I have an ebike, it's not easy finding folks to work on my off brand ebike (a Himiway, RadRover clone.) Most places will only work on ebikes that are the model that they sell themselves if they even sell ebikes. Bob's does sell ebikes, but not my brand so because of liability, etc. There's not much they can do on mine. Understandable. The motor work I wanted done was major and they were so apologetic that they couldn't work on it and offered other places I might want to check into.
After I had the motor issued addressed elsewhere I noticed something else about my bike. The back tire was out of round, a bad bead that wouldn't seat, thereby creating a wump wump! as I rode. I was out riding when I rode up to Bob's Bike Shop, bummer they don't open till 10AM, I'll just wait 20 minutes.
While I was there hanging out, a young man rode up on his bike toward the backside door. Taking off his gear, he looked at me and asked if he could help me. I realized he worked there, and I said it's okay I'll wait till you guys open. He asked if my bike was okay, I told him about the back tire. He enthusiastically says hang on, that's a four inch Kenda right?, I think I have something like that in the back. He rushes in while I'm trying to let him no that there's no rush I can wait until they open for business. He insisted it was fine, no worries, super nice and obviously sincerely dedicated to his craft and his people.
He comes out with the tire, and says do me a favor, because we can't work on that bike, take the back tire off and bring just the wheel in and I'll put this new tire on.
Deal!
I ran the bike home, took off the rear tire, threw it in the SUV and drove back over, dropped it off. He said great, I'll have it ready as soon as possible, I have about 53 bikes to work on. I said wow, okay, no rush, whenever. He says he'll call me when it's ready. Sweet.
That afternoon phone rings with a local number, I answer, it's Bob's telling me tire is ready! Okay sweet!
I dropped in to pick it up and was warmed by their welcome and how a few of them came out of the back with the tire, all proud and happy to present it to me. Asked me if I want my old tire, I said no you guys keep it. I thanked them for being so quick about the service.... "Aw no problem, we jumped on it and knocked it out, happy to get you back on the road again."
Somebody pinch me. I told them how much I appreciate their friendly attitude, work ethic, enthusiasm in addressing me even before they opened, and fast service.
I made a few friends. Thanks guys, it's great to know my neighborhood bike shop rocks! See you next time! read more