Decathlon

[Vidor06]

Decathlon opens its first store in Northern Ireland in a couple of weeks time and its only a mile or so from where I live. So what are they good for? Would you buy a bike off them or are they just good for bits and bobs? We dont have an Evans or anything like that so apart from Halfords this is the only bike chain available in NI.

 

[youngoldbloke]

If it is only a mile or so just go and take a look - if you are used to Halfords prepare to be amazed. Their bikes have a good reputation - throughout the range. Not just cycling kit either - far from it - their running/finess/walking/camping/sailing/diving/tennis/golf/skateboarding/swimming/weightlifting (etc. etc. etc) kit is all good value - allow yourself a good few hours to look around. Yes - I am a fan! I wish they would open one in the south west of England. (Crap website though).

 

[battered]

I bought a bike from Dec when I lived in France, it was a very good deal. Similar machines in the LBS were much more expensive.

Having lived with it some of the bits are cheap to keep the cost down - the brakes for example are no-brand cheapies and show signs of corrosion, and the wheels are nothing special. All this was academic last Nov when a blind Toyota driver drove into it, putting me in hospital and the bike in the loft awaiting repair.

 

[g00se]

Was getting a bit hot on the way to Liverpool Street station this week - but as I had an hour to get the train, I nipped over to the Decathlon by Canada Water to get a lighter shirt:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/sport-basic-top-grey-69515408/

£7.99! Perfect. They even have loads of tents set up outside, so I nipped in one of them to change into the top... (too sweaty to try it on in the shop).

 

[Hacienda71]

Oh dear don't take your credit card!

 

[PpPete]

I don't have one near me...

So last biz trip to France i was near one. Only popped in for one of these.
(and to see if anything else cheaper there than with UK online retailers)

.....Spent about €120 altogether!

 

[Rob3rt]

I went to the stockport one the other week, very nice gear and a good selection, some stuff they sell is junk. The cheaper cycling shorts are a bit see through. No-one following you wants to see your ass crack through your shorts, but in general the mid-high priced stuff in decathlon is in monetary terms, equivalent to entry level items by the major brands and is better or equal quality from what I can tell. But you wont be finding much high end gear if you are a gear snob Personally I'll probly try wiggles own brand shorts next, but for small items like arm warmers, socks, sports underwear, Decathlon all the way.

 

[jay clock]

Outstanding place. I reckon I have 50+ items of clothing from there. Plus bike bits, a tent etc etc etc. In fact I was in the tent last night

 

[JonoB]

Outstanding place. I reckon I have 50+ items of clothing from there. Plus bike bits, a tent etc etc etc. In fact I was in the tent last night

Same here. My whole family are big fans and now we have one in Glasgow. Every time we I go it costs me a fortune. Especially good for horse riding stuff by the way...............

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Hi Vidor06

I'm very concerned about the opeing of a Decathlon store in your area and as a result I have taken the precautionary step of cancelling your credit and debit card. Should you need to make purchases without cash, we do offer a pre-paid card, which will only allow a specified, pre-loaded sum to be debited, to avoid you succumbing to temptation and assist you in keeping your personal finances in good order.

Signed
Your Bank Manager



Seriously though, the bikes are reasonably specced and good value. Parts..well, it's not an LBS or a specialist but for many things its brilliant. What does the damage for me is that walking and running are also covered so a quick trip for a pair of cheap Btwin inner tubes usually ends up with another £25 spent on a pair of walking trousers or a running top etc...

Dangerous place...only gripe is that I have never seen any of the promised vouchers from their loyalty card scheme =/

 

[Hacienda71]

Dangerous place...only gripe is that I have never seen any of the promised vouchers from their loyalty card scheme =/

I keep getting £3 ones in the post, it may be because i spend too much money in there

 

[139NI]

Many people look down on Decathlon gear.

I personally think you get a lot for your money in there..

 

[mcshroom]

Many people look down on Decathlon gear.

I personally think you get a lot for your money in there..

+1

It's not real top end quality (although their 'novadry' waterproof material is actually good breathability wise) but for the price their stuff tends to be good quality.

 

[Kestevan]

I use Decathlon shorts/shirts for my commute every day.

For the price, its fantastic quality, especially their middle price ranges. It's cracking kit which can be used day in day out.

Admittedly it's not up there with the likes of Castelli/Assos/Rapha kit, but then I can buy 5 pairs of shorts and 10 shirts for the same price as one of the top brands, and have clean kit every ride.

 

[youngoldbloke]

- they also stock a really comprehensive and inexpensive range for children - a pair of 'walking boots' for my 3 year old grandaughter the other day, for example ..... and there is a good selection of childrens cycling kit.