Crank Cycles - Alton'S Bike Shop (Permanently Closed)

Very helpful, great service :)

Got to be the best independent bike shop in the country! Run by cyclists for the cyclist! Sales, service and experience second to none! If you're looking for anything to do with bikes, give them a call. If they haven't got it, they'll get it! I got an unbeatable deal, and can't thank them enough. Thanks again guys!

Every time I enter the store, these guys seem to know instantly what I'm after and are very well clued up on all aspects of cycling. I had my bike serviced in there several times and it always comes back to me running like a brand new bike. Very knowledgable and always give me great advisory advise if things may need looking at during the next service.

Also, I need to add a massive thanks for getting my bike turned around in extra quick time, ready for my London2Paris charity ride. Once again, another A+ service that I've come to accept as standard from you guys.

Always a pleasure and I would recommend them to anyone..

I cannot praise or highly recommend the Crank Cycles Team enough: from my first encounter when I went to enquire about arranging to demo one of their Mountain bikes, Sam could not have been any more accommodating. I went along to a demo day run by Crank Cycles, it was one of THE best demo days I have ever been to. It was a very personable, no pressure day, where the Crank Cycle boys could not have been more helpful. Taking their time (often waiting on me playing catch up) to ride out too, guiding round the best trails in order to give the bikes a decent test ride.
I purchased my new Mountain bike from Crank Cycles, as a result of the demo day (and the bike was awesome and a must have) this was an enjoyable experience. I was kept up-to-date on the progress and anticipated date of completion. Upon collection the components were set to my liking, whilst they talked through the ‘Scientifics’ of the bike. I would recommend the friendly and experienced Crank Cycles Team any day. Thank you.

The first time that i visited the shop, I walked around for a good five minutes checking out the stock. Call me old fashioned but when a single member of staff didn't even have the courtesy to say hello (as they'd recently opened) I left. The second time was for a recent service on a an old run around bike that I had purchased from a charity shop. First and foremost I run my own business, second of all I am studying. I don't have the time that I once had to fully service and check a bike so I figured i would run it into the shop on my lunch. I was received with utterly rude, cold and unwelcoming service. As well as a slight when I had mentioned my budget being low. The bike cost me £20. You'll have to forgive me for not wanting to spend £100 extra on it.
My attractive female friend had been into the shop a few days prior. Funny to hear that she had received such glowing service, full of smiles and laughter! Did the dress help? She was appalled to hear how completely opposite my experience had been.

Here's a tip for you, Crank Cycles. You're a small business in a small market town. Your face on business approach is essentially what will keep you there in five years time. negative experiences count for a lot in small towns. And from what I've heard, I'm not the only one to receive it from you. (Male friends). It's up to YOU to restore the high street shoppers faith in buying from the guys down the road as opposed to the guys online that are offering a 10% discount. Work on your people skills, not just your bikes, and then maybe I'll give you my custom again.