Road bike shopping in South London

As the title suggests, going to start looking for a road bike this weekend. Would much rather give my lolly to a local/independent place so thinking Brixton Bikes, Edwardes in Camberwell and that bike shop on East Dulwich road whose name evades me right now for starters, but any other top tips/recommendations?

GB cycles in Croydon might be worth a trip too?

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Pearson - in East Sheen or Sutton.

Lovely. Thanks fellas - was hoping to get some input from roadie types in the know.

http://bicyclerichmond.co.uk/ on the Upper Richmond Road have a good selection of road bikes plus very helpful staff.

Got a bike fit there a few weeks back and can't reccomend them enough.

Sigma Sport in Hampton Wick would be top of my list, they have an extensive range of bikes to match any budget and the staff are knowledgeable and helpful.

+1 for De Ver
+1 for Sigma

Sigma Sport in Hampton Wick...

I kept getting female customers who came from that shop saying they weren't taken seriously.

One female in particular was given a bicycle two sized too big.

Not been to the shop, but a bit wary about that.

Really? I'm very surprised if that's true.

Edwardes in Camberwell always have a decent range, some new Eddy Merckx and Ridley's.

Usually fair priced. Except for the £2.5k early 00's Master!

I kept getting female customers who came from that shop saying they weren't taken seriously

This is pretty much a standard experience for me with one or two notable exceptions (mostly cos I know the person working there) and no doubt plenty common amongst many other females.

Ho hum. If you treat me like a dick though, you don't get my hard earned lolly or repeat custom.

Edwardes in Camberwell always have a decent range, some new Eddy Merckx and Ridley's.

Usually fair priced. Except for the £2.5k early 00's Master!

£2.5K is a little above my price range for My First Road Bike but still....!

brixton cycles?
i bought my first bike there and Lincoln was awesome. Jimbbilly works there too so loads of nice people to help you

Really? I'm very surprised if that's true.

I suppose it's easy for us to says they're (decent bike shop in general) good, but have no idea whether the same can be said for the female customers.

Brixton - King
DeVer - Owned and run by a legend
Pearson - Oldest existing bike shop in London
Sigma - Really good but their car showroom floor look freaks me out.

Every time I've been into Edwardes I've been amazed at how rude they are. No idea about their range of bikes, but if you fancy being patronised then definitely give it a shot!

I know someone who works in Edwardes so I'm hoping that will get me round the "here's nice bike in pastel colours/with flowers on little missy"

Also, can I still have a go on your bike sometime. I'll swap for some moisturiser or talking about feelings or summat.

I suppose it's easy for us to says they're (decent bike shop in general) good, but have no idea whether the same can be said for the female customers.

I get asked to recommend bike shops a lot through friends and colleagues and have often recommended Sigma to women because I know they have a good range of women's bikes and kit. None of them have come back to me with anything other than positive experiences.

If someone has had a negative experience then let me know and I'll raise it with the owners directly.

Got my road bike at Brixton Cycles - and was really happy with the service and the follow-up. They didn't try and push me down the WSD route, which I was really pleased about.

Also, can I still have a go on your bike sometime. I'll swap for some moisturiser or talking about feelings or summat.

Yes, come over! No need for moisturiser/feelings, I owe you one for cutting up my dinner for me the other week.

I went into Sigma with my gf to get a bike. She was pretty pissed off when the assistant asked me not her what pedals she wanted and didn't believe her when she said she had ridden clipless before.

Saying that, she didn't know what pedals she wanted and hadn't ridden clipless before, resulting in a clipless fail on the maiden voyage. Silly wimmins

What is your budget?

I would go to LBS or Evans/CS to test ride and find style/size you want.

Then look for second hand example.

What is your budget?

I would go to LBS or Evans/CS to test ride and find style/size you want.

Then look for second hand example.

I've bought almost all my bikes this way. It's great for saving monies (saved around £5,000 on a recent Pinarello purchase compared to the new price) but not ideal for a here and now purchase.
Once I decide what I want I save a search on ebay and sit back and wait for the right one / deal to come along.

On the recommendation front, I've always found GB in Croydon to be helpful.

Screw the road bike poots! Get a better track bike for next season and let's start racing together! =)