All entries for Thursday 11 December 2008

December 11, 2008

Excellent service from Jardine Cycles

A new bicycle at last! After visiting 7 shops, I went to Jardine Cycles in Coventry (recommended by two experienced riders) - they actually seem to respect their customers. They have a smaller range than most other shops. But that is symptomatic of a good shop - they've chosen to stock the right bikes. They have genuine expertise and experience with the kinds of bikes that most people want to buy - including commuters (ignored by other local shops). And so, unlike Mike's Bikes (poor), the Coventry Cycle Centre (very poor), Broadribbs (dreadful), John Atkins (insulting), they actually listened to what I wanted and suggested the perfect bike: a Ridgeback Voyage with tall touring bars to replace the standard drop bars. The Cycle Scheme voucher took a week to arrive, and I collected the bike a few days later - all configured as requested.

Here's the message for bike shops facing recession: they took their time, listened to the customer, and got the deal - plus I spent an extra £200 on lights, a lock and a tag-along for Lawrence.

I'll give them a 5* rating.

And the bike - I rode back to Kenilworth and found it to be really good...