The Path

[Chris]

I was there tonight as well.

I <3 Cid
(No, not in THAT way)

[northshore]

Thanks Carla for the help! I'll be back in a few since I need to buy more parts.

[Darkhelmet]

I've been in bike shops all over the country. Make it a point to find one anytime I travel. Never have seen another shop with The Path's selection of high-end parts, frames, etc. And the knowledge in that place is tough to match.

[newpos]

for the path

edit: absolutely hands down some of the best customer service i've ever received (i should know, i work at a 5 diamond rated establishment). tani and the rest of the gang are extremely helpful and knowledgeable related to everything MTB'ing. never have i been treated with what some have described as "part of the gang" or "elitist" mentality. all it takes is a question. don't be afraid to ask.

[volcomsteban]

So after hearing nothing but great things about The Path bike shop I decided it was about time I made a trip out that way and maybe picked up a few things. So I left work a little early and made my way down there on my way home. Anyways, Long story short I was really surprised that I was in there for a good 30 mins and only one person said hi to me and not once did anyone ask if I needed help or had any questions. it wouldn't have been a big deal if they were super busy, (I know its hard to deal with a lot of people are in a shop) but they were just talking amongst themselves. After that trip I can't help but feel that the regulars get treated better than the new customers. Needless to say, I hope it's not like that IF I decide to go back. First impressions really are everything.

[Rockinthecasbah]

if you need something you have to ask, I actually prefer no one asking me questions while im browsing

[Drop D]

I would also prefer to be left alone while I'm looking around and trying to figure out how much money I have in my bank If when I have a question and ask anyone that works at The Path, I get more help than what I need. They would even call me to give me an update regarding a part that I needed..

And those guys at the path does not even know me. I'm not a regular at that store but I go there b'coz I get so much help from everybody.

[Padre]

Were you there for counseling or for bike parts?

Originally Posted by volcomsteban

So after hearing nothing but great things about The Path bike shop I decided it was about time I made a trip out that way and maybe picked up a few things. So I left work a little early and made my way down there on my way home. Anyways, Long story short I was really surprised that I was in there for a good 30 mins and only one person said hi to me and not once did anyone ask if I needed help or had any questions. it wouldn't have been a big deal if they were super busy, (I know its hard to deal with a lot of people are in a shop) but they were just talking amongst themselves. After that trip I can't help but feel that the regulars get treated better than the new customers. Needless to say, I hope it's not like that IF I decide to go back. First impressions really are everything.

[volcomsteban]

Are you seriously asking if I went there for counseling? It's a bike shop. Of course I was there for parts. Thats why I went to a bike shop.

Originally Posted by Padre

Were you there for counseling or for bike parts?

[TMS]

I am not a regular and have only made a few (small) purchases, but each time I have been there I have received top-notch friendly service. I bought some pedals when they were extremely busy and they took the time to take my old ones off and put the new ones on my bike.

[carbonman]

I don't know what everybody is raving about. I think the PATH blows. Everytime I go in there the sales staff is helpful and they always have what I need. If I go in for chain lube it costs me $100, because they have so much cool stuff I just can't say no. woops, sorry i've been watching alittle too much seaseme street with Adam and had a little Oscar the grouch moment.
Tani, Mondo, Carl, Brian, and the boys rock.........great shop, keep up the good work.

[jakethecake]

Originally Posted by volcomsteban

Are you seriously asking if I went there for counseling? It's a bike shop. Of course I was there for parts. Thats why I went to a bike shop.

[FONT=Verdana]I think he’s saying you were there to buy bike parts and that if you were there to be hand held and coddled then you were in the wrong place.[/FONT]

[chauvinist_youth]

Originally Posted by volcomsteban

So after hearing nothing but great things about The Path bike shop I decided it was about time I made a trip out that way and maybe picked up a few things. So I left work a little early and made my way down there on my way home. Anyways, Long story short I was really surprised that I was in there for a good 30 mins and only one person said hi to me and not once did anyone ask if I needed help or had any questions. it wouldn't have been a big deal if they were super busy, (I know its hard to deal with a lot of people are in a shop) but they were just talking amongst themselves. After that trip I can't help but feel that the regulars get treated better than the new customers. Needless to say, I hope it's not like that IF I decide to go back. First impressions really are everything.

I had the same experience about three weeks ago.
Although they do cater to a much different audience than most bike shops, it felt weird how at the shop i work with we try to say hi to people coming in within 30 seconds.
It was a lot of fun googling at all the parts stacked sky high though haha

Id probably go back though if I didnt work at a shop myself, never seen a selection of highend stuff like they have there.

Originally Posted by jakethecake

I think he’s saying you were there to buy bike parts and that if you were there to be hand held and coddled then you were in the wrong place

that's what the internet is there for

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by chauvinist_youth

I had the same experience about three weeks ago.

Try Wal-Mart they have a greeter and bike section

[volcomsteban]

I wasn't looking for my hand to be held or be pushed around in a stroller. I was just looking for some help. I wanted to try on and buy some shoes in my size. Was I supposed to walk in the back get my size and just walk out after putting some money on the counter? I'm confused. I thought the customer was the one who was served by the shop. Not the other way around.

[jakethecake]

I can probably agree that it doesnt have a lot of first timer appeal but i pretty much end up there exclusively. You just have to know that if you know what your looking for head in the back door grab it and pay for it and be out or hang out and chat it up with some good folks...if you dont know what your looking for or need help then ask dont wait to be asked to be helped. Great staff and great parts is what this place is about.

[chauvinist_youth]

look, if I knew what parts I wanted why would I go into a shop and pay more for the part than I would say on price point? People can run their business however they want, it seems they've found a profitable niche. I didn't have a bad experience, nor did I have a great experience. Just seemed from all the rants and raves I read on here I set the bar a little high.

[b5driver]

As a first timer, I had a good experience at the Path. My family was up in the area on vacation last week, so I decided to stop by to see what all the hype was about and I was greeted when I walked in the door and asked if I needed help (which I didn't at the time). When I did have a question about something, the staff was very helpful.

[jakethecake]

Originally Posted by chauvinist_youth

look, if I knew what parts I wanted why would I go into a shop and pay more for the part than I would say on price point? People can run their business however they want, it seems they've found a profitable niche. I didn't have a bad experience, nor did I have a great experience. Just seemed from all the rants and raves I read on here I set the bar a little high.

Or you could always go inside find what you want then buy it for less on Price Point. Im not squashing anyones opinions of this place. If you didnt get what you wanted from this place then that is a valid feeling. Everyone is different and has different needs. I like to say its not the feeling i leave with after the first time going to this shop its the feeling i get after 10, 20 or even 30 times coming out of this shop. If i need something done to my rig theres no other place im taking my ride to then this place.

[Wicked Smot]

I've been to the Path 3 or 4 times, not a "regular" by any means. I think maybe one time someone asked if I needed something, but the other times I simply turned my head and asked one of the 3 employees within 6 feet of me for help and they were totally helpful and cool. The shop is like 200 square feet and I never felt like I had to chase down help like it was Home Depot.

I think maybe they just respect the fact that most people are in awe of the Wonka version of bike shops with all the sweet gear and parts dangling everywhere, and they are just letting you absorb it all.

Tell me they blew you off when you asked a question...now that would shock me.