Balfe's Bikes - Notting Hill Reviews 

These guys know what they’re doing. They sold, I broke, they fixed it for £20 and I’m now a happy customer. Whatever issues I find I will take it to them because they reassure you they can fix it. Besides they’re authorised, have a high technical skill and use genuine parts. What’s not to like about that.

Cheers guys! And keep up the good work.

Reports that my father paid to have written by a creative artistic publicist (both masons)were ignored and I was given enough respect to be provided the best service that Evans can..

I am grateful 🙏🏼 ❤️ 🙏🏼
A+++

Warning: Deceptive billing attempts on a Shimano safety recall

I dropped my road bike off at the Balfe's Notting Hill, London, UK branch to have a defective Shimano crankset replaced under the official Shimano global safety recall program. I was quoted a 2-week turnaround, but it took a full month to get my bike back with zero updates from the Balfe's team.

When I finally arrived to pick up the bike, the billing incompetence and inflation attempts were staggering:

1. Attempted Warranty Overcharge: The front desk staff initially tried to charge me for the core crankset replacement work itself, labor that is fully covered and compensated by Shimano under the terms of the safety recall. I categorically refused to pay this.

2. Unauthorized Fees Added: While I explicitly agreed to buy a new chain part to go with the fresh crankset, I specifically said NO to any additional labor services (e.g., breaks, gear, etc). Despite this, the shop tried to sneak an unauthorized £75 "Gear Service" labor fee onto my bill, falsely claiming I had requested it.

3. Double-Charging for Baseline Work: Swapping a crankset inherently requires removing and rethreading the chain. Sizing a new chain out of the box takes a mechanic 60 seconds during that process. Trying to force a £75 fee onto a consumer just to snap a new chain onto a recall job is predatory!

While the on-duty manager eventually reduced the fee to a £35 "Gear Tuning" after a long argument at the desk, attempting to charge a customer for free Shimano recall labor and adding unapproved service fees is a completely unacceptable business practice.

Beware: Check your invoices closely here. Sharp billing practices, unrequested labor additions, and zero upfront transparency.

I took my bike in with a flat tyre earlier this month. The guys were knowledgeable and friendly, and the inner tube was replaced quickly. Unfortunately there was some glass in the tyre that they didn't spot first time round, so the tyre immediately went flat the next day. When I took the bike back, a mechanic triple checked the tyre, removed all of the glass and replaced the inner tube for free. They were apologetic and helpful and rectified the error. Would happily take my bike there again.

Helpfully skilled workers. Friendly customer service.

Very polite and efficient service carried out immediately. Thank you.

I took my bike in for a standard service as the cassette and brakes were feeling worn. The bike now feels like new once again! Happy with the bike and customer service from Balfe's, as I have in the past.

Great Service from knowledgable staff who go out of their way to look after you.

Excellent and efficient customer service!

James made my new bike purchase a lovely experience despite me being so nervous about spending so much money on a new bike. He also took the time to explain to me about all the things I needed to know about the bike and how I should look after it. Thank you again James.

They do the job. Staff friendly and helpful.
(Westbourne Grove, Bayswater, London branch)

I got a puncture on a very hot day during a bike ride across London and Balfe’s sorted it while I waited for £23 including a replacement inner tube and new wheel tape.
Brilliant service.
Thank you for getting me out of a hole Bslfe’s!

My commuter bike needed a lot of work. Doug spoke with me to ensure I understood the work that was going to be done and the parts required. He set realistic expectations that I was happy with. The work was very well done too!

Knowledgeable, professional staff

Very professional service. Polite & knowledgeable staff.

The Notting Hill team were brilliant. Very knowledgeable. Super happy with my bike!

Super helpful fixing problem, great customer service from Elias

Bike mechanic was very helpful and patient. Excellent experience.

Your very polite staff & super helpful