Hey... not far from Bicycle Outfitters (it may be in the same strip mall, but I'm not sure... it's on the northwest corner of Foothill and Magdalena) there's a shop that makes blintzes. I've never been to it, but they're supposed to be divine.
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Hey... not far from Bicycle Outfitters (it may be in the same strip mall, but I'm not sure... it's on the northwest corner of Foothill and Magdalena) there's a shop that makes blintzes. I've never been to it, but they're supposed to be divine.
Mmmm blintzes.. :rolleyes: Uh oh! I think I just gained a few pounds thinking of it. :P :)Quote:
Originally Posted by slinkedog
Mel
THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!! You ladies rock!
Yesterday I walked into a one of last shops left in my area without driving 30 miles into the city. I started a conversation, not knowing it was the manager, because I've been researching and plan to purchase a bike in the coming months. He answered my questions, but when I'm having a conversation with someone I always look them straight in the eyes. This guy walked all over the store arranging items and got on store Mac. Was is that I wasn't spending money immediately? Maybe it was my weight ? Or was it my race/skin color? :confused:
I receive better customer service at my local library. I wish their competitor had not gone out of business last month.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JesTutripup
I just finished my new bike shopping and made my decision (picked it up last Friday!) Even with money to spend, I still did not get the attention I thought I deserved. Fortunately, the brand of bike I decided to buy happened to be sold by the bike shop that was the most supportive. They actually seemed to take a female,fat,forty-something seriously, if you can believe that! I figured out during the shopping process that I was going to just accept the bike shop if they had the particular bike I wanted. Bikes aren't like a gallon of milk; there isn't an infinite choice of locations to buy one. Keep your chin up and don't let them intimidate you. :)
I love my LBS. The guys are great and treated me courteously from the first day I walked in, even though I am pushing 50, had never been on a bike and had lots of questions. Turns out they were smart because I've spent a chunk of change with them! I think they think it's kind of neat and funny that I'm so into cycling now--not their typical customer by any means. They really look out for me, wave and call me by name when I walk in, etc. Could it just be a Southern thang? :)
P.S. And so far, no issues with service after the sale. Very concerned with getting the adjustments just right.
Isn't Concord near Walnut Creek?Quote:
Originally Posted by Veronica
I have family there in Concord. I have only visited the area once as a teen. It was really nice. I remember hearing of Walnut Creek while I was there. Also had my late Great Uncle up at Clear lake (at the point of the lake) Learned to waterski first time. Sorry...just brought back some fun memories. Maybe I can get out there again someday.
JesTutripup asks "Was is that I wasn't spending money immediately? Maybe it was my weight ? Or was it my race/skin color? :confused:"
maybe they are to dumb to figure out that your money is the same color as anyone else :cool:
Re my favorite bike shop- I got my Jamis Quest at Performance Bicycle in Walnut Creek. What I like about them is they give free tune-ups FOREVER to anyone who purchases a bike with them. Whenever I get ready to do a century I take it into them for a check up. Lots of times I have to go in before the shop opens and they have been quite accommodating on that score also.
Believe it or not, when I first got my bike in August 2003, although they gave me tons of attention( it took me 3 hours with my partner Dave from the time we walked in until the bike was sold) and were really helpful, they didn't think I was going to make it! (This I heard a year later from one of the guys!!). Yet it was their support that made a difference for me when I first started riding. Smart people- I've spent a lot since that 1st evening!
The other part of this story is the manager of the shop and I have been on several rides together and we are talking about more rides in the future.
Kimsky- If you want the best of the best in mechanical support go to REI in Concord when Mick Weninger is working in the shop. (Call first as he works there part time) He rides in our club and is fabulous with bikes. He's been riding for about 20 years and does Diablo once a week plus everything else we do as a club in Benicia. AND he's the oldest guy in our club! Guess who's going over to his garage (club favor) to get some adjustments done for one of my Cinderella pal's bike tonight?! :D :D :D
If anybody takes this advice, be sure to tell Mick I sent you. He'll love the compliment! :) :) :) :)
Nancy
You ladies, or as the locals would say 'Yunz great'. I'm still searching, but with this lovely weather I've learned to love riding my LLBean/Schwinn Cruiser for the mean time.
I guess I'll be in better shape using the wider tires. :)
You might write them a letter telling them exactly what you told us. A) no matter their personal opinion of you is, you deserve the basic consideration of being treated like a customer, not a bother and B) he may not be aware of how he was treating you. I believe in the power of the written over in a case like this. It meant you cared enough and were bothered enough to actually sit down and Write them. It's sad they're the only ones left and sadder that they treat people like that.Quote:
Originally Posted by JesTutripup
Corsair "thanks the Gods my LBS is AWESOME" Mac
I bought my new bike from a different lbs. Mainly due to the crabbing that started this thread, but also because they had the brand I wanted. This shop was just ok on service. The guy who helped me took time to make sure the fit was right and swapped out a seat post for me. Then I told him I wanted a different seat. He was more concerned about how the seat looked than how if felt! Honestly I had to tell him that when my fat @#$ was on the seat, no one would know how cool it is!!! They also did not ask if I needed any accessories. I was prepared to buy a set of slicks, a rack, shoes and clipless pedals. When it came time to check out those, I got passed off to a less than enthusiastic guy who didn't seem to want to show me anything. I said maybe I will wait. Then I went to REI, got tons of help and spend some serious dough!!!
I did take your advice. I went on a quiet day, still chilly out and the shop was nearly empty. I guess my solution is less time in the shop, more time on the seat!!!!
I've done my share of crabbing about anti-helpful LBS personnel. Now, in the interest of fairness, I really feel I should tell about a good experience.
I went back to the LBS where I bought William, and was treated like someone who knows what bikes are about, and is an equal in getting the bike set up exactly as I want. When I walked out, both of us were smiling. I was carrying some new Stuff to hang off William's frame, some of which he just gave me. Can't beat that with a stick.
I like being treated as an equal partner.
In my early quest to finding a fitting LBS. I've been shopping 30-40 miles in all directions to build a relationship with each crew. My second attempt for an LBS led me to the Southside's West Liberty Cycles, which was an automatic fit. In the meantime my relationship with Biketek has improved and that is where I'm buying either my 2005 Felt SR91 or Jamis Coda. The manager wanted to sell me the 2006 he had for a better fit, but for now the '05 will have to do. In addition, Biketek's neighbor Pittsburgh Pro Bikes is moving into Cycleworks old home. Yeah?!
Let's see what happens.
Man I am spoiled - my middle child works at a very large LBS and of course I always get excellent service ;)
Now - I will say - in my experience with other things (the aquarium for instance) that I have gotten shoddy service in some places and just kept shopping until I found the place where I could get my needs met and the product I wanted for a price I wanted to pay, thats harder in a smaller market where you don't have as many choices!
Techno, you are spoiled. Your offspring servicing your ride is awesome!
My brother's 400+ miles away. My other alternative was to buy a bike from the local shop in Montclair/Cliffside Park/Bloomfield NJ back home, but why buy high and service elsewhere. I get one year service (plus he gave me 35% off).
The 2006's have arrived so the '04-05's in the shop have to move out. I'm planning on purchasing a '05 Kona, as well. So two bikes for under a grand. They usually go on sale in July, but competition's moving into town.
I'm going to need a bigger place.