We live in this city that has jacked up prices beyond reason and has lost so much of the community care of looking out for each other. We experience businesses across the board taking advantage, being incompetent and just not caring so I am diligent and critical when working with a business.
This is what I have learned about Top Dead Center Cycles over the years.
This is a local, independent, family run, small business, which means you are working directly with the owners who have their entire livelihood and reputation on the line day in and day out.
They have proven over the years to be real deal honest. They will say what actually needs to be done or not done, give the best prices and they will tell you straight. There is NO sales or upselling or BS. AT ALL. No slight manipulation or pressure of any kind to steer you one way or another. They'll give their genuine opinion if you ask and often give examples of what other people have done or what other places offer for more context so you actually make your own decision. They will tell you straight if they think you should not do something, even though it means loosing money. This is rare and saves tons of time, money and possible cool points.
No one knows everything and many try to pass it off or try to convince you that they know something when they don't (for a variety of self serving reasons). TDC Cycles has proven to be the most knowledgeable about the work. Bret is always learning and even partnered with the college to teach motorcycle repair classes so the next generation will learn how to do it right. If something is out of his wheelhouse or he thinks it's better for you to go somewhere else, he will tell you. The mechanics at the shop reflect this commitment to knowledge, learning and the highest quality of work so leaving my bike at this shop means I don't worry if it's done right. That is priceless to me.
This shop is the most fair priced I've found. When I first worked with them I watched Julie pour over books and scour online to find the best prices for parts like she was looking for a doctor for her sick child. She worked with me based on my budget like the money was coming out of her pocket. Her knowledge is of the highest in the industry so I have complete confidence that what she says is exactly what it is. She is also one of the kindest people you'll ever meet, which for some reason to some people means that she doesn't know her stuff, but I've seen a big guy with far more attitude than character go to school when she corrected him and explained just as kindly as ever how things actually worked. Her care in every detail is genuine and thorough. Businesses usually do a bait and switch when it's time to pay and tensions arise as you feel things are being done to you. Not there. Ever. It's been years so my first experience wasn't just to give me a good impression working with a new shop or I caught her on a good day, this is how she is day in and day out. Paying is really the easiest part of the experience because you go in feeling like your child is sick and now know your bike was repaired perfectly, the price is the best it can be and you're about to ride out with total confidence.
Over the years I've learned that Bret and Julie are the real deal across the board. They are down to earth, friendly, caring people with the most integrity I've ever found in a shop and of the highest level I've found in human beings. They are a family business so their kids hang out at the shop sometimes, which is great because they are learning all of these values. Investing into this small business is investing into our community and our own future. It doesn't hurt that they are the coolest couple running a shop and some of the coolest people gravitate there.
I won't go ANYWHERE else because I know without a shadow of a doubt that my bike is in the best hands (literally). I have complete confidence that whatever they say will be the absolute truth and they will do whatever they can to give the best deal on parts and labor. They are a local, independent, family run, small business in this age of multinational conglomerates and chains that operate on self serving procedures instead of good, honest people. We love our bikes so we want the best. They are the best I know in every way and after years of working with them, seeing them at events, shop party and life in general, I cannot recommend this business and these people enough.
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