I dropped off my bike for the smallest tune up. I'd cleaned it and adjusted it and then left it for a year in a garage so it was in need of a little tlc. I asked for the smallest package and a tool to true my tires since I could true them for cheaper.
A week later I got the call to come pick up my bike. I was expecting a $40 plus tax price. $29.99 for the package and $10 for the tool. When I walked up to pay, the price I was quoted was $73.38. That's nearly DOUBLE! I was shocked! After handing over my credit card since I hadn't brought that much cash, I finally asked (I HAD to ask!!) why the price was so much higher and if I could see my work order. The lady behind the desk showed me the repair tag and said that they'd had to put on new brake cables and housing. She didn't pause swiping me card and listen to my concerns while I asked questions.
I know that I personally put on new brake and cable housing at a bike shop before I had stored my bike. For sure they needed trimming and adjusting, but they did not need replaced.
For the sake of argument that they did need replaced, I never received a call asking if I wanted additional work done, what the cost would be, or any kind of notification. Yes, they did have my phone number.
When I told them that I knew the brake assembly didn't need completely replaced, the trite and curt answer I got was, "Well, we wouldn't want you to ride out on a damaged bike." The person that answered my question didn't then stick around for me to discuss the work and any other questions but literally walked away as he was blowing me off. It was very inconsiderate and rude. I know I don't look like someone that knows much about bikes, but I have trained in a bike shop and know how to do all the maintenance myself. It is a good thing for a shop to have the pride to send out well maintained and fixed bikes, but not in a cheating and flippant way.
I walked out of that shop feeling cheated and demeaned by every employee I encountered. If they really care so much that no one leaves their store on a dangerous bike, then have a waiver I can sign saying I rejected the services they offered so they aren't liable if my bike fails and I crash into a tree.
Don't just assume that people not wearing the latest gear and sporting this years bike don't know what they're doing. And certainly don't treat them as such.
I would never ever in a million years go back to the store or recommend anyone else to go there either. I have told everyone I encountered with a bicycle in Wooster about my experience and to steer clear of Ride On and I will continue to tell everyone! read more