If your a bike freak evans is where you spiritually belong. Big into road bikes I can waste up to…read morehalf an hour just gawping at expensive machines in pristine condition, screaming for someone to use them. Inside they have every variety of two wheeled transport from 3,000 grand triathlon bad boys to funky fixed wheels, evans stocks a lot. If they don't have what you want in there either the guys can order it in and sort it out for you usually within the week. Everything even slightly bike related is covered as well including books, DVDs, locks, panniers, parts, pumps, racks, puncture repair kits, multi tools, helmets, on and on it goes.

Evans is big chain of cycle stores, and this is a fair-sized bike shop - about the same size as…read moreHarry Hall although not as big as Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op. They stock every type of bike and accessory. In their catalogue, Evans claim to be exclusive stockists for some niche, high-end cycle manufacturers. Plus, they have their own Pinnacle brand bikes which I suggest checking those out, especially if you are on any sort of a budget - compare with the relevant Edinburgh Bicycle 'Revolution' brand model. I personally believe no time spent in a cycle shop is ever wasted, and Evans Cycles is worthy of your time, as is their catalogue. These days, bike kit runs to include such exotics as iPhone bike mounts (to use your phone as a satnav), sat navs, and I've just noticed a little video camera which you can mount to your bars or helmet - this is the Veho Muvi, currently on sale at £69.99. Last month, I bought some fantastic Ergon grips which, at £40 cost more than the bike I had them fitted to is worth! Sounds crazy, but the difference in comfort and handling is out of this world. They are a bit tricky to fit, especially due the need to loosen/refit the brake and gear shifters, and I was glad to have Evans' staff expertly fit them for me while I waited. I've always found the staff here helpful and together...bike enthusiasts! All else being equal, I would still tend to shop at Edinburgh Bicycle as they are huge and also a co-op, or at a smaller independent bike shop. But there is nothing at all wrong with Evans and their staff, and a lot in their favour, such as the clear list of repair and fitting charges writ large on the wall behind the checkout. BTW, I've just noticed another branch of Evans Cycles at Chill Factor, in case that is handier for you.

Great place for all cheap sports gear!…read more From football, squash, tennis, golf, hockey, rugby, netball and gymnastics to horse riding equipment- its got everything! A huge swimwear and wetsuit/ canoeing stuff section with great discounts on everything. There is also a great walking section with waterproof trousers and kagools. Camping section does have great pop-up tents in it as mine has lasted years!

really good sports retailer which doesn't rip you offread more

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.

The railway arches of Whitworth Street West serve as a magnet for cool stuff, housing Green Room…read morealt: performance space, an achingly cool interior design showroom, Cocotoo Italian restaurant (?) and the cool effect spreads across the road to froyo café Frurt and round the corner to The Engine Room Café in Cambridge Street and even the front of restaurants in Chester Street. Plus, access the canal via any of a number of entry points on the same side as Frurt to view a timeline of the late Haçienda Club. (The canal path is a fantastic traffic-free route to Castlefield, Piccadilly and Stockport). Harry Hall Cycles is a good general purpose cycle shop, but I also commend them for showcasing some niche bikes. The current window display is mainly given over to the current trend for stripped down fixed gear or single speed bikes - fewer moving parts means less to go wrong and also lighter. I was also amused to read a poster publicising a Brompton bike race to be staged by that leading manufacturer of folding bikes - I've not seen that poster elsewhere in Manchester, so well done HH for showcasing that. (One cool thing about Brompton bikes for a cycle shop is how small they fold up, allowing many more Bromptons to be stored per sq. metre than regular bikes!) Downstairs is also home to road bikes, cyclo-cross bikes and the usual bike accessories. Upstairs features mountain bikes, style/girly bikes and some retro stuff including a modern take on a butchers bike. I think you have to pay them a visit and test ride a bike or two to decide if Harry Hall is the bike shop for you, but I enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff who are generally happy to talk. I'll end by sharing a tip given to me by one of the guys here, which is to dismount and push your bike up over kerbs and such - apparently mounting kerbs wrecks the wheel bearings, and was something he would never do with any of his bikes. He had me at 'bikes' :-) I find something precious about city centre cycle shops - they are there in the midst of the polluting traffic offering a highly-effective, low-tech transport solution. The young and able-bodied car drivers amongst us, let's get on our bikes! And if you are an apartment dweller unsure how you would store your bike, all the more reason to get along to Harry Hall as they have a variety of storage solutions from wall hooks to floor-to-ceiling bike stands to store your speed machine up out of the way.

