Spa Cycles

[Blue Hills]

I've got some Spa Sputniks as well.

Despite a certain reputation for grumpiness they appear/appeared to have in certain places I well remember them talking me through things as I asked a few sensible/ignorant questions.

No hard sell.

The wheels have been great.

Built by Colin, not Dave.

Do let us know how you get on with yours confused.

 

[Pale Rider]

With Spa it can be a case of the Spa way or the highway.

If you take their good advice, all will be well.

But I think Spa can lock horns with a customer who wants something built that the touring bicycle sages at Spa don't approve of.

 

[ACS]

I purchased an Audax Ti from Spa in 2012 and have to admit the entire experience was a positive one. Spoke to them on the phone about a test ride and on the strength of that conversation I made an appointment and drove down to Harrogate from NE Scotland.

I did not find the staff anything but helpful, test bike was ready, I was given a suggested route to follow and left to my own devices. After a 15 mile test ride I returned and asked if I could take out the steel version. No problem, 15 minutes later I was away.

After a couple of miles I decided the Audax Ti was the way to go. On returning I had a further discussion about frame size, spec etc and arranged for the bike to couriered up to me. This was the only sticking point as they wanted me to return for a fit "because it was part of the service". Sadly distance and work commitments prevented me from travelling. At the time they recommended a saddle upgrade to a B17, which I decline. I later purchased one. Should have listened as they offered me a deal and I would have saved a little.

The bike? I love it.

 

[Blue Hills]

What's involved in a Spa fitting? Is it charged for? Does it involve very individual theories about bike sizing? Involving plumb lines or such? Am a bit wary of these.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I spent over half a day at Spa choosing my bike. Most of the time was spent riding various bikes. No plumblines.

 

[Blue Hills]

Sounds great from all I have read upthread. A few years ago I think I had the idea that they really only catered for folk who knew EXACTLY what they wanted, particularly with regard to sizing. Pretty sure that if I knew then what I know now I would have headed their way rather than to Hewitt. Have ordered stuff from them a few times, well pleased, plan to pedal over to their shop sometime.

 

[postman]

Spa a wonderful,wonderful shop.They had me riding up and down the street.Then they set up the bars for me.I had just had a hernia op.That bike was beautiful.Dawes Super Galaxy.64cm frame.I had to let it go.It went to a chap in London.He sent me a fantastic e mail.Thanking me for a superb beautiful bike.

 

[Milkfloat]

A few years ago I think I had the idea that they really only catered for folk who knew EXACTLY what they wanted, particularly with regard to sizing.

I always thought that if you knew exactly what you wanted, then they would bluntly tell you that you are wrong, and most often they would be correct.

 

[Moodyman]

I always thought that if you knew exactly what you wanted, then they would bluntly tell you that you are wrong, and most often they would be correct.

Indeed. That is exactly my experience.

 

[oldfatfool]

I bought my Brookes saddle from them, it was like shopping at a Oleanda's with hundreds of dusty old boxes containing various models of saddle.

 

[MontyVeda]

I bought a set of wheels from them about three or four years ago... managed to pop the back rim after 12 months due to me not noticing one of my rear brake blocks had worn down so much it was grinding the rim. Front wheel is still going strong. Will definitely be buying my next set from them.

 

[steveindenmark]

With Spa it can be a case of the Spa way or the highway.

If you take their good advice, all will be well.

But I think Spa can lock horns with a customer who wants something built that the touring bicycle sages at Spa don't approve of.

I can understand that. I build sails for yachts and would rather turn somebody away than put my name to a sail that will be second rate.

 

[Gixxerman]

I always thought that if you knew exactly what you wanted, then they would bluntly tell you that you are wrong, and most often they would be correct.

Or as they might say it:-
"ah tek it tha thinks tha naws best then mayert?"

 

[Dogtrousers]

I was just on their website and I saw that the model that I have (steel Audax) is reduced to £850

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/m1b0s21p2827/SPA-CYCLES-Steel-Audax-(SRAM)

A bargain, I'd say.

 

[Pale Rider]

I was just on their website and I saw that the model that I have (steel Audax) is reduced to £850

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/m1b0s21p2827/SPA-CYCLES-Steel-Audax-(SRAM)

A bargain, I'd say.

Tend to agree, not least because if you rocked up to the premises you would get Spa's customisation service for internet 'bike in a box' prices.

By customisation I mean a willingness - generally - to swap components, tinker with the gearing and the like.

Spa also has a good stock of touring/audax accessories which not many general bike shops can match.