Balfe's Bikes - Hackney Avis 

I made 2 seperate purchases, using a gift voucher, and went to 2 different branches on 2 different days.
My initial attempt at purchase was Click & Collect. The website had issues however and I was unable to complete the transaction. I phoned customer support and they didn't have much to say on the matter, other than enquire as to which browser I was using.
I therefore went to Islington branch as the item was showing as available. The price of the item was listed at £49.00 online but the store had it priced at £66.00. I flagged this to staff and they confirmed the item was incorrectly priced in store. I then went to proceed to purchase. There were 2 members of staff on hand. The person that served me was more interested in listening to her colleague's phone conversation than serving me. Although I did with a sense of humour I had to comment to her a few times that she was ignoring me and that maybe she could do me the courtesy of giving me her attention.
With the second transaction I was purchasing 2 items and went to a different branch (Hackney), curious to see if the service was similar or better. I fell at the first hurdle with this one. The company website states that branches are open until 5pm on Bank Holidays. I went on New Years Day and the store was closed...I returned the next day and raised this with the member of staff serving me. He said 'we are open on bank holidays' but were closed as New Years day...I said that I would count the day as a Bank Holiday and therefore would take it that the store would be open...he mumbled something by way of trying to justify his comment, but I've no idea what his logic was....At no point did he make eye contact with me. He appeared irritated/annoyed at my comments and served me with no acknowledgement and no 'thank you', he simply walked away.
The staff were all very young (I am not) and and I'm guessing inexperienced. I have many years experience and knowledge of bike related matters. I'm not sure how somebody with no knowledge would fare going to a Balfe's store in need of help or advice.

I won't be going back.. although I still have a balance on my gift voucher, so I guess one last visit at some point.

Very friendly service.

Was very fast and good communication

Helpful and friendly service. Placed an order from South Africa. Got it sorted by the time I got to the UK.

Super friendly and helpful staff. Picked up my bike new lock and pedals within 15 minutes.

Topnotch service

Fixed my misaligned wheel well and really quickly (kindly squeezing my job into 12 hours turnaround). Very friendly and helpful service, took time to chat to me about diagnosis. However my tyre wasn't fully re-inflated

Sam and the team at the Balfe's Bikes Hackney store have provided me with excellent customer service. I recently bought a Scott Spark mountain bike from the store which was very competitively priced. After a couple of rides I encountered some manufacturing faults with the bike but the team at the store got them all sorted under warranty in a friendly and efficient way. If you're looking to get a new bike, I can't recommend them highly enough.

Helpful staff, good advice on adaptations to my new bike.

Very happy with all round service
Very knowledgeable & helpful staff

Luke was very helpful with bike fit adjustments.

Mike and MArk have helped me with issues on my bike a few times now, highly knowledgeable and helpful.

Always a pleasure working with the guys at Balfes

I can’t fault the team at Balfe’s in Hackney! All of the time I have spent there with their knowledgable staff (4 visits to date including 2 that were 1h+ as well as a few phone calls). They were friendly and gave me a 5* experience every time. I never felt like I was being upsold and they were transparent about options and pricing including other retailers and manufacturers. The fact that they are so flexible with the cycle to work scheme was an added bonus.
Shout out in particular to the two Finley’s who were both excellent! I will definitely be returning for any of my cycling needs in the future and would highly recommend them to friends/family/anyone who wants to buy equipment or for general biking advice. Thank you team, you’ve all been fantastic!

Had a service with a change of cassette and chain. Happy with the service, bike was spotless.

Efficient service but the rear bike light mount I bought came detached from the light on the first ride.
Don’t buy the Moon Orion lights

I walked into their Hackney store a complete novice. A friendly member of staff spent about an hour testing out different bikes, helmets and accessories. They discussed my needs and I left the store with everything I needed, plus lots of advice and reassurance.

It’s like having a brand new bike again

Really helpful in store and informative. Would recommend them and will be using them again

Very good service. Great communication and friendly staff.