What a terrific experience! I have been tooling around on an ancient bike, and finally decided I deserved an upgrade. I couldn't have chosen a better shop to visit. John (who it turns out is the owner) is knowledgeable without being snobby, and helpful without being pushy.
He earned my trust right away by saying that he would rather fix my old beater than sell me a new bike. I mean, how often do you hear that? Luckily, I had brought the old one. (Once he saw it, he did change his mind, as the bike wasn't nice to begin with, and I bought it at an auction almost ten years ago for $1.)
John listened to what I wanted from a bike, what kind of rider I am, etc. He proceeded to steer me to a bike that was exactly the right size, and adjusted the seat perfectly by eye. One can tell he has been in this business for a long time. He showed me how the shifter worked, and warned me that the bike's brakes actually WORK before my test drive. Thoughtful. It took fewer than five seconds on the new bike before I was sold. It fit my body, my stride, and my style. I didn't even test drive another one.
Since John had listened carefully to what I needed, he also recommended that I get heavy duty tubes for the tires. He moved my rack and basket from one bike to the other, changed the tubes, and loaded my gorgeous new bike into the bed of my truck for me. I asked if it was possible to donate my old bike somewhere, and he replied that they work with Goodwill to get bikes to people who need them. (yay!)
A few months into ownership, I am supposed to make an appointment to bring the bike back in for a total overhaul, the cost of which is covered in the bike purchase. I'm kind of excited to go back, and completely thrilled with my new bike. I'm sure you can get a bike cheaper at a conglomerate, but Wayne's Cyclery is what real service and professionalism looks like. read more
