Waldo
Lebowski Urban Achiever
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The Bike Co
- Thread starter LBmtb
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4xdave
#228
I bought my Ibis there but it took me 30 minutes to get the guy to sell it to me, and take my $3600+ It was just him and I in the place mid week at noon. I came in I said I want that model and that color.............waiting.........."so do you want to get it?", um yeah thats why im standing here in front of you. I did 75% of the work by walking throught the door. Outragous in these times that they would not jump on that opportunity for a sale. I would have left if I had another place to buy the bike. Made a big mistake buy not just buying a bike at my favorite shop THE PATH, sorry guys.
mytrustysteed
Middle...the new granny
DownhillWebKook
l'homme plus
Sorry you had that experience with Bike Co.
I have been going to Bike Co. for years and they have always taken good care of me. Just like every other shop out there, they have their good points and their bad points.
It's a bummer to hear when my former team shop gets a bad rap, however. It's pretty easy to deliver good customer service and it's free--you just have to care. So, I hope they pick up on these things and step up to it.
On the other hand, and I have mentioned this before, these shops are often run by bike riders first, businessmen second. This means you get the good and the bad--just some dudes that like playing on bikes and socked all of their money into a very difficult business so we have a place to gear up. I kind of liken it to going to a dive bar: they aren't going to treat you the same way as the Ritz Carlton, but the experience still kicks ass even if the bar keep scares you and the place smells funky.
I have gotten crappy experience at every shop and I have wanted to assassinate these shops online, but then I realize it's better to have choices. So, as you write on this forum, perhaps consider being constructive so the shops can work on their issues. It doesn't hurt to man up and say something in person. That actually works.
I have been going to Bike Co. for years and they have always taken good care of me. Just like every other shop out there, they have their good points and their bad points.
It's a bummer to hear when my former team shop gets a bad rap, however. It's pretty easy to deliver good customer service and it's free--you just have to care. So, I hope they pick up on these things and step up to it.
On the other hand, and I have mentioned this before, these shops are often run by bike riders first, businessmen second. This means you get the good and the bad--just some dudes that like playing on bikes and socked all of their money into a very difficult business so we have a place to gear up. I kind of liken it to going to a dive bar: they aren't going to treat you the same way as the Ritz Carlton, but the experience still kicks ass even if the bar keep scares you and the place smells funky.
I have gotten crappy experience at every shop and I have wanted to assassinate these shops online, but then I realize it's better to have choices. So, as you write on this forum, perhaps consider being constructive so the shops can work on their issues. It doesn't hurt to man up and say something in person. That actually works.
des
big kahuna
When I walk into the BIKE CO. I have the same strange experience every time.... I look at the different bikes they carry and someone will eventually walk up to me and say "see that IBIS there, BRIAN LOPES rode that to win the Blah blah blah championships. He also gets his service done here." I hate to tell you this, but Brian Lopes is so talented he could win the blah blah championships on a Magna from walmart.
They ought to cool it with the name dropping stuff...it is a turn off.
It is like groundhog day when I step into that shop...
They ought to cool it with the name dropping stuff...it is a turn off.
It is like groundhog day when I step into that shop...
Completely agree. And is it me, or do I always happen to miss Brian Lopes by like 5 minutes every time I go into the shop?
I work down the street, and I don't really go in anymore. I'll buy some tubes or random other parts and browse the bikes on the floor. We all do it. It doesn't mean I want to buy everything I look at. On one specific occasion, I refused to say a word. They spent 5 minutes yapping at me about the bike, and how great it was, and what hydraulic brakes are, etc. If I'm not talking at all, I don't want you to talk, either!
Another time, I went in looking for a tube for my 2.4" tires. After fumbling around with 29er tubes, they pick up some 26x1.95-2.125. Well, even if it's true that I can use the undersized tubes, that's not what I was looking for.
/EndRant
Still, they have Ibis and Yeti bikes. They also don't seem to be out there to screw you over, so I would go back for the convenience factor.
Okay, I don't know what it is about this bike shop that set a few people off, but let me tell you my experience.
I have only bought accessories there, but I can tell you they have always been extremely helpful. As an ex-frat guy who grew out of being one, I don't like cliquish stores and I never got that feeling from this bike shop, not once.
I am doing some in-advance bike shopping and they have been nothing but helpful and courteous and friendly. And they have awesome bikes and will work with you to get one set up for your physique and riding characteristics.
