Halfords

Always busy, sometimes you wait awhile but service is always with a helpful smile. It is important to let them know you are on a lunch break.
Bought a car radio that turned out to be a bit complicated as I needed extra cables but the unflappable Jason was ever helpful and I got it sorted in the end and didn’t mind the hassle. I could gaze at him all day
ahem sorry. Great place find everything you need there

Halfords are a nationwide chain, as such, their range attempts to cater for everyone with a one fits all approach. Their range is large, though the quality is somewhat limited. I personally purchased a bike which I had to return after a few months, due to many problems. I had quite a hassle getting a refund as well, so personally, I can’t recommend them; though if you need some cheap parts or a bike they are an option.

I don’t want to like Halfords. I know that’s a bad way to approach a shop, but it’s just so cheery and clinical and not at all how a bike or car shop should be. I like tiny, cluttered shops with befuddled assistants and ancient relics of bike parts.
Still, it has to be said, Halfords is pretty useful and has most things you could need. The staff here are more knowledgeable than other branches I’ve been in, although some know more about bikes and others more about cars. As I know very little about either, I feel they’re very helpful without being patronising.
They have bikes which are fine for cycling round town, although the suspension and disc brakes are a bit OTT for Oxford, and are rather rubbish. They do oil, tyres, puncture repair kits and all the tools you might need to go with them. They also stock loads of car things: I got everything I needed for driving in Europe here — first aid kit, headlamp deflectors, fluorescent jackets, etc. The own brand stuff is usually cheap, but for things where quality matters, I’d go for better quality, higher priced things. I’ve heard bad things about their pumps breaking, especially the electric ones.
In conclusion: useful but not necessary. The Tesco of the mechanical world.