Cycle centres, retailers and repairers

Centres:

A few mountain bike centres across the country include:

Swinnerton Cycle Centre, Cannock Chase, Staffordshire

http://www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk/ Yorkshire Dales

http://cycling.visitscotland.com/mountain_biking/mb_centre Scotland

http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/index/visiting/cycle/cycle-hire-centres/parsleyhay.htm Peak District

http://www.ibikeride.com/trails/england/hog-hill-redbridge-cycle-centres-off-road-mountain-bike-track.html Essex

www.mbwales.com Wales

Retailers:

Large national and online retailers include:

http://www.evanscycles.com

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk

http://www.halfords.com

In general, most cycling experts recommend using a local, independent cycle retailer who will provide informed and unbiased advice on what bike/equipment you need.

It is essential to take specialist advice on your choice of bike and to have the bike adjusted to size and riding position.

http://www.bikeforall.net/retailersearch.php will  search based on postcode and find independent cycle retailers in your locality

Repairers:

It is important to get details of all cycle repairers en route before you set out on a long-distance ride.

http://www.freeindex.co.uk/categories/entertainment_and_lifestyle/sports/cycle_repairs(2)/

lists details of cycle repair shops, company profiles and customer reviews

http://www.cyclefix.net/ gives details of mobile bicycle mechanics

If you cannot find a repairer in the area you intend to visit from these lists, try an online search for cycle repairers adding the relevant location.