Halfords

Just went into this branch with the full intention of buying a bike. I walked out with nothing. The customer service I received barely scraped minimal. I will not be spending my money here

Credit where credit's due, I didn't have the same bad experience other reviewers report with a bike maintenance on this shop. The "gold" service is cheaper than competition (although the devil for these things is in the details), and I ended up getting back my bicycle in very good shape (I ride 30km every day for my commute and am very sensitive to any change in settings, grinding, loosening of the bottom bracket, etc.).

A very light issue with the pedal rotation that another shop didn't even spot was fixed, the feel of the bike is very good, etc.

I was impressed by the initial assessment done with me (another shop broke my derailleur once, and then claimed it was already broken when I brought the bicycle in...), and the fact that they price checked a couple of components that needed checking against competition and ended up giving me a 10£ discount over their original price.

I also didn't find the attitude of the guys annoying in any way, they were clearly doing their best and I appreciated their help, so it looks like the shop might be getting feedback on board.

Bad customer service. Every time the boys seem blasé and too cool for school to show any level enthusiasm. And the managers seem more concerned about bossing the boys around (power trip) than tending to the customer. That's in store.

Last time I dropped my bike off for a simple repair - no one called me for days (after promising a call). When I called myself, they said it has been ready for days. I could have really used my bike!

Apologised very causally for the lack of communication and left no explanation. I just don't think that's a way to run a business.

I came for change a rear wheel of the same brand of the front wheel and the guy said it was not possible doing it as they can't order on line that wheel, whitout even check initially in the stock room or even call other stores or check on their system what kind of wheel might be most similar to it, if it was possible. (Few weeks ago I called and another staff member said it was possible).
Awful experience. Inesperienced staff member, very poor customer service.

Awful. Inexperienced, incapable and dishonest staff who will happily take money from you for jobs they know they do not have the ability to perform.

I have booked bikes in here for servicing jobs out of necessity several times. On not one occasion has the agreed work been carried out in the agreed time frame. They normally say 'Oh yeah, just finishing up.' and then quickly run off and do as much as they can in 5 minutes. If I were pressed on what was worse, their organisation or ability, I'd be sweating.

Each time, the bike has come out in a condition ranging from 'much worse', through 'unrideable' to 'dangerous'. The back wheel of my Carlton literally fell off when I tried to ride away after the last 'service'. I could easily have been killed.

When held to account for their work, the staff lie and invent reasons for it, never relating to their clear fecklessness. When my tyre hadn't been fitted as agreed, it was because 'the wheel is the wrong size'. It's a Marathon Plus tyre and a standard 700c wheel. They are difficult to fit, but don't lie to me.

I would recommend avoiding Halfords in Putney for bicycle work, unless you have a very simple plastic child's bike that needs urgent work you cannot do yourself, and both Putney Cycles and Elswood are closed.

I brought a product that was missing some of the parts and the staff went above and beyond to make sure I got everything I needed to make it work. Very friendly, helpful and so clued up.

I'm not from the area, but what kind of car shop doesn't sell spark plugs?! All bikes... Shocking for a motorists shop. Waste of my time I could be earning 30 quid an hour. Sort it out!

**DO NOT USE FOR BIKE REPAIRS**
Lazy staff (with one notable exception – she carries all the rest of the staff with her). They are good at selling you stuff but don't know anything about bikes.

Good staff for helping costumers