Earlier this spring I got my bike fixed at Art Bike. I had a flat tyre which had to be replaced, got a chain guard as mine had broken and fallen off, and just a general check-up. All for 114 zl if I remember correctly which I suppose is fair for the work they did. I left my bike in the afternoon and it was ready to pick up two days later.
While my bike was fixed and ready at the time I came to pick it up there were a few things that left me with a somewhat "strange" experience:
- They were sort of multitasking (polishing/rinsing some parts, or tools) as they were talking to me about what to do with my bike which I did not find very attentive and so my first impression was slightly compromised.
- Not exactly a cheerful bunch. Maybe they had two bad days in one week, I'm not even sure what to think, which brings me to the next point:
- I asked if they could give my bike a quick wash/rinse in addition to the check-up, and I also offered to pay extra for the hassle, but was rejected immediately by "we don't have time to do this, you know you could just buy a sponge at the supermarket for 50 groszy and do it yourself?!" ....Well, I would not even have mentioned the reply if it wasn't for the last part of that comment. Personally I just found it a bit strange, but I can imagine that it could be perceived as an offensive remark by other customers.
I do appreciate that they speak English. But when it comes to hassle-free service I'm tempted to say that I'd rather roll my bike over to the far end of Smolensk street half an hour away. While they don't speak a word of English at least you can gesticulate your way to bike-satisfaction. Then again, it means I have to drag my bike through crowds of tourists and cobblestones, which brings out my lazy side just thinking about it.. This place will have to do for now! read more