Bike shop facilities

[headcoat]

I was just passing my LBS and saw 2 bikes outside leaning against the window, that got me wondering; do any shops provide the following (and if not I think they should)

1. Bike stands/parking
2. Loan of locks while parked
3. Easy access into the shop with the bike (for repairs)
4. Any other things they should provide to make visiting easier

 

[Theseus]

The Edinburgh Bike Co-op in Edinburgh has bars outside to lock your bike to. If you don't have a lock they are happy for you to bring it inside.

The Bike Chain is happy for you to bring your bike inside.

In fact I think all of Edinburghs bike shops allow them inside and if I found one that didn't, I would probably go elsewhere.

 

[YahudaMoon]

My local bike shop lets you use his workshop/tools to fix your bike. How good is that :-)

 

[swee'pea99]

My local bike shop lets you use his workshop/tools to fix your bike. How good is that :-)

That is very good. I have more than once been turned down by bike shops when needing a two minute loan of a screwdriver or spanner. Needless to say, I never go back.

Evans just down from Holborn in London also provide a track pump on the pavement outside, which saved me a load of hassle on one occasion and raised them in my estimation by a BIG amount.

 

[rich p]

I sometimes leave my bike in Evans, have a wander around and then go shopping. No-one seems to mind.

I've never had a bike shop that won't let me leave the bike inside in Brighton.

 

[Beebo]

Evans in Fenchurch Street has an almost endless stream of cycle couriers borrowing pumps and spanners.

I once even saw a guy on a motorbike borrow a track pump to pump his tyres up!

Most bike shops will allow you to wheel your bike inside whilst you have a look around, after all how else do you get your bike in if you need it repaired.

 

[headcoat]

All this sounds promising, I must admit I have never needed these facilities, but its good to see they are available, especially loaning of tools.

 

[Theseus]

[quote name='swee'pea99' timestamp='1317817069' post='1869280']
That is very good. I have more than once been turned down by bike shops when needing a two minute loan of a screwdriver or spanner. Needless to say, I never go back.[/quote]

There is a bike shop right on my commute that I used to pop into for the odd things. One day a few years ago I had a slow puncture and needed a top-up to make it home. They wouldn't let me borrow thier track pump.

I have not set foot inside it since. If I need something I will make a diversion to one of the other shops near the route.

 

[trj977]

Sigma Sport, which I am lucky to live near, have spacious bike parking within their shop. I have also seen them help people out with minor issues.
Cycles Dauphin, on Box Hill, lent my friend a track pump with no problem.

 

[ianrauk]

Cycles UK in Greenwich have bike stands both outside and inside the store.
I have also used their track pump and and a spanner. Have also asked the mechanic for a couple of
little spares like cable ends, cable ties etc which they gave for no charge.

 

[growingvegetables]

[quote name='swee'pea99' timestamp='1317817069' post='1869280']
I have more than once been turned down by bike shops when needing a two minute loan of a screwdriver or spanner. Needless to say, I never go back.
[/quote]
Nor would I - hey, Halford's in Leeds and Sheffield have been happy to lend me screwdrivers, spanners, and pumps!

 

[Oxo]

Evans in Leeds have a rack inside the shop. Not sure if they provide locks.

 

[snorri]

I found this self service "bike shop" on the Danube cycleway.

 

[Dora]

I called into a bike shop in Germany where they also sold espresso from a very expensive looking espresso machine behind the counter. Now THAT's a service a bike shop should be offering!!

Edit: One service I can never find other than in Evans (which I hate) is an actual booking system for services. I always get 'bring it in on saturday morning' and 'no spaces left this week. Try again next monday'

Either the price of a simple week to view diary has gone up massively since I last bought one, of they just don't freakin' like me round here!!

 

[gb155]

There is a bike shop right on my commute that I used to pop into for the odd things. One day a few years ago I had a slow puncture and needed a top-up to make it home. They wouldn't let me borrow thier track pump.

I have not set foot inside it since. If I need something I will make a diversion to one of the other shops near the route.

Name "n" Shame