Saddles & Paddles

Was slightly dubious about hiring a kayak but was put as ease by the staff, a great price and plenty to explore when on the canal ( try the pub it's great).
Doesn't take long to get your head around paddling if you've not done it .

Just had such an amazing day of cycling thanks to Saddles and Paddles. Borrowed two bikes. Really friendly team and easy process. Enjoyed the most beautiful cycle route I've ever been on down to Dawlish and back up the other side from Exmouth. Strongly recommend.

Saddles & Paddles were really knowledgeable and friendly. They serviced my bicycle, helped me sort out some handlebar issues, and charged fairly. Their advice on bicycle accessories was honest and helpful! Will definitely return again for any bicycle needs.

Really disappointed in the poorly maintained tandem hired this morning. The constant slipping of the chain was dangerous. I only hope the bike is adequately serviced ahead of being provided to another customer. Likely need of a new rear cassette and chain. Returned the bike early because of this technical fault and no offer of refund. Alll round a very poor experience.

We had a great day out.1 large canoe for 2 children and an adult whilst I paddleboarded.
Had lunch at the double locks and back again.

Really value this place and the staff there - they're very friendly, quirky, really eager to resolve any issues and really know what they're doing. Lovely place to hire/buy bikes and kayaks/paddleboards/canoes. Probably one of the best shops to buy/hire bikes etc from

TLDR:
Best place for bike repairs. Staff are very kind and friendly. The repairs are quick and they are honest about cost. These people seem to care about bikes not just their business. Definitely recomend this place over the other shops in Exeter.

Long summary:

My brakes weren't engaging right so I took it to a DIFFERENT shop in Exeter and they quoted me £40 for the adjustment. I knew that whatever was wrong wasn't something major but I just couldn't figure out what it was. When I took it to this mechanic I could tell he knew what was wrong but I wasn't willing to pay that much. I kept trying to roughly ask what the problem was and eventually he gave away a hint. So I went home adjusted a screw a tiny bit and it was fixed! £40 saved!

Later, I bent my rear derailleur hangar and so I took my bike to saddles and paddles instead. They walked me through the process of readjusting the gears so at least it was rideable until I get a replacement part. Process took 10 minutes, they charged me basically nothing becuase of how quick the adjustment was. I had lots of questions about how to maintain the bike by myself and they were very happy to give advice. It was clear the staff cared more about bikes than money! I will come back to this shop for any advice, gear or repairs my bike will need in the future becuase honest shops like these deserve to stay open!

Good service leads to loyalty! Trying to charge for every small thing just leaves people feeling bitter!

This is a 2 part review, two days ago we hired a pair of Canadian style canoes here & went to the Doublelocks pub for lunch. Had so much fun and the hire service was so good the kids came back & had 2 hours on SUPs. Loved it.