| Afraid I can't offer suggestions on which bike to buy, but regarding cycle
shops in Reading, forget it - they are all dreadful in terms of stock,
knowledge, attitude or in most cases all three.
The only shop I know that's any good in the general area is Peter Hare in
Twyford - village about 4 miles east of Reading. Worth a trip if only to
experience the atmosphere of a very traditional small cycle shop (been
operating as such since 1918) and a chat with its idiosyncratic owner who,
even though he doesn't carry a large stock, could definitely offer
excellent advice on making a choice. Peter is knowledgeable both of
traditional aspects and current trends, and uninfluenced by nasty marketing
rubbish. Do this, seriously.
The two proper lightweight bike shops nearest to Reading are probably Dave
Russell in Slough and one in Staines whose name I forget, but think
includes the word Bicycle. I definitely *don't* recommend Dave Russell but,
based on a single recent visit, do like the one in Staines. It's modern,
pretty well stocked, and the chap (co-owner) was keen and knowledgeable,
and happy to chat for 20 mins. knowing that I wasn't buying anything. [Any
other noter know the name of this shop (in the High Street, quite near the
bridge)?]
Further thought - what about buying 2nd hand? Assuming you want a
lightweight touring or racing bike I'd suggest browsing the small ads in
Cycling Weekly (most newsagents) and Cycle Touring (some cycle shops, +
public libraries). For the money you plan spending you can probably find
something that way which would cost �500+ new, this being the only way to
get something with a top quality frame and components throughout.
- Richard
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| Poor old Dave Russell! I was at his last Saturday and got most of the
things I needed. His is definitely not a general cycling shop - he's a
specialist framebuilder and posh component supplier. What's he done to
deserve this anti-recommendation? Because I don't agree with it.
The shop with the widest stock in Reading is Berkshire Cycles at
Cemetery junction. They're heavily into mountain-bikes, indeed, it's
hard to find anything else in the shop, but they do have a few touring
bikes. They had one called (I think) a Dawes Classic that might do the
job. Cycles, opposite the Ramada, is another mainly mountain bike shop.
There's not much else for decent shops in Reading, although I think
it's always worth looking to see what any shop has got. It's easier if
you know what you want so can spot a bargain the spotty assistants
would never know about.
The same applies to second-hand. I'd go along with the previous note's
suggestion on this, but only if your bike-knowledgeable, or can take
someone with you who is. Certainly you can get a lot of bike for your
money this way.
Rod
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