A thoroughly professional repair following an accident, understaken by Balfe Bikes on my Brompton electric which rides the best it has been. Balfe reported on the damage in detail, and kept me informe... See more
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I got a puncture on my way to work and was able to leave my bike at the shop for the repair. The mechanic called me with an update to explain. The staff on collection were also super friendly and help... See more
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
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
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Company details
- #62 of 93 best companies in Bicycle Shop
- #53 of 121 best companies in Activewear shop
- #24 of 32 best companies in Bicycle repair shop
- #38 of 55 best companies in Bike accessories store
- #11 of 21 best companies in 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.
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
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Findlay was extremely helpful and…
Findlay was extremely helpful and patient. So were aall the staff at the shop that helped with my purchase.

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
Helpful staff
Helpful staff, sorted my bike, communicated well when a part was delayed and gave my bike back in better shape than when I left it! Will definitely keep coming back

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
Help from the sales team in making the…
Help from the sales team in making the right choice

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
Check your tyres when collecting!
Edit: if you’re buying a tubeless bike from Balfe’s make sure the tyres have sealant in!
Amazed that they sent out a bike without sealant in the tyres.
Really disappointed in the response. Cost covered of taking to another store to have the sealant added but no good will at all.
Paired with the collection experience I really don’t recommend Balfe’s. There’s much better out there to keep local bike shops going.
——
Great stock, availability, turnaround of order but really disappointed with the collection/ handover experience.
The text and email updates were great, Finley S-L was really helpful on the phone when arranging collection.
I opted for in-store pickup to make the most of the experts, having previously ordered bikes to be delivered and really expected more of a handover, saddle adjustment or similar at least.
Either way, can't knock the offering, just didn't meet my expectations.

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
Great service
I found my bicycle shop!! Purchasing my first Scott MTB was joy, but their service made the experience even better!

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
Uninspiring & Cumbersome
Have been in a few times, fair range of Road bikes but a little light on Gravel options. Missing a few core brands such as Cannondale from the lineup unfortunately.
Test ride experience was also very cumbersome. I went in around midday on a Saturday knowing the bike I wanted to test-ride & it took 45 minutes from the ask to get on the bike.. (please note - it was not busy in the shop). I am sure the mechanics are very competent but a simple M-Check should not take longer than 10 minutes (Past experience working in a local bike store). Unfortunately, the gears were not indexed correctly which tainted the experience further.
Coming back in from the ride, whilst the advisor who had sent me out was perfectly kind & professional. There was a lack of knowledge to discuss options for other models with & I ended up going elsewhere.
From my experience here, I’d say that if you have a little bit of knowledge about bikes or do your own research - you would be best to trust your gut & call ahead to test ride a bike to prevent hanging around too long.

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
When I first visited the shop 3 years…
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 sick of being served by sexist bike mechanics.
However, my opinion of this shop has changed when someone nice in the shop helped me fix my bike, he was really nice and helpful (he has a purple specialised bike).

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
I went to collect my bike after a delay…
I went to collect my bike after a delay due to my mother being taken to hospital unexpectedly.
When I went to collect it all they were interested in was taking the payment balance and handing it over.
No one checked to see if the saddle was the correct height(it wasn’t) or run through any of the the simple riding and maintenance detail.
I ended up having to take it back in a car as I attempted to adjust the saddle height myself on collection and despite thinking I’d tightened it enough it moved very slightly over the course of the week causing my knee to become sore.
On attempting to undo the saddle and set it again it wouldn’t move easily I ended up unscrewing the whole thing completely the fixing fell apart and I had no idea how it went back together (hence the car trip to he help)

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
I was assisted by Frances
I was assisted by Frances. She was very patient, kind, helpful and supplied me with all that I needed !!!
Finley was also helpful with alignment and my bike set-up
I 100% recommend!!
Thank you!!

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
Dan helped me get the bike of my…
Dan helped me get the bike of my dreams. Grest advice and customer service!

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
Very excellent and I’m grateful and…
Very excellent and I’m grateful and thankful for help and support the Service in general is amazing with great teamwork

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
Really helpful all round
Really helpful staff, great products and I found a good deal on a bike. After a few weeks I am still loving it and appreciating their free 6 week service

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
Quick and efficient repair
Repaired flat tyre on cargo bike quickly, did a beautiful job and all staff was polite and knowledgeable. 👍🏼

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
Knowledgeable staff
Really great shop , good selection of bikes and really nice staff , the lady who served us was very knowledgeable
We got a great bike in the sale A £600 Scott MBike for £419
Thank you !

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
Very helpful and friendly
Very helpful and friendly. Advised me on helmets, i found a comfy one at last.

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
Good service - and not patronising!
Changed the headset and gave a general service to my bike. Rides really nicely now. Thanks.

Reply from Balfe's Bikes - Hackney
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