Ireland is a bicycle-friendly nation—most citizens use bikes to run errands or travel around. It’s not a surprise that you can easily find some of the top bicycle shops in a city such as Waterford.
In this article, we’ll talk about where you can find such shops around the city. We’ll also compare prices, services, and the brands and products they offer.
Let’s start!
How Much to Spend for a Bicycle in Waterford
The cost of bicycle and bicycle accessories in Waterford depends on the brand, the type, and the store itself.
According to various sources though, a new bike may cost as low as €120 or as high as €10,000. The good news though is that less expensive bikes are still quality bikes, and if you’re going to use them for basic needs then there’s no need for expensive ones.
Best Bicycle Shops in Waterford
We’re evaluating the top bicycle shops in Waterford using the following:
1. Altitude – The Bicycle People
| Variety | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Pricing (higher price = bigger value) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Store reputation | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Professionalism and communication | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Altitude has all kinds of bikes, whether you’re a beginner who’s looking for an affordable bike or a professional looking for a high-performance bike. We recommend visiting the shop if you want to see more options before you purchase one!
The moment you step inside the shop, you’ll be welcomed with friendly staff. We think this is an advantage especially if you don’t know what type you’re buying.
According to some customers we talked to, the staff are very knowledgeable about bikes and accessories. If you don’t have an idea what fits you perfectly, just let the staff know what’s your purpose for buying a bike, and they’ll help you choose the right one.
We also love that Altitude offers repair services for bikes. If you have problems or need part replacements, then it’s also the place for you.
Another thing we appreciate about the shop is that it has an efficient delivery service as well. The staff make sure to check all the parts before shipping the bicycle so it will arrive in good condition and with all the parts.
One thing we’re a bit iffy about though is that some items are overpriced. They offer rare accessories and parts, so you won’t have a choice if the part you need for your bicycle is only available in the shop.
Another thing is that it’s always busy. It might not be able to always accommodate emergency repairs, which is an inconvenience especially if you need your bike repaired as soon as possible.
Pros
- Has all types of bikes
- Knowledgeable staff
- Has various accessories
- Offers repair services
- Great attention to details
- Efficient delivery service.
Cons
- Might not accommodate emergency repairs
- Some items are overpriced
Customer Reviews
Has all types of bikes
Purchased a bike here recently on the cycle-to-work scheme. All the staff were very knowledgeable and very helpful. I would recommend visiting Altitude if you are considering purchasing a bike, as they cater to all customers from entry-level to high-end performance bikes..— Robert Byrne, Google Reviews
Knowledgeable staff
Purchased a road bike from Altitude recently. They are a great shop with very knowledgeable, friendly staff. Felt almost like joining a club rather than buying a bike because of the passion of the staff for all things cycling! Had great follow on service already and know that they are there to provide support in the future should I need it. I’m also very happy that my purchase is supporting a first-class local business.!— Liam Lysaght, Google Reviews
2. Spokes Bicycles
| Variety | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Pricing (higher price = bigger value) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Store reputation | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Professionalism and communication | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Spokes Bicycles offers various types of bicycles. If you’re a beginner and want to see as many options as possible, we recommend visiting this bicycle shop.
First of all, the staff are very knowledgeable about bicycles and accessories. Hence, they’re very meticulous when it comes to sizing—they’ll always make sure the bike fits you and not the other way around!
Another thing we love is that the staff can give you recommendations. Give them all the details, like what you’ll need the bike for, and they’ll present you with several options so that you can choose whatever best fits your needs.
We also love that Spokes houses a lot of brands and products. According too regular customers, the bicycle shop seems to have all stocks available every day, which is a good thing!
We also appreciate the upfront pricing. You can call them in advance regarding their products or services and they’ll tell you the actual pricing.
Possibly one of the things we don’t like too much is that it has a long refund process. So if you find some disparities in their services, it’ll take long before you get your money back.
Also, while they offer repair services, it’s not always available. If you need to repair something from your bike, make sure to call in advance.
Pros
- Meticulous with details
- Competent and accommodating staff
- Upfront pricing
- Various brands and products
- Well-stocked store
Cons
- Long refund process
- Repairs are by schedule only
Customer Reviews
Transparent pricing
I required a part and service for my bicycle, the friendly staff at Spokes listened to me and gave me straightforward information. The cost of the part and its installation was surprisingly cheap and felt to me like amazing value. They are experts in all types of bicycles and a cornerstone of cycling in Waterford :)—Simon ‘O Connor, Google Reviews
Always has stocks
Great place to buy your new bike or get old one services. The professional crew always willing to explain and help. Parts and equipment are in stock and also on fast order. Big recommendation from my side!—Ruairi Higham, Google Reviews
3. Halfords – Waterford
| Variety | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Pricing (higher price = bigger value) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Store reputation | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Professionalism and communication | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
When it comes to location, Halfords – Waterford definitely has the advantage. It’s conveniently located in an accessible corner where there’s also a lot of free parking available so you don’t need to worry if you’re bringing a car.
Another thing we love about Halfords is that it offers a wide selection or products—whether bikes or accessories. Speaking of accessories, the store also has car and motorcycle accessories—so it’s pretty much a one-stop shop!
