Balfe's Bikes - Streatham Reviews 

Accepted my bike same day. Very careful assessment and only fitted essential parts....the price was very reasonable...and they cleaned the bike, which was returned as new.

The staff were pleasant, and I was able to use my Cycle Scheme voucher. However, I explained at the time of making the deposit for a test ride that I would like my money back afterwards, as I would be using Cycle Scheme and I was not sure how long it would take my employer to fund this. I had to chase this refund for several weeks, being pressured to let Balfe's keep it in order to hold the bike.
I also got several emails to chase up the Cycle Scheme voucher, even though I had advised it was out of my hands -- when I complained, I was told this was automated.

Finally, I had arranged for the bike and accessories to be fully assembled upon, collection, but when I arrived to collect the bike this had not been done, and I had to wait at a nearby coffeeshop for an hour before I was able to take the bike home.

My experience was not terrible, but there is definitely room for improvement. One should expect a smoother transaction when spending several thousand pounds on a bicycle.

I booked my bike in for a service where the primary and clearly agreed work was a tune-up. I was later contacted and told the bike was ready for collection. When I arrived, it was obvious that no tune-up had been done at all. The only work carried out was replacing the pedal cranks.

I was not informed in advance that the main service had not been performed. There was no explanation proactively given. I had to discover this myself at the counter.

The handling of the situation was even worse than the technical failure. The store manager was dismissive, refused to properly identify herself, and made no effort to investigate or resolve the issue. There was no apology, no accountability, and no attempt to find a reasonable solution. I was simply told I had to pay in full or I would not be allowed to take my bike.

The bike was also returned in an unsafe condition, with a loose chain guard that had not been addressed. The only solution offered was to temporarily secure it with duct tape so I could ride home.

After raising a formal complaint, the company refused any refund and closed the complaint, despite acknowledging that the tune-up was not performed. The response focused more on defending staff behaviour than addressing the clear failure to deliver the agreed service.

This experience shows a serious lack of competence, transparency, and customer care. I would strongly caution anyone considering using this store. There are far better and more professional alternatives in London.

Thanks - helpful in shop and bike ordering and build done very well.

Great service in the shop by Paul. Got the bike I wanted after it being checked, and works perfectly. Good price too. Happy customer.

Brought my bike to balfe’s bikes, because my chain was slipping, they examined the bike & pointed out the gear cassette needed changing the rear wheel was slightly buckled & I needed F & R brake pads, they carried out the work at a very reasonable cost, I’m very pleased it’s like I’ve got a new bike. 😎

Staff great and informative, no sales push and advice works.

Fast Friendly and efficient puncture and tyre replacement done within an hour giving time for a coffee whilst waiting

Helpful and competent

Thank you time & patience choosing the best bike for my fit!
All staff in the shop are friendly, caring, patient & kind!

Bargain ex-dem e-bike. Loving it.
Fast, easy, purchasing process, and store pick up.

Really great people and service. Cannot praise the team in the Streatham Hill branch enough. Made my son feel super special about his new xmas bike. Thank you

Brilliantly helpfull and kind bunch. From all the rain recently my chain had started to rust and was grinding. I spotted Balfes and within minutes they had my bike oiled and ready and wouldn't except payment. Super kind of them and I'll defo be back in the spring as i need to get my kids new bikes. Massive thanks

Honest helpful advice.

Really good service and excellent shop. Recommended

Charged £200 for a problem that wasn’t fixed

I took my bike in for a puncture repair. There was no rim nut or cap on the valve when the bike was returned to me. I'm not convinced the tyre was checked thoroughly for the source of the puncture as the inner tube started deflating again almost immediately. £23 seems a lot for a puncture repair that was done pretty shoddily.

Changed tube in morning and evening found leakage due to bad quality of tube.
Thenafter, again I spend money to buy a new tube from another shop.

My two tyre puncture was fixed within 20 minutes and at a very reasonable price

Very impressed with the professional attitude of all staff at the Streatham shop, from those in the sales room to the mechanics. Courteous, knowledgeable and prompt service. It eases my mind that my valued bike is in competent and safe hands.