Bicycle Mechanics - Bits and Pieces

I will be leaving in just over a month to scotland. I bought my bike here(canada) and was thinking of taking it with me, but my cousin over said it will be difficult to find parts but wasn't really sure. Anyone know for sure if it is difficult or easy to find parts. in scotland or europe in general
Thanks

Which parts? Bike components are pretty much universal, with only a few exceptions. I think your cousin don't know nuthin'........

Bike parts are readily available, and UK bike shops usually carry a wide range, eg supplying touring and commuting cyclists as well as sport MTB and racers.
eg
http://www.edinburgh-bicycle.co.uk/

I believe it was a Scot who invented the modern bicycle and the pneumatic tyre, so they must know a thing or two.

oohh there ain't nothing north of the border, once you reach those highlands there ain't nothin but bagpipers and haggis!

only joking :) any reasonable bike shop (even one's in scotland) would carry spare parts for just about anything you need and if they don't have it they would be able to order it for you, that is assuming you'll be staying in the country long enough. If you are very particular about replacement parts and you want the exact part to replace it and won't settle for anything less then you may have to wait longer.

Some models of bikes, for example cannondale carry different part specifications for their bike models in europe and in the USA. However that is not normally because you can't get that part it is usually because of relative costs. US parts are more expensive, parts from Japan are about the same price, but european parts are cheaper.

There may be an occasion when a brand part that you want just isn't sold in europe; however that's unlikely, and if it is the case, then there will definitely be a replacement by a different brand that will most likely be just as good or better.

Scotland, eh?

Last I heard was that bikes there have two wheels, and despite the myth, they have the seat on the rear of the bike and the handlebars up front, but it was not long ago, that all scottish cyclists were doing it the other way!:D

In much the same way that they say the irish invented the toilet seat, but it was an englishman who came up with the idea of putting a hole in it.:D

Sorry to poke fun, all in good humour!

There are many excellent bike shops all over the uk and Scotland will have excellent ones in the main cities, amd many small towns will probably have an lbs within reach. Being the least habited country in the uk, it also has some of the most beautiful scenery, so you'll have some amazing rides to look forward to.

Compared to the south east where we live, a notable ride is a slalom course to ride in and out, of cigarette ends, dog sh1t, chewing gum, spit, vomit, and sputum. I ked you not. Come to Crawley and I'll show you this and more!

I'm sure your cousin was thinking of the good old days when everything was threaded differently (french, english italian...)