Beyond Bikes

[allison]

... I know I may catch flak for this one, but I've never had a bad experience here.

Justin and I stopped by a few times to basically look at their stock (it almost rivals what the Path has the on the wall!!) and a few Saturday's a chick was working in there and looking for others to ride with. We've ridden with Francesca a bunch since, and she's still our employee of choice to deal with! (But, only 1-2 Sat's a month.)

I've never mail/internet ordered from BB, so can't comment on the service through those means. But, I've ordered plenty from at the shop, and also gone in and purchased. The employees are sometimes informational, but usually are helpful.

The shop itself has some really cool stuff, including a ton of guards/protection, full face helmets, and sweet DH frames on the wall. Good selection of DH and XC clothing, shoes, and a decent selection of parts.

Ordering through them can take time, but usually I've found it's pretty quick. Still, have always gone in the store directly.

If you're in the area and want to see some cool stuff, and possibly even pick up a few things, check 'em out!

[Evil Chocula]

Despite thier bad rep, Beyond Bikes is actaully the best shop I've dealt with in San Diego (yes, I've had some bad experiences). So, "what she said".

[nappyt]

BB is the closet shop to me now so I do more business with them now. I never had any trouble but a couple of my buddies only make cash purchases. One of them had there credit card number stolen.

I have my credit card in the system and only use my AmEx. If anything does happen I just notify AmEx and they deal with all that. They usually have what I need in stock.

Last time I went they didn't have the new Five Ten Impact low shoes, they were sold out. I found them on Zappos for $10 less. I guess that worked out for the better. Good shop a little more Bull $hit then other shops because of all the bike bling but good non the less.

[J_Sims]

I have been in this shop 1 time and I came out of there with a smokin deal on the 575 that I bought before buying 29er stock.... I do not remember his name but the guy I dealt with had 1 tattoo sleeve and was very cool/helpful....

[PacMan]

The employees are very helpful--when you can get their attention. Their primary business is internet and phone orders, so a lot of the employees are tied up taking calls. So in store, getting assistance can take a little while sometimes. No big deal. They are really nice and helpful and there's plenty to look at while you are waiting.

The merchandise on the walls and in the store is pretty vast and high end. Stuff you don't see at a lot of other shops, so it's awesome eye candy.

I did make an in store purchase and had my credit card number stolen, which had to be by an employee, since I've never made an internet order from them. Not exactly their fault, and I was told the problem was taken care of.

I once had a strange experience with the lady who does their ordering. They are constantly out of stock on 510 shoes and I commented about it once and she happened to overhear me. She started to sort of go off on me, saying that if I wanted the shoes and they were out of stock, I should've notified an employee. I told her that it was pretty obvious that when the quantity in their computer system read "0" for a product, then she should probably just go ahead and order more.

All in all, a good shop though.

[allison]

Originally Posted by J_Sims

I have been in this shop 1 time and I came out of there with a smokin deal on the 575 that I bought before buying 29er stock.... I do not remember his name but the guy I dealt with had 1 tattoo sleeve and was very cool/helpful....

I think it's Zach, actually... He was the one I meant in my initial post also.

[JustBike]

good info on the post. I'm looking to go down to SD to check it out

[allison]

Originally Posted by JustBike

good info on the post. I'm looking to go down to SD to check it out

Go Saturday and see Francesca!

[allison]

I got an email this afternoon:

Your Invited to the Sale! Stop by Saturday August 25th & SAVE Big on
everything in the shop! Stock Up 4 Less. 1 Day Only Sale 9am - 4pm
Click the picture or the link for more info. http://www.beyondbikes.com/bb/index.asp?t=2

Don't blame the grammar on me

Also, the site itself doesn't have anything on the sale/bbq/beer, but if you guys want I can upload the photo that was included in the email.

Not a bad way to check out some cool gear and pick up anything they have in stock at a good price. If Francesca is there, go see her! Tell her Allison sent you

If she's not there...

[PacMan]

I just got off the phone with a buddy of mine who used to wrench for Bicycle Warehouse. He is now working for BB and will start wrenching there soon.

His name is Mike and he's a real cool kid and a good wrench too. Tell him Doug sent you if you see him.

[OffRoadie]

I don't really like this shop. I ordered a will call from them via phone and they didn't notify me when the order was delayed. That in it of itself wasn't a big deal, but then I went into the shop and stood around for awhile because everyone seemed busy (taking internet orders or something). I was ordering shoes, and they said they don't really stock shoes and just order them when people ask. I think this makes the storefront weak. Why would I even show up there if I can't try on different pairs of shoes?

