Honest and ethical if I had to pick two works. Affordable? Absolutely. There is no repair shop more affordable in the area but that's such a small part of an experience right?
First, I am a former shop mechanic from a very young age, to repair manager, shop manager, to buyer all the while a professional, top notch mechanic for over 10 years. I've had repairs done at nearly every Fox valley area shop in the last few years, and one special one in Milwaukee that makes their own bikes. Businesses I gravitate toward are ones focused on things like honesty, ethics, fairness. This shop hits all those marks with flying colors. You'd have to practically pull teeth them to fix something that doesn't need fixing. I'd know, I've tried a few times and I've only met him twice. How much is that worth? A LOT
Life tip I guess, but if you are ever paying anyone for labor where you don't know how long it should take to fix "it", symptoms, etc you run the risk of being overcharged, overbilled, paying for things to be fixed when they don't need it you get the point. Car repair, bike repair....... the average price of a car repair is higher but the abuses of shops are similar. Do you really need brake pads? How about that new chain? Probably not. Did you pay for something that didn't even take place? Thats a BIG ONE for bikes!
If you read a few reviews around here you'll see a common theme, Tim is as honest as they come. I concur. Some honesty from me, why I've been searching out other shops for repairs. I am a bike collector now with no time to even do the minor repairs. No time. I've experienced major errors from multiple shops recently. Not small. Dishonesty too, multiple times.
Because of flat out dishonesty I pulled a bike from one local very well known shop with parts still hanging off it. I don't take it, from anyone at anytime. Paid quite a bit more to have it put back together correctly- but it was worth it as I knew I couldn't trust that shop. Priceless really, as I can often be bombing down a trail at 30mph. My life is on that bike.
Bottom line is if my word is anything, I would give you my word you can trust this shop.
I can't picture any way that anyone would have a complaint, and that's how I was as a mechanic and shop manager. It was perfection every time for me. I still only like bikes that work exactly right, as they should no exceptions. Ask Tim ha.
They are also BY FAR the most affordable labor rates, combine that with only fixing what needs it, the people, how easy they are to approach, and this bike shop just glows. It's a very rare combination of low overhead, a a highly experienced team that works reasonably because it's mostly family and they can. This shop is a BLESSING for anyone that doesn't have a lot of disposable income for bike repairs. Families especially, how this place could help a family save money year over year on bicycles or even if it's a rare once in a while repair. You get the point, if you read this far I vouch for them. 100%.
The only caveat I know of and there is one- If you have a latest tech mountain bike rig with full suspension, hydraulics etc please give them a call first- there are some things like suspension service that they are not set up for/experienced with the many different kinds. But they will of course be honest and upfront with you! A++++++++++++++++ read more
