Set in the somewhat decaying facade that is Portswood, Southampton, Portswood Cycles represents a dying breed of cycle shops. It is all too easy to overlook such a place when retailers such as Halfords have made such ruthless attempts to dominate the leisure cycling market. Many local bike ... Read review
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Advantages: How bike shops should be Disadvantages: Located in an anonymous, and somewhat delapidated place
...facade that is Portswood, Southampton, Portswood Cycles represents a dying breed of cycle shops. It is all too easy to overlook such a place when retailers such as Halfords have made such ruthless attempts to dominate the leisure cycling market. Many local bike shops found it near-impossible to cope with the pressures of competition from such large-scale companies, and subsequently ceased trading.
It is therefore somewhat refreshing ... ...can cater for the needs of the modern cyclist, in a low-pressure environment. You will always find help close to hand in this store, with extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff. Prices are very reasonable, and the facilities for aftersales service are remarkably good. The range of bicycles reflects the shops traditional roots, as there are all the major types of machine for specific purposes.
Set in the somewhat decaying facade that is Portswood, Southampton, Portswood Cycles represents a dying breed of cycle shops. It is all too easy to overlook such a place when retailers such as Halfords have made such ruthless attempts to dominate the leisure cycling market. Many local bike shops found it near-impossible to cope with the pressures of competition from such large-scale companies, and subsequently ceased trading.
It is therefore somewhat refreshing to find that there are a few stores left which can cater for the needs of the modern cyclist, in a low-pressure environment. You will always find help close to hand in this store, with extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff. Prices are very reasonable, and the facilities for aftersales service are remarkably good. The range of bicycles reflects the shops traditional roots, as there are all the major types of machine for specific purposes.
It is nice to be able to go into a bike shop, and to be greeted rather than pounced upon, and it is also great that someone has realised that not all of us want mountain bikes!! Let's face it, this is Britain, and most of us would have to travel some distance to reach anything that resembled a mountain in any case! The bottom line then...I like this shop. It bears with it a message that I think other cycle retailers should take note of: customers like the personal touch. They like to be advised when they need advice, and they don't like to be pressured into buying something that does not suit their needs. There is little merit in selling a product for sellings sake, for example selling an old lady a top of the range off-roader when she only pops down the shops twice a week would bee foolish, and counterproductive for the store.
If you live near Southampton, and are thinking of buying a bike, why not give it a try? I think you might be pleasantly suprised if you aren't looking for anything too flash!
...from start to finish. Portswood Cycle Shop is located opposite The Mitre pub and there is free parking on the road outside the shop for 30 minutes which is useful if you are planning to buy a new bike. Otherwise The Mitre pub has a pay a display car park. I was given a very warm welcome when I went into the shop. I didn't even need to ask for any help as I was somebody came to my aid immediately when I brought in one of my bikes to be repaired. This ...
rebekahonsolent 28.04.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Portswood Cycles, Southampton, Hampshire
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Having recently purchased a mountain bike from Portwood Cycles I have to say the customer service was superb, and they even adjusted the suspension to suit my needs.
They have also updated their website:
<a href="http://www.portswoodcycles.co.uk%20">www.portswoodcycles.co.uk </a> ...
Craigt2002 14.01.2008
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Portswood Cycles, Southampton, Hampshire