cycles on trains

Just had one of those frustrating conversations: sorry we can't make a reservation unless you book a ticket over the phone. But I've already bought a ticket. You'll have to make the reservation at a manned station. But I tried to do that and they couldn't. You'll have to try another station. I can't make it to New St today... Hang on, can you tell me whether there are any spaces. Yes, let me look. Oh there are no vacant spaces on any trains you want.
Grrrr. So wont travel with Virgin and will try and pick Central train services to go to Cheadle tomorrow. (and may chance my arm with seeing whether the spaces are used on the virgin services...)