MYSTERY SHOPPER | LONDON SPONSORED BY
Rouleur Ltd publishes the acclaimed cycling magazines Rouleur and Privateer. These are sold exclusively through subscription and IBDs only
One seeks a
‘Tis the season to be jolly, but does the bike trade know as much? BikeBiz’s man of mystery goes in search of a bicycle fit for the Queen, pitting the chain stores against one another in this battle royale…
bicycle… Evans Cycles, Victoria
The winner of Mystery Shopper will receive Star Store Status and will win a display, magazine and book bundle from Rouleur Ltd – purveyors of exceptional cycling literature
10 BIKEBIZ DECEMBER
CREDIT TO Evans, the high footfall during my visit was managed incredibly well. Not wanting to interrupt the genuine custom too much I grabbed an assistant and quickly rattled off a brief typical of the 20-something female in search of a bike. Dutch-style steel bikes were given pros and cons, with the sluggish ride and weight given as examples of why such a build may not be best choice. The always welcome recommendation to spend higher if I were to choose a folder was a clear hint toward a Brompton – available in ‘girly colours’ – which would no doubt please the other half. Colour might not have been the best justification of why more investment is a good thing, but thankfully this was followed by spiel about the domestic manufacturer’s reputation and reknowned build quality.
The assistant pointed me toward the business cards
as I gestured to leave, recommending that I email a few links to gauge interest from ‘Mrs Mystery’ before returning to place an order. Very Christmas shopper savvy, I thought.
Cycle Surgery, Victoria
AS WITH Evans, shop floor staff were very pro-active in meeting custom. When it was my turn, the typical Pashley recommendation was rolled out, something which Mystery Shopper expressed concerns might not be the most nimble of rides for navigating London’s busy roads. Counter to that argument, the assistant pointed out
something Mystery Shopper hadn’t considered – the posture of such bikes provides the rider with the ability to easily keep an eye on their ‘blindspot’ – essential for riding in the city. Touché. Despite the mention of more agile bikes, the hub-
geared Pashley was pursued by the assistant, who continued to put my argument to the sword, stating that some, ‘girlier’ girls panic when a chain slips between the cogs, advising me that this isn’t possible with such a build. To his credit, the assistant had answers to all of my
queries and even knew the chain’s London store base well, informing me of a store much closer to my fictional Great Portland Street home. This was pointed out to me in the rear of the house catalogue and I left feeling better informed ahead of a potential purchase.
BIKEBIZ.COM
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