount, but you end up with loads thrown in as well.

there is a new place on london road in leigh / chalkwell. uk cycles i think, they look to have a good selection.

last but certainly not least try les discount bikes on canvey, he will always do you a deal.

jayz at tarpots benfleet is ok, some kona stuff, but seem to have a lot of road stuff in as well.

never been to chelmer cycles, but they sorted stuff out for my brother when he broke the frame on his cove bike.

[Alex L]

Mark,

Chelmer Cycles or the recently re-located Cycles UK to next door to the McDonald's Drive Thru on Riverside Retail Park (Chelmsford)

Alternatively Bike Trax in Brentwood

Edited by Alex L on Friday 25th September 16:07

[markoc]

Went to Chelmer Cycles - fantastic service and a lot of stock. Drove past it about twice before I realised it was there! Bought more than I intended and will be back. Highly recommended

[tw_uk]

'Danbury Cycles' is well worth a look, not been open long but very friendly staff and good service. Close to the trails too.

[Toilet Duck]

sorry to hijack your thread, but can anyone recommend a bike shop in Essex SPECIFICALLY for servicing high end mountain bikes (ie full XTR etc)? Coincidentaly, I'm not too far from Billericay but don't mind travelling. My recent experience trying to get the gear adjustment set up has been a nightmare, I need to find a decent mechanic.

Many thanks!

Edited by Toilet Duck on Monday 28th September 17:30

[Jimbo.]

Again, Chelmer Cycles. Although to be fair, how "high end" a bike is makes nigh-on no difference to who should/shouldn't service them. Aside from stuff like Lefty forks (a Chelmer speciality, IIRC) and thorough servicing of other forks/shocks etc, it makes no odds. Hell, stuff like gears and whatnot isn't that hard: you could quite easily do it yourself if armed with a copy of "Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance" and some patience...

Edited by Jimbo. on Tuesday 29th September 07:20

[Toilet Duck]

Jimbo. said:

Again, Chelmer Cycles. Although to be fair, how "high end" a bike is makes nigh-on no difference to who should/shouldn't service them. Aside from stuff like Lefty forks (a Chelmer speciality, IIRC) and thorough servicing of other forks/shocks etc, it makes no odds. Hell, stuff like gears and whatnot isn't that hard: you could quite easily do it yourself if armed with a copy of "Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance" and some patience...

Cheers, I'll give them a try. The reason I mention "high end" is that the local bike shop I've been using could not adjust the gears on my bike properly, they apparently don't get to work on bikes "like mine" often. They refereed me to one of their other branches but I had a nightmare there, it had to go back a few times and I'm still not convinced its correct. In fairness, I do plan on learning how to adjust them myself. I've printed off an idiots guide from the internet but I've been short on time lately, the bikes just had new chainrings, cassette, chain and gear cables fitted, hence why I let them do the whole lot. I've already changed pads/bled the hydraulic brakes myself, so I'm reasonable with the spanners

Thanks again.