When I was a cycling newbie, I wanted to talk with someone who would give me good customer service and a good direction to go from. I stumbled upon Performance Bike and thought it was a good start. Friendly staff, good selection on beginner bikes for a beginner price range, and had everything I needed to get started. Plus a rewards program! But I didn't buy from there just yet, as I had just heard about U C Cyclery.
After going into the store, I was mesmerized by all the fancy bikes tightly lined together. There were a few other people in the store, yet the staff kind of hung around not really doing anything. I was 19 at the time, but still felt a little insulted and got the notion that they just automatically assumed a kid like me wasn't going to buy. I walked up to one staff member who I eventually found out was the store manager. When I asked if they had any membership point systems or discounts, he immediately informed me how superior U C Cyclery was compared to places like Performance because they are a small shop that can offer customer service second to none. When I told him I was interested in getting a beginner bike, he was making it painfully obvious he was more interested in the man wandering around the bikes who was a few years older than me. I couldn't believe I was getting profiled because of my age! His snooty attitude and disregard for my interest. I bought my first road bike from Performance Bike the very next day.
Fast forward a few years I'm a pretty seasoned rider. But each time I have gone into that store to pick up something I need (extra tubes, shot blocks for a ride, etc) I leave in absolute disgust and shock from the worst customer service I've ever experienced. They don't care about me, and are full of ****. Their only solution for you is to buy it brand new from their store, no matter how simple the fix.
The ONLY good thing they do is help host the Tour de Cure. But even that's just a publicity stunt for business! If TdC goes somewhere else, these guys are down the tubes within the year. Performance Bike, Ride Cyclery, HiTech Bikes, are only a FEW of the many other bike shops with service that caters to every rider, not just the middle aged man with money.
I tried to get a hold of the current store manager when I was interested in buying roof racks, and to inquire about their interest in helping a charity 5k event for cancer victims. I spoke directly to the manager (Bob) in the store who gave me his card and told me to email him. He also said he'd follow up with me on the bike racks. I emailed him the next day. No reply for 2 weeks! I emailed again and still no reply a week later. I eventually went back into the store, reintroduced myself and asked if he had gotten any of my emails. He replied "Yes...." just blankly as if there was a follow up to that question. I asked deliberately if there was a time when we'd be able to discuss the possibility for their help in hosting packet pick up or something along those lines. He said maybe. What about our conversation?? What about my emails?? I asked him if there was a way I would be able to get an estimate from someone with my TCSD discount on bike racks and he said he "Wasn't sure. Sorry". I won't even apologize, but what kind of ****-brained response is that? Needless to say, the charity event attracted nearly a thousand people and ended up being sponsored by a different shop. And I bought my bike rack from Ride Cyclery and could NOT be happier. They were on the phone with me immediately after I placed the order, when it arrived, and helped me install it. They gave me immediate assistance if anything went wrong, and if anything will go wrong. I have confidence in them for their support. That is something U C Cyclery will NEVER deliver on.
3 strikes and you're out Bob. I have already directed away thousands of dollars in business from your store, and all my friends are extremely satisfied with their purchases from real stores with real customer service from staff who really care about their customers. You don't deserve it.
To anyone considering going to U C Cyclery: just don't. You think you'll be happy but do just a little more shopping around and you'll be much much happier with much much better bikes at much much better prices from any of the bike shops I have mentioned above. read more