Balfe's Bikes - Hackney Reviews 

605
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.4

164-167 Mare Street, Hackney, E8 3RG London, England, GB


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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The guys are super knowledgeable and help with confidence making sure you’re set up and safe - thank you!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’m a professional bike fitter and regularly send clients to Balfe’s in Hackney. The staff are great, good range of bikes often at discounted prices. For cyclists who are not very confident at riding... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

When I first visited the shop 3 years ago because I got a puncture, I was served by a sexist guy who told me “you should carry a puncture repair kit even if it doesn’t go well with your outfit”. I’m... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Staff were very helpful people that work there, there were informative and gave good advice. They kept in touch whilst the process was ongoing (cycle to work scheme), and made sure the bike was all go... See more


Company details

  1. Bicycle Store
  2. Activewear Store
  3. Bicycle Repair Shop
  4. Bike Accessories Store
  5. Road Cycling

About Balfe's Bikes - Hackney

Written by the company

The Bike Sales and Servicing Specialists.


Founded in 2008, Balfe’s Bikes has 12 bike shops in London and the South East. We stock the world’s best bike brands including Trek, Specialized, Brompton, Whyte, Giant, BMC, Frog and more, plus all the acccessories you would expect.


We are proud to maintain high standards of service in our shops, our workshops and online. View our website for the latest product releases, deals and more to find everything you need to enjoy cycling.


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About Balfe's Bikes

Written by the company

Free Click & Collect
To our 12 stores across London and the South East
Free delivery
Free delivery on all bikes over £500 - Free delivery non-bike orders over £30 (*excluding bulky or restricted items free delivery over £100)
0% finance
Available to help spread the cost via Klarna. Terms & Conditions apply.
Cycle to Work available
Vouchers accepted to save 25-39%
Online service booking
For our professional workshops
Balfe’s personal bike delivery
No unpacking required. Bike built and ready to ride straight away, for local customers

Contact info

  • 164-167 Mare Street, Hackney, E8 3RG, London, England, United Kingdom

  • 020 38331544

4.4

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

605 reviews

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4.4

All reviews

(605)

4,488 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had the £200 full service

I had the £200 full service, also i needed 2 new tyres, new cable and brake pads for both wheels and a broken spoke fixed.
When I picked up the bike it felt brand new!
The mechanic Mark did a superb job as mike bike was very dirty and had been neglected by me. I had a few questions, if there was any trouble mending the bike etc, he was very informative,
The bloke on the till was Finley who was equally good.
Not the first time I've had a service from Balfe's Hackney and not the last!

February 28, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Seeking info

I visited the store to obtain some clarity on questions I had. Staff was extremely helpfull, patient and able to answer all my questions.

February 12, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Not a very proactive team

Not great service. I bought some mudguards online from Balfe’s (click and collect). The Balfe’s website said that they would work for my bike model, but they did not. I called to check that they would process a refund, even though the package had been opened, which the guy confirmed, adding that they would help me to find mudguards that worked for my bike. I returned them and Balfe’s processed my refund rapidly – which was very much appreciated. However, the team in the store on the day did not help find mudguards that I could actually use. I don’t know why they would pass up an opportunity to do business with a customer that clearly needed help and was ready to pay. Some more proactive customer service would be valuable.

February 3, 2026
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Feedback on the delay was not upfront

Once I received the product back from the service it was a good quality. however for the £279 paid, I would’ve expected more regular and upfront updates on the return of the bike (which was delayed by two weeks). The delayed return cost me about £100 in extra commuting fees. It was frustrating that I had to chase Balfe’s for an update on the delay.

January 22, 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/10 service

Great staff. Turned my repair around within a few hours, were friendly and gave useful advice to prevent future issues. Fairly priced.

January 21, 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Bike service

Balfes did a great job on servicing my bike and used quality products on any replacement parts I needed .

January 14, 2026
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Puncture fix

For the second time, I left with the bicycle in a worse state than when I brought it to get a tyre puncture repaired.

January 8, 2026
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Staff could do with customer service training

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.

December 31, 2025

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