Rant: Vaal metro cycle shop

[corrie.kuilder]

Not happy at all about the service and attempted ripp-off I received today at the said shop,being close to where I stay,went to them with the intention of buying a new rear hub for my MTB (Merida 1-20 1500). Not wanting to dish out too much on the training wheels (Alex rims) I requested a price on a suitable replacement hub. Firstly the salesman tried to sell me a cheap chinese hub (giving a wow story about the sealed bearing factor) for close to R500. I asked for a shimano m-475 (being an entry level hub,suitable for training),I'm being told that the hub would cost me anything from R700 upwards. Now I know it being their shop,I politely told the salesman (really I did) that that is the going price for a Deore quality hub. He then inpolitely shuffed the wheel into my hand,and told me to go get the hub at another shop then. Oh,and apart from buying the hub,I would be charged a extra hefty amount for labour,and the rebuilding of the wheel. Yet another reason for going to a reputable shop in jhb area.

[jules1976]

that was quite rude of the salesmen to give you the hub back and tell you to go elsewhere !!

 

Obviously they making too much money to want your business !!

 

Best you go elsewhere for good honest salesmen !

[akneethling]

2 things you need to note.

 

Firstly, you cannot compare online srore prices with Bike Shop prices. If you can get it cheaper online, and you're willing to take the risk on the part not fitting, then by all means. ...... get it online.

 

Secondly, it takes labour to strip down, and rebuild a wheel. The person doing that needs to be paid. Expecting that for free is like dropping parts off at the mechanic, and then expecting the service done free.

 

Other than that. ........ you have a legitimate gripe if the salesman was rude to you. If you were demanding a free wheelbuild and expecting online prices at a bike shop....... then I'll have to go with the salesman on this one.

[Dicky DQ]

2 things you need to note.

 

Firstly, you cannot compare online srore prices with Bike Shop prices. If you can get it cheaper online, and you're willing to take the risk on the part not fitting, then by all means. ...... get it online.

 

Secondly, it takes labour to strip down, and rebuild a wheel. The person doing that needs to be paid. Expecting that for free is like dropping parts off at the mechanic, and then expecting the service done free.

 

Other than that. ........ you have a legitimate gripe if the salesman was rude to you. If you were demanding a free wheelbuild and expecting online prices at a bike shop....... then I'll have to go with the salesman on this one.

 

Agreed!

[eddy]

Oh,and apart from buying the hub,I would be charged a extra hefty amount for labour,and the rebuilding of the wheel. Yet another reason for going to a reputable shop in jhb area.

 

Please let me know when you find a "reputable shop" that will rebuild your wheel onto a hub for free. I would like to meet them

[Flowta]

2 things you need to note.

 

Firstly, you cannot compare online srore prices with Bike Shop prices. If you can get it cheaper online, and you're willing to take the risk on the part not fitting, then by all means. ...... get it online.

 

Secondly, it takes labour to strip down, and rebuild a wheel. The person doing that needs to be paid. Expecting that for free is like dropping parts off at the mechanic, and then expecting the service done free.

 

Other than that. ........ you have a legitimate gripe if the salesman was rude to you. If you were demanding a free wheelbuild and expecting online prices at a bike shop....... then I'll have to go with the salesman on this one.

 

Considering a Deore level hub will cost less than R 350 I don't think the OP is far off

[Flowta]

 

 

Please let me know when you find a "reputable shop" that will rebuild your wheel onto a hub for free. I would like to meet them

 

Not sure the OP expected that. Sounded like the salesman brought that up

[dev null]

Please let me know when you find a "reputable shop" that will rebuild your wheel onto a hub for free. I would like to meet them

 

I don't think the OP meant that he wanted it done for free, just that he not get charged a hefty amount. I think nobody would mind a fair amount to be charged for quality labour.

[JanJan]

Their pricing for servicing and building is justifiable because of the attention and quality your bike would've received. I can vouch for their good work and can assure you they will definitely not try to rip you off. I think I overheard your conversation today while was in the shop as well, and you and the sales person were in fact polite :-).

 

Regarding the 'cheap Chinese' products: I'm sure they bought those hubs in bulk from suppliers and have lots of stock which they would try to prioritize during sales. I also think they did their homework before buying those hubs to ensure they aren't crap, and get fed up if customers complain about the 'no-name' brands. But still, handing back the wheel to you and in effect losing a customer is a bit strange.

[Flowta]

Their pricing for servicing and building is justifiable because of the attention and quality your bike would've received. I can vouch for their good work and can assure you they will definitely not try to rip you off. I think I overheard your conversation today while was in the shop as well, and you and the sales person were in fact polite :-).

 

Regarding the 'cheap Chinese' products: I'm sure they bought those hubs in bulk from suppliers and have lots of stock which they would try to prioritize during sales. I also think they did their homework before buying those hubs to ensure they aren't crap, and get fed up if customers complain about the 'no-name' brands. But still, handing back the wheel to you and in effect losing a customer is a bit strange.

 

I think the OP needs to clarify whether those prices were for hub or for the wheel build as well.

[Gustav1]

I had some wheels build up by them a while ago. I supplied hubs and rims, some old school 36 hole stuff. They did a 4 cross build, awsome stuff. I would recommend them for a wheel build anytime.

[corrie.kuilder]

Regarding the wheel build,I did not expect it to be free,if I could do it myself,I would have,but I cannot. So in terms of that,service=sales,no probs. I am willing to pay for something I want,and yes,quality do cost money,my main gripe was the fact that the wheel was shuffed back to me,and told to get the item then at another place/shop. I know the history of the shop,of the father,starting the business long ago ect,just didn't expect THAT kind of treatment.

[corrie.kuilder]

And the prices were for the hub only.

[eddy]

Regarding the wheel build,I did not expect it to be free

 

What did they quote for the wheel build ?

[GhostSixFour]

I had to replace a crank on a saturday quite late, thought I had right tools at home, but turns out I didn't. They not only kept the shop for an additional hour, they had to cut new threads for the a new BB as the factory that built my bike stuffed it up, they were also cheaper with that crank than I had seen anywhere, even with a google search while in their store. They charged me R150 to stay open and cut new threads.. I can't say I was anything but impressed.

[Morwa]

I have to agree with GhostSixFour! I've been dealing with these brothers for some time (years) now. They are not the cheapest, but build up a relationship with these guys, and they will walk the extra mile for you!

 

They will not sell you inferior quality products, and will back-up all the products they sold.

 

IMO, they are the best shop in the Vaal region (service, bike-service and quality of products). Bottom line....if they recommend the Chinese hub....they will back it up with service.