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  • Whenever possible, I try to use brick and mortar shops rather than the internet to buy stuff. I'm a bit old fashioned, and think we will regret not supporting our shops, once they have all gone.

    I need some tub tape, so have been trawling round some local shops without success:

    Decathalon Surrey Docks - Not really a bike shop (but they used to stock it) - no joy
    Cycle UK Greenwich - Worst bike shop on earth - no joy
    Pedal-it Lee Green - Once the great Young's Cycles - no joy (although genuinely apologetic)
    Evans Canary Wharf - Clueless. Didn't know the difference between rim tape and tub tape.
    Bespoke Cycling Canary Wharf - Also seemed a bit clueless, which is a disgrace given the price of the bikes they are trying to flog.

    Anyway, I've spent the best part of a rainy day trawling the area without success.

    I blame Margaret Thatcher.

  • Me too re: Thatcher

    I'm sure Edwardes and BC (when it opens) are both a good bet.

    Seriously though, ANY lbs would get tape or glue or whatever you want in one or two days. Same diff as online and, as you say, would help support LBS - which I applaud.

    I know you're in SE London: did you try A) Vaidas on Honor Oak Park, or the Catford shop (can't remember the name) just off Stansted Road near Catford Bridge st - not a bad shop at all.

    Anyway pick your best shop to support, ask them to order.

    I really really like Vaidas. A very unassuming shop but I believe he's a good wrench and is very reasonable.

  • I know all the shops you mention.

    To be honest, I work up in town and can easily pop in to Condor or one of the larger Evans.

    I am amazed though that most bike shops these days are clueless, and stock virtually nothing.

    Even stuff as basic as brake cables can leave some shops stumped these days. Any any shop that sells bikes for the price that Bespoke in Canary Wharf does really should employ people who have a bit of a clue.

    +1 for Vaidas (didn't the shop used to belong to Ron Cooper, and then Geoff Roberts)?

    Also have a fond spot for Edwardes. Probably got the widest range of bits and pieces of any bike shop in (proper) South East London. I also like the fact that the staff can be a bit arsey.

    I think the one you mean in Catford is Compton Cycles.

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