It's worth going out of your way to go to a good bike shop, bf says, and he's had two bikes from…read morehere and many services and upgrades/alterations (180,000 mi on one of the bikes) and highly recommends. It's a coop where the staff are passionate, knowledgeable and cater to all customer types. In stock are great brands such as Surly and Brompton. They won't try to force you to buy something off the shelf, they will help you customise it and go the extra mile e.g. offering to loan us a bike so bf could accompany me home and giving us flapjacks! Purchase also comes with 3 free services after which bike is a good as new.

Their green signposts-bikes strapped to the lamposts on Curry Mile alerted me to the existence of…read moreThe Bicycle Doctor, which is located on one of the larger side roads off Wilmslow Road. While Neil M. makes an obvious and valid point about the larger stock of Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op, I don't feel that is necessarily a deal-breaker against buying a bike from The Bicycle Doctor which is still quite sizeable. Plus, I get the feeling that the stock offered by The Bicycle Doctor is quite savvy in its own way, with some unique products which may be hard to find elsewhere in Manchester. For example, an electric bike by Trek at £1,700 and a rainbow of cute pastel-coloured Brompton folding bikes both suggest that people are spending serious money here - in fact I don't think EBC stock electric bikes at all. I parted with cash for an interestingly versatile 100% merino wool 'buff', which can be to protect and the cold and UV also, plus a neat pair of cycling sunglasses which several people have asked me where I bought them from. I am in the market for cycle panniers, and I will definitely consider buying them from the good Bicycle Doctor, especially since they stock the high-end Ortlieb roll-top waterproof designs and even had four or so different colours in stock. On the repairs front, their website states that all their mechanics are Cytech-certified which sounds good enough to me! Lastly, The Bicycle Doctor allocates a significant corner of their precious floorspace to a rack of cycling leaflets detailing local routes, mass rides, and cycle-friendly tourism further afield - an authentic touch which typifies this Workers' Co-op which has been 'Serving the Cycling Community for over 25 years'. Thanks, Doc - you left me feeling good, and good to go!

When you get past the terrible pun, this is a fantastic bike shop with a range of bikes and…read moreaccessories for both road bikers and mountain bikers (and hybrid bikers like myself!) I didn't buy my bike from here, but shortly after buying my bike, I realised that I was missing an essential for any bike owner in Manchester - a decent lock. I knew that I needed a D lock and I wanted something pretty good, as I knew so many people who had had their locks cut within seconds. The guy who served me was incredibly helpful. He talked me through all of the locks that were available and advised me about the pros and cons of each one. He wasn't at all patronising or pushy. If I were to need any further bike accessories I would not hesitate to go back to this shop. It seems like a great team of guys who work there, and they also do custom builds, maintenance and repairs.

Avoid this place! Been a customer for years and my dad for many decades, and spent a lot there…read more They're usually more expensive than anywhere else and charge for even the most minor of jobs (even when item/s have been purchased from them) - Put up with as location is close by. However, went in as a bolt on my crank came off, and was told that they don't have bolts that size and they would get one in (charge £25-30, fitted). A few days later get a call saying that they couldn't source the right size bolt and that the entire chain set would need changing (charge £135-150). I balked at that! So I took my bike to another bike shop in Withington. They also didn't have right size bolt in, but found the right one for me to purchase myself online from wiggle (price £2.99). They also told me how to do the job myself, as it was simple, and it was! Suffice it to say YOU'VE LOST a customer and anyone I know who does business with you. OUTRAGEOUS!

Ridelow is the perfect place to get a really good range of kitsch, weird and wonderful bikes that…read morefrankly you won't find anywhere else in Manchester. It's awesome inside, with bikes and all kinds of things hanging off the ceiling, and a sofa to have a sit down on if you want. But it also has a line in doing loads of other stuff. Be that watches, gothic jewellery, skater t-shirts, rucksacks and even a desk offering canvas printing services! The limited clothing stock out on view is apparently for display purposes - they have more sizes and if you ask they'll go find the one you need in the storeroom. The staff in here are dead friendly and willing to give you a hand or even just have a chat. I always like it when a shop has that kind of vibe.

