9th Street Cycles

For years I thought the best mechanics were in a small shop in London called Condor on the Grays Inn Road. Extremely knowledgeable and just as importantly quite friendly, they specialize in high end road bikes (It's where Rapha 1st sold its clothes) and their rates somewhat reflected this. Knew each component inside out and helped you decide on which parts to replace, or when building a bike. I just took my bike to 9th St Cycles and the mechanic there was great. Nick knew what needed doing and replaced and adjusted my rear cassette whilst I waited. Great bloke, great great service charge and my bike is running as smooth as anything. I've been to 'other' shops, including THE unmentionable famous/infamous shop, and 9th St blew them all out the water. No longer will I miss Condor. Thanks Nick.

They went out of their way to fix a wheel problem I had. They tried sevegral times to fix it (not succesfully) but the point is that they went well beyond the call of duty. Kudos.

I bought a Kona road bike here. They did a great job customizing it for me. The staff is friendlier than at other shops I've been too. I'm also very happy with my bike.

Bought my first bike as an adult with them when they first opened. Even though I'm a total newbie and bought one of their cheapest bikes, I always get excellent friendly service (their bikes have free lifetime service - just pay for parts) from Tony and the guys. I do wish they had a few more brands of road bikes because now I'm ready to move up to a nicer bike, but whatever I get, I'll be going to them for service and accessories.

They were very friendly and helpful when we came in asking questions about a bike we were interested in buying. So a few weeks later, after having done some research, we returned. Again, they started out friendly and helpful. So far, so good. But then they revealed the price of the bike was the MSRP and that they did not negotiate. We mentioned that another bike shop in the area (who tend to be slightly less customer friendly but offer good deals) had a much lower price on the same bike. The owner became aggravated and insisted that they did not want to "lower the value of the brand of that bike or of their store". I understand they need to make money, but who sells things at the MSRP and then reacts as if you're being unreasonable by trying to negotiate?

Bottom line: they seem to be perfectly friendly and helpful as long as you're willing to pay their exorbitant prices.