Bike UK, Bristol

[Monsieur Remings]

Okay, local people. I am thinking of buying from these folks on a 0% finance deal. The bike is the same price as it is from my LBS but there is one difference - the LBS offer me 1 free service within the year but Bike UK offer lifetime servicing. It sounds like a no brainer I know, but does anyone know anything about Bike UK, or more importantly had a bike serviced by them? Any good?

Steer clear or near?

 

[diapason]

I don't know the firm, but, other things being equal, I would prefer to buy from my LBS. Free servicing isn't 'free' if the shop is miles away.

 

[Mozzy]

I don't know the firm, but, other things being equal, I would prefer to buy from my LBS. Free servicing isn't 'free' if the shop is miles away.

Or perhaps when they are no longer in business either maybe.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've had free services included with various bike purchases over the last few years, and I've never used any, I'd rather do it myself and save the downtime.

This might be different if I'd been able to buy from my preferred LBS as he is excellent, but as I couldn't I simply haven't bothered with them.

If the shop place a true value on their free service offer, why not ask them what they'll offer you instead

 

[mickle]

Bike UK is a LBS, well, a chain of two. One of the very best shops in the county.

I was the store manager of the Bristol shop once upon a time.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

[QUOTE 1595737"]
Free servicing may be useful, but they're not doing you any favours. It's a good way of keeping you coming back, and servicing means that you buy all the parts from them.
[/quote]

Yep, I figured that might be the case, thanks.

Cheers for all the input folks.

 

[summerdays]

I've used them for parts before now and don't have a problem with them. And I know several people who have bought their bikes there and who take it back for the free service. Their biggest moan is parking the car nearby to take it in to get it serviced (yes I know they could cycle it over - but not so easy when it is a child's bike). I don't think any of them feel that they have been mis-sold parts simply for the free service. I normally lock my bike up on the stands nearby if I can find a space, but they were fine when I took it in one time.

 

[coffeejo]

I've bought both my bikes from their 'other half' in Taunton and while I'm no expert, I really like them. The free service is extremely useful if - like me - you learning about bike maintenance but are very much at the beginner side of the scale. My biggest thumbs up is for their customer service. They view each customer as a person, not a wallet to be emptied and are more than generous with their time, even when there's no sale at the end of it.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

Thanks people, good to hear the positive comments from coffeejo, summerdays and mickle, thanks.

Since visiting, one thing did impress me and that is that they are Mavic dealers, nuff said really, a quality firm in my experience.

I think the goalposts may have changed however and whereas Bike Uk offer a good 0% finance deal, others offer the same over a longer period of time and so my mtb decision hangs in the balance. Plus, days like today - 60 miles on the road remind me of what I love the best and Bike UK also do finance on those Carbone thingies... .

Perhaps some more responses here...
https://www.cyclechat.net/ might make a difference...????????