The Path (merged threads)

no bike shop is perfect, I've had both good and not-so-good experiences there. But I think it's cool that The Path had a DH sale to celebrate the opening of Snow Summit DH. I also like that they run local sales all the time in a addition to auctions, clearance sales, blowouts, etc- very cool local vibe.
 
Very cool group at the Path. They have always treated me well............. even when I'm just window shopping.
 
I bought my road bike at the Path, precisely because I saw it on their website "Hot Deals - Clearance Road Bikes" page. I will say, however, that when I walked in I got barely a nod from anyone. Don't know the reason, perhaps because it was a fairly busy time (lots of people in the shop anyway) and maybe I had that aura of "just lookin', thanks. When I asked if I could test ride the bike, they said sure but not out of the parking lot. Not sure how you get a good feel for size and handling in a parking lot, and especially one that small, but okay. I liked it, I bought it.

Luckily I pretty much knew what I was looking for. I don't know how someone newer than me at the game would fare - and I'm pretty new at the game. This should not be construed as damning with faint praise, but as a passing comment from an old fart who appreciates being given just a tad more than the time of day when spending more than a grand at a time. When I took it back in for its 100+ mile free adjustment, I got much more personalized attention. Seems backward, but again, okay.

Given that it's 2013, it would behoove them to throw their inventory on their website and keep it up to date, a la Jax (blasphemy? Mayhap 'tis). Not just their "hot deals" or "clearance" items. Maybe that's more hassle or expense than it's worth - I don't know, I don't own or run a bike shop. I do know that driving down there is farther than I want to go on a casual basis.

Bottom line, I got what I was after, and I'll most likely buy another bike from them when I'm in the market for one. I'd recommend them due to their selection. But I'll do my homework before I go and know exactly what I'm purchasing before I get there.
 
Wrecker said:
I hear so many people who love the Path, it's like a damn cult. Path this and Path that, whatever.
Click to expand...

Okay, lets see those Path Bike Shop Tattoos. There must be a few out there! Maybe the Path should offer a special discount for those with PBS tattoo. Like Rocket from the Crypt used to give free admission to their shows to people with their band name tattoo'ed on themselves.
 
no tat here, but I will say that the "Love the bike you ride" slogan is probably my favorite, ever.
 
So I am a long time "Path Guy" (like since the week they opened)... but then again I am a long term guy in many facets in my life, build relationships...understand the dynamics...partner, that's me and I fully get it, that's how I get the most out of life.

I will say over the long term The Path has treated me and my wife and my referred friends *extremely* well, good products, good floor service, excellent bike service. Mistake / miss every once in a while?..very rarely but they have always gone out of the way to fix it, I am not perfect so I don't expect anyone to be perfect. Also I can be pretty damned obsessed with certain issues (like 5 calls in 2 days type stuff), and they have always been patient and informative... Brandi gets kudos there for sure.

Latest example ..

Brought in the Pivot...turned out I had blown the rear shock. Went in under warranty, so they sent the shock to Fox, Also had some creaking going on etc, the contacted Pivot as there a few issues with a few frames, (turns out mine was not one), they pretty much tore down my frame, cleaned, lubed, inspected and "de-creaked" it, rebuilt the back hub and overall made it all good. It was in the shop over last weekend and they the extended an offer and Comp'd me a demo bike, and kept me informed (Tani and Service) to the progress. In the end they basically just charged me a $15 for the rear wheel rebuild...and comp'd the rest (the whole tear down / rebuild work). Did I expect that no...was it nice yes...should you expect that on your first visit...probably not, go in a few times... who knows...

I suspect if I was near FB, and they were my local shop... I would have the same approach and results...but I am a Path Guy...

In the end... Tani and team have built a very strong long term relationship with me.. and vice versa...

Ohhh BTW... Damn there are a lot of Beautiful Santa Cruz bikes there right now...

But right now... I Love the Bike I Ride... please pass the juice.
 
Excellent, Bravo, Hip-Hip-Huhray, I feel the same dang way!

Proud of the hard working Path crews, yah plural, love y'all at both shops.
Ya guys JUST ROCK!!!!!!!! BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM...haha, love ya guys.

Steve (happy 4th of July)
 
Funny you mention Luke, yesterday while I was in he was selling/working with a customer and giving a High Speed cornering lessons at the same time right in the middle of the shop ....crowd gathering (myslef included).....selling bikes and spreading the word...
 
bvader said:
So I am a long time "Path Guy" (like since the week they opened)... but then again I am a long term guy in many facets in my life, build relationships...understand the dynamics...partner, that's me and I fully get it, that's how I get the most out of life.

