Chain Reacton cycles

[corshamjim]

bikester.co.uk (which I mentioned earlier) is actually the uk brand name for tretwerk.de

 

[BSRU]

Of the UK ones I mostly use Wiggle as the shipping is free to here - not the case with most of them. I never get any free sodding haribos though!

The last few orders I have received some super duper recovery drink powder, not particularity useful for me as I don't cycle far enough to justify using it, I much rather have some milk or a nice cup of earl grey.

 

[leyton condor]

I generally use Ribble Cycles online, pretty hard to beat on price, the only problem is that they are regularly out of stock on the items that i need. They are also very helpful over the phone if you need any advice.

 

[jayonabike]

The online stores I mainly use are Wiggle, SJS, Merlin. I sometimes use Evans but normally when they have a sale as they're usually the most expensive. Wiggle & SJS are very prompt at posting. I have had to return a couple of items to Wiggle and had no problems with a refund.

 

[potsy]

Some great suggestions and advice here, I'll add them all to my ever growing bookmarks

Annoyingly I was after an item that was £18 cheaper elsewhere so asked them to price match, I had done this a few months ago and it worked OK, they then e-mailed to let me know they have taken the price match option off the site.
Went back to the other store and they had sold out

Was ordering a few little bits and pieces from CRC so wanted to do it all in one go/parcel as I never seem to be in when they get delivered.

 

[vickster]

I get pretty much everything delivered to work (unless it's a CD or something small that will go through my letter box) - if a retailer won't oblige, I will happily go elsewhere

 

[Manonabike]

I use mainly Ribble, Wiggle, Parker International and CRC - I don't use evans and SJS I find them terribly expensive..... just yesterday, I was looking for a handlebar and SJS wants £40 + postage where I can get it elsewhere for £33 and free delivery. I must say though I have not used CRC for a year.

 

[400bhp]

Remember evans will price match, even in store (albeit it includes postage)

I will generally look for cheapest then may price match at evans (if they have the item)

 

[Manonabike]

Remember evans will price match, even in store (albeit it includes postage)

I will generally look for cheapest then may price match at evans (if they have the item)

I wouldn't do that..... they simply don't deserve your business, on the other hand the company offering the best deal might deserve it - provided they are a legitimate business. Not only that, it encourages competition. Price match is a safe way to maintain prices high.

 

[Herzog]

Price match is a safe way to maintain prices high.

How?

 

[400bhp]

I wouldn't do that..... they simply don't deserve your business, on the other hand the company offering the best deal might deserve it - provided they are a legitimate business. Not only that, it encourages competition. Price match is a safe way to maintain prices high.

We will disagree on that then. I can place a high reliance on their delivery times/returns/customer service. They also have a shop 5 mins from my office. I can do a price match over the phone/in store using my mobile and have the goods there and then.

 

[Cardiac]

I've had good service from Petra Cycles

 

[Manonabike]

How?

Very easily...... if I don't want to compete with others in price by lowering my prices too, then the easy option is to say, "if you find another price that is cheaper than mine, I'll match it..... in the mean time, I'll keep my prices high" in the knowledge that only a small minority will bother with a price match.

I'd say this..... if you find a better price then give them the business. Those are the shops that are really making an effort to win your business.... the others are just trying to screw you.

The only exception I make is when my LBS is willing to match an Internet price.... in that case I'm very happy to give them the business.

 

[Herzog]

Very easily...... if I don't want to compete with others in price by lowering my prices too, then the easy option is to say, "if you find another price that is cheaper than mine, I'll match it..... in the mean time, I'll keep my prices high" in the knowledge that only a small minority will bother with a price match.

Interesting. I wonder if there has been any market research done to see if it's a good long term strategy?

 

[Cletus Van Damme]

The customer service from Chain Reaction is top notch in my humble opinion. I purchased a pair of Michelin City tyres from them nearly a year ago for my commuting bike. A couple of months ago the rear tyre had a blow out where part of the bead separated from the tyre. The tyre had covered around 500 miles and had been well looked after. I replaced both tyres with Schwalbe Marathon’s as I was paranoid that the front may also fail. I sent Chain Reaction an email explaining the situation and stating that it was not worth returning the tyres due to postage costs, I was not expected anything. Chain Reaction issued me a full refund for both tyres based on my word alone. I sent a similar email to Michelin wondering if they wanted to check the faulty tyre for manufacturing faults. I have still not had a reply and do not expect one. I will definitely continue to use Chain Reaction.