The good:
They have good prices
They sell stuff that lots of other shops don't

The bad:
The service, especially in store

I don't think I would have that much of a problem with the place if it were internet/mail order only, but I have certain expectations from a storefront.

[jonsocal]

HUGE fan of Beyond Bikes here.... (Yes, even before Francesca started working there...) They are really a good group there and have great pricing. Employees there are all bikers and share the passion for the sport. Go there and ask for Francesca, she is very knowledgeable and is passionate about riding and the gear. Oh yeah, she's a pretty damn strong rider too...!

[allison]

Originally Posted by OffRoadie

I
I don't think I would have that much of a problem with the place if it were internet/mail order only, but I have certain expectations from a storefront.

From most reviews of the shop I've read they don't do a very good job with internet and mail order.

I've never ordered online, just over the phone. I'll call to see if they have something in stock and then will drive down and get it. Sometime's they've got stuff that has a good price and in stock.

As far as not having stuff in stock, there are plenty of internet/mail order shops that don't have a lot of what they advertise in stock either. Just the way it goes!!

As mentioned, it's a cool shop cause they have some sweet stuff in the store that others don't.

Also as mentioned, hit up Francesca or Doug.

[nappyt]

If you can walk-in and walk-out with what you want its an OK shop. When I ordered online (once), over the phone (twice) and will-call (once), they all went bust and I never got what I ordered. (the reason I kept doing this was because it was over a few years.)

"Some" of the staff seems to busy with anything else but me as a customer when I'm in the store. But if they price match and have what I want its just a short trip down the street to get what I need. And saves me time and shipping costs.

I did take my wife with me a few weeks ago and she was freaked out by the manager yelling at a customer and really getting out of hand. I guess a new employee let the customer ride a bike in the parking lot unattended and the manager thought the guy was trying to steal the bike. (not sure how doing circles in the parking lot looks like ripping down the street but anyways.) So he just starts yelling at the guy and snatched the bike away. Another employee had to hold back the manager and calm him down. Even after it was all over and he had the bike he was running outside to get the customers license plate. The customer got out of his car and then he lost it too about the whole writing down the license plate bit. I guess the back story I got from the employee helping me was a few bikes were stolen the week before by people just walking them out of the store. Over all I think the guy is a little crazy now. He seems pretty cool when you chat with him but a little bipolar. My wife doesn't go with me to BB anymore. I really try now to do business anywhere else but for a few things that's not practical.

[sdyeti]

Kerry went out of his way to help me and Dan with replacing our stolen bikes. He met with us several times and was extremely patient and helpful, given my indecision and changing mind.

Yes, internet orders sometimes take a long time, but that is usually because the items are backordered from the manuf and that's not really their fault.

[stinkyrider]

AS far as the internet orders go, I ordered a 2007 Marz Roco air R shock. I found myself waiting around for a over a week for a package to show up. After much bitching and complaining on the phone, I found out they sold me a shock that they didn't have in stock and (from what they told me) was discontinued from Marzocchi. The guy on the phone said there was nothing they could do. Nobody can find a Roco Air in the size I needed and he told me I have to go with a fox (twice the $$$). I demanded a refund (which I got). So next day I go to The Path and ask about getting a Roco Air and if they are even available.
Two weeks later, The Path calls me up saying my 2007 Roco Air R just showed up. According to Beyond Bikes the shock that "Nobody can find" anymore. Many thanks to the guys at the Path.

I'm sure beyond bikes is an OK shop, but pretty worthless for internet orders. I'll just stick with Jenson.

[ghixon]

I've ordered a couple of Fox Forks from BB via internet for both myself and a friend (both shipped to me). Got all the info and correct products faster than what they quoted for delivery time. Also dropped in a few times for various parts and pieces while in SD. They've always been a great deal of help to me. It's a trek from here in Running Springs, but well worth the drive on odd ball parts.

Just my .02 worth

[mntbiker12]

Anyone hitting up their BikeToberfest this weekend??

What's the scoop? Will there be good deals to be had?

[allison]

Originally Posted by mntbiker12

Anyone hitting up their BikeToberfest this weekend??

What's the scoop? Will there be good deals to be had?

There should be. Usually some good prices on helmets and odd parts here and there.

They always have free food and beer also

Unfortunately we'll miss out. We'll be up at Fontana demo days DH riding.

Say hi to Frankie and Doug, though

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by mntbiker12

Anyone hitting up their BikeToberfest this weekend??

What's the scoop? Will there be good deals to be had?

Mention you're from STR to Frankie or me and you might get the <ahem><cough>STR discount<cough><ahem>