Oceana Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Now that the dust has started to settle - I have been itching to point out that a PUBIC forum is always a touchie place to run with anything....Indeed, after such a "shock and horror" rant that was settled remarkably easily.
Skylark Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 (edited) Yeah fair enough. i get what you're saying. And that's one thing they do lack. There is very little communication between top level management and the rest of the staff. They're all just sitting in their offices most of the time. But when they do actually come out, I've personally only had good experiences. It's not so much the workmanship that bothers me, it's the way it's run. I had a bike built there once. Bought from them might I add. They said I could have the bike in one week's time. I went back after one week. They had not started building it. I asked when it would be ready, as I had already been waiting a week. They said the next day at 4. I went back the next day at 4. They had not started on my bike. They don't bother to phone. Eventually I said to them that if they don't build it now, I'll take it home and build it myself. After 2 weeks of struggling with them, I finally got my bike. To top it off, they had put the brake blocks in upside down and backwards. Waste of time if you ask me. I had my mountainbike there once as well. The rear disc was rubbing inside the caliper. 3 days later, it was "fixed". They had done absolutely nothing. Disc was still rubbing. Cost me hundred bucks for them to do nothing. Eventually just fixed it myself. I have no problem fixing and building my own bikes, but I don't always have time for it. And that's what a workshop is supposed to be for me. A convenient place that is quick and effective. I am paying them to do this, why should I have to sit with all these problems? Anyway, lesson learned. I don't take my bike anywhere anymore for maintenance. These reasons are why I have learnt how to fit or fix virtually anything on my bike.Paying someone to fix my bike should save me time, not give me headaches and wasted time Edited September 28, 2013 by Skylark
mazambaan Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Hopefully this will have a happy resolution now that Mr CWC has stepped in. My experience, including quite limited at CWC Belleville is that a lot of South Africans are tightly wound (me included) and can come unwound very quickly. Retail staff and managers aren't exempt but need to know this. Then my overall bike shop experience has been that owners/founders are mostly passionate, knowledgeable, dedicated and mostly excellent with customers. Staff, often not so much. They are often young guys (very few girls) who are promising and good cyclists (my guess) but aren't dedicated sales people. They are often patronising and disinterested towards run of the mill cyclists. Some of the *** I've been told! This has been my experience at CWC, Specialised in Somerset West, Leighs, Hattons, and a few others in Durban and Hillcrest. Worst for me had to be Specialised in Somerset West where I picked out about R2000 worth of kit (bib, gloves etc) and went to the till. Salesman was chatting to a mate; maybe a customer but he ignored me. Eventually I left the goods (even though I really wanted it) and walked out. Someone from the workshop tried to politely intercept me but I had my head down for Cyclelab by then.
Booyakasha Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Read this with interest. As a guy who only started cycling very recently (last month) I have found the cycling learning curve quite intimidating. There is one hell of a lot to learn relating to correct cycling technique etc. never mind what accessories are needed! I have been trying to find a shop that is accommodating in respect of my noobness- I have 10 questions with every purchase I make. This takes more time from the salesman's clock but I need the stuff and will buy all that I need so it is worthwhile for the chap in the end to be a little more patient with me. I work in town and stay in Milnerton and thought about going to CWC in GP. I am still trying to find my 'local'. But based on this I will go somewhere else- it's intimidating not knowing everything and I know that my cluelessness can open me up to be taken for a (figurative) ride. If a hardebaard gets treated like this then I have no doubt that the shop is not for me. The search continues and has been narrowed down as a result! As an aside- if anyone can recommend a nice local in the area please pm me!
'Dale Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 I like your honest post, Booyakasha...There are indeed a lot to learn about this highly technical sport. I visit my LBS in the off-peak time (before 16:00 and after 11:00; not during lunchtime) to chat about things that interest me and get advice.
