STR | SocalTrailRiders.org

foofighter

Quote:

Originally Posted by 29wheels

there has been more than one occasion at another well respected bike shop when I walked in there and the entire crew was baked.

Burn'in tree and turn'in wrenches

i think i was at the same place because i smelled the smell that we all know what's cooking and it aint beef!

not that i mind, if they do a good job on the bike and deliver on time i dont mind one bit.

DeeZee

Quote:

Originally Posted by foofighter

i think i was at the same place because i smelled the smell that we all know what's cooking and it aint beef!

not that i mind, if they do a good job on the bike and deliver on time i dont mind one bit.

should also become a head shop. There is some room in the glass cases for a few pipes and bongs. Would look nice next to the King hubs etc........

I'm with you. I just don't want my dentist on the cronic

foofighter

True that Doug! true that!

alank

sorry to hear of your experience... Jason is the best sales guy/customer service I've ever worked with in the bike industry, and we've had people here from Intense, Ellsworth, etc.; he will be a positive influence... maybe we could see if they have an explanation?

ericfoltz

Let's see, I live about a mile from Bike Co., I drive right past them at least 4 times a week and they are the only local shop that carries the tires I use. The Path is at least 15 miles away and I never just drive past. I buy my tires at the Path. What does that tell you?

tkblazer

i should go harrass jason to hook me up with a SC Blur

bananaseat · 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TURNERob

Pitty, but all the more reason to have me work on your bike eh!

Fortunately for me I don't have to rely on shops except once in a blue moon for repairs. Building wheels is about the only thing I leave up to bike shops. I have had good experiences at The Path and Adrenaline and will keep going to them.

dude, keep those skills on the "down-low". you're mine all mine.

skate

Wow i recently kept hearing about the bike co and the name being thrown around on the forums lately. i finally thought about visiting that place along with my friends, but I guess I won't be checking that place out.

I think I'll just stick to the Path bike shop. I am usually the type of person to check out a shop regardless of the distance. Just so I'll know what's out there, but for the most part out of all the shops I have visited from San Diego up to LA, the Path owns them all. I have yet to visit several shops, but this is based on the shops I have visited.

alank

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkblazer

i should go harrass jason to hook me up with a SC Blur

haha..ya please harass him...he sells quite well when i harass him at chumba

foofighter

Quote:

Originally Posted by skate

Wow i recently kept hearing about the bike co and the name being thrown around on the forums lately. i finally thought about visiting that place along with my friends, but I guess I won't be checking that place out.

I think I'll just stick to the Path bike shop. I am usually the type of person to check out a shop regardless of the distance. Just so I'll know what's out there, but for the most part out of all the shops I have visited from San Diego up to LA, the Path owns them all. I have yet to visit several shops, but this is based on the shops I have visited.

you should go and experience the shop yourself and make the determination...take what all have said into perspective when you're contemplating a purchase at any shop really. dont deny yourself a visit to a candy store...you can just window shop you know

ThinkFast

Sorry to hear about your problems with them George.

The Bike Co came through big time for me before Vision Quest. My bike was being held captive at another shop and was finally given back the night before VQ, but it still wasn't fixed.

I took it to The Bike Co and they took care of my bike so I could ride it.

I have always been grateful that they took care of me, even though I hadn't been in the shop enough to know any of the guys there.

bluzrider

I've been to Bike Co several times being on my way to and from work. I've dealt with Tony, Kevin, and Terry. Always had good, knowledgeable service. I can't say from my own experience that it was bad. Sorry to hear those that have less than great service.

LBmtb

I should say that other than this past experience, I've had fairly good dealings with them in the past when buying parts and such. Especially from Kevin and Christian (Christian's gone now too).

Schecky

I have never frequented there, but posts like these do make you wonder.
No matter what, I do think that Jason starting there is a step in the right direction.

RacinJason

Sounds like there are some issues with Bike Co.
Well just so you know I have been there just over 2 weeks. I noticed many great things about the shop. I understand all of your opinions and situations that you have run into with the shop. This shop has a great layout it feels like a nice place to check out parts and gear. The racks are nicely spaced so you can look without touching other people while passing. They also have some the odd parts that you will not find anywhere. This you wont know till you need some weird part and you ask them. The chances are they will have it. I am amazed every day by the things they have in the parts bins in the back. They do shock rebuilds seal changes in house that can help speed things up when you are in a hurry. The Mechanics are fast and are some of the best I have seen. They also have some of the best personalities . Say hi to them you should know the people who are working on your bike don't be shy they are cool. This shop is also one of the few shops that carry Ibis and Santa Cruse and Chumba 8-). The shop is close to the trail head and all of the owners can ride circles around me. Well at least on the climbs. Who knows on the DH those guys are great riders. All of them Tony,Kevin,Mike,Joe,Sage.Tayler.
Ok thats some of the the things to be recognized.

