I've been a long fan of another cycling shop in Burlingame and haven't shopped here very often. When we purchased my son's last bike, they were just opening the Linda Mar location and didn't have an inventory to explore. They've settled in nicely and now have a nice inventory.
Apparently, they've been a staple in Santa Cruz for some time.
Anyway...about my experience yesterday.
I stopped in on my way to my old favorite store, just to see if they had what I needed. I have already checked "In-Stock" inventory at the other store and knew they had the Park Tools Chain Tool that I needed.
I was surprised that they not only had the model the other store had, they had two other models. One of higher quality and one of lesser (a starter "lite" version of a chain tool).
I still went with the one I was originally looking at, but it was nice to see the options. I didn't expect to have that much of a choice.
When I stopped in, there was only one employee working, but it didn't feel that way. He was helping a gentleman at the maintenance counter, a lady choosing a bike for her son and me all at the same time...and doing it well.
I was even amazed that when I asked if they had chain tension clip (a small hooking clip that holds the chain where you need it while working with unconnected links). He simply said, "We usually make them out of old spokes...give me a minute and I'll make you one."
It took two, but it was the perfect length and he made it for me for free. What a deal!!!
While I don't expect them to have everything I will ever need...I usually have very specific needs for cycling gear, components and bikes, I will always check them first going forward!!! read more