I recently purchased a second hand fixed gear off ebay and took it to my local Cycle Surgery on Shepherds Bush Green to get a few bits added (front brake and have the chain tension adjusted). After requesting the brake the guy behind the counter said it would take 3 weeks to order (not what I expected from a corporate company).
Anyway I was then passed on to another guy you claimed my bike could not be ridden as a fix gear... Fact. I had already researched the frame and knew this was incorrect. His reason was the chain was to long and the tension could not be altered. I asked what my options were and he claimed there were none. Helpful!!!
So I have taken it to Tokyo Fixed gear in Soho and they couldn't have been more helpful. The guy said he would have the brake fitted by the afternoon and would take some links out the chain. I was in and out in 5 mins and the bike was ready a couple of hours later.
What did I learn? Don't waste your time going to a corporate company that employs adolescent teens with no knowledge. My brother had another experience at the same branch where he took his bike in for a service, then a week later took it to another branch as it didn't feel right. The guy in the second branch said the bike hadn't been serviced for over three years... So what exactly did the Shepherds Bush lot do?
Tokyo Fixed Gear all the way!!!
Cycle Surgery sell a wide selection of bikes and accessories including saddles, chains, pedals, padlocks and helmets to name but a few items. In addition to this, they also have a same day repair service. Test rides are available before purchasing.