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Bike shops definitely no longer suit my cycling needs
I just think you are going to the wrong shops. Find a proper bike shop and they will have what you need. We do...
fly-
Well I'm sure some still exist, I was talking generally... [edit: and describing a tendency, pointed out by others above. I understand businesses need to survive, but if it means some no longer sell basic stuff for -mostly- self sufficient cyclists who are not in the market for a Taiwanese made bike, then I have to, and had to, buy what I need online; the shops I have access to geographically without making an expedition out of it have not given me much of a choice]
To be fair one of my local sorted me out for basic stuff a few times, but they are quite limited. I bought a sealed bottom bracket and the only choice was Sunrace and Oxford depending on axle length... Why not stock basic Shimano UN55 or whatever the reference is? I'm happy to pay more than online if I can cycle down the road and get it right away.Where's your shop so I know for the future... :)
veLLo
Was told last year in a shop near Clapham they didn't sell brake cables to customers.
Also been told that crank bolts were on order only (fair enough if I'd asked for cotter pins, but crank bolts!)
Bike shops definitely no longer suit my cycling needs, I reluctantly buy everything I need online.
In full agreement with @M_V Tip Top Rema is best IMO, and better suited for my grand father's old tin box