E J Barnes Cycles

E J Barnes
I bought my first bike frame from them when I was 10, it was the most expensive purchase of my childhood. Last week I went in to buy an inner tube, easy huh? NO!
They sold me, without telling me a tube with an extra long valve (for those flashy bikes with deep rims).

Whilst fitting I realised it was wrong but needed to use my bike so I fitted it anyway. Whilst pumping the tyre up the valve simply snapped off (I have been cycling my whole life and am fairly skilled). The wheel wasn't even on the bike so I wasn't taking the weight of the bike with the valve.
Really annoying, had to spend a tenner on fares because of it.

I though "ok I'll take it back and they'll give me the right one at no charge.
The chap in the shop explained to me that they fit the long valves to everything, the implication being that I was just an idiot who had broken the valve off. The great 'bike mechanic' said that he see's it all the time and that lo! He even does it himself sometimes. He showed no interest in giving me a replacement tube. I, feeling a bit miffed told him that I had been shopping there since I was ten and that I wouldn't be any longer, he couldn't of cared less.

I had a think about it, then I called a few other bike shops and asked about the valve lengths, without exception they said they use the right length valves, always.

E J Barnes can't be bothered to stock the right tubes and will fob you off with the wrong one which will leave many of us stranded with broken valves at who knows how inconvenient a time or place and they simply don't care. For if the "great bike mechanic" even breaks them himself sometimes then what chance do us mere mortals have?

I have decided that I will be seeking a refund and will never recommend anyone ever gives them any business. They don't care what they sell or how that may effect you and they won't accept responsibility or even simply replace a cheap item for the sake of good customer relations. The

Whilst changing the wheel on my Brompton this morning, I noticed the cabling into the gear shifter looked wrong. Like a fool, I opened it up and watched with horror as all the constituent parts came out with the casing top. I tried to put it all back together again but to no avail.

A call to Evans on Westbourne Grove and they told me that they wouldn't be able to look at it until NEXT WEEK (at least 7 days away). By contrast, EJ Barnes said to just bring it round. An hour later, for the price of a tenner it was all done and fixed nicely.

I sometimes shop at Evans as they are closer than EJ Barnes and I don't know how they compare on other things. But today EJ Barnes saved me a lot of time and money spent on other means of transportation. As a local resident, I think we should do what we can to support local business. Evans won't miss my odd trip to a local bike store. By contrast, I now know I would miss it if EJ Barnes wasn't there. Please give them a try.

I have bought 2 bikes from EJ Barnes in the past 4 years. The after-sales service is the best i've ever had- It is quick, friendly and often free! On other repairs or issues they are much better value than Evans or Cyclestore. They quoted a price half of their rivals for replacing brake pads and got the job done the next day when Evans had quoted a 3 day wait!
They can't compete with big stores for prices on accessories but if you want a bike at a good price and great service you can't beat this store.

Just got some parts replaced at Barnes. They 'informally' quoted a ballpark £46 and said come back in half hour. Like a schmuck i hadn't carefully checked what theyre quoting for.... did the quote include labour and vat etc....
I went to pick the bike up and the cost had jumped to £75. I complained but theres not much i could do to save on the hassle.....
The place seems to be run by a bunch of kids. If you have to use them make sure you get a proper quote. Never again for me.

i have just bought a brand new bike from ej barnes, i had great sevice and they even offered me a cup of tea, i traveled from middlsex to go to this shops i used to go there when i lived in london and i tottaly reccoment the shop to anybody whom needs anything from a set of dust caps to a brand new bike. it was just excellent. ;~}

Quite simply one of the friendliest bike shops in London. The service you get at EJ is great .... avoid the chain bike stores and use EJ Barnes if you live anywhere in West London. Every time I have an urgent problem with my bike these guys have sorted it that day.

This time my bottom bracket had gone on my road bike. Took it in Thursday 2pm, unfortunately no bracket in stock but one posted to the shop and installed .. all in about 24 hours! Try and get that at your local Evans!!