Local Shop Service from a National Chain (pun intended!)

Over the past two years I have become increasingly interested in cycling. Starting out as an occasional commuter rider to now being a daily rider for fun and for commutes (from person who cycles to cyclist I like to think!).

I bought a road bike a year ago from my local Evans store (Liverpool) - through the Cycle to Work Scheme - and was impressed with the customer service I received from Evans from day 1. I'm tall at 6' 6" so store stock bikes weren't big enough for me to test ride so I discussed my short list of the bikes I was interested in and the team at Evans Liverpool ordered the top two - they even assisted my selection.

After a few days both bikes were available in store so I went to test ride expecting to be given 5 mins to ride around the block. Instead I was permitted to take each bike for a thorough test - ending up at 30mins and 4-5 miles on each.

I bought a Trek in the end and was more than happy with it - and the 6 week follow up check-up offered as part of Evans' new bike service.

I've since used Evans Liverpool and the online store to buy accessories and upgrades and have been more than happy with the service received from both, especially the free fitting on items bought in store.

Three months ago - the frame of the Trek cracked - and it was back to Evans expecting to 'do battle' over warranty claims, etc. instead, I was liaised with the in-store Warranty Claim expert who took control. In summary and following some additional monumentally good customer service from Trek UK my cracked bike was swapped for a replacement bike (which was an upgrade due to a discontinued model) - a manufacturing fault in the seat post/crossbar weld caused a failure incidentally.

Evans assembled the new bike, swapped over the accessories (including the winter tyres) from one bike to the other and I was back on the road within 5 days.

I know this has been a rambling review but I wanted you as a reader to understand the level of interaction I've had with Evans over the past couple of years and I can honestly say they are excellent at what they do.

They really do have that almost personal level of service offered by an independent bike shop despite their national network.

The one very very minor negative is that sometimes it takes a while to get served in-store but that's because the team are busy, I've never seen anyone there with hands in pockets, and the team seem genuinely enthusiastic in the products they sell and the service they provide.

Couple that with the beyond brilliant service from Trek UK and I am one very happy customer.

Buy with confidence!