Sadly, I can not rely on Bikeway off 17k as my LBS.
I took my old hoopdie to get a tune up. Staff who received my was very friendly. I said I wanted the bare minimum just to make my bike safe and was quoted at $55 for a tune up and $8/tube front and back. I asked if he thought my tires needed to be replaced and he implied he did not think so and the mechanic would check them out. I then requested to be notified if anything was discovered. As I was handing my bike off, I felt the saddle slide back and forth on the rails. I said, "Oh this has been slipping - will you ask the mechanic to check that out?" He implied it was not a problem and I was told something like 10-14 days. No biggie - it's my cheapo.
I was notified the bike was ready (well before 10 days - a pleasant surprise) by text saying I could pick it up and the total was $114. Since it was a text I figured I'd inquire about the amount when I went to pick it up.
When I arrived and was handed the bike back, I asked how we got to our final number and was told it was for the "nimbus" and then about the formerly undisclosed fee to replace a tube (in addition to the cost of the tube), and that I got a good deal because usually the tune up is $75... but I have a single speed.
I quickly determined the Nimbus is the name of the nice quality front tire they put on without informing me.
As I was handed the bike, the saddle slid back and forth - an original issue. I asked why it had not been addressed and was told "it's not on the work order" with a shrug.
He then politely informed me "maybe it's old" and that they, right there at the bike shop, could sell me a new seat post or a new saddle (starting at about $35!)
By now I was getting a bit steamed under my mask, if you know what I mean, and decided to get rolled on this one, having endured such apparent disinterest for helping me in any substantial way.
When I got home I noticed my right pedal had a broken section (cheap pedals for cheap bike and I'm sure I did not notice previously because I hadn't been using the bike for a few years).
So I'm left with some questions.
What business changes the terms of service without informing the customer before proceeding and sells them a product prior to consent?
What mechanic works on a bike and does not note:
An old chain (I asked for the bike to be "safe" And suspect an old chain is the reason it keeps jumping off the sprocket);
A partially broken pedal on the drive side; and
A saddle that is not clamped down by the saddle clamp, and therefore slides freely back and forth whenever touched or ridden?
I tested a fat bike on a past visit. I bought some pedals for my mountain bike and was given a set screw for my clipless pedal cleats gratis from the congenial staff.
My honest take is Bikeway is a place to purchase some top-tier fat bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes. They have a slew of multi-thousand dollar options for you.
If you require the service of a local bike shop employing one or more bike mechanics who service bicycles AND happens to sell them as well, you'll want to take a ride somewhere else.
Oh, I just fixed my saddle clamp, prompting me to write this review. It took twenty seconds labor, a pair of robopliers, a hammer and the big rock in the yard. I just wish I had $114 to add some tools to my budding bike tool box. read more