Turns out Withington Cycles are really good for accessories as well as bikes…read more After a bit of chilly ride I finally decided I needed some specialized gloves for riding on my road bike. Was some great advice, and I came out with a good pair of gloves, and tips for looking after them. Just about managed to stop myself looking at the bikes, but they've some great stock in there. I'll be back at some point I'm sure. Hmm, perhaps a cycling jacket is required soon.... Love having bike shop on my doorstep. Thought I'd add a review as the previous ones were awhile back.

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.

This place is excellent. The owner Peter, his wife and son that run the place are very friendly…read moreindeed. They are willing to chat and offer advice on problems cycling related as well as provide any necessary equipment needed at very reasonable prices. The store moved not so long ago (only down the road) and now is located in a place that is twice the size of the orignal shop. Of course, this now allows for more bikes to be left on display as well ascycling jerseys, bottles and other cycling accessories. There is a workshop at the back where the work is done on your bike and a lot of the time if the problem is minor they can sort you out there and then. I could not recommend this place highly enough and it is indeed THE cycling shop of St Helens.

Absolutely brilliant bike shop. They gave me a great deal on my first road bike and have bought all…read moremy equipment from there since. The guys are always willing to chat and give advice no matter how amateurish your questions, and they have a real passion for what they do. Bike shops nowadays more than ever have to provide added value in the service they give to compete with the online market and this family company certainly do that. I would recommend this shop to anyone.

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!

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.

Took my old (2021) trusty for a service. Had really high hopes judging by the reviews (and price) …read more I wasn't in a hurry,left the bike with cyclehouse for about two weeks. Work required: service, and upon furter inspection: new chain, new cassette, new break pads back&front. Asked for the tyre change (brought my own set) Work completed by the shop: full (mid level £100)service + new chain & new casette, guys changed the tyres free of charge which I thought, was a nice touch. Issues: 1. don't get me wrong, my bike wasn't super clean but I'd thought if you're changing the chain and cassette you'd at least wipe/clean the derailleur including pulleys as well as the hub & front sprockets down from the old buildup grease and dirt/gunk. It looks a mess. Makes you think what is actually included in that 'full service' 2. Gears - after collecting and taking the bike for a test drive, noticed that rear cassette was grinding on two or three mid cogs, took it back for a "re-tune", now it's engaging on all but is very noisy and still grinding slightly on two smallest cogs. I'm no expert but maybe slight frond derailleur adjustment would help? 3. Breaks - I thought I'll do them myself as it was a tad more expensive than I would normally pay for the pads; came to changing them and the rear safety pin is missing and I'm 100% sure it was there when I dropped the bike off at cyclehouse

I could not speak highly enough of the team at Cycle house. Absolutely top draw service. I bought…read moremy first bike from them back in May of 2012 and I've not looked back. I didn't have a clue what I was looking for but I left there with the perfect bike for me. The after sales are as good if not better! The guys in the workshop must be sick of me! They assembled the bike originally and have been great ever since. They have offered me all sorts of advice. I've had a couple of accidents on the bike whilst I was getting use to cycling for the first time. The accidents left me a little nervous and left my bike requiring a safety check. The guys were quick to reassure me not to worry, just to bring the bike in at my convenience. The turn around on my bike was just 24 hours and the communications were excellent. A particular note to one of the work shop lads. Sorry I don't know his name but he wears glasses. Top draw lad. Patience of a Saint! Thanks a lot to everyone at Cyclehouse

Surosa Cycles has a very distinctive shop front, which was recently obliterated when a Land Rover…read moreSport ploughed through it, and has been perfectly rebuilt. The strong branding creates a sense of seriousness and professionalism that can be somewhat intimidating to armatures just after day to day accessories, but once you walk through the door the owners couldn't be more friendly. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, although they were kind of on the 'up sell' trying to push some more expensive items, but it wasn't a hard sell. The prices are a little more expensive than comparative chain stores, but they do offer extra specialist expertise in the biking field.

Really poor, suposed to have serviced the bike inc. wheel hubs, had just smeared grease around the…read moreoutside never had them apart. Also either didn't understand Campag gearing or plain lied about the faults avoid like the plague