I'm about to buy an RS with SRAM Force and EA90SLX's next month, has anyone had any experiences with Sigma in Kingston? They're the nearest dealer to me and I just wondered if they were any good. Primera in Bournemouth seem to be quite good but they are a 2 hour drive away whereas Sigma are 20 mins away. Thanks, Phil

They are about 10mins ride from me and it depends very much on what you are looking for from a shop. They certainly know their bikes and can offer great advice and a reasonable 'bike fit' when you are buying a bike. I have and do use them a lot although if you know exactly what you want and don't need any advice/setting up, etc then you will probably find a better price on the internet. But that is true for just about anything these days.

Be prepared to barter a bit (they don't offer up offers that easily and I suppose why should they) see if you can get a free dynamic bike fit thrown in (they do the full BG fit down at their East Molesley{?} base, normally about £125 and they go over every detail and have you do plenty of testing).

Great range of parts/wheels/components/etc to build your bike to your exacting specification (although I am sure Primera have as well). While I would have not hesitation in driving to Primera the advantage of Sigma is it is on your doorstep should you need any adjustments over the coming weeks to get it 'perfect'. They have always assisted me and either helped for free or where a little workshop work is involved then very reasonable rates (eg sorted out some headset problems on one of my bikes for about £7 and it must have been in the workshop 1/2hour, probably 5mins fixing and 25mins waiting!!!!!!!!!!).

In summary shop around to get a feel on what is a price you are prepared to pay and then go and visit Sigma, if they can do you the deal then bite their hand off as I doubt you will be disappointed with the service.

Keep everyone on the forum posted on what you decide.

(PS there was a second hand RS for sale on the Wimbledon side of Kingston a couple of weeks ago, size 56 I think) 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the feedback. I know exactly what I want and with Sigma now selling Easton wheels it makes my life easier to buy everything from one shop. I'm a member of a tri club and get a reasonable discount at Sigma which equates to them being £2 more expensive than the best prices I can find on the web.... and they'll build it. I like to support my LBS and am prepared to pay a bit over the best internet price providing they offer a good service, which it sounds like Sigma do. If we keep buying off the web, there will be no more LBS' left and I for one need that local expertise. I think the RS in Wimbeldon has been advertised in CW this week? A 56cm frame is way too big for me and I'd prefer a new bike so I know the history. Will let you know how I get on. Phil

I live in Putney (London) and go to Sigma Sport quite often. The shop is a bit small-ish, but they can order you pretty much anything. Service is good. I'd recommend them. On a very positive side: Johnny is one of the Sigma mechanic, simply the best mechanic I've ever met.

I've only ever bought mail order from them and they have always been very good, if you get to deal face to face then barter... as they say 'shy bairns get nowt' !!! You could save yourself some cash...

Sir A Velo:

Be prepared to barter a bit

macdesigner:

if you get to deal face to face then barter

I think you both mean "haggle" (i.e. negotiate a lower price). I don't think many shops actually "barter" in this modern day and age (e.g. swap a wheelset for some loaves of bread and a wheelbarrow). Let's keep English alive and well ;-)

Regarding Sigma Sport, I've used them a couple of times; they are well stocked (they had a 2-position seatpost head in stock) and they are quite friendly.

 

Phil, I moved from the Bournemouth area 8 weeks ago and lived about 10 miles from Sigma for 8 years prior to that.

 I would reiterate what others have said, if you know what you need, will do all your maintenance on it and both have it go for the one that is cheapest. If you  are going to need future work done by a mechanic build you relationship with your LBS (Sigma) and give them your custom. You will get know and they will take care of you. They will also be there when you need them in a hurry, a shop 100 miles away or an internet store can't do that for you.

jacobyte:

Sir A Velo:

Be prepared to barter a bit

macdesigner:

if you get to deal face to face then barter

I think you both mean "haggle" (i.e. negotiate a lower price). I don't think many shops actually "barter" in this modern day and age (e.g. swap a wheelset for some loaves of bread and a wheelbarrow). Let's keep English alive and well ;-)

Regarding Sigma Sport, I've used them a couple of times; they are well stocked (they had a 2-position seatpost head in stock) and they are quite friendly.

 

 

Yes I do mean haggle/negotiate on the price, I stand corrected.

 Hi,

I bought several items from them that other shops didn't have or wouldn't order for me. I ordered from the Netherlands. Service is great. I went to there shop ones this year, it's quite small but know-how and their willingness to help customers is large !

Really recommended.

Based on my experience of being in the shop...depends upon who you bump into!  Found them to be slightly arrogant and snobby i.e. they appear to be not very forthcoming with customer service - they don8t seek out to help you, you have to bend overbackwards to ask them with an unspoken body language (if you can8t afford it don8t come inside sort of way like that scene from Guy Ritchey's 'Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels' - - 'uhhh do you wanna buy a bike or not mate' i suggest you bugger off!). If you still want to Sigma, I'd recommend you ask for JIMMY - - at least you'll get better treatment than from that little arrogant Inglourious B@sterd who also works there. But Jimmy's the guy who will sort you out and look after you without your head being bitten off literally. If you bump into that little B@sterd, run like hell (believe me you'll spot him, lol) but anyone else in the shop no worries. There's no complete turn off than a bad service when you walk into a shop like Sigma that sells nothing but only the high-end stuff from BMC, Cervelo, LOOK, Colnago, Pinarello, FELT, Spesh, TIME of this world.

Others that comes high on the list;

Primera Bournemouth and The TriStore in Eastbourne (not sure where you are in the UK, but these might be a good starting point). If you are near Finchley, NW London Bike and Run have time for you and friendly even if you end up only buying small accessories or just seeking advice.

But best of the bunch in my experience DeVere Cycles  south of the river in Streatham, London definitely worth a visit (talk to Paul the mechanic - top bloke!) or the owner Maurice (ex-Pro rider!!!) who knows his bikes inside and out.  Don8t forget to have a play with their online 'bikebuilder tool' so you can tweak various options and components to your liking until the cows come home :) and very competitive pricing. Have fun, iDid!

The Rock:

Based on my experience of being in the shop...depends who you bump into!  Found them to be slightly arrogant and snobby i.e. they appear to be not very forthcoming with customer service

I'm afraid that I have to agree with The Rock, I found them a bit snobby. Not as bad as Condor Cycles though. I get tired of bike shops that look down their nose at you, like you aren't in their special club.

I ended up buying my RS from Geoffrey Butler Cycles in Croydon.

http://www.gbcycles.co.uk/  (rubbish website, great shop!)

They're fantastic, really friendly, great service and stock. Can't recommend them enough. I've been to DeVere Cycles a couple of times, they always seem nice, didn't look at me like I was scum ;)