Brick Lane Bikes

Avoid at all costs

07 Jul 08, 16:52 Well below expectations

I can only echo the previous two reviews. The most shockingly rude, hostile, arrogant and incompetent bunch of ar5eholes you would ever be unfortunate enough to deal with. I used them a few times (through laziness, they're very local) and they fell below expectations each time, but the last time they screwed my bike up when doing a repair, which caused me to nearly kill myself, then refused to accept any responsibility. I ended up having to threaten them with the small claims court. They repaid me (the faulty repairs only - no additional costs I incurred), but without any apology or acknowledgement. In fact, I had to deal with their insurance broker and insurer directly to get it sorted out. They are an absolute shower.

Rude, Agressive, Unwelcoming

02 Jul 08, 10:52 Well below expectations

I chose to use this shop due to its convenient location and the areas general reputation of being warm and welcoming. I have given it three chances, “third time lucky”. Every time I have used Brick Lane Bikes a new cost is added onto simple repairs. Repairs that they got wrong in the first place. Staff are not willing to help if you have a problem and will leave you waiting, ignoring you constantly, making you feel unwelcome. After my third simple repair went wrong causing danger to myself, I went back to receive the same “warm welcoming” of I didn’t fix this for you, it’s not my problem, come back tomorrow. Its funny when people are reluctant to give you a service that you want to pay them for. I will be taking myself somewhere else from now on.

Rude and Aggressive service

23 Jun 08, 11:55 Well below expectations

My experience with Brick Lane Bikes has been a frustrating and depressing experience. The after sales service is non-existent. I have had several problems with the second hand bike that was bought for me from Brick Lane bikes in that the full service performed on the bike before sale was ineffective, to the point of being dangerous. Every time that I have spoken to the staff since then I have been treated in the most appalling way. The staff were rude and aggressive. I have taken the bike back to be serviced twice since sale and still ended up having to fix it myself. Do NOT buy from these horrible people.

Ture Local Bike Shop

06 Mar 08, 12:29 Beyond expectations

In a city mobbed with big name chains like Evans and Cycle Surgery BLB stands out as a shop run by a cyclist. Despite its small size it seems to have everything you need from track chain ring bolts to moustache bars - try asking for those in a big name shop and watch the sales guy reach for a catalogue and start describing wait times.

The Polish chap who owns the place is very helpful and really knows his onions. Most of the stock is aimed at couriers and fixie die hards looking for bit by bit replacements on their bikes, but you can still buy a complete bike, lights, locks, gloves and the rest of it.

From tyres, to grips, to saddles, you can find a rainbow of colours and sizes in everything, and the staffs passion and knowledge is second to none in the city.

If you're looking for someone who will take the time, has all the bits, and knowledge - this is your place. Don't expect a sterile shop floor with size ordered womens spin clothing and fleets of bikes in boxes.

If I had the courage to start my own shop and lose money slowly - this is the way I'd do it.

Best place for single speed bikes

21 Oct 07, 21:58 Beyond expectations

If you, like me, prefer your bike to be of the elegant single speed variety, this is your mecca.

The store specialises in vintage, imported steel track frames and all the trimmings (multi-coloured Velocity Rims, road tyres etc.). They also sell a smaller variety of very well-made and maintained off-the-shelf track and fixed bicycles.

The staff are all very helpful and knowledgeable, and all work is done on the spot by their team to guarantee you walk out with the bike in the best possible condition. Their passion for bikes truly stands out as an asset, and this buyer was very pleased with the results.

Very highly recommended.