As for the customer service issues.
Many that I see on here are legit.
Hey Gorge sorry about the past Issues. Here are a couple of things that I observed about the service department.
When doing a service those guys are sooo sooo sooo fast and good at what they do. In most cases they can probably do the service while you wait every time if they where not all backed up. That is no exaggeration.
With this being said if for some reason they are waiting on a part that is best set up when the bike is together they will wait. Like for example the Hope ratchet parts. They put off the BB and the other things so they can test the bike the way you will be riding it. Hope normally has the parts and gets them to us fast (( At chumba or the bike co .)) If they don't have the parts well then we take the heat from the customer. As far as calling you to let you know whats up thats something we should do. ( Sorry ) We also call hope and drive them crazy for the parts if they don't have them in stock.
((Sorry Hope but hurry up will ya))
Machine shops sometimes wait intill they have a large order before making some small parts. This makes it hard for bike shops to make a small orders. It also adds time to the wait. This is not something that the bike shop has control over.
Once again this should be explained during the order processes.
I am sorry it wasn't. As for the guys hanging out in the back a lot. Most of the time they are looking sore parts on out shelves in the back somtimes it is for a phone order or your parts that you are looking for. I can see how that can leave you feeling left in the cold when you are trying to get in and get your part and get going on your way. With most of the experienced bike sales guy and bike shop workers doing other things like school and Racing.
It is hard to keep a full staff. This sometimes means the guy in the front has to be running around to get everything done.
I think that it would be nice to have one of the Mechanics out on the floor.
The reason they are in the back is to help keep them focused.
It is a great place to get parts and the guys there are experts with everything to do with bikes. They have run some of the top race teams out of that shop.
Pros are having bikes prepped for races there all the time. I think this says something about the quality of the mechanics at the shop.
You all know me and it is safe to say I wouldn't work at a hacker shop or a place that would steer you wrong.
We are working on making the place as customer friendly as possible.
I can't do it myself so if any of you want to come work with me let me know.
I am not kidding. This shop can be the perfect shop. It just needs the right people pushing it. Everyone there rocks but Tony and Kevin are leaving school and career stuff and Tayler and I can probably use some help.
Without bashing tell me what you think would make it your favorite Bike shop.
I will see if I can make it happen. And don't say everything free Ha Ha
Just Call me the Wolf because I am a problem solver. I am glad I brought up all the buzz on the bike co. Now I know where to start.

Here is where I will start

#1 Customer service.
#2 Competitive pricing.
#3 Inventory
#4 Worthy Sales
#5 Your recommendation ______________________________________.

Thank you for your comments they have been vary constructive...

Jason

alank

wolf,

you have wise words once again.

RacinJason · 11:07 PM

Cameras

I agree there should be someone on the floor at all times. I hope to get some help soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fired Yo Momma

I went into their once and and I just wanted to check out the store and the service was a two star at very best. It seemed the guys were just more interested in messing around in the back. I thought to myself man I could tottally shoplift this place if I wanted to.

I think it is time for some change. I think I can do it.
It is just what I do. I like to to see

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LBmtb

I'm not usually one to complain or write a bad review but figured I should spill the beans on this one. I'll try to remain as objective as possible and just throw out dates and facts instead of opinions.

Note: The Bike Co was pretty much the first shop I've been to and just got used to going there for parts and such.

In late June a freak thing happened - my rear hub loosened up a lot while off the bike. Being Curious George, I opened it and the pawls and springs came out of place. Not wanting to put them back together incorrectly, I put the small parts in a little baggie which was later accidentally thrown away by my sister

June 24th
Anyhoo, I brought the bike and wheel to the bike co on June 24th. Asked them to do the rear hub, look at roughness in the bottom bracket and change the oil in the fork. They said they would have to order the part but since they deal a lot with hope it shouldn't take too long. I was given the estimate of that Thursday (June 28th).

June 30th
Got a call saying that the parts are still not there but shouldn't take too much longer.

July 15th
Got a call from the Bike Co (Kevin) who said the parts were still not in but he expected them the day before. He said that most likely they'll have them in by Tuesday (July 17th). I then asked if I could get a loaner bike or something in the meantime. He offered a loaner wheel if the bike wasn't done by Wednesday.

