this is a serious bike shop. Everyone there from the mechanic to the front of house guys, just gets it. It was an absolute pleasure to get our bike there. Nothing silly just exactly what we needed.... See more
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See what reviewers are saying
Everyone was really helpful and knowledgeable, from first phone call to test drive and then collection. I was unsure about size, setup and how it worked with cycle to work scheme. I initially phoned t... See more
Great bike, not great service. Took a lot of chasing to confirm the bike had arrived and was ready for a test ride. After the test ride I waited whilst the mechanic fitted the mudguards, only to dis... See more
Excellent service from Ed. Quickly sorted out a minor brake leak and swapped brake pads out despite having a stack of bikes to work through on a busy Saturday.
Company details
About Balfe's Bikes - Islington
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.
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
33 Essex Road, Islington, N1 2SA, London, United Kingdom
- 020 45315550
4.7
Excellent
1K reviews
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promptness and informativeness
July 23, 2025
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're glad to hear you found our service prompt and informative — it's exactly what we aim for. If there's ever anything else we can help with, don't hesitate to reach out. Kind regards, Balfes Bikes
Always 5* service
July 27, 2025
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
Thank you for your continued trust and for the 5-star feedback! We're thrilled to know you've consistently had great experiences with us. It's a pleasure to serve you, and we look forward to continuing to deliver top-notch service every time. Kind regards, Balfes Bikes
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
We're so glad to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team! Thank you for your fantastic feedback; it means a lot to us. Kind regards, Balfes Bikes
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
We appreciate you highlighting our friendly team and great service; it means a lot to us. Kind regards, Balfes Bikes
Great Customer Service
The customer service was excellent. I received great assistance at the store.
July 8, 2025
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
We're happy to hear that you received excellent assistance! We appreciate your positive feedback and are glad you enjoyed your experience in our store. Kind regards, Balfes Bikes
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
We appreciate your kind words and are so glad that we could be of assistance to you. Kind regards, Balfes Bikes
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
We're happy to hear that our attention to detail was appreciated. Thank you for your positive feedback; it means a lot to us. Kind regards, Balfes Bikes
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
We appreciate your feedback and are happy you enjoyed our service. We will work to reduce wait times in store, we understand that it may have been a busy period in store. Thank you for your feedback. Kind regards, Balfes Bikes
Thank you for helping me with setting…
Thank you for helping me with setting up advance roller rack on brompton and also tweaking the pashley! I appreciate that i can book appointments online and things happen on time.
June 16, 2025
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
We're happy to hear that we could assist you with setting up your advance roller rack and tweaking the pashley. We appreciate your feedback regarding our online booking system and punctuality. Kind regards, Balfes Bikes
Wonderful service from the staff…
Wonderful service from the staff especially Steve! Prepped my new MTB and off I went!
June 22, 2025
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
We're happy to hear that you had such a positive experience! We appreciate your recognition of our team's service in getting your MTB ready. Thanks! Kind regards, Balfes Bikes
Fixed my bike within an hour
Fixed my bike within an hour. Excellent service. Thank you
June 20, 2025
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
We're happy we could fix your bike so quickly! Thank you for your positive feedback; we greatly appreciate your excellent review. Kind regards, Balfes Bikes
I ordered a 3rd bike within 7 days
I ordered a 3rd bike within 7 days, but it didn't arrive in time and they didn't call- so when I rocked up, there was not bike! But they delivered it a few hours later though- phew!
June 19, 2025
everything was a mess an an unprofessional rip off !!
everything , my name is Lucian Dumea. a catalogue of disaster. You name it they did it incorrectly.took the the bike eventually to finsbury park = perfect service. Balfes you really need to rethink !!! no apology for any of my inconveniences .
June 24, 2025
Unprompted review
Excellent and recommend.
Excellent and recommend.
The guy I dealt with, I think it was Patrick, was very knowledgeable and friendly. I was served immediately (it was a weekday) and professionally. The store was clean and welcoming.
I chose a bike that was amazing that I am really happy with. Patrick was a huge help.
I then went for lunch and when I got back the bike was ready and I easily cycled off on my way.
Brilliant job, looking forward to my ongoing relationship with Balfe Bikes.
June 19, 2025
Item Not accurately described in online ad or on front of package
The saddle bag only fits on a Giant saddle, it tells you in small print on the back of the packet. Because I’d torn the plastic they wouldn’t take it back
June 11, 2025
Very helpful service from Alexander as…
Very helpful service from Alexander as always 👏🏿
June 5, 2025
The team were short staffed and said it…
The team were short staffed and said it would be several days but when I explained I was going away and could only do the work if I got it back in 48hrs they ended up doing it in less than 12 hrs which was much appreciated. No issues, running really nice as a result.
May 22, 2025
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
Glad we could accommodate your repair! Looks forward to serving you again in future.
1 have cover when manic illness
1 have cover when manic illness
2 more contact on up date of repairs
3: get sorted when you say
May 22, 2025
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
Hi Kirsten,
Thank you for your feedback. With regards to your repair with us - your bike was originally brought in for a innertube replacement, this was something we were unable to fix on the spot due to your wheel having 4x broken spokes.
This led to delays as we had the specific spokes on order from the supplier in which the delivery dates were not within our control. The bike was fixed and returned within 2 days of receiving the new spokes, which was due to a manic day of staff sickness. Hopefully this won't be the case next time, in which we look forward to assisting you again.
Kind regards,
Oscar
Great advise from experts
Great advises on pros and cons of choosing a bike and accessories, how to carry and store the bike upon collection, and great aftercare for services.
May 20, 2025
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
Thanks Rio! :)
Stopped in to get a puncture fixed…
Stopped in to get a puncture fixed after running over some glass. The shop staff are nice, but for some reason it took 45 minutes and the next day when I went to ride all the air went out immediately the tire went flat again. They did tidy up my grip tape which was nice, but it was expensive for a repair that didn’t work out. I had to get it done again closer to home.
May 9, 2025
Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Islington
Hi Lily,
We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We're sorry to hear the puncture repair didn't last and that you had to get it fixed again. We have reached out to you directly to have your experience resolved with us.
Kind regards,
Oscar
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