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.

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!

I pass Bicycle Boutique on my way to eatGoody, so although I haven't bought anything or had a…read moreservice/repair by Bicycle Boutique I've looked in a few times. According to staff here, Bicycle Boutique is one of only two places in Manchester which does cycle hire and you can have a good look at their hire fleet which is chained up outside the front of the shop on the edge of the plaza in front of the Sudgen Sports Centre. If you are reading this as a tourist planning a visit to Manchester, definitely consider hiring a bike for the day as there are some great traffic-free routes on canal paths, in parks and also the Fallowfield Loop cycle path - to name just a few. Piccadilly to Chorlton (on the Ashton Canal and Fallowfield Loop) with a short detour to Gorton Reservoir I can personally recommend. Pick up a Manchester cycle routes map from the Visitor Information Centre in Piccadilly. Repairs and resprays seem to be emphasised at Bicycle Boutique, and the workshop has always been busy when I've looked in. Other than that, it's a small bike shop. Personally, I always try to have repairs and servicing done by the bike shop nearest to home (Lancashire), allowing me to drop in for quick fixes or easily drop off/collect when it's not a while-you-wait repair. This cycle shop could be handiest for you, especially if you are a student, and all you really need - so give it a look.

Went to the shop for the flat tire of my bike around 1pm on 28 March 2015. Kindly inquired the…read morestaff if there are any discounts for students. The staff replied to me in a very rude manner and kept on mocking me if I would want him to call his boss for a discount in for a good several times. VERY IRRITATING and poor mannered. Not recommended at all

The worst customer service ever. They stop response on my e-mails as soon as i purchase the item. I…read morehave paid £400 for bike which supposed be a birthday gift. Today is the day and i still don't know whether for bike or my money. Because i have already canceled whole transaction. No answer to this as well. I do not want to be too harsh, but you certainly need help to keep this business. Announcement!! To all Marketing Managers! Fixed Gear Frenzy needs you. Even if they thing they don't need anyone. That is not truth. The company is desperate. Please help them!!!

I've been here a few times now. It was especially useful where I used to live as I'd pass it on…read moremy bike enroute from my daily commute. Soon as you step in you are warmly greeted with a cosy patch of living room to your right filled with arm chairs, books and board games to chill or pass the time while your bike gets attended to. The coffee has always been spot on too with very fair prices attached. As for the bike repairs/assessments themselves they are very knowledgeable and transparent with pricing etc. It is quite busy at the moment with depending on your bike can take a while to get looked at but besides this all the staff are lovely . Highly recommend if you need a bike repair or just a coffee..just ring in advance if you do require your bike to be looked at just in case they are fully booked!

I've used the services from these awesome bunch of bike lovers several times and I cannot rate it…read moreenough. Nothing is too much trouble, they're fantastically knowledgeable and always aim to get the repairs done on the same day. Absolute first class service and my go to in Manchester.

I'm weird. I travel internationally with a bike: a little Brampton folder. I came to Manchester,…read morewent for a ride and my poor bike was mis-shifting and throwing the chain like mad. Sad me did a web search and found this place right next to my hotel (well around the back). They serviced it quickly and cheaply. Yay! The tune up wasn't perfect, I still had to make some adjustments later but I'm still happy they were there to save my day.

I went in today four people behind the counter one working on someone bike other three watching…read moresomething on the computer me waiting for help, wanting to buy a folding electric bike 15 mins later gave maybe because I'm fat they didn't want to know still looking to buy a bike what a wasted day I will go to Evans later in the week

I am changing the review to one star. It already happened at least two times, when something is…read morewrong with the product, but according to store manager it's ok (in one of the cases I was able to get money back from the manufacturer). So, according to Blacks manager of the store it's perfectly fine when water bottles are falling out of rucksack on somebody's head. While this store is closing, I have no doubt Blacks will re-employ this wonderful understanding woman.

There are just so many outdoor-type shops on Deansgate, it's an absolute miracle that they all…read moremanage to stay in business? How do they do it? There must be at least six or seven. Ridiculous. Anyway, Blacks is absolutely similar to the rest of them. On the ground floor is where you'll find all the expensive but amazingly waterproof hiking jackets. Not even an ocean of water could get through these heavily gortexed items. Unfortunately, for protection like this you're going to have to pay for it to, and a jacket from Blacks could set you back as much as £200. This is serious clobber for serious hiking action. They do have some cheaper options, you'll just have to search a bit for them. Just like all the other outdoor stores on Deansgate, Blacks has a humungous basement which is where they stock all of their speciality outdoor pursuit gear. Like climbing equipment, hiking boots and camping stuff. This is an excellent shop, but just as excellent as all the other outdoor shops around this area.