Earlier this spring I got my bike fixed at Art Bike. I had a flat tyre which had to be replaced,…read moregot a chain guard as mine had broken and fallen off, and just a general check-up. All for 114 zl if I remember correctly which I suppose is fair for the work they did. I left my bike in the afternoon and it was ready to pick up two days later.
While my bike was fixed and ready at the time I came to pick it up there were a few things that left me with a somewhat "strange" experience:
- They were sort of multitasking (polishing/rinsing some parts, or tools) as they were talking to me about what to do with my bike which I did not find very attentive and so my first impression was slightly compromised.
- Not exactly a cheerful bunch. Maybe they had two bad days in one week, I'm not even sure what to think, which brings me to the next point:
- I asked if they could give my bike a quick wash/rinse in addition to the check-up, and I also offered to pay extra for the hassle, but was rejected immediately by "we don't have time to do this, you know you could just buy a sponge at the supermarket for 50 groszy and do it yourself?!" ....Well, I would not even have mentioned the reply if it wasn't for the last part of that comment. Personally I just found it a bit strange, but I can imagine that it could be perceived as an offensive remark by other customers.
I do appreciate that they speak English. But when it comes to hassle-free service I'm tempted to say that I'd rather roll my bike over to the far end of Smolensk street half an hour away. While they don't speak a word of English at least you can gesticulate your way to bike-satisfaction. Then again, it means I have to drag my bike through crowds of tourists and cobblestones, which brings out my lazy side just thinking about it.. This place will have to do for now!