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!

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?

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.

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.

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!!!