imagining things?? (rant warning)

[CorsairMac]

Bad Customer Service is Bad Customer Service! (I'm going thru this right now with PerformaceBike) I don't think you are bieng unreasonable, out-of-line, or imagining things. And I gotta go with everyone else: you're paying a chunk of change for a custom bike and he's guesstimating the size??....treating you in a dismissive and condescending manner?? I'd agree on either calling IF and seeing if there is anyone else in your area that will do custom fitting or - I know how much you love it - but maybe look at another custom builder?? Luna Cycles are highly recommended, as is Seven, someone here sang the praises of Rodriquez, and of course Rivendell. Let us know how it turns out hun - keeping you in my thoughts!

[DeniseGoldberg]

I know how much you love it - but