Not a Rant or a Rave but is this the Reality?

[Schmorglebot]

I thought bike shops were just where you try on shoes and helmets to make sure they fit before ordering online?

[SwissVan]

What was the original problem?

[Patchelicious]

What was the original problem?

The Cape water crisis.

[SwissVan]

Maybe one day I’ll hear back from the local guys. In the meantime I’ll go spend the extra R750 in my wallet overseas.

 

 

Ah yes... feet still walk and money doesn’t talk

[SwissVan]

The Cape water crisis.

Sorri I must clicked DA wrong thread

[wynandv]

This is a very sad and unfortunate truth about this country. No one gives a damn about other people, there is no pride in the work that is being done and everyone just wants to get through their day with as little effort as possible just to cash that paycheck at the end of the month.

 

From most LBS' i get that same feeling that is why the few ones that are left who actually tries to go the extra mile are worth gold!!

 

I've tried a couple of shops around Cape Town and can say without any reservation that the best service I've ever received was from Giant Durbanville. At the end of October I bought a new bike from them, not just a bike from the shelf but a bike that was built to fit at no extra cost. There was a lot of time and test drives that went into this sale, the service I received from them was absolutely impeccable. This is one very important aspect that you won't find buying online.

 

After a couple of rides I became the unfortunate victim of a cracked frame........ because it is a 2017 model, they had no more frames in the same colour as the original bike so I was given a new frame (wow!! very happy with the new colour btw) which didn't match the decals on the fork, shock and rims. Problem....... no problem. At their expense they had decals custom made to fit the new frame re-assembled the bike and a week later i was riding a new spiff bike!! He even spent an hour after closing time with me to tune the suspension and make sure everything was I wanted it.

 

It is very unfortunate that this type of service is perceived as exceptional and cannot be the norm, but that is the sad reality in our country. and it is heartbreaking that one has to have a lot of bad experiences before finding a place that is willing to deliver a service according to your standard.

[Hairy]

This is a very sad and unfortunate truth about this country. No one gives a damn about other people, there is no pride in the work that is being done and everyone just wants to get through their day with as little effort as possible just to cash that paycheck at the end of the month.

 

From most LBS' i get that same feeling that is why the few ones that are left who actually tries to go the extra mile are worth gold!!

 

I've tried a couple of shops around Cape Town and can say without any reservation that the best service I've ever received was from Giant Durbanville. At the end of October I bought a new bike from them, not just a bike from the shelf but a bike that was built to fit at no extra cost. There was a lot of time and test drives that went into this sale, the service I received from them was absolutely impeccable. This is one very important aspect that you won't find buying online.

 

After a couple of rides I became the unfortunate victim of a cracked frame........ because it is a 2017 model, they had no more frames in the same colour as the original bike so I was given a new frame (wow!! very happy with the new colour btw) which didn't match the decals on the fork, shock and rims. Problem....... no problem. At their expense they had decals custom made to fit the new frame re-assembled the bike and a week later i was riding a new spiff bike!! He even spent an hour after closing time with me to tune the suspension and make sure everything was I wanted it.

 

It is very unfortunate that this type of service is perceived as exceptional and cannot be the norm, but that is the sad reality in our country. and it is heartbreaking that one has to have a lot of bad experiences before finding a place that is willing to deliver a service according to your standard.

welcome to the hub ....

[ChrisF]

The Cape water crisis.

 

the REAL question being, which will come first ...

 

- Rain in the Western Cape, or 

 

- service at my local LBS    

 

 

 

DONT ask SlowBee ... he is not on speaking terms with my local LBS 

[FootballingCyclist]

The other side of the coin is that it is really very easy to upskill yourself in the cycle trade. There is a plethora of information available on-line .... but if you are lazy, then you won't do this and you also will not push deeper into finding a solution for a client.

I will use Bike Hub again in this response...

 

When I started cycling I THOUGHT I knew "alot" about bikes, turns out I knew little to nothing, I have hardly ever read anything online, online doesnt always have the right answers, However I can promise you that anything bike related, like any question, No matter how "silly" we may think it is, is already here on Bike Hub... I am now fairly clued up on road biking, from mechanical to training programmes to nutrition, you name it, and all of my knowledge comes from reading on Bike hub, the best and most knowledgeable guys are amongst us and offer advice freely!!

 

 

#BikeHubForPresident

[SwissVan]

I will use Bike Hub again in this response...

 

When I started cycling I THOUGHT I knew "alot" about bikes, turns out I knew little to nothing, I have hardly ever read anything online, online doesnt always have the right answers, However I can promise you that anything bike related, like any question, No matter how "silly" we may think it is, is already here on Bike Hub... I am now fairly clued up on road biking, from mechanical to training programmes to nutrition, you name it, and all of my knowledge comes from reading on Bike hub, the best and most knowledgeable guys are amongst us and offer advice freely!!

 

 

#BikeHubForPresident

ADMIN would like to know what you would like for your Xmas box ????

[dawnh100]

Hi Wright Junior,

 

I don't believe the problem is Specialized specific, I've had the exact same issue at 2 shops in JHB saying they will order parts (SRAM jockey gears,SRAM cassette, disc brake rotors, Shimano pedals). I've been shoppingly happily for everything electronic and bicycle related overseas, spending well over R50k on both altogether and never encountering an issue.

 

I wish you happy savings when continuing to buy from overseas

So - when you do order from overseas, assuming there are no issues with import tax, post office admin, lost stuff, etc?  if so - please tell me how, I'm looking for some tricks in the trade? 

[Bonus]

I think there is still room for the LBS if you find the right one.

 

I normally deal with Fareed at Westdene Cycles. I have struck up a good relationship with him and he has given me good service.

When I need something, I usually phone him. If he does not have the part then I ask him for a quote. Within a day or two I get a call from him and then I give him the go ahead to order. This is followed by a call when the part arrives.

 

I have ordered a few items this way and he has always come through.

We bought quite a bit from Westdene over the years. Including Wendy's first Trek MTB.

They also rebuilt a wheel for me once after sourcing parts from their Cape Town branch (iirc)

[Eddy Gordo]

Did you guys notice that there is now a std R24 charge on anything imported?

[Hairy]

Did you guys notice that there is now a std R24 charge on anything imported?

Yes, but this is per item ... an item could be a HUGE box with 1500 smaller items in it. They are noting this as a admin and handling fee.

 

Simple solution ... buy two items or more when importing

[Hairy]

I will use Bike Hub again in this response...

 

When I started cycling I THOUGHT I knew "alot" about bikes, turns out I knew little to nothing, I have hardly ever read anything online, online doesnt always have the right answers, However I can promise you that anything bike related, like any question, No matter how "silly" we may think it is, is already here on Bike Hub... I am now fairly clued up on road biking, from mechanical to training programmes to nutrition, you name it, and all of my knowledge comes from reading on Bike hub, the best and most knowledgeable guys are amongst us and offer advice freely!!

 

 

#BikeHubForPresident

#MakeCyclingGreatAgain

[popcorn_skollie]

Lets say you're a bike shop mechanic. And someone needs a wheel laced up. They bring you a 150 x 12 rear hub. And a 17mm wide hoop. What do you do?