July 21st
I called them late morning. The parts were still not in. I asked how the bottom bracket and fork had come along and was told that they hadn't looked at it yet. They said they were waiting for the hub parts so they can do the whole bike at once. I asked if I could go pick up the bike and get that loaner wheel and was told that it'd be ready in two hours. I assumed those two hours were to work on the bottom bracket and for the fork but I assumed wrong. I was out of a bike now for just about a month and had nothing to show for it.

July 26th
Got a call that the parts had come in. Because of time, I didn't make it down to get the wheel until a week and a half later on August 5th.

August 5th
By this time I was over the bottom bracket and fork which I'll take care of when swapping over parts to the spot frame. Went down to pick up the wheel. The bill came to $41. $25 for parts (pawls & springs) and $15 for labor. Not sure if the price for the parts are pretty normal? I asked if I could get a discount since it took over a month and the cashier just kind of chuckled and thought I was joking.

So the final tally - I was completely out of my bike for a month + out of my rear wheel for about another week after that. In the month that they had my bike they didn't bother to work on my bottom bracket or fork which had nothing to do with the parts they were waiting on. After that month I was able to get a loaner wheel. Then was charged $41 to replace pawls and springs in a hub.

On the bright side - at least they have Jason there now . . . hopefully he'll set them straight.

Big thanks to Sharky and Aldo (bananaseat) for kindly lending me some kick ass bikes during the month I was out of my own bike! Don't know how I would have made it without riding.

Pain Freak

Looks like you're on the right track, Jason. One thing about my LBS which impresses me is, that as soon as a customer walks through the door they are being assisted. Someone, even a wrench will walk out onto the floor and immediately assist them. There are very few LBS's that sell as many bikes as they do and I attribute that mostly to their service. Good luck in your new endevor, you're going to do great.

dstepper

I stopped bagging on The Bike Co. three years ago. They have had a long time to get their act together. Jason I hope you can help them out and I hope they are paying attention to this thread.

Dean

OMR

Kevin moved to Colorado (front range). He has a great business deal there with a friend out of the bike business who is going to mentor him... great for his future and too good to pass up. He did say he was going to miss all the great friends he had developed here and would be back every once in a while.


foofighter Duan'er - 29'er remixed	True that Doug! true that! __________________ -Duan Dulce et Decorum Click the Button


alank Senior Member	sorry to hear of your experience... Jason is the best sales guy/customer service I've ever worked with in the bike industry, and we've had people here from Intense, Ellsworth, etc.; he will be a positive influence... maybe we could see if they have an explanation?


ericfoltz Sua Sponte	Let's see, I live about a mile from Bike Co., I drive right past them at least 4 times a week and they are the only local shop that carries the tires I use. The Path is at least 15 miles away and I never just drive past. I buy my tires at the Path. What does that tell you?


tkblazer EcoChaps	i should go harrass jason to hook me up with a SC Blur __________________ Guero: dayum, i wish i went. alarm went off and everything, even got a call from nam at 745 but i couldnt get out of my bed, it was too warm.


skate Senior Member	Wow i recently kept hearing about the bike co and the name being thrown around on the forums lately. i finally thought about visiting that place along with my friends, but I guess I won't be checking that place out. I think I'll just stick to the Path bike shop. I am usually the type of person to check out a shop regardless of the distance. Just so I'll know what's out there, but for the most part out of all the shops I have visited from San Diego up to LA, the Path owns them all. I have yet to visit several shops, but this is based on the shops I have visited.


ThinkFast STR Veteran	Sorry to hear about your problems with them George. The Bike Co came through big time for me before Vision Quest. My bike was being held captive at another shop and was finally given back the night before VQ, but it still wasn't fixed. I took it to The Bike Co and they took care of my bike so I could ride it. I have always been grateful that they took care of me, even though I hadn't been in the shop enough to know any of the guys there. __________________ "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together". - African Proverb


bluzrider insomniac	I've been to Bike Co several times being on my way to and from work. I've dealt with Tony, Kevin, and Terry. Always had good, knowledgeable service. I can't say from my own experience that it was bad. Sorry to hear those that have less than great service.


