Evans Cycles... Have you bought a bike from them?

[Pale Rider]

I know.

That must be at least a 5 or possibly even 10 minute walk!

Agreed.

I once walked from Evans to the McDonald's which is even closer, but it was less than straightforward because there are hardly any footpaths and moving cars everywhere.

My startling and insightful conclusion was the MetroCentre is squarely aimed at those who arrive by car.

 

[Firestorm]

The only time we visited an Evans , Chelmsford, the car park was free for the first 30 minutes. We only wanted to check which bikes were available for my wife so that should have been long enough.
They had a bit of a queue, so we had a look around, after about 15 minutes Al had decided which ones she liked the look of , but had some questions.
The salesperson was helpful but when I looked at my watch and mentioned the time and the car park, he said we were not to worry as he has never seen any wardens out there.
We found out why, it was NPR on exit and we got a fine a week later. Evans could not revoke the ticket as it was a private operator, They did, however, say they would knock the fine off the price of a new bike , as long as we bought it within the next two weeks.
The Spesh shop in Chelmsford was better experience and Al loved the bikes in there, so much so that we went way over budget....

 

[vickster]

I always feel cheeky taking a bike in the shop, even the LBS that sold me the commuter (one of his frames).

Why? In my experience, bike shops wholly expect it, hence why many provide parking areas, for example Evans, Sigma, Condor. The Cyclesurgery branches I've been in haven't but they've not had an issue with me taking the bike in. Indeed, mostly I get complimented by shop staff on whichever machine I'm riding

To be fair, I and the bikes aren't dripping with mud, a mucky MTB may cause more consternation possibly. I have taken wet bikes in though

 

[0lonerider]

That's E="AndyRM, post: 4277993, member: 21711"]I know.

That must be at least a 5 or possibly even 10 minute walk![/QUOTE]
Thats about my limit! My last mtn bike was stole from asda in the metrocentre after a guy picked my pocket in asda and stole my keys, I had security keep a eye on the bikerack so I could get a taxi home kick the door in call a joiner out to fix it and get back to asda! i just pulled in to asda carpark as security phoned to say my bike had been knicked

 

[AndyRM]

That's E="AndyRM, post: 4277993, member: 21711"]I know.

That must be at least a 5 or possibly even 10 minute walk!

Thats about my limit! My last mtn bike was stole from asda in the metrocentre after a guy picked my pocket in asda and stole my keys, I had security keep a eye on the bikerack so I could get a taxi home kick the door in call a joiner out to fix it and get back to asda! i just pulled in to asda carpark as security phoned to say my bike had been knicked[/QUOTE]

Avoid the MetroCentre is the moral of the story.

 

[Roadrider48]

All the Evans stores I've been in have stands inside the shop? Or they let you take it indoors and lean up against the counter for example

The three that use on a fairly regular basis also, as you say, have inside bike parking.

 

[Milkfloat]

I used to put Evans in the same category as Halfords, in that assuming they are cheap enough and you know how to play the system and exactly what you want then use them, but don't trust them at all.

However, I actually gave them a chance when I got my last bike as they were offering a great deal and C2W and allowed me to go over the £1K limit. Even then I was actually surprised about the knowledge and enthusiasm from the staff, I tend to throw in some technical questions that I know the answer to, just so I can test them out and discover who I am dealing with. We had honest discussions about the BB30a that concerned me and he was the only person to admit the weakness in design that I was already very aware of. Not only did I get an extensive test ride (in the rain) but the guy I dealt with was a Cat 3 racer still racing in his 40s who genuinely wanted to help and talk bikes. There was no pressure, genuine knowledge and a willingness to do a deal that no other shop got close to. I would go back again assuming the price was right.

 

[vickster]

I think, as with any chain, the knowledge and helpfulness does vary from branch to branch. One near here is very good (although I've not personally bought a bike there, a friend has), one is not so good IMO. There is also a branch in London of which @jefmcg is not a fan

I use them quite a lot for kit and parts, because I can park there if needed, collect and return on the same day, and best of all they price match

 

[Lonestar]

I can think of 5 bikes I've bought from there.Including the Brompton.Waterloo branch.

Close to work and overall no problems.Handily placed.