To share my review of Spokes Bikes, requires me first to share another story or two…read more
My first pe-story: those of you who have read my reviews (usually Restaurants, but Yelp seems to want me to "branch out"), you'll know that I really HATE writing bad reviews. I prattle-on so, because there is a lot of Good Work being done by Good People out there, and our Society is skewed to encourage entitled, prissy behaviors that just make my blood boil.
My second pre-story: way back in time, before dinosaurs roamed the earth, when the Druids danced around Stonehenge, I worked for / with an (Award-Winning) White House Press photographer named Arnie Sachs, and his family. Arnie was one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet, with a heart larger than the aircraft deck of a carrier. He carried in his head an encyclopedic knowledge of Photography - all the stuff you'd ever want to know to be a Professional Photographer, but with all the nuts and bolts removed. He seemed to strip out all the "useless details", and focus on the "idea" of a powerful photo. Sure, he'd bore you with the details if you really wanted them, but he'd prefer not to, and just "get to the meat".
A few months ago, as I cleared some of the Medical hurdles toward gaining a kidney transplant, my Medical Team told me that after the transplant, I'd need a 6+ month "rehabilitation program" to rebuild my body, which is rather ragged right now. They suggested a 'spiritual' component; I've cultivated an interest in Camping. They suggested a physical regimen; I chose biking. I know nothing about either - I've never camped, and I haven't ridden a bike in 20 years or so. Waaay old school!
Walking my dogs on the Naperville riverwalk, I'd flag down friendly appearing cyclists, and chat with them about their ebikes - maybe ten minutes at a time. Then I'd go home and research what we'd spoken about, and learn. At this point, as of last Wednesday, I think I'm pretty good with the "concepts" of ebikes, and had (via Analysis Paralysis) selected "what I think I want": an Urtopia Carbon Classic. But I needed some Real World Validation - practical advice.
During all those Riverwalk interviews, many of those bikers mentioned "Spokes. Go there." I had never heard of them - they're in a part of Naperville I don't normally traffic - but sure-enough, the Urtopia Website listed them, with the option of "book a test ride!" I did.
I stepped through the door, and recognized the feeling immediately - a family-owned shop. The owner, Basil, introduced himself, and asked what I was looking for. I told him honestly: "your experience and advice". I described what I thought I wanted, and we focused on that. It was a slow, beautiful October Saturday afternoon, one of the last before the Chicago Winter snaps cold until next June. I had come with a list of 35 questions. As I listened to Basil, I suddenly realized that he was, in sequence, answering almost every one of the questions I had, but he had never seen them! He showed me the backroom (a Urtopia showroom, not presently in use, complete with Dealer Awards), and then positioned me so I could watch the Biker Tech do his thing in the service bay.
The entire shop seemed to be a well put-together operation, and dispelled any fears I might have had about the Urtopia Brand, or Spokes Bikes. Basil asked me if I'd like to take that test ride... but I had gone to Spokes after my Saturday dialysis, which tends to leave me a bit weak and dizzy. I thanked him for the offer, and he told me "don't worry about an appointment, just stop by whenever you want to, and ask".
I left with a smile on my face, and seven questions unanswered - but they were questions about the Urtopia Website, which Basil would have no control over. I'll contact Urtopia. But I also left with the realization that:
* I had found my Ecosystem
o Sure. Buy it online for a couple bucks less (if that). And when you need experience and talent someday in maintaining it, shut up when you realize the Brick and Mortars are all gone. So you could save a dollar.
* Listening to Basil was very much like learning from Arnie all those years ago. No matter what, he's either experienced it himself, or knows a trusted colleague who has. A Master. You get smarter just by listening to him!
In total, Basil spent about 45 minutes with me, forging a relationship that will far transcend my short visit today. Another Customer entered. - Basil flashed me an apologetic glance, and went to take care of that Customer. No Rudeness anywhere - the man works to feed his family, as do I. Lose sight of this at your own peril.
Did I rant and whine like an entitled prissy little girl? Of course not - I ran a Camera Shop and a Photographic Lab for Arnie for 13 years. Including solo Saturday afternoons.
Are there "better" bike stores in the world today? Statistically, mathematically, there must be. I'm consoled by the fact that I don't need to hunt them down. I've found mine.
