Last week I tweeted asking women for local bike shop stories.
Do you have a shop you enjoy? If so what is it so we can let other women know which shops will treat them well.
If a shop didn’t treat you well let us know why. What could the store of done better?
08/26/2009
The shop that I had been going to recently did some work for me. (new chain, deraillers, cables all that). I took the bike home and rode it for a month or two. The gears started to slip. I called the bike shop and they told me to bring the bike back in that it would be probably a 30-40 buck fix. I haven’t taken it back, but while at another bike shop (looking to buy a second bike) I asked them. The guy there was like, “that’s easy to fix” and walked me over to a display bike and showed me how to fix it myself! For free!
I refuse to go to my local shop (the one that was going to sucker me for 40 bucks for just a twist of a cable). I’d rather go somewhere that was willing to help their customers for free, knowing that that will make life long customers!
08/26/2009
Bad experience: Bike Source. Jill aquired a gift card from there so we went to buy her a mountain bike. Decided on a Specialized Rockhopper, but they didn’t have one built in her size for a test ride – they said they’d build one and have it ready the next day. Next day – not ready and no one has a clue what we’re talking about. So we left and came back the next day, again. The bike was ready, we communicated our intent to buy it (bike and accssesories ~ $750), and then it took 4 hours to get the bike out the door b/c the sales dude spent more time talking shop with friends and non-paying customers than he did with us. If it wasn’t for the gift card, I would have walked out. I mailed a letter to the owners the next day expressing my disappointment and never heard back from them. I never felt good about the sale and I’ve never bought anything since.
Good Experiences: Every time I walk in Performance. They helped me out in a pinch once with a mechanical, and since then, we’ve devoloped a really good relationship. They know my name and I send a lot of newbies there.
Also Good: Southpark Cycles. Bart is always fair and fixed up a ding in my brand new wheel for, what I thought, was a very fair price.
Sorry, Arleigh, I’ve never made it up to your store – wrong side of town for me
. But, I suspect it would be a good experience, too.
08/26/2009
The Bicycle Station in Cheyenne, WY has always treated me like the rock star that i’m not : ) i work up here M-F, but live 90 miles south in CO. They are very down to earth, but knowledgeable folks. When a shop can effectively read their consumer and adjust their service to fit that person each and every time they come in, this store will keep business coming. The courtesies should always be the same to all levels, but obviously a new recreational rider will require more engagement than a person who has been riding and racing for two decades. The Bicycle Station has adapted to me and my knowledge and skill levels over the years, and I like this about them. They don’t treat me like a newbie now, but they don’t go over my head as if I’ve been around for fifty years either : )
09/05/2009
Miles Ahead Cyclery in Tucson can’t be beat. Super savvy cyclists and kind — they go above and beyond to accomodate your needs. Only sell high end stuff. Also, can’t speak highly enough about Gila Hike and Bike in Silver City, NM. talk about courteous. Just great people all around.
09/06/2009
I think it is great to have a site like yours around! I’ve had loads of great and poor bike shop experiences. In fact I recently wrote a post about finding the right bike shop- which details some of things I personally look for.
http://bettymountaingirl.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-find-right-bike-shop.html
One little bug that gets me. When I’m at the shop with boyfriend and I ask a very question and they look my boyfriend right in the eye and tell him the answer. It’s like wait- look at me- I’m the one with the question. The nicest guys will do that too. I don’t think they even realize that they do it.
I feel like I can tell right away when I walk in if I’ll like the shop- I like low key, low maintence people who aren’t all about talking how great of a rider they are or how great this particular piece of equipment will make you.
10/06/2009
I live in a small town and there is only one bike shop in the area – but it is a great place to go. They treat all their customers with respect and are anxious to talk to newbies about riding and making sure they get on the right bikes. I’ve been in other shops where the staff doesn’t even say hello!
They even have homemade cookies for all their customers! The shop is Middle Ring Cycles in Albemarle, NC – if you are in the area, be sure to stop by!
10/06/2009
Hey Tracey, did you know this blog is based out of Charlotte? We should meet some time.
11/18/2009
I liked my bike shop so much I got a job working there! lol Silver Cycles, in Silver Spring, MD (just north of DC) is right down the street from my house. My husband and I got into biking just after moving here, and they were the first shop we found. With no experience, they were a great help to my husband and I. As my husband is such an aggressive rider, parts constantly broke, and we always needed help! But the shop was always so great- towards the end of the summer Linda needed help, so I was hired on! Which is great, because she and I are the only women, so we are are always talking about anything women specific and trying new products to compare!
01/20/2010
I live in a small area, and would love to share information about my LBS. It is a small shop, but has a great reputation for repairs/sales and simply getting people excited about riding! Jackie, the owner is very knowledgable and as you speak with her, you can tell that cycling is her passion. She goes above and beyond to help her customers in any way that she can. Sprine time she will have a “Chili Ride”, which starts at the shop, and more than likely is the first outdoor ride for most people, they’ll return to the shop with lots of free food and many great stories. This is only a sample of what the shop has to offer. Check it out in you’re ever in Maine. Chase Cyclery 207-392-3732
01/29/2010
I have a great bike shop in Salem, MA–Salem Cycles. I’ve bought new bikes from them, traded and most important to me, they fix up my finds. A closer bike shop would tell me it wasn’t worth it when I brought in an old bike which is against my philosophy of making things work instead of loading landfills. Great owner, great mechanic, they offer women’s rides, it’s a terrific shop.