In the near future I should be in the fortunate position of being able to buy another bike - possibly at the end of this month. In anticipation, I thought I would do a little planning in how to do this.
I've narrowed it down to two ways: a day shopping in London and going straight to my local Halfords.
Unlike a lot of men, I like shopping, and nothing more than on little treats for myself - such as a new bike. I think I know what the next one will be, just not sure where I should purchase it.
I also like London, where I was born and lived as an infant. I like days out seeing the sights, visiting shops like a kid in a sweet shop and - with the money to buy - unlike most of the time! There's also a good nosh up that adds to, for me, a great experience.
The shop would need to do mail order as I wouldn't want to take it on the train - not while it's nice and new anyway. There's also the great feeling of anticipation. May buy something totally different if it takes my fancy - a spontaneity factor if you will. Better study the Transport For London Journey Planner to make the most of it.
The other option is the local Halfords who, if I remember correctly, can get pretty much anything bikewise on request. I'm quite a fan of Halfords, unlike a lot of cyclists. I buy a lot of my accessories there and consider the Bikehut range to be good quality and value. If they can order it for me, I'll know exactly what I'm getting, it'll be convenient and I'll save money on the day out which I could put towards accessories but won't have the day out in London and spontaneity factor...
Decisions, decisions...
Why London or Halfords? Well, what I want, to be revealed in a future post, is pretty unusual and whilst other shops in the UK sell them, they are even further away and the locations where they're based don't offer the same as London and, (I don't have a car) are more expensive and time consuming to get to.
What about the internet? Indeed. The internet should be a first start in seeing what's available and at what price. Whilst my previous two bikes, a Dawes Geneva plus the current Kettler were ordered without me seeing them first, I think this time I actually want to see it first.
So, undecided, but am glad to be in this position and am looking forward to a new acquisition. Will keep you posted.
