Hi all,
I'm looking for a LBS nearish Stafford that actually stocks bike packing luggage so that I can check to see if things fit on my bike before I buy them. The closest I've found so far is Keep Pedalling in Manchester which is a fair way so I was hoping someone would know of somewhere closer.

Wildcat have a small list of retail stockists - http://www.wildcatgear.co.uk/retail-stockists/ - including Shona and Rich at KP.
Alpkit are web only (until they open the store mentioned on their site)
Alpamayo have some retail outlets but there's no info on their site. Backcountry.scot have them but not exactly local to you!
Apidura have a list of dealers here - https://www.apidura.com/contact-us/dealers/

If you have any big MTB dealers it might be worth giving them a call

With the sudden marketing trend towards bikepacking luggage it's sometimes surprising how often you see bikepacking kit in shops

I thought Alpkit welcomed visitors at the factory?

What make of bags are you trying to fit on what bike?

Mariner wrote:What make of bags are you trying to fit on what bike?

It's a medium Giant Anthem, so 27.5 wheels, 2.25 tyres, 100mm suspension each end. I'm initially looking for a seat pack that has sufficient clearance for the rear wheel so, since I'm new to all this, I was hoping to find an LBS where I could bring my bike along and double check that any bag I buy will fit. I've already got an ortlieb bar bag (a present) but I'm fairly brand agnostic.

Just make the effort to visit Rich & Shona

Plenty of different makes to try and you'll get advice from people who use the kit.

Mention us lot and you'll probably get a cuppa

Bearbonesnorm wrote:I thought Alpkit welcomed visitors at the factory?

They do

I'd second going to see Shona and Rich at Keep Pedalling. They have a great range of stuff to try and really know what works as they frequently use it themselves!

Bearbonesnorm wrote:I thought Alpkit welcomed visitors at the factory?

They do but only during weekday office hours making things a bit tricky for those of use who spend weekdays working in an office. Can't really expect them to work when I don't but it would be nice to go and fondle any potential new toys.

I seem to remember http://www.longstaffcycles.com having some in Chesterton

The closest place I can think of is alpkit as being a resident of Staffordshire. Nothing in Birmingham or Shropshire as far as I know.

Longstaffs have been doing bikepacking gear and bikepacking workshop sessions a couple of times in the last year or so, so definitely worth giving them a shout!

Longstaff will have some Wildcat stuff. Give them a call and speak to Jez Hastings.

Alpkit are renovating a shop in Hathersage in the Peak District, should be opening soon. Aparantly it's going to stick their full range of demo bikes and I would assume all of their bikepacking kit.
It's going to cost me a bloody fortune as it's about 200 meters from my house.

Whereabouts Paul, is it the old Nevis sports?

Didn't know Nevis sports, but it's the one above the deli and fancy curry house. It's a big shop so I reckon alpkits full range will be in it.

Not much help at the mo but there's a new shop opening near Nantwich called
'One more Bicycle' , looking at the bikes they're going to stock hopefully may have
Some Bikepacking gear......maybe others on here know any more ? If you do
Venture up to the guys at Keep pedalling you'll get sterling service though

PaulB2 wrote:Hi all,
I'm looking for a LBS nearish Stafford that actually stocks bike packing luggage so that I can check to see if things fit on my bike before I buy them. The closest I've found so far is Keep Pedalling in Manchester which is a fair way so I was hoping someone would know of somewhere closer.

Paul, I am based in Uttoxeter. Happy to meet up over the chase if you want to see if a wildcat seat pack works for you in the real world.

another happy customer of Rich and Shona of Keep pedaling here too

Thanks all, it looks like I need to check out longstaffs since it's only half hour away and then keep pedalling. Brothersmith, I sent you a PM.