ACTiV Folkestone Kent
Staff that know what they’re talking about, friendly, helpful and they won’t try to flog you stuff that you don’t want.
They are Trek dealers and their customer service is great, (see my previous posts regarding warranty claims).
Kids come in wanting to pump up their ratty old BMX tyres and they lend them track pumps etc. If they haven’t got what you want and can’t order it, they’ll try to send you somewhere that can.
Organised rides road/MTB, for all levels throughout the week, where newbies are welcome. Organised rides to trail centres twice a year (Wales normally) and Passportes du Soliel, summer BBQs, Christmas Party etc
Bike fitting service, demo bikes (they’ll lend you lights on a winter ride) , workshop, clothing department and spares galore.
They started off as a windsurfing shop and still have a water sports department, but have evolved since the mid nineties into an excellent bike shop and its the only place I take my bike. They still sell windsurf kit and have digressed to kids scooters/roller skates/kites/kite boards/kite buggies/snow boards/ski wear/kayaks/bodyboards/wetsuits/triathalon kit/dive kit/fashion/skateboards. In all departments someone in the store does that sport, but the bikes is where the excel. The owner Steve is a former windsurf instructor, ski instructor, MTB/road rider, orienteerer, adventure racer etc. Other staff have ridden at elite level, do cyclocross, road race, are part of the local freeride scene and the shop sponsor local riders and teams, (Steves wife came second in the world championships a couple of years ago).
They’ve just got a mini coffe shop (one table and chairs!!!) and it’s a standing joke in our house that a trip there never takes less than an hour because you just end up chatting with the staff or other customers. You make think I’m waxing lyrical about this shop and that I’m sponsored by them, but I’m not – I just get good service and I’m happy to fly the flag.
