Balfe Bikes appalling reviews on Trust Pilot

[peckhambog]

I was very unhappy with the complete lack of service or quality Balfe Bikes delivered and so wrote a review on Trust Pilot explaining the serious issues.

After I had submitted it, I was surprised to see that others likewise had been let down and left negative reviews.

I understand most satisfied won't be bothered to leave a complimentary review, but am interested to know if the problems in their workshop and workmanship are common or a more exception?

[mrwb]

Their reviews look really good to me?

They've got on Google, Facebook and Trustpilot. Personally I wouldn't put much stock in trustpilot (or tripadvisor) reviews. Lots of companies don't use them due to how they do business.

[SE22_2020er]

I'm sorry to hear that you've not had a good experience with Balfe's. I've only ever had fantastic service from them - so much so it seems odd to hear that you've not had a good experience.

[Rockets]

Likewise - always found Balfes (and Evans for that matter) really friendly, helpful and very good at what they do so sorry you didn't have the same sort of experience.

[borderpaul]

I found Balfes reasonably good but do think bicycle shops tend to be very dependent on the staff member you get rather than the shop.

Recently I tried the mobile bike repair shop in Northcross Road market, they had been brilliant in the past but recently I took my bike there and they needed to take it to their bicycle shop Bicycle Nation in Herne Hill. It took about 5 weeks and 2 visits to the shop and one to the market to get my bike fixed as initially they changed some components but didn't solve the issue. It ended up costing a lot more than I expected and I felt the person who initially did the work didn't know what they were doing and replaced components that were only a few years old, were not worn and didn't need replacing.

I learned an expensive lesson and next time would write down exactly what they said they would do, get them to put in a proper estimate and then do a bit of research. I will be heading back to Balfe's next time.

[gkb]

I have used Balfes Bikes in East Dulwich ever since it opened and have consistently received high quality excellent service by their friendly staff when buying bikes, accessories and for repairs. I try not to go anywhere else.

[BeatrixPaddler]

I’ve been using them from the start as well and have always had excellent service there.