I will say over the long term The Path has treated me and my wife and my referred friends *extremely* well, good products, good floor service, excellent bike service. Mistake / miss every once in a while?..very rarely but they have always gone out of the way to fix it, I am not perfect so I don't expect anyone to be perfect. Also I can be pretty damned obsessed with certain issues (like 5 calls in 2 days type stuff), and they have always been patient and informative... Brandi gets kudos there for sure.

Latest example ..

Brought in the Pivot...turned out I had blown the rear shock. Went in under warranty, so they sent the shock to Fox, Also had some creaking going on etc, the contacted Pivot as there a few issues with a few frames, (turns out mine was not one), they pretty much tore down my frame, cleaned, lubed, inspected and "de-creaked" it, rebuilt the back hub and overall made it all good. It was in the shop over last weekend and they the extended an offer and Comp'd me a demo bike, and kept me informed (Tani and Service) to the progress. In the end they basically just charged me a $15 for the rear wheel rebuild...and comp'd the rest (the whole tear down / rebuild work). Did I expect that no...was it nice yes...should you expect that on your first visit...probably not, go in a few times... who knows...

I suspect if I was near FB, and they were my local shop... I would have the same approach and results...but I am a Path Guy...

In the end... Tani and team have built a very strong long term relationship with me.. and vice versa...

Ohhh BTW... Damn there are a lot of Beautiful Santa Cruz bikes there right now...

But right now... I Love the Bike I Ride... please pass the juice.
Click to expand...
One more kudos for Brandi. The guy is top notch.
 
Brandi is an exemplary employee who knocks it out of the park, as many others do.

We ALL love the path, Happy Independance Day!

Steve
 
And now I must add to my earlier comment in June...

I recently needed to have some work done on my bike, and I was not at all satisfied with what I got elsewhere. As I said above, the Path is not a quick jaunt down the street from me. But I took the work there because I've heard many good things...and was at my wit's end about the other place. Short version: The Path did the job quickly, well, and with elan. They also raised my estimation of their "welcoming" ability. This time around they listened to my (probably boring) sob story about the work needing to be done, got it done, and kept me apprised while it was being done. That's all I've ever asked from anyone doing maintenance or repairs for me. Keep me in the loop, don't make me guess, and above all don't yank my chain.

Kudos to all at the Path...It's a culture imbued in the employees by the people in charge. I'm horrible with names; don't remember who was giving me an ear while I needed to explain what I wanted to have done, but he listened. Answered my inane, 35-years-out-of-date questions, and smiled. Gave me a reasonable price for the effort also. Who could ask for more?

I'll make the 21-mile drive whenever I need anything done on my bike. It may cost me a couple (literally, 5 or so) dollars more, but I've found out the hard way it's worth it.
 
Another Kudos for The Path! I picked up my bike yesterday and tested it today! Flawless!!!

THANK YOU!!!

oh yeah......worth the 28 mile drive one way... :)
 
Happy Holidays to The Path. It's always nice to know there's a shop that takes care of it customers. Both locations are doing an excellent job.


Ebenke - Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk, which really sucks.
 
Went in on Jan 3rd around 1 pm.

Stood around for 15 min. Someone then asked if I needed help. I said I was looking to buy a 27.5" bike that day, that my price range was $2500(ish) and I was therefore interested in either the Kona Process 134 or the Rocky Mountain Element 730 (they had a deal going on RM). I didn't see one of these bikes in my size and asked if they had any more stock.

They didn't.

The salesperson then proceeded to show, suggest, or otherwise recommend to me the higher priced RMs, including carbon; Santa Cruz bikes, including carbon; the Konas out on the lot (29'ers), the Kona Process on sale on the lot (a 26'er, for $4000), and also asked if I'd considered Pivot (can you get one built for under $3500?).

In summary- I told the person what I was looking for and what my price range was, but they did not have a bike in my size in my price range. I understand they want to sell what they have on inventory, but that is not what I was looking for.

Kudos to this shop who can stock plenty of $3500 and up bikes and sell those to their clientele. This was not the shop for me.
 
Once again The Path had a great sale and it sure looked like product sold. Takeoff room was nearly naked of forks and frames,wheels etc. Crazy realizing I didn't buy, still surplused from the last sale I suppose.
However, I actually think I would enjoy the Kona Hei Hei dl trail for SART, Skyline etc. Hmm, getting older.
Steve
 
I boldly pulled the wallet out and purchased this playfully fun bike a couple of months ago.
Hei Hei dl trail model.
Wow, although it's pronounced hay hay, to me it's HEHE, what a fun bike. It has overwhelmingly been blissful on SART &Skyline and every where I ride it.
I've got to reel myself in when on it at times, it ain't my five inch travel bike, but dang, I sure am happy.
Steve, love the Path
 
just passing this on for teh uber cool peeps at the path. riders start your savings
The-Path-Bike-Shop-Independence-Sale-Specials.jpg
 

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