What sets Bike Shops apart...

[scotty]

BB, i know of a case where a guy (rather large) insisted on a brand of wheel even though the Bike shop said it would not suit his weight, and yup he was back a few days later ranting that the bikes spokes broke and insisting that they take them back and he will take what the bike shop originally reccomended but at a reduced price. Needless to say they showed him the door.

[ewep]

There is always a give and take scenario.  But a lot of bike shops are out for a quick buck or 2.  That's all they're interested in.  If only they realise that most people will buy more if their service is good!

[NotSoBigBen]

Scotty - due to some changes in my close family I have had a rather more 'intimate' knowledge of what happens at bikeshops and it can frighten you to hear some of the stories!

 

But ja seems Frans, Riaan and the boys know you well at TdF so no problem for you. Can I say 'The Scottster' sent me the next time I'm there and get a nice discount

[scotty]

Think he'll over charge you for all the freebies he gives me.

[hot stuff]

BMC in salt river wonderful service cant buy things from them but a good service charged me 250 for an awful noise in the frame which i thought the frame was cracked. They worked 4 hours on the bike. Stripped it, put another BB in to check and so on. eliminated a noise 3 others could'nt. Had to ride the Argus with the most annoying tick

 

The more local one in  Main rd Diep River Magnet cycles a one man operation but he is great his name is Kurt. Never had to go back with a complaint.

hot stuff2007-11-07 05:49:22

[Li Mu Bai]

Roading:

When I got ridden into from behind at Kyalami and my rear derailer and wheel was bent all out of shape, Tony repaired the damage immediately and said he wouldn't charge me for 'Bad Luck' - Tony Impey cycles, Bedfordview. Always had good advice and no-nonsense from Tony and Derek.

I consider them my LBS, and I live in Midrand!!!

 

MTB:

Graham and Jean-Luc for Commencal (Absolute Biking) has always gone out of their way to make sure any issues I have had, be it with the bike upgrades, or helmet replacement were sorted out immediately. The one time Graham was out of Town and I went to the bike shop 'down the road' for a major service, all I got was disappointment in their attention to detail.

Rude2007-11-07 05:55:36

[Brakkies Sport Fotos]

Mampara "It is actually sad that we have to "praise" shops for giving good service. "

 

 

 

As jy 'n kar koop en iets fout en hulle bestel 'n nuwe part, gee hulle jou 'n ander kar om mee te ry ... nee.

 

 

 

Hierdie ouens kon ook gese het, okei gee die wiele ons stuur dit terug onder waarborg...(dis waarvoor jy betaal het)

 

 

 

MAAR HULLE HET HOM 'N ANDER WIEL GEGEE OM SOLANK TE GEBRUIK. dis bietjie meer as wat jy voor betaal het.

[wonduhboy]

Mampara "It is actually sad that we have to "praise" shops for giving good service. "

As jy 'n kar koop en iets fout en hulle bestel 'n nuwe part' date=' gee hulle jou 'n ander kar om mee te ry ... nee.

Hierdie ouens kon ook gese het, okei gee die wiele ons stuur dit terug onder waarborg...(dis waarvoor jy betaal het)

MAAR HULLE HET HOM 'N ANDER WIEL GEGEE OM SOLANK TE GEBRUIK. dis bietjie meer as wat jy voor betaal het.[/quote']

 

Pops, you've got it spot-on here. They didn't have to lend me anything, they didn't even have to send them in for me as I didn't buy them there - but they did, without giving me hassles or making me pay.

 

Mampara, I also know what you're saying - good service should be the norm, not something that happens seldomly, and when it does, you have to praise it. But as we all say all the time, service in SA is shocking, so when you get good service, praise them!

 

Now i just need wheels to race the 94.7 on...

[ewep]

Rude, Tony himself is a great guy, but the other oke at Tony Impey is a CHOP!!!!  He has the "Cycling God" syndrome.

[wonduhboy]

Rude' date=' Tony himself is a great guy, but the other oke at Tony Impey is a CHOP!!!!  He has the "Cycling God" syndrome. [/quote']

 

Exactly the same feeling I got when I used to go to Fritz in Brooklyn, but to be fair this was 3 odd years ago, so it may have changed.

The shop assistants were all young wannabe pros who made me feel like they were doing me a favour by helping me out.

Totally different to FPC Irene who are a great bunch

[Joe Low]

Rude' date=' Tony himself is a great guy, but the other oke at Tony Impey is a CHOP!!!!  He has the "Cycling God" syndrome. [/quote']

 

Tony's shop is walking (or bike-dragging) distance from me so I like to get on well with them there.  It takes a bit of effort on the customer's part, which some folk baulk at, but it pays off.

 

Was there last week when a customer asked Tony if he ever rode himself.  Deadpan (as they are in TIC) Tony said no, he just works there but was thinking of taking it up.

 

 

 

[ewep]

Joe Low, don't get me wrong!!!  Tony is a GREAT oke and excellent with his customers.  But this other oke, EISH!!!

 

This other oke is meesing up badly.  Initially he told me my 'dale was sh|t, I should ride Italian.  Then the Colnago came along, and I was told I'm CRAZY to buy the bike, and and and.....  A lot has happened.  Delgado has had a "run in" with him as well.  Because of that CHOP I will not visit the shop.

 

[nellie]

IMO there are a few things that make a bike shop good;

 

A person who greets you when you walk in and offers assistance asap(there's nothing as irritating as standing around when you need advice/are looking for something specific and the people who work there is seemingly unaware of your existence. It's another thing if they're busy with other people though...that's understandable)

 

Good advice - giving you the pros and cons of things, but still leaving you to make the choice that suits you - and your wallet - best.

 

Willingness to help you out no matter what you're looking for

 

Respect, whether you're a girl, elite guy, fat omie or person who's just starting out cycling.

 

Honesty. I have absolutely no gripes if the oom at my LBS tells me that he doesn't have stock and will a) try to get what i'm looking for or b) suggest another place where i'd be able to find it.

 

Maturity from the owner's side. I'm sorry, but there's nothing funny about a shop owner who keeps chirping you if you bought something from another shop. Grow up please! I've never bought a road bike from my LBS (firstly because of a sponsor and secondly because i actually didn't know that he stocked Orbea) but i still go to him for everything else. Nothing but kind words from his side

 

Service - if i take my bike in because my chain/BBB/STI whatever doesn't work properly i expect it to work when i get my bike back. Oh...and how much is it to ask to just clean the bike if you've finished working on it - it just makes it more presentable and shows that you care about your image and what you are doing

 

Friendliness...really, a smile is not expensive!

[NotSoBigBen]

Maybe this is 'petty' but if I have new tyres fitted it shows me if the mechanic cares if he places the tyre logo either at the valve or at a logo on the rim so that they both look the same!

[ewep]

 

Maybe this is 'petty' but if I have new tyres fitted it shows me if the mechanic cares if he places the tyre logo either at the valve or at a logo on the rim so that they both look the same!

 

Yes, you are PETTY!

 

[scotty]

Its easy enough to replace tyres yourself BB