Witcomb Cycles

I'm aware that Witcomb's prices have gone up massively since a couple of years ago (which I'm not as anti as some people seem to be, because they've stopped looking like they're on the verge of closing down along with their new marketing machine) but does anyone have any feedback on their (recent) workshop skillz?

I've never had any repairs done at a bike shop (what else is google and ambition there for?) but I need a headset installed and I practically live on their doorstep. And I might let them source me a couple of parts, depending on how much they're going to rip me off.

Interested in feedback also. I've enquired with them how much it would cost to do some work but ain't had a response yet. (Hopefully that doesn't mean they've spent all this time calculating it all...)

In a word- variable.

They are expensive for workshop stuff, and how good the work is depends on who is in the workshop at the time.

If it's Mr W himself it tends to be very good, if he is not there then you take your chances.

The website has a pdf of their repair prices but expect to pay slightly more when you go in as the list seems to be a lower end guideline. Also their parts are vastly over priced, they tried to charge me 20 pounds for a 6 pound shimano BB.

Barry is great to talk to & their repairs (in my experience) are excellent & unless they have a showcase coming up the turnaround is quite quick. But it doesn't possibly justify the prices they charge.

when speaking to them always ask for Barry (the son and framebuilder) he's very approachable as Ernie (The Guv'nor) can be a bit cantankerous but then he is over 80....modern but traditional hearth brazed steel frames are extremely rare these days, I think they get their top end frames done at Colortech - Erith and the less costly lilac at Mario Vaz's

The website has a pdf of their repair prices but expect to pay slightly more when you go in as the list seems to be a lower end guideline. Also their parts are vastly over priced, they tried to charge me 20 pounds for a 6 pound shimano BB.

Hmm... I did ask them a while ago about headsets and they said around £30 for the part and installation, though the website quotes £25 just for the fitting? Maybe it was my womanly charms... (would make a nice change from the reaction I got from Brick lane bikes a couple of years ago which was basically 'you can't build a bike, you're a girl' though I think they've managed to curb their sexism slightly since then.)

Not good news about the bb, maybe I'll do the parts sourcing myself.

It is quite entertaining to speak to Barry whilst holding a relativly expensive carbon fibre or titanium bike that you have turned up on- he cannot help but drop into the conversation little hints as to why you are an idiot, and should have bought a steel frame.

That said he rides an alloy road bike, and last time I was in there they had a number of experimental carbon fibre frames.

And what Charco said!

^ Sourcing the parts yourself is always the cheapest option & they're plenty people on here who'd help with the headset for some beers. If you live near Witcomb's You could come along to South beers or South East Beers for mechanical assistance.

aww witcomb's my mates one off ex-racer witcomb is the most amazing frame i've ever riden (the disc and zipp help a bit too)

when speaking to them always ask for Barry (the son and framebuilder) he's very approachable as Ernie (The Guv'nor) can be a bit cantankerous but then he is over 80....modern but traditional hearth brazed steel frames are extremely rare these days, I think they get their top end frames done at Colortech - Erith and the less costly lilac at Mario Vaz's

I visited there pre-make over during the TdF weekend last year, and found him very chatty and approachable. Was gutted when I found out about the price increases, as I quite fancied getting one of their frames.

^ Sourcing the parts yourself is always the cheapest option & they're plenty people on here who'd help with the headset for some beers. If you live near Witcomb's You could come along to South beers or South East Beers for mechanical assistance.

I really want to go to South east beers but I have band practice on Tuesdays. sob.

I'm well up for buying lots of beer for anyone who feels they could successfully do my headset though. probably just a Cane Creek S8 into a Soma Rush...

I really want to go to South east beers but I have band practice on Tuesdays. sob.

I'm well up for buying lots of beer for anyone who feels they could successfully do my headset though. probably just a Cane Creek S8 into a Soma Rush...

All you need is a hammer and a block of wood! It's really not that hard... but you do need a mate to hold the frame steady. :)

Mind you, my crown race is held on by a sliver of a john smith's can, and until recently I was riding a rear wheel missing 4 spokes, with a threadbare tyre and no brakes, so maybe it's best to listen to someone else. :)

All you need is a hammer and a block of wood! It's really not that hard... but you do need a mate to hold the frame steady. :)

Mind you, my crown race is held on by a sliver of a john smith's can, and until recently I was riding a rear wheel missing 4 spokes, with a threadbare tyre and no brakes, so maybe it's best to listen to someone else. :)

Much as I admire the hardcore DIY approach I don't really want to have to carry gaffer tape around with me all the time...

update on Witcomb: NEVER go there on a Saturday. The only staff there were two kids who looked about 13; I got a bit concerned some Deptford yoof had kidnapped the owners and hijacked the shop. I told them not to do ANYTHING and I'd go there on Tuesday and speak to Barry; seriously hope they haven't lost my frame by then.

They repaired my snapped GT.. I found them to be fine.

Much as I admire the hardcore DIY approach I don't really want to have to carry gaffer tape around with me all the time...

Well, there's your problem right there! You don't want gaffer tape, you want 3 sheets of A4 paper and some PVA glue :)

This came good in the end, lovely Barry did the headset and bb installation (including the bb itself) for £40 and it looks great. I bet I would have a well straight chainline if I'd got around to buying the chain yet.

Feb 2006: Track frameset, no braze-ons, 631 steel, custom vintage zeus fork crown, 2 colors of wet paint (masked lugs/crown/ends), 3 month turnaround. £500/just under $1000 at the time

Jan 2009: fitting 105, frame 1000, fork 160, lug work 80, paint 70. Expected 3 month turnaround (as of August). Total £1415 before tax/VAT. Currently $2056

Condor classico pista: £749 frameset, 2 color paint, deda tubing

Bob jackson OTP vigorelli: £350

When I was in London in August I spoke to Tony, Nick, and Barry about the direction the company is going in and what the deal is with the prices. Nick, the accounting dude seems like he has his head on pretty straight and is in it to keep the company afloat (very difficult in this market). When speaking to Tony (head of design and brand) about Witcomb he honestly believes that their biggest competition is Condor because they're "the other London manufacturer."

I don't have any hard facts or figures to back up my theory that way more people are likely to associate Witcomb with Bob Jackson and Mercian and the like but this and every other thread I've ever seen on the net seem to confirm that. I didn't say anything to homeboy while I was there but if Witcomb wants to keep it's shit around they're figure out that a 3 month waiting list for a $2k steel bike ain't gonna cut it when guys like Johnny Coast are putting rides out for less and have a 3 year waiting list. Supply and demand son.

Oh yeah, this one's for the haters.

''When speaking to Tony (head of design and brand)...''

Money well spent - one can imagine that little Eureka moment: ''What a wizard idea, let's make all our bikes lilac, unless you pay an extra grand.'' Lilac! Not black. Or white. Or red. Oh no.

lilac was their house color for their classic bikes. I don't really like it but it makes sense from a branding perspective that they offer it free. More people see lilac bikes (pretty distinct color for a bike) the more people start asking questions about lilac bikes.

Yeah I know.

plus you know, it's only an extra $140 for some medium quality wet paint that will flake the fuck off in about 2 months of street riding.

Oh yeah, this one's for the haters.

in my humble opinion thats NOT how i'd have my witcomb. the Hed3 i might keep. top tube protector thing whatever is a No, especially a polka dot one. i personally would put some nice old tubs on that bad boy some drops and a swallow tied brooks, and everything else campy.

done

Oh yeah, this one's for the haters.

Jack, have you just outed yourself as BSNYC?