Ridelow, as the name suggests, is for the cool kids. If you know your bikes then you'll know that…read morethis store doesn't just stock any old brand. This store stocks the crème de la crème of lowriders, cruisers, bmx's and choppers. Since this is the store where the likes of Kate Moss and the Beckhams come to get their rides, you can imagine that it isn't all that cheap. In fact, you're looking at around £500 for an Amsterdam or from £200 for a chopper, but you won't find anything else like them on the street. You won't want to leave them unattended on the street either, even if you have 3 locks, and for a city dweller like me that poses a huge problem. I guess the people who can afford these bikes also have a private place to store them?

I have a bike, i ride my bike a lot, but i know nothing about bikes…read more Keep Pedalling know A LOT about bikes....but they never make me feel like i can't ask ridiculously stupid questions and don't judge me when i suddenly realise my brakes are non existent - yet i've still ridden to the shop. This is why i love Keep Pedalling. They sell quality bikes and bike stuff, they give quality advise, they deliver quality bike services and all with a friendly, welcoming and non judgemental smiles. Which must be really difficult as i really am a fool at times. And how i know i love them. Well whenever i need anything for my bike i go straight there. I don't even look on the interweb to see if i can get it cheaper....because i don't care...i'd rather spend in that shop at whatever the price and help keep those lovely people in business than buy for cheaper online. Hmmmm maybe that's why subconsciously i haven't learned basic bike maintenance......its so i am forced to take my bike to keep pedalling! Maybe i'm just a kind and generous person and not a incompetent fool after all! Keep up the amazing work keep pedalling!!

For someone like myself who has spent a wee bit too much time reading the internet about more…read morearcane types of bikes, Keep Pedalling is an Aladdin's cave! The amount of unique bike and accessories they manage to pack into their modest-sized shop really does put other Manchester bike shops to shame, including the big players. Given space constraints, a bit of selectivity is inevitable. However, at the budget end, if you are looking for a basic ordinary or retro bike from £300, they have some of those. Or a fast commuter bike at £500, again there are some good choices. But it is with high end touring bikes and custom builds that things start to get interesting. A look at the photo album on their website gives some clues - the road sign reads "Rekjavik - 349"; Alaska and a fully-laden tour of the Himalaya are also mentioned. Keep Pedalling claim that such exploits have made them experts in Surly steel bikes, especially custom builds - so prices are given for frame & forks as well as the complete Surly bikes on display. Not cheap, but if you want an industrial-strength steel or aluminium rack and Ortlieb panniers to go with your Surly, they have a wide selection of those on display. Fat bikes is another area they specialise in. Or if you want a bike built around Rohloff hub gears, Keep Pedalling have experience of that sort of custom build. For myself, I was as I usually am in bike shops, looking round the stock, asking questions, a bit of a time-waster! But not quite this time, as did end up buying a Japanese-made Crane bike bell - and even with this little thing, I'm impressed with the engineering. The other clincher in Keep Pedalling's favour could be after-sales service. I've never bought a bike from here, so I can't say for sure. But the downstairs workshop is as big again as the display area, and it is difficult to imagine anything other than a conscientious and personalised service. Thank goodness for Manchester's Northern Quarter! Keep Pedalling, plus neighbours such as Fred Aldous, Soup Kitchen, the tiki bars and so on Keep Manchester Interesting - which can only be a good thing!

Hmmm not sure where to start with this one but i will try and be positive if possible…read more First and foremost the cost of Steve Baggot's repairs are fair but his attitude leaves a lot to be desired, i have sent people his way but most of them have come back and said how bad his attitude is. When i asked them to elaborate they said he is more interested in gossiping outside rather than showing any interest in his customers. As i alluded to earlier he does offer a fair price but theres not much to compare him too and when i sent my nephews bike in he actually took nearly a week to replace 2 wheels, not sure if him locking up earlier than he advertises has anything to do with it. He does do sales but basically he will just show you a catalogue and he orders it in. I have to say that his prices are reasonable on sales also, i paid £200 for 3 kids bikes which is not bad. All in all not a bad place but think it could be better, in particular the service. A bit of competition is what is needed i think.

