Spa cycles

[oxoman]

Looking at going up to see some bikes and wondered what people's experiences are of them. They seem to have a good reputation and have carved a nice niche market for themselves. Thank you in advance.

 

[vickster]

Excellent, I've got two of their bikes. Very helpful, pick a nice day and allow plenty of time for testrides. Call / email well in advance to let them know you're coming and what you want to try (models/size).
Take your preferred saddle
Not open Sunday
I travelled up both times from SW London, second I wanted them to use specific parts so I took those up with me

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Looking at going up to see some bikes and wondered what people's experiences are of them. They seem to have a good reputation and have carved a nice niche market for themselves. Thank you in advance.

They're good people to work with. I bought a ti Elan from them after a test ride up to Ripley and back on the nearby cycleway. I'm not sure whether they're always 100% organised - I ordered a ti rack and they later told me that they hadn't managed to locate it but when I arrived back up there, they'd found it and put it onto the bike ready to go. I believe @Jenkins here also rides an Elan.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Before your visit, spend time and effort to determine your requirements and identify a few 'top' ones. Spa Cycles will appreciate your preparation, will deal with you better and your outcome will likely be better.

 

[oxoman]

I've got the Elan ti mk2 on the radar plus a couple of similar variants.

 

[cyberknight]

top class from my dealings with them via interweb orders .

 

[Jenkins]

Very highly recommended by me.

I believe @Jenkins here also rides an Elan.

I've got two of the Elans - one TI (Mk1) and one 725 steel.

For the TI purchase I organised to borrow their test bike in what I thought was my size and had a night in Harrogate, turning up at Spa the following day. The bike was ready, fitted with flat pedals and they let me take the bike for a test ride* with no security deposit required. Needless to say I did the deal for a new bike (and spare wheels) on my return and they offered me the loan of the test bike again to fill in time while I waited for the train home.

The steel was an ex-display bike they had advertised (incorrectly) and priced as a cable braked version but when I emailed to check they immediately confirmed it was the hydraulically braked version AND said they would honour the advertised price. Again, needless to say I did the deal online and ordered some chainrings to go with it. They even phoned to warn me the chainrings wouldn't fit the Shimano cranks fitted and were quite happy when I explained that that I was going to fit a SRAM crank.

Some people have said they can be a bit akward, but I've got nothing but praise for them

*There's a nice test circuit of the road to Knaesborough, Ringway Trail, Bilton Lane and Nidderdal Greenway to Ripley and back up the Greenway to Starbeck.

 

[Ian H]

We bought a Sabbath Silk Road for E. We had a detailed phone conversation about spec and equipment; they built it sans pedals and saddle and it came promptly, well-packed in a box. I fairly regularly get stuff from them, especially odd-sized chainrings and other niche bits. Recommended.

 

[ianrauk]

I get my hand built wheels from them, their own cranksets and other bits and pieces. They've never been less then very helpful.

 

[All uphill]

I bought an Aubisque from them during the pandemic. They spent time with me on the phone to work out what I really wanted, as opposed to what I thought I wanted! They were correct.

The bike arrived on time and well packed.

I've found them direct, to the point of being brusque, and that fine with me, but doesn't suit everyone.

 

[Ian H]

I bought an Aubisque from them during the pandemic. They spent time with me on the phone to work out what I really wanted, as opposed to what I thought I wanted! They were correct.

The bike arrived on time and well packed.

I've found them direct, to the point of being brusque, and that fine with me, but doesn't suit everyone.

That'll be John. Bob's more emollient.

 

[mickle]

I bought the wrong size Wayfarer from them. 100% my own error. They were more than happy to exchange it for the correct size. No quibbles at all and didn't make me feel like more of an idiot than I already felt.

The frame is outstanding. Incredibly well designed, beautifully built and the paint is tough as nails.

 

[Mo1959]

I bought a Sabbath titanium about 3 years ago online but we had a few phone calls discussing spec and I thought they were excellent to deal with.

 

[slowmotion]

I've always found them to be excellent.

 

[oxoman]

Cheers folks, just need to break it to the OH why I'm taking her for a wkend break in Harrogate 🤭.