I don't know if they are "baked" but I can tell you that one other bikeshop locally WAS hopefully baked when they misadjusted my bike and failed to straighten and tighten my headset. I have a good friend who says that "rocknroad" is "dead to him" and has similar feelings about the Path. Both of which I feel are good bike shops.
I am not an easy customer, by any means, and I don't like salespeople in general and dippy salespeople in particular. And I have no problem at all with these guys.
Here's my thoughts on some of the common complaints:
1) If they name drop Brian Lopes. Waaaahhhh! You would too if you owned a bike shop he patronized. Get over it.
2) They push Ibis frames. Waaaah. You don't have to buy one! God forbid someone trys to show you the "amway plan" or you might never have time to ride again!
3) One of their riders said my bike was a piece of crap made by mechanized taiwanese monkeys. Waaah. It's true. You probably also drive a Kia and own 3 cats. And even Specialized and Giant make some good bikes, so what do you care what he said anyway? It was a young kid that worked in a bike shop.
I just thought I'd add my two cents worth. Sorry for rambling. (Don't take it too seriously, this post may include sarcasm).
I have only bought accessories there, but I can tell you they have always been extremely helpful. As an ex-frat guy who grew out of being one, I don't like cliquish stores and I never got that feeling from this bike shop, not once.
I am doing some in-advance bike shopping and they have been nothing but helpful and courteous and friendly. And they have awesome bikes and will work with you to get one set up for your physique and riding characteristics.
I don't know if they are "baked" but I can tell you that one other bikeshop locally WAS hopefully baked when they misadjusted my bike and failed to straighten and tighten my headset. I have a good friend who says that "rocknroad" is "dead to him" and has similar feelings about the Path. Both of which I feel are good bike shops.
I am not an easy customer, by any means, and I don't like salespeople in general and dippy salespeople in particular. And I have no problem at all with these guys.
Here's my thoughts on some of the common complaints:
1) If they name drop Brian Lopes. Waaaahhhh! You would too if you owned a bike shop he patronized. Get over it.
2) They push Ibis frames. Waaaah. You don't have to buy one! God forbid someone trys to show you the "amway plan" or you might never have time to ride again!
3) One of their riders said my bike was a piece of crap made by mechanized taiwanese monkeys. Waaah. It's true. You probably also drive a Kia and own 3 cats. And even Specialized and Giant make some good bikes, so what do you care what he said anyway? It was a young kid that worked in a bike shop.
I just thought I'd add my two cents worth. Sorry for rambling. (Don't take it too seriously, this post may include sarcasm).
Funny how everyone has good experiences at one shop and horrible ones at another. Me too... I am very opinionated and have my reasons why I choose to patronize (or not) any local shop whether it's Adrenaline, Bike Co, The Path, Incycle, Rock n Road, etc..
I am the guy who has a bad experience and won't be back. I won't necessarily bash a store, I just recommend the heck out of the one I have a good experience at. I believe customer service is #1 on my list as a consumer, even when someone makes a mistake they have an opportunity to turn it around just with a simple "sorry we made a mistake." I just went through this twice over at my favorite LBS. First the part they ordered for my fork was short-shipped by the manufacturer, but they turned it around by using the same part they ordered for someone else. Lucky me my bike was at their shop and the other guy wasn't bringing his in for service yet. Second upon picking up my bike they went over the work they performed and suggested that I should consider an additional part to get the total upgrade I was looking for. When I asked why the other guy didn't suggest that to be included in the original service he simply offered to cover the labor if I choose to order it. I have gone to this shop several times over the years and almost always feel like I'm really just another shopper. I don't spend a lot of money there but I'm loyal as can be.
The guys who own these shops are business men, just like me. I am in the service industry and I know it only takes one bad experience (or tech) to lose a customer. I take a lot of pride in supporting local small business over corporations, I just wish I could support the shop down the street from my house but I am one of those lost customers.
I am the guy who has a bad experience and won't be back. I won't necessarily bash a store, I just recommend the heck out of the one I have a good experience at. I believe customer service is #1 on my list as a consumer, even when someone makes a mistake they have an opportunity to turn it around just with a simple "sorry we made a mistake." I just went through this twice over at my favorite LBS. First the part they ordered for my fork was short-shipped by the manufacturer, but they turned it around by using the same part they ordered for someone else. Lucky me my bike was at their shop and the other guy wasn't bringing his in for service yet. Second upon picking up my bike they went over the work they performed and suggested that I should consider an additional part to get the total upgrade I was looking for. When I asked why the other guy didn't suggest that to be included in the original service he simply offered to cover the labor if I choose to order it. I have gone to this shop several times over the years and almost always feel like I'm really just another shopper. I don't spend a lot of money there but I'm loyal as can be.
