This great local bike shop won the South Wales Echo's 'They're The Business' award in 2009, which…read morerecognises local businesses that go above and beyond the call of duty for their customers. Now the Bike Shed has moved to Cathedral Road it has more space than at its old premises on Wyndham Crescent, and they've added new makes to their range including Trek, Pashley, Raleigh and Cooper. Apart from the bikes themselves, they also have loads of cycling accessories, from child seats for the back of your bike through to gloves, helmets and clothing. From fairly low-price goods through to high-end brands, they offer stock for most budgets. You can also get your bike repaired and serviced by experienced staff and they supply parts by dozens of cycling brands such as Rock Shox, Endura, Truvativ, Shimano, Mavic, Avid, etc. The staff are all cycling experts, and are knowledgeable on local issues such as good biking trails and Cardiff's Bike To Work scheme - so you can find out all sorts by having a chat with them. Highly recommended for any Cardiff cyclists out there.

This is where local business beats the big national chains…read more National chains usually employ someone who looks decent enough, doesn't have a criminal record and can just about string a sentence together without swearing. They don't care if they have any knowledge or passion about the product they are selling. The people working at the Bike Shed know their stuff and you can tell - their enthusiasm is infectious. They don't won't to sell you a bike to make money, they want to find you the right bike so you enjoy biking. That's why I bought a bike off them that I ride all the time. If you're after a bike or just some advice - pop in here -there is no hard sell just friendly advice.

Cliff came out to look at my car after I had lost faith in my local garage. My car had been into…read morethe garage 14 times and was costing me money and I was getting nowhere. I had no confidence driving because I knew I would have a problem and getting behind the wheel was becoming less and less. After another weekend breakdown and despairing of what to do, I saw mention of a mobile mechanic. I had never thought to use one but looked online and found Mobi Tec so I called Cliff, I have not looked back since. Cliff came out on the Sunday and diagnosed the problem and it was sorted within 2 days. He has also been back, at no extra cost, to check the car and make sure its ok. He came today to do a service and check over ready to take for the MOT. Nothing is too much trouble. His work is of a very high standard and I will now, never use, anyone but Cliff.

Cliff offered me a full service for my car and afterwards I had problems with the car programme. He…read moretold me to sort it out myself and left me to chase him for a receipt and record of the service after 4 months. As he did not answer his phone or reply to any text messages. I ended up having to contact trading standards as under the goods and service act, mechanics are obliged to give a customer a receipt. After time consuming chasing I got the receipt. Cliff kindly gave me a free full service for the distress that was caused. But not only did he not turn up, after leaving me to wait for 30 minutes but he also failed to answer his phone yet again. Following this experience I decided to add him to the complaints list of trading standards. But he stated that he does not care as it was only a freebie. How professional?

Rich Feltham is an independent bike mechanic, he operates from his home workshop in Portishead, has…read morea workshop in Shirehampton and also works on a mobile basis, which is ideal for me as it is often difficult for me to get my bike to a workshop and then on to work or whatever. I have used his servcies many times, and referred a number of bikers to him all of whom have had very positive experiences. For example, I took an 05 CBR600RR in for a minor service which included a change of brake fluid and an oil & filter change on top of the usual inspections and adjustments. Total cost £37.90 for parts and £45 labour (1.5 hours) which I think is reasonable on top of being really convenient. Rich also does tyre fitting at his Shirehampton workshop. I order my tyres online at the best prices and have them delivered to him. Fitting and balancing is £15 a rim. He can do single side swingarm wheels which many places do not. He used to work for a big dealeriship in Bristol, has loads of race and track experience, is polite, well presented and wouldn't scare you in a dark alley (i.e. he's not a tattooed scumbag chancer).

From the owner: Fixit is a family run business based in Portbury, Bristol and offers servicing, repairs, tyre…read morefitting and Mot testing to all makes of motorcycle and scooter. We`re open from Monday to Saturday. With full workshop servicing and diagnostic facilities, we aim to give you the best level of service with very competitive rates!