Bicycle Tyres

[tek-monkey]

Where in Stafford would be best to get some bike tyres? Just inherited a bike to go to work on, needs new tyres/tubes. Current ones are 26x1.90, but everyone seems to sell 26x1.95. Is this gonna be a problem, or will they fit? Not cycled in years, thought it'd be good to get fit again. Plus work is now so close that using the motorbike is pointless!

 

[Rikki]

If I remember correctly the 1.90 is the width and 1.95 will still fit just fine.

 

[tek-monkey]

Just called Aztech Cycles, and for £30 he'll supply and fit new tyres/tubes. Seems like a fair price, as it saves me doing it! As the bike hasn't moved in 4 years I'll get him to give it a once over too, its an aluminium frame so no rust but the bearings may need changing too.

 

[My Name is URL]

£30 does seem reasonable. The other options are Back2Bikes and Halfords.

IIRC 1.95 tyres would fit 1.90 just fine though.

 

[henryscat]

I wouldn't trust Halfrauds as far as I could throw them to fit anything or service anything on a bicycle......

 

[tek-monkey]

Dropped it off in my lunch break, so will hopefully grab it back on my way home. Would rather use a local business than a large one where possible, but obviously cost comes into it. However, Halfords cost way more anyway!

 

[Gramaisc]

Back 2 Bikes is OK. Round the back of where MFI was. I think they're closed on Mondays.

 

[tek-monkey]

Forgot about them!

Still need mudguards and a lock, although Wilko of all places seems cheapest for them.

 

[Florence]

I have a lovely bike from back2bikes a couple of years ago. Its a Raleigh in very good condition (or it was until I had it...) and they fitted mudguards, a couple of lights and a combination lock. They whole lot was £60. Didn't know whether they did tyres so didn't reply earlier. But Aztec is a good shop for new stuff. Do they still have a discount for council workers? We had a little boy's bike off them a couple of years ago, and my parents had theirs from them too.
Am aware that I sound like a bit of a "cyclist". Am a lazy bugger really!

 

[Admin]

Where's Doctor when you need him? Now there's a man who knows his bikes!

 

[My Name is URL]

I wouldn't trust Halfrauds as far as I could throw them to fit anything or service anything on a bicycle......

Is that from specific experience or just based on hearsay?

Halfords in general are very bad, but there are some very good ones - mainly the Bike Hut ones. There are some really knowledgeable bike people at some Halfords stores.

Oh and they sell some of the best value XC mountain bikes available.

 

[Florence]

I was in Halfords once with the kids who were running riot. I asked the till lady to put out a tannoy telling them to behave and she did it! Very funny. The did behave.

Didn't The Stafford Beast have his bike serviced by Halfords? Where is he today?

 

[Gramaisc]

Is Halfords' tannoy louder than you?

 

[tek-monkey]

Bike all sorted now, and I realise how unfit I am! Still, was a nice ride down the lines this morning into work. Got here in under 10 minutes, feel a lot more awake, and the only downside is a sore arse.....

 

[Monquey]

Still need mudguards and a lock, although Wilko of all places seems cheapest for them.

Don't buy the cheapest lock! You need to spend at least £40 to get anything which a small pair of bolt cutters won't go through. I speak from experience. Twice.

 

[henryscat]

Both really. I've twice picked up brand new bikes from Halfords for someone else and ridden them, and not been impressed with the quality of set up - i.e gears not properly adjusted, bolts not properly tightened, brakes not properly set up. Fairly basic stuff.... Also heard plenty other stuff - my brother worked in a proper bike shop for several years.

There probably are Bike Hut staff who know their stuff, but its complete luck of the draw as to if you get served by one.....

I wouldn't trust Halfrauds as far as I could throw them to fit anything or service anything on a bicycle......

Is that from specific experience or just based on hearsay?

Halfords in general are very bad, but there are some very good ones - mainly the Bike Hut ones. There are some really knowledgeable bike people at some Halfords stores.

Oh and they sell some of the best value XC mountain bikes available.