In addition to its long list of advantages is the staff. We love that they know every single thing about the bicycles they offer!
In fact, according to some customers, the staff give amazing recommendations. If you don’t know which type of accessory or which type of bike suits you the most, just ask them and they’ll give you several options.
Another thing we love is the easy exchange process. There were cases wherein the bikes had deficiencies, but just bring them back to the shop and they’ll exchange them for new ones without a hassle!
One of the things we’re not too fond of though is that Halfords isn’t very responsive to emails or calls. We recommend trying the contact page as they reply faster if you use it.
Also, repair services are quite slow. The shop might not accommodate emergency repairs because it really takes them long to fix something.
Pros
- Prime location
- Free parking
- Wide selection of products
- Competent staff
- Easy exchange process
- Has good recommendations for beginners
Cons
- Unresponsive to calls and emails
- Slow repair service
Customer Reviews
Wide range of products
A nice place to get all our needs for cycles, motorcycles, and cars. Wide selection of dash cams. Friendly staff and very helpful approach. The service is nice. Overall satisfied.—Tinu Joy, Google Reviews
Efficient staff
Recently went to the Waterford store and wasn’t sure what type of bike I really wanted was served by Bronwyn who put me at ease and went through what reasons I needed the bike. Within 10 minutes she helped me pick the right one for me. Had the bike within a week. Thanks, Bronwyn love the bike cycling to work.—Catherine Power, Google Reviews
4. Tramore Cycle Services
| Variety | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Pricing (higher price = bigger value) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Store reputation | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Professionalism and communication | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Tramore Cycle Services might not be a huge shop, but it still offers a wide range of bikes and accessories. What we love is that it also has repair services so it’s like a one-stop shop for bicycle owners!
In addition to this, we think you’ll probably be surprised that the products are reasonably priced. However, we think you also need to know that the actual price might differ from the initial pricing, so at least set aside a small adjustment for your budget.
Another thing we love is that the shop is always well-stocked. Anything you need—from bike to accessories—you’re almost sure the store has it!
Kudos to the staff as well for being very patient and accommodating! They know all the details about the bikes and accessories so they can help you most especially if you need recommendations.
They also give good advice regarding bike maintenance and repair. We love that this will really show you how passionate they are about their job and how much they know about the details surrounding it.
Just a little warning though—the shop can get really busy during peak hours. If you want to avoid the crowd, make sure to visit early!
Pros
- Great recommendations
- Wide range of products
- Reasonably priced
- Good repair services
- Well-stocked
- Great customer communication
Cons
- Can get really busy
- Price from the initial inquiry might differ from actual price
Customer Reviews
Super knowledgeable about bikes and accessories
Great shop! Always very helpful when I come in needing anything tuned up or a tool, part or accessory or just a bit of advice. Nice to know there is someone local who is solid and knowledgeable to turn to when I’m in town and need something bike-wise. Would highly recommend!—Jill Murphy, Facebook Reviews
Reasonably priced
Highly recommended, great advice, great mechanics, reasonably priced, good range of accessories & bike range—Greg Walsh, Google Reviews
5. Waterford Cycle Centre Viking Bike Hire
| Variety | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Pricing (higher price = bigger value) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Store reputation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Professionalism and communication | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Waterford Cycle Centre Viking Bike Hire is a bit different from the others on the list because it’s a shop mostly for bike rentals. It also accommodates basic repair services though, so that’s also an advantage if you already have a bicycle.
In terms of variety though, Waterford Cycle Centre has a wide selection of bikes for rent. There are several options so you can try which bike best fits you.
Cycling around the Green Way needs the most efficient bike for you. And if you need help in choosing one, don’t hesitate to let the staff know—they are very knowledgeable about bikes so their recommendations will be a big help for you.
Another thing we love about Waterford Cycle is safety. While some of the bikes need to be replaced, the staff make sure that the one you chose is working perfectly and has the functioning parts.
Speaking of staff, we love how accommodating the store is to its customers. Some of them told us that there were times they returned late, but the owner or a staff would wait for them and open the shop to accommodate the bicycles.
One thing that we consider as a turn-off though is that the shop doesn’t accommodate long-term rentals. There are people who visit for a long time and want to rent a bike for the duration of their stay, but this might not be available all the time.
Pros
- Wide range of bike types
- Accommodating staff
- Can rent bikes on short notice
- Staff makes great recommendations
Cons
- Not all bikes are in good condition
- Might not accommodate long-term rental
Customer Reviews
Amazing customer service
Came to Waterford to cycle the Greenway for the first time and hired bikes from Viking bike hire. The customer service was brilliant and would highly recommend for anyone looking to rent bikes. Thanks so much Rolf—Ruth T, Trip Advisor
Accommodating owner
Fantastic shop. We were very lucky to get bikes on short notice on a very busy day. Great customer service and recommendations for the day! Even when we were late coming back, he opened the shop again for us. In short, he saved our day and we had a great time on the Green Way! Thanks a million! Paula & Marie—Paula Constabel, Google Reviews