LBS in Bedford area?

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livpoksoc

Guru
Location
Basingstoke
My brother lives near Bedford and looking at getting his first road bike. I've advised him to try LBS to see if there are deals to be had.

Can anyone recommend/advise which to avoid of shops in the area?

Not turning our nose up at the chains etc., but his budget is £700 and so reckon he may be better trying local shops to see if they have any old stock or whatever to shift.
 

I like Skol

A Minging Manc...
Nothing to add that applies to the location but I find the local/independent bike shops struggle to get even close to the end-of-season/old-stock discounts offered online or by some of the national high street chains. The smaller shops just can't buy the bulk or negotiate the same buy-in prices that the big boys can. This doesn't mean you should walk away though as a good LBS can often add value that you just won't get from the alternatives (warranty can be a real PITA if you buy online!).
 
OP
OP
livpoksoc

livpoksoc

Guru
Location
Basingstoke
Nothing to add that applies to the location but I find the local/independent bike shops struggle to get even close to the end-of-season/old-stock discounts offered online or by some of the national high street chains. The smaller shops just can't buy the bulk or negotiate the same buy-in prices that the big boys can. This doesn't mean you should walk away though as a good LBS can often add value that you just won't get from the alternatives (warranty can be a real PITA if you buy online!).
Agree re end of season. I've always preferred the lbs for the bike itself because you tend to get better service (if it's a good shop) and can sometimes get 10% off by batting your eyes at them. He is buying in peak season so doubt he'll get an end of line discount right now anyway.
 

toffee

Guru
Giant in Radlett? Under an hour away
http://www.giant-radlett.co.uk/gb
There are reductions on Giant bikes already if you look at website

http://www.giant-radlett.co.uk/gb/road-bikes

Otherwise @Drago may have suggestions around MK
There's Stripes in Woburn Sands

http://stripesbikes.co.uk

Giant in Newport Pagnell

http://www.giant-newportpagnell.co.uk/gb

Evans in Central MK and a few others round about in MK. A quick Google will get them.

Don't know about Bedford though
 

biggs682

Touch it up and ride it
Location
Northamptonshire
@livpoksoc i am in Wellingborough so about 15 miles north of Bedford at most , cant help with recommending an lbs

But i do have a couple of nice bikes that would suit your brother well and he would be welcome to come and try them

one is this https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/...gear-new-old-stock-or-lightly-used/1306702968

the other is a 2015 Cannondale caad 8 with 2 x 11 shimano 105 gearing thats done bout 500 miles in total and will be around same price
 
OP
OP
livpoksoc

livpoksoc

Guru
Location
Basingstoke
Thanks for the replies - I've let him know about the second hand options, all look like decent buys for the price. Not sure he'll go in for second hand as a first step, but will see.
 
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