Looking for recommendations for decent bike shops in these two areas . Im in the locale next week on holiday so I thought I'd have a nose around whilst I was there.
Cheers!
The Bike Station on Causewayside is worth a look if you like old curiosities. It’s a recycling place with a few vintage numbers on display.
Gamma Transport for fantastic coffee and very nice kit (though not MTB focussed).
Stirling:
Velocity 44 in centre = Giant and Cevelo
https://www.velocity44.com/
Stirling cycles, Causewayhead = Madison,
Orbea, Merida and I think Cube. Very helpful and welcoming.
https://www.stirlingcycles.co.uk/
Roots Cycles, Doune = Trek, Orange, Marin. Very helpful and welcoming.
https://www.rootscycles.co.uk/
Kind of depends what you're after. If it's just a browse of kit, then there aren't loads full of new shiny things. Gamma is great for coffee as mentioned, but there isn't necessarily loads of stuff to browse. In Edinburgh itself, your best bet is probably Alpine Bikes up in Marchmont, that's also near Pedals which may have a few nice bikes and frames.
Beyond Edinburgh (and appreciate it's not Stirling) but Pedal Power in West Calder has some really nice stuff. Haven't been to those ones Matt mentions but know they've got a good rep.
Greenrig Cycles by Falkirk is good (Kona and I think Cube), has a few nice things but not a large shop. Restaurant next to it does good food but it is pricey.
The shop Matt has mentioned also get my votes as well.
Recyke-a-Bike in Causewayhead has some interesting bikes in and they may do coffee...
Iain at The Bike Works in Stirling is a top guy for repairs; friendly and knowledgeable, same for Roots as mentioned above. Not much stock to browse in either shop but they’ll get in whatever you’re after.
If you like trek there is an official trekstore at dobbies near dalkeith
Ask Iain at The Bike Works in Stirling to demo his seatpost puller.
Marti at Roots is a nice guy. Also poke around Doune Castle and the new cycle-friendly signage at Ardoch Burn.
Other than that I don't go into any of the other Stirling bike shops now. 'cos crap.
In Causewayhead, Stirling - Corrieri's cafe has some cool cycling memorabilia and generally a mass of road bikes parked outside.
Closed Tuesdays.
Roots Cycles, Doune = Trek, Orange, Marin. Very helpful and welcoming.
https://www.rootscycles.co.uk/
Also has some very good deals on Marin at present....
Iain at The Bike Works as the spiritual (and kit like the seat post puller) successor to Andy at Stirling Bike Doctor.