The guys who own these shops are business men, just like me. I am in the service industry and I know it only takes one bad experience (or tech) to lose a customer. I take a lot of pride in supporting local small business over corporations, I just wish I could support the shop down the street from my house but I am one of those lost customers.
Keith B
Professional Lion Tamer
I've been to The Bike Factory 3 times over the years - its been weird every time. My money goes to The Path and R&R.
Not into the vibe at The Bike Company !!
Tried to buy some shorts and ask some questions about a shock rebuild and the response from them was pretty crappy. The "know-it-all" in the back wouldn't even come out from his cave so I could ask him a few questions about rebuilding a shock. The dumb kid who knows nothing about shocks kept running back and fourth to get the answers to my questions. Ended up just leaving quietly...
The "too cool" vibe in there sucks. They are so interested in preserving their stupid cool guy rep that they lost out on 5-6 hundred bucks from me.
Keep being cool Bike Co!!!! I understand why everyone goes to the Path now.
Tried to buy some shorts and ask some questions about a shock rebuild and the response from them was pretty crappy. The "know-it-all" in the back wouldn't even come out from his cave so I could ask him a few questions about rebuilding a shock. The dumb kid who knows nothing about shocks kept running back and fourth to get the answers to my questions. Ended up just leaving quietly...
The "too cool" vibe in there sucks. They are so interested in preserving their stupid cool guy rep that they lost out on 5-6 hundred bucks from me.
Keep being cool Bike Co!!!! I understand why everyone goes to the Path now.
Save a horse_Ride a MTB
New Member
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I'm sorry, but I have to chime in as well..
I will never buy from this disgrace of a company again. I've only delt with Terry (greedy pos). I'm not going to go into detail because this is on the internet though.
So, my father decided to get a custom built bike by this company and he paid money in advance to get the build rolling and all the parts were ordered and the bike was built incredible.My father then paid the rest of the money off to buy the bike and was very happy about the build. 2 months later, he gets a call from Terry and says that my father has to pay him $300 at first because they forgot to charge him for the better fork upgrade. My dad replies ok i'll come in to look it over. 1 week later our bank account was charged $600 by the Bikeco. when we made no purchase and they didn't prove that we owe the money. Now we contact our bank and make it a fraud charge and he tried 2 more times to get the money that we didn't owe.
In the end we won, but shouldn't he have just ate the loss even IF HE WAS RIGHT? What customer service would contact it's buyer and say you have to pay us $600 now after you've been using it for 3 MONTHS... Shows just how greedy this company is and how they could careless about there customers. Their bike shop has every top brand product and We loved it but after this inccident we take our business elsewere.
I will never buy from this disgrace of a company again. I've only delt with Terry (greedy pos). I'm not going to go into detail because this is on the internet though.
So, my father decided to get a custom built bike by this company and he paid money in advance to get the build rolling and all the parts were ordered and the bike was built incredible.My father then paid the rest of the money off to buy the bike and was very happy about the build. 2 months later, he gets a call from Terry and says that my father has to pay him $300 at first because they forgot to charge him for the better fork upgrade. My dad replies ok i'll come in to look it over. 1 week later our bank account was charged $600 by the Bikeco. when we made no purchase and they didn't prove that we owe the money. Now we contact our bank and make it a fraud charge and he tried 2 more times to get the money that we didn't owe.
In the end we won, but shouldn't he have just ate the loss even IF HE WAS RIGHT? What customer service would contact it's buyer and say you have to pay us $600 now after you've been using it for 3 MONTHS... Shows just how greedy this company is and how they could careless about there customers. Their bike shop has every top brand product and We loved it but after this inccident we take our business elsewere.
ebenke
Member
I've been there once, never made a purchase big or small, 'Nuff said.
thomaswildchild
Active Member
Ive been into the Bike co all of three different times. I literally work about a mile away. First I wanted to get a wheel Trued. They said they would do it but it would take 2 WEEKS. Second I went in looking for a KS I900 dropper post and they had some( the only shop that did) And wouldn't let me see how it fit in my bike before purchase. Also the Kid at the counter who is not very bright kept saying "BRIAN LOPES RIDES WITH THIS IT MUST BE GOOD." I don't care if the queen of F***ing England rides a bike with this post, If I don't know you personally, Why would I care about what you say? Another thing that happened this time was that they were charging a rather marked up price on the item. I asked if they would price match with the path since they had a different size of the post in stock for cheaper. I was told that they would give me 5 dollars off and that the path wasn't supposed to sell this that cheap. Third time I was looking for a Bleed kit and some rotors. They didn't have any and were pissy that I asked if they could order.
