Specialized bikes in Cambridge

[Morrisette]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if anyone knew of any LBS's in the Cambridge area that stock Specialized?

I'm really keen on looking at the Specialized Vita range, as it seems exactly what I'm looking for, but there don't seem to be any Specialized dealers in Cambridge that I can find (using Google anyway!).

I know Evans have them, but they don't have a shop here, and I don't want to buy online 'unseen' - I'm quite short so sizing will be a bit of an issue I imagine. I'll do that if I have to, but I know it's very much the wrong thing!

Thanks

 

[ed_o_brain]

I've just tried the 'Find a dealer' option on the Specialized website and although I can find dealers local to me with it, I can't find any for Cambridge.

I can't work out whether the site is faulty or something? It could be a browser issue.

Anyway, try plugging your postcode into:

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCDealerLoc.jsp

 

[wafflycat]

The thing didn't work for me, either..

 

[wafflycat]

Looking a bit further afield generally... and for more brands/builds to customer specs.. - but *decent* bike shops

Madgetts in Diss
Specialised Cycles in Norwich (my LBS of choice, made MrWC a lovely tourer)
Pedal Revloution in Norwich

 

[Morrisette]

Ah, Norwich is a possibility, I'll probably be up there in a couple of weeks. Thanks Wafflycat!

 

[Morrisette]

Hmmnn, that store locator thing claims that Ben Haywards and Howes are both stockists but I'm not sure I saw any in there when I was buying my (cronky) folder in Haywards. Oh well I'll have another look!

 

[wafflycat]

I'm not certain, but I think John Borwell Cycles in Norwich may stock Specialized.

01603 787 736

108 Spencer Street, Norwich

 

[wafflycat]

Of the three Norwich shops I've given, Pedal Revolution has the largest floorspace and largest range of cycles on display (but I don't think they do Specialized).

John Borwell's place is tiny and has a some bikes squashed together to get them in there!

Specialised (NOT Specialized...) has relatively few bikes on display - what it does have a top end makes such as Look.. Wilier.. Time (I think..) Ridley, and various frames. Will build a bike up from your spec for you from the various framesets they sell (MrWC's bike was based around a Kinesis Racelight Pro frameset and was built up beutifully into a rather decent bike by Andy & Steve). But Specialised do tend to concentrate on repairs/bits/parts/clothing/cycle luggage etc and build magnificently strong wheels.

 

[ed_o_brain]

My partner is quite short and we've found, even going to places with lots of bikes on display, sometimes small womens bikes are in short supply.

So I would suggest have a look on-line, work out what models and sizes you are interested in and phone around the dealers you plan to visit beforehand so you can whether they have the bikes you are interested in available to try out.

I know some will ask for a refundable deposit before ordering a bike in for you to try.

It's a PITA.

 

[Morrisette]

My partner is quite short and we've found, even going to places with lots of bikes on display, sometimes small womens bikes are in short supply.

So I would suggest have a look on-line, work out what models and sizes you are interested in and phone around the dealers you plan to visit beforehand so you can whether they have the bikes you are interested in available to try out.

I know some will ask for a refundable deposit before ordering a bike in for you to try.

It's a PITA.

Yep, this is too true. The bike I'm on now I didn't get to try before I bought it for that very reason....having said that it is the right size so maybe I'll risk it, if it all seems too much trouble for any LBS to stock bikes for people of different heights!!!

Thanks for the recommendations

 

[d_c_h_w]

Ben Haywards only do Specialized equipment (shoes, clothing etc) not bikes.

Grafham Cycling is not too far from Cambridge and has Specialized bikes.

http://www.grafhamcycling.co.uk/

 

[MarkHowes]

Hi Howes Cycles in Regent Street Cambridge sell Specialized bicycles.

http://www.howescycles.co.uk/bicycles-clothing-and-accessories-for-women/

 

[Russj]

Street Life in Norwich are Specialized dealers. My missus will be collecting her Ariel hybrid next week (courtesy of the Ride to Work scheme). Russ
www.streetlifecycles.co.uk

 

[gbb]

Terry wright cycles in Market Deeping near Peterborough stock some Specialized bikes, may be worth a ring
http://www.twcycles.com/products.htm

 

[Crankarm]

Ben Haywards Kings Parade are a Trek agent not Specialised IIRC. Trek and Specialised do not mix. But BH have a new shop in Waterbeach where they might have more bikes.