This is well known amongst University sports teams, as it provides the kit for lots of college…read moresports. It's been around for nearly a century and really knows its stuff, which isn't to say it's necesarily the best, but the staff are knowledgeable and polite, the items are of good quality, and the prices, while not cheap, aren't extortionate. It caters for non-university teams as well, with items ranging from basic t-shirts to embroidered uniforms. You pick the material (eg: Nike), the sizes and the design, or you can specify a bespoke design if it's not one they already cater for. The shop's got a nice feel to it - not too cluttered, and it feels sort of vintage and English, with photos of cricket teams on the walls.

This is a handy little shop if you're into your sports - this is full up to the top with all kinds…read moreof equipment! I went with a friend to get a badminton racket and spent a long time just choosing, as the selection was great! There's a range of most items starting at your basic stuff for beginners, up to professional quality items for those who are a bit more keen and experienced. A range of prices too. There's quite a few photos of college teams, so the shop obviously caters for a few university sports. Recommended to us by someone who's into many sports - give it a try.

After having training sessions with Sophie for more than a year, I can't recommend her enough. She…read moremakes training very enjoyable, whilst motivating me to achieve my best. I feel so much better, it's one of the best choices I have ever made!

I love Freespirit. It's not the cheapest place, but it's a bit less pricey than some of the other…read moresurfer/skater stores, and it's got some really nice casual clothes. I particularly like the summery skirts, although I can't seem to quite get the right size. The staff are very friendly and happy to recommend things and have a chatter. They have some nice backpacks which are great if you like to cycle around Oxford - easier to carry than a satchel or a shouler bag. The best thing, though, is the flipflops! They really are the comfiest in the world, and worth every penny. They sell lots of flipflops, but you'll know the ones I mean the second you try them on. They also do them in different sizes, which is definitely worth looking for. Top tip: Buy your summer stuff for next year at the end of the season; it's much cheaper and simple bikinis, sandals and summery accessories won't go out of fashion from one year to the next.

The Oxford Cycle Workshop is more than just a bike shop, it's the hub of a community. Regular fun…read morecycling events for you what ever your bike. They will sell you bikes (new and refurbished) or parts, and do a very good job of servicing your bike for you, but this is a place where passion is more important than business. As well as acting as a gathering point for Oxford cyclists, and a distributor of information on safe cycling, they provide a membership scheme. For an annual fee of £9 (£6 for the unwaged), you get free workshop access and support, a dividend card which allows you to collect point on all items in stock which build towards discounts, discounted Introduction to Cycle Maintenance Courses, one-on-one training, access to further courses such as wheel building, and a monthly e-mail newsletter. The staff are both knowledgeable and friendly, and their website is full of information. If you're a cyclist in Oxford for any length of time, you should be a member here. Email us at: mail@oxfordcycleworkshop.org.uk Twitter with them at: http://www.twitter.com/cycleoxford Check their Flickr at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oxfordcycleworkshop Facebook: http://www.tinyurl.com/ocwfacebook Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/kettlegun Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-yZ2N_L1SA

Friendly with a personal touch. Hard working staff who care about bikes and not just about making…read moremoney with mass production. Really helpful, and have 'new' stock all the time so do go back if they don't have what you're after first time. V helpful for bike maintenance as well as purchasing. Would definitely recommend getting a good quality 'recycled bike' from here rather than a new shiny one that matches all the others from one of the Cowley Rd shops...

Ironically, this ugly warehouse-style building by the side of an urban road contains everything you…read moreneed to enjoy the great outdoors. It's recently been taken over and the new manager is really friendly and has introduced some new ranges, so it's well worth a visit. As the name suggests, the focus is on outdoors clothing and equipment, so expect fleeces, walking trousers, raincoats and walking boots. There's also a good range of camping equipment, ranging from tents to caravan gear, camping stove and dubious looking mountain food. Think Millets, but bigger. If you're not used to outdoor shops, it's great fun looking at the gadgets like 'sporks' (half spoon, half fork) and 'platypuses' (water bladders in backpacks with a giant straw). If you are used to outdoor shops, you'll be bound to find something here. I must confess to being a bit of an outdoors snob, but there are some really good bargains here, especially with waterproofs, and you can't go wrong with generic camping bits and bobs. There's even a new and improved rock climbing section with all the basics. It's probably the best place for rock shoes and harnesses in the area and the manager can give some very useful advice. There are sections for fishing, running, cycling and even skiing, and whilst this is in no way a specialist shop for any of them, it's big enough to have a reasonable range of basic items to satisfy the enthusiast's immediate needs. Go and buy lots of fun gadgets and look forward to your holidays, when living in a tent suddenly seems like such a fun idea.

A great place if you like the outdoors as the name implies. They have a great range of products and…read morealso offer a price match policy and they honour it. They offer a discount if you purchase one of there discount cards and it can amount to considerable saving for just £4.00 per year.