Phoenix Cycles

9.5 - 10 stars (only because we all should strive to be better ! )

I bought a 'built-to-order' 6-speed Brompton folding bicycle from Phoenix Cycles in Battersea about 7 years ago (S6R - raw laquer finish which shows the hand-brazed tubing joins). The bike arrived a week later, they did a full mechanical check before letting me loose on it - happy days.

Another Brompton owner was there at the time - brand new bike needing some adjustments which he had bought from an Evans shop; they had sold the bike without checking it over and then had the cheek to charge him for putting it right. He wasn't impressed, told them to go somewhere, fetched up at Phoenix, where Mike worked his mechanical magic, as a courtesy, to put things right. This is the type of guy Mike is.

Mike had guided me through the options wonderfully well after finding out what I knew, what I thought I knew, but didn't, and what I certainly didn't know ! A good, positive experience - I unhesitatingly recommend Phoenix Cycles to anyone looking to buy a Brompton. Servicing etc. has always been done promptly and properly.

Since then I have had wheels handbuilt by Mike (Phil Wood hubs laced with Sapim Laser - for the Brompton front wheel . . . ), and these are so so good, all still running.

Guess where I will be buying my next bike from !

This man knows his Bromptons and is generous with his time. He thoroughly deserves his reputation as the best bike mechanic in London.

Mike, has been very helpful, the customer service is GREAT, he even propose to open the shop on his rest day to allow me to collect my bike. I will definitely go back again if I need to get a bike.

I went in to get a new inner tube and he was very rude, I'm not a bike expert but don't expect him to roll his eyes at me. I had to buy the tube as it was an emergency but it was also overpriced. I would definitely not go there again (and thankfully, it's not my area, so I won't have to).

I bought my second brompton s-type from Mike and he truly knows his stuff! I disagree completely with the person who says that he is not friendly. He gives back what you give him frankly!

All in all, everytime I've been there they have always had time for me despite the dynamo lighting stopped working and Mike fixed it straight away, he replaced the bell ringer when a friend who had drunk a little too much pulled it off, and he may have raised an eyebrow or two when I brought in my bike to put a flashing LED pedal on but he helped me put it on. I've had the bike serviced and it came like new.

I couldn't recommend Phoenix more and I have recommended other friends to go there to buy their bromptons.

Name: lazyjz
Location: London

They repaired a puncture on our Phil and Ted's Vibe pram, which I was not relishing the idea of doing myself!

Superb service, could not have been more helpful if they tried, in actual fact they had two other customers who were so enthusiastic that they pitched enthusiastic comments about Phoenix Cycles and their fold up Brompton bikes. I had always aimed to drop in and see their range of fold up Brompton's, but never found the time and now I am trying to justify buying one from them!

A great place with great service.

I have seen the other positive reviews this shop has received and am surprised because, having lived in the neighbourhood for 7 years and having been into the shop on three separate occasions, they don't really reflect my experience.

My general problem is with the attitude of the guy who keeps the place.

The first time I went was to get a service and was told that he wouldnt, under any circumstances, keep the bike over night. It was a tiny shop and lacking in storage space but the opening hours (open at 10am) didnt help for those with a job and he was pretty unapologetic about not being able to help(rude might have been another way of putting it).

The second time, a year or so after that, I brought in a second hand mountain bike that needed a new bottom bracket. This time the same guy told me that the bike 'offended' him and basically to get lost.

Obviously I wasn't keen to go back after that so I havent been for years. But recently I had an emergency and needed to get some assistance with a seat post that was stuck needed removing for packing for shipment overseas. Since it was the nearest bike shop I went there and was basically told that it was jammed, there was nothing he could do about it and he had no advice to give. Anyway I subsequently went to Evans in Wandsworth, who were able to give sensible advice to help me resolve the problem. They also have longer opening hours and are open on Sunday.

I always try and support local small businesses. But it helps is they have individual and freindly service to offer against the corporate uniformity of the big boys.

Noting the instruction not to rant and be constructive (difficult as that is when you feel that you have recieved poor service), I would just tell the owner to work on his people skills. But I wouldnt use this shop again.

I bought my Brompton T6 from Phoenix cycles in March 2000.
Since then I have moved to far west of Wales.
I have had several parts sent by post quickly and always received good service!

I stopped by to fix my chain and it was done prompt and with great care. At the same time he helped me to change my pedals and sis this for peanuts. A great shop and a simpatico helpful owner.
Why spend to much time, money and the risk of getting upset with the big chains if one can have a great helpful and p[professional service at Phoenix cycle.

Important!

I am not part of the family or friend only a very satisfied client!!

I have purchased 2 bikes from Phoenix Cycles in the last 2 years (the 1st being stolen) and have had nothing but the best service. The bikes have been exellent and the shop owner is keen to offer impartial advice throughout the purchase process.

It is a friendly and receptive store that caters for all a London cyclists needs!