Sitting in one of the railway arches on Whitworth Street, Harry Hall's Cycles is a cycle shop for…read moreserious cyclists. It's well set out and sells mountain and road bikes as well as loads of accessories. I'm a bit of a cycling novice, but I recently acquired quite a good road bike and my old pump didn't seem to fit the valves on the new bike's tyres. I popped into the shop and feeling like a complete idiot, explained that I had no idea how to pump up the tyres on my new bike. The chap serving me was really polite despite my clear cycling ignorance, and explained the technicalities of the valves and what pump I needed to buy. He presented me with a few options of what I should get and I've now got something perfect for the job that's also really light and fits snugly on my bike. The pump was quite expensive, and this typifies the cost of most of the cycling gear in the shop, which includes a good range of pumps, tyres, helmets and accessories as well as lots of different cycle clothing. However, it's all quality stuff and the staff know exactly what they're talking about. Though you would probably find cheaper gear at somewhere like Halfords, its worth going to Harry Hall's to know that you'll walk away with some kit that will be right for you, work properly and last a long time.

As a mail order supplier, I can't recommend Harry Hall at all…read more The part I bought snapped after only a few months. A standard case of returning to the retailer, who can supply a new part at the manufacturer's expense. But there is nobody answering emails. And when they answer the phone, they are always 'too busy right now'. They said they'd phone back, but never did. At which point you have to just write off your purchase and leave a 1* review. Avoid.

RevolveMCR is a bicycle repair shop on wheels. Dave will come to you to repair your bicycle pretty…read moremuch anywhere in the M60 and even as far as Altrincham and Hale in South Manchester. I've used RevolveMCR regularly now for my bike servicing and repairs as he will make his way to your home or work or anywhere in between that works for you. Dave's only request is somewhere undercover on those wet days which I think we can all appreciate. You don't need to supply any repair equipment as he and his team will bring this with them. They do quality work and at extremely decent prices considering the convenience your are purchasing. RevolveMCR has a semi regular pop-up at the university corridor (UMBUG) cycling events and even does free bike assessments and repair recommendations at these events in the lead up to Winter. RevolveMCR is a god send for all bicycle commuters in Manchester and should be on your speed dial after your significant partner and parents.

This shop is packed from floor to ceiling with a bewildering array of bikes - new and second hand,…read moreadults and childrens, cheap and expensive. It's not quite so well organised or spacious as Edinburgh Cycles or Cycle Logic, but they do the best they can with the limited space available. The knowledgeable staff are on hand to advise you, and every new bike purchased comes with 2 free services. They can also order bikes and accessories in for you. I've never had any repairs done here, but wouldn't hesitate to take my bike in if I was nearby. They offer a full repair service from punctures to a complete makeover for your bike. A basic service will set you back £40 not including parts. A great little bike shop suitable for everyone from students looking for a cheap and quick way to get to uni, to cycle pros.

Withington Cycles helped me out when I got a flat tyre last year. I was miles away from home and…read moreonly had a few pounds in my backpack. The usual price for taking off the wheel and replacing the inner tube is £10 (plus the price of the tube). After a little bit of persuading and a lot of eyelash batting, the kind gentleman helped me remove the wheel for £6 and allowed me to come back with some cash for the tube. It's well worth getting your bike serviced here too, if you use it frequently. Cleaning and degrease is £10 and brake service is £8 each. If you look after your bike, your bike will keep looking after you!

Do you like leather? Do you like motorbikes? Do you like both of these things? Do you like both of…read morethese things in a way that has no connotations whatsoever with the Hell's Angels? If the answer to all of the above questions is yes, then you really are going to like Dainese a lot. Dainese sell jackets and trousers that are leather but are all modern and actually quite good looking at the same time. There is some serious biking gear in here and plenty of staff to help you with any questions you might have. They also stock a range of baffling (to me at least) protective devices for your back, knees and things like that. They're meant to stop you getting too hurt when you fly off your bike going at a ridiculous speed around a corner in the Lake District.

Oh yeah, I nearly forgot about this awesome place. This used to be my favorite shop. I am not…read morejoking. I've always like bikes and cars, just like a Tom boy. So, I used to ask all the time if any of my friends want a new helmet, or a new little thing for their bikes. Actually, because I was going in here so many times, at some point the owner came to me and asked me few questions. That was the point when I've asked if they need extra staff. Well, in exchange he said that I need to know quite a lot about bikes, stuff, and I left him quite surprised. Anyway, it didn't happen in the end. I got a different job meanwhile. But still, for the sake of it, sometimes I still go in there, happy like a little bunny. One day, I'm going to buy lots and lots of stuff from that shop. It's to dear to me, and too cool to be ignored.