Can anyone recommend a decent independent cycle shop which stocks top end components?

[Ccider]

A bit late now, but Baker Street bikes are very good and know what they are talking about.
As for post from Ccider, i'm always happy to get into a car vs bicycle argument.

Just look at the accident statistics and see how many pedestrians are killed on pavements by cars...about 98% higher than by bicycle.
Yep, lots of anti social cyclists in cities go through red lights. But, more motorists commit offences daily....speeding etc.
Besides cycling is good for the environment, its cheap, keeps you fit and stops you getting fat....Ccider, you should try it some time....you might enjoy it!

Riding bikes makes you fart more = bad for the environment.
Driving/buying cars = keeps people in jobs = good for the economy.
Driving cars is far less damaging to the environment than eating meat!
Cyclists are 10 times more likely to be killed on the roads than motorists.
Cyclists getting fitter & living longer = longer time to damage environment.

Cycling is for loosers!

 

[Hove Lagoonery]

Try this one:

Where are the brakes?