Halfords are handy to see and touch the product you're about to buy online!!

I agree that for bottom of the range stuff they're OK - eg: I bought a suspension seatpost and gel saddle for my old dad out in Zimbabwe. The suspension seatpost was only 18 quid. Now I now that the seatpost I bought is probably lo-spec, but that's what I was after - a budget suspension seatpost.

Also Halfords will not have any Campag stuff. They mainly cater for family and recreational MTBs.

I lose out on another count in that there are no nearby race bike shops. In Staines we have Halfords, and ActionBikes who are also MTB centric.

I get all my stuff via web from SquareDeals on Wheels (excelent prices!) and St John Street Cycles.

Stew