Will I go back? NO, and I would advise you not to as well, unless of course you like SHITTY service, and Paying tons of cash for items marked up beyond belief. I'm surprised that this shop is still in business. I would rather walk to the path from work than go here and that's a distance to walk.
I will go to Fullerton Bikes because the guys over there are cool, know their shit, and know a bit about customer service.
Will I go back? NO, and I would advise you not to as well, unless of course you like SHITTY service, and Paying tons of cash for items marked up beyond belief. I'm surprised that this shop is still in business. I would rather walk to the path from work than go here and that's a distance to walk.
I will go to Fullerton Bikes because the guys over there are cool, know their shit, and know a bit about customer service.
Duke
New Member
I've always had good service at The Bike Company, but after reading this thread, I'll think twice about going again...haha. And FYI, Pasadena Cyclery (up in L.A. County) is just as bad. DON'T go there either!!!
Team Smitty
MVP CYCLE CENTER
Boohoo
I like these guys,
They've always been very helpful and from what I could see they were attentive to anyone else in the shop. I was in there looking to buy some small parts that another LBS didn't have......The Bike Co. rummaged around in the back of the shop and gave me a hand full of bits, free.
Really, how bad can a bike shop be? It's a bike shop, Not the DMV!
I like these guys,
They've always been very helpful and from what I could see they were attentive to anyone else in the shop. I was in there looking to buy some small parts that another LBS didn't have......The Bike Co. rummaged around in the back of the shop and gave me a hand full of bits, free.
Really, how bad can a bike shop be? It's a bike shop, Not the DMV!
Got to chime in. Unfortuantely, Bike Co. does have that "snob" feel when you walk in. They do like to push the Brian Lopes angle and talk about how they all ride with him. They also give conflicting advise. One day I went in the person helping me stated that the Cane Creek 110 was superior to the Chris King headset, and that everyne at the shop used Cane Creek 110. The next day I went in I was helped by another person who told me just the opposite, and was incredulous that I was thinking of getting the Cane Creek over the Chris King. Shops that have done right by me, RnR in Laguna Nigel, The Path and Adrenaline. I have also heard good things about Fullerton Bikes and Switchback.
Greengiant
Steady diet of dirt
Don't even expect to be LOOKED at, much less greeted or asked if you need anything if you're a gerl...even if you are rolling a Yeti in to the shop...
Tani and the Crew at the Path, and the crew at South County Cyclery (Buy My Bikes) have always provided top-notch service, why shop anywhere else?
Tani and the Crew at the Path, and the crew at South County Cyclery (Buy My Bikes) have always provided top-notch service, why shop anywhere else?
melster
Member
I just want to give credit where credit is due. The Bike Company has been good to very good in my experience. I have never heard the name Brian Lopes brought up in the 5 or so times I've been in the shop. One of the sales people, Kara, is very friendly, very knowledgeable, and helpful. The last time I saw her, she was pointing out trails to a newbie on a map, with a smile on her face and generally being very helpful. A part time salesperson, Ryan, helped me pick out a takeoff wheelset, and gave me a great price.
Just today, I got a follow up phone call from them just making sure that the tubeless conversion they performed for me last week was holding up.
I've had them throw in headset spacers and tubeless valve stems for free. The only semi-negative experience I had was when I had them RMA a set of 661 elbow pads. I didn't understand why I had to pay for shipping since they probably got regular deliveries of items from the vendor, but hey, it was only a few bucks.
Just today, I got a follow up phone call from them just making sure that the tubeless conversion they performed for me last week was holding up.
I've had them throw in headset spacers and tubeless valve stems for free. The only semi-negative experience I had was when I had them RMA a set of 661 elbow pads. I didn't understand why I had to pay for shipping since they probably got regular deliveries of items from the vendor, but hey, it was only a few bucks.