Evans Cycles

I’m not a fan of chains. They tend to drum out individual thought and require the employees to adhere to moronic rules rather than focusing on customer service. This is important so you know that my 5-​star rating wasn’t given lightly but these guys really deserve it.
I’ve spent the last few months researching, observing, carrying, test riding, and in general learning about road bikes. Specifically carbon road bikes that won’t get me laughed off the Tri circuit. Being an avid cyclist when it comes to buzzing around London on my fixed gear, I thought I was familiar with cycles. Then 2 seconds into a conversation on road bikes and terms I’ve never heard of are being tossed around and I hadn’t felt this confused since I arrived here from the US and someone told me «oi mate, that bird is fit!».
Anyways, the guys at Evan’s here took the time (and lots of it) to discuss the various components of the bike and how it contributed to the ride. For example, people make a big deal about having carbon seatposts and handle bars that are branded. So what does that do? Well unless you need military grade strength it does pretty much nothing but take an extra £100 out of your pocket. I also learned about derailleurs, brackets, headsets, crankshafts, and various types of shifters. It was like learning a new language and I’m still a newbie. But the important this is that although I was undoubtedly asking stupid questions for someone buying a race bike, the guys took it seriously.
The second thing (other than not feeling like an idiot) that I appreciated was that they didn’t try to up sell. While I’m sure Evan’s could benefit from a bit extra revenue now, I would never go back one I learned they tricked me. At another store, they recommended upgrading the wheels (another £900) as «the ride would be so much smoother and faster». When I asked about it at the store, the head tech came out and described the various improvements on the better wheels. Then he simply said «humans aren’t aerodynamic and until you get that perfect race posture no wheels are going to give you much improvement above the ones you got.». Nicely put I thought. Honestly, I’m no where near ready to take on the Tour de France so why spend almost a grand on marginal actual performance? Thanks mate, really appreciate the advice and now I can go Snowbombing for the same money the wheels would have cost.
So at the end of the day, I’ll trek back out to Woking with my bike to get it serviced by these guys because I trust them. I can’t say if all Evan’s are like that (I’ve had mixed experiences), but this one is top notch. Oh and I suppose I can drop by and visit the parents too.

A good branch of an established cycling chain.
The biggest downside to Evans is the lack of nearby parking. Two laybys each taking around 4 cars are insufficient to serve the row of shops in which Evans is situated. The shop is also a reasonable walk from all other carparks with Heathside probably being the nearest (but across a rather nasty junction).
Evans is packed with cycles and cycling accessories. There’s a great range of products and they are competatively priced. Cycling clothing is carried as well.
Staff are knowledgeable and will assist with your purchase. They’re not pushy but will direct you towards the better products.
Expect a wait at weekends, Christmas and start of the summer holidays.
Bikes can be set up and serviced in store.
There are often promotions running (displayed in the windows).