LBmtb good times	I should say that other than this past experience, I've had fairly good dealings with them in the past when buying parts and such. Especially from Kevin and Christian (Christian's gone now too). __________________ My Twits tkblazer: wonder if i can wear my yellow speedo me: only if you wear the matching yellow goggles with it


Schecky SoCalMTBubbs	I have never frequented there, but posts like these do make you wonder. No matter what, I do think that Jason starting there is a step in the right direction. __________________ tkblazer: it was Steven Jackson that led me to STR... http://www.ventanausa.com/


RacinJason STR Veteran	Sounds like there are some issues with Bike Co. Well just so you know I have been there just over 2 weeks. I noticed many great things about the shop. I understand all of your opinions and situations that you have run into with the shop. This shop has a great layout it feels like a nice place to check out parts and gear. The racks are nicely spaced so you can look without touching other people while passing. They also have some the odd parts that you will not find anywhere. This you wont know till you need some weird part and you ask them. The chances are they will have it. I am amazed every day by the things they have in the parts bins in the back. They do shock rebuilds seal changes in house that can help speed things up when you are in a hurry. The Mechanics are fast and are some of the best I have seen. They also have some of the best personalities . Say hi to them you should know the people who are working on your bike don't be shy they are cool. This shop is also one of the few shops that carry Ibis and Santa Cruse and Chumba 8-). The shop is close to the trail head and all of the owners can ride circles around me. Well at least on the climbs. Who knows on the DH those guys are great riders. All of them Tony,Kevin,Mike,Joe,Sage.Tayler. Ok thats some of the the things to be recognized. As for the customer service issues. Many that I see on here are legit. Hey Gorge sorry about the past Issues. Here are a couple of things that I observed about the service department. When doing a service those guys are sooo sooo sooo fast and good at what they do. In most cases they can probably do the service while you wait every time if they where not all backed up. That is no exaggeration. With this being said if for some reason they are waiting on a part that is best set up when the bike is together they will wait. Like for example the Hope ratchet parts. They put off the BB and the other things so they can test the bike the way you will be riding it. Hope normally has the parts and gets them to us fast (( At chumba or the bike co .)) If they don't have the parts well then we take the heat from the customer. As far as calling you to let you know whats up thats something we should do. ( Sorry ) We also call hope and drive them crazy for the parts if they don't have them in stock. ((Sorry Hope but hurry up will ya)) Machine shops sometimes wait intill they have a large order before making some small parts. This makes it hard for bike shops to make a small orders. It also adds time to the wait. This is not something that the bike shop has control over. Once again this should be explained during the order processes. I am sorry it wasn't. As for the guys hanging out in the back a lot. Most of the time they are looking sore parts on out shelves in the back somtimes it is for a phone order or your parts that you are looking for. I can see how that can leave you feeling left in the cold when you are trying to get in and get your part and get going on your way. With most of the experienced bike sales guy and bike shop workers doing other things like school and Racing. It is hard to keep a full staff. This sometimes means the guy in the front has to be running around to get everything done. I think that it would be nice to have one of the Mechanics out on the floor. The reason they are in the back is to help keep them focused. It is a great place to get parts and the guys there are experts with everything to do with bikes. They have run some of the top race teams out of that shop. Pros are having bikes prepped for races there all the time. I think this says something about the quality of the mechanics at the shop. You all know me and it is safe to say I wouldn't work at a hacker shop or a place that would steer you wrong. We are working on making the place as customer friendly as possible. I can't do it myself so if any of you want to come work with me let me know. I am not kidding. This shop can be the perfect shop. It just needs the right people pushing it. Everyone there rocks but Tony and Kevin are leaving school and career stuff and Tayler and I can probably use some help. Without bashing tell me what you think would make it your favorite Bike shop. I will see if I can make it happen. And don't say everything free Ha Ha Just Call me the Wolf because I am a problem solver. I am glad I brought up all the buzz on the bike co. Now I know where to start. Here is where I will start #1 Customer service. #2 Competitive pricing. #3 Inventory #4 Worthy Sales #5 Your recommendation ______________________________________. Thank you for your comments they have been vary constructive... Jason


Pain Freak Directionally Challenged	Looks like you're on the right track, Jason. One thing about my LBS which impresses me is, that as soon as a customer walks through the door they are being assisted. Someone, even a wrench will walk out onto the floor and immediately assist them. There are very few LBS's that sell as many bikes as they do and I attribute that mostly to their service. Good luck in your new endevor, you're going to do great. __________________ "The best rides are the ones where you bite off much more than you can chew—and live through it." — Doug Bradbury "When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me." — Emo Philips


dstepper Over the Hill	I stopped bagging on The Bike Co. three years ago. They have had a long time to get their act together. Jason I hope you can help them out and I hope they are paying attention to this thread. Dean __________________ If I'm not lost or getting bushwacked, the trail was too easy. Prescott Valley Houses The Path


OMR Daughters = grey hair!	Fyi Kevin moved to Colorado (front range). He has a great business deal there with a friend out of the bike business who is going to mentor him... great for his future and too good to pass up. He did say he was going to miss all the great friends he had developed here and would be back every once in a while.

STR | SocalTrailRiders.org

Your Southern CaliforniaMountain Biking Community

Your Southern California
Mountain Biking Community