Bad Bike Shop Experience - Long

[Zen]

The back room, that's the shop's domain.

I've been asked to step into the backroom at two bike shops to look at something.
No, not that.

[Irulan]

I've been asked to step into the backroom at two bike shops to look at something.
No, not that.

I'd say it's a function of the management, and what they think is acceptable. In any case not worth getting mad about but one could certainly take their dollars elsewhere and say why...

[ridebikeme]

I too, am sorry that you had the experience that you had! Unfortuantely as others have mentioned, it seems to happen more than it should.

From a mechanical standpoint, I'm not sure why they would have taken off the brake caliper... you generally don't need to take them off to replace pads. AS for taking a file to the rotor, I cringed when you mentioned that AGH!! Rotors do bend, but one would generally true them (like a wheel) or replace it if it is bad enough. The greasy hands on the rotor would also damage your new brake pads! More than likely, the sqeaking noise that you heard is either the pads hitting the rotor, or the fact that now both rotor and pads have been contaminated by the mechanics hands..(most generally wear gloves while doing this). Lastly, when a new rotor or set of pads is replaced, you generally go through a short breaking in period... similar to the pads and rotor on your car. Most expereinced mechanics do know tricks to either eliminate that or certainly make that break in period much shorter.

As others have mentioned, I would definitely send a letter to the owner and explain what your experience was like. I wonder what he would think if he knew that this info was online for anyone to read?

At any rate, write your letter and have a good rest of the summer

[Trek420]

Too bad there's no "AAA certified" or equivalent for wrenches. Or is there? It just makes me appreciate my LBS more.

Ladies (and gents) if you have found a good bike shop thank them and regularly buy them beer and/or chocolate.

[KnottedYet]

Paul at Recycled Cycles is very good. www.recycledcycles.com He has worked miracles on my bikes.

Both guys at Free Range Cycles are good. Free Range is owned by a woman. www.freerangecycles.com Multiple TE'ers have bought bikes or had work done at Free Range. Tiny shop, very tiny, and they care deeply about every customer. They've fixed something another shop broke on my bike, and did it WITHOUT bad-mouthing the other shop. High class!

Zac at Cascade Bicycle Studio is also beloved by more than one TE'er. http://cascadebicyclestudio.com/ He has worked with the great Chris Robinson of Robinson Wheelworks. Nice guy, never talks down to anyone. His shop is very comfortable and quiet.

Don't go back to Bothell Ski and Bike. They've got a reputation here in the north end, and it isn't a good one.

[spindizzy]

Yeah- +1 to finding a new bike shop - it is apparent that they can't be Bothelled to do things well..

[athena]

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. I wasn't too impressed by Bothell Ski and Bike either, when I visited last year.

If you ever need a bike shop here, I'd HIGHLY recommend Woodinville Cycle. They've been great to me every single time I come in; even though I'm still almost completely clueless about cycling. A few weeks ago, I stopped in on a busy Saturday morning looking to buy clipless pedals to match the cycling shoes I bought online. The owner not only installed my cleats and pedals, but also set me up on a trainer in the back, taught me how to clip in and out, and adjusted my seat. He was extremely nice about it all, didn't charge me extra, and still managed to help all of the other customers too. I have received the same sort of excellent service every time I've been there.