'Dale Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 (edited) . Edited September 28, 2013 by ' Dale
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Read this with interest. As a guy who only started cycling very recently (last month) I have found the cycling learning curve quite intimidating. There is one hell of a lot to learn relating to correct cycling technique etc. never mind what accessories are needed! I have been trying to find a shop that is accommodating in respect of my noobness- I have 10 questions with every purchase I make. This takes more time from the salesman's clock but I need the stuff and will buy all that I need so it is worthwhile for the chap in the end to be a little more patient with me. I work in town and stay in Milnerton and thought about going to CWC in GP. I am still trying to find my 'local'. But based on this I will go somewhere else- it's intimidating not knowing everything and I know that my cluelessness can open me up to be taken for a (figurative) ride. If a hardebaard gets treated like this then I have no doubt that the shop is not for me. The search continues and has been narrowed down as a result! As an aside- if anyone can recommend a nice local in the area please pm me! Booya - in town,Marco or Devon at Action Cycles in Bree Street Milnerton - Cycle Factory (actually montague gardens but still) Both VERY good shops. Personal service from proper riders and mechs. Booyakasha and DPG 2
urbanroyal Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Read this with interest. As a guy who only started cycling very recently (last month) I have found the cycling learning curve quite intimidating. There is one hell of a lot to learn relating to correct cycling technique etc. never mind what accessories are needed! I have been trying to find a shop that is accommodating in respect of my noobness- I have 10 questions with every purchase I make. This takes more time from the salesman's clock but I need the stuff and will buy all that I need so it is worthwhile for the chap in the end to be a little more patient with me. I work in town and stay in Milnerton and thought about going to CWC in GP. I am still trying to find my 'local'. But based on this I will go somewhere else- it's intimidating not knowing everything and I know that my cluelessness can open me up to be taken for a (figurative) ride. If a hardebaard gets treated like this then I have no doubt that the shop is not for me. The search continues and has been narrowed down as a result! As an aside- if anyone can recommend a nice local in the area please pm me! Dude I was in the same boat ..and Desmond and his team at Complete Cyclist in Hout Bay ..are cool ...answered all my questions ..no worries ..now I spend all my bucks there ..Desmond , Karel and their mechanic ..Rudy ..lekka bunch of guys .... Booyakasha 1
Hairy Posted September 30, 2013 Author Posted September 30, 2013 Ok, and a good Monday morning to you all. It is with a happy heart that I must say that CWC have come to the party in addressing my issues, and one should also note the manner in which they were responding in this thread as being very open and accommodating. In short, CW jnr's feedback via this thread is great and much appreciated. CW snr, thank you for the call on Saturday morning, yet again much appreciated. To snr and jnr, thanks for the little extra in the box delivered (To my house by Rae), it was not necessary, but is appreciated. Wannabe 1
ichops Posted September 30, 2013 Posted September 30, 2013 It's a bit unfair to name and shame without explaining the situationRead what the man said - on Monday full story to follow
GLuvsMtb Posted September 30, 2013 Posted September 30, 2013 BUT why didn't they just get it right the first time? I just let my money talk. Bad service = never see a cent of my $$ again.I like the way both parties handled it. We all like to build a relationship with our bike shops. Not many online stores focus on this relationship, but CWC seems to try at least and I suspect that this is one of the reasons why they are very successful in a competitive market. South Africans don't complain, they walk away because its much easier or we complain in such a way that the retailer is left with no room to save face or rectify the situation. I suspect that if you simply do not go back as you are stating here, you would not be able to shop anywhere (I've had a bad pre packed salad from Woolies before, but I'm still shopping there), eat anywhere (show me any restaurant that you have visited more than 10 times that exceeded your expectations every time) or go anywhere (we all have issues on the trails we ride regularly, I suspect there is a lot wrong at Tokai which you would like to see changed, but you go back there, don't you?) Captain Fastbastard Mayhem and Oufy MTB (Roadie) 2
rock Posted September 30, 2013 Posted September 30, 2013 tell us what the little extra in the box was??
Hairy Posted September 30, 2013 Author Posted September 30, 2013 tell us what the little extra in the box was?? A little handy something to put other little handy somethings in. Flowta 1
GoLefty!! Posted September 30, 2013 Posted September 30, 2013 BUT why didn't they just get it right the first time? I just let my money talk. Bad service = never see a cent of my $$ again. You really have to start realising that no one is perfect and mistakes creep in no matter how professional an outfit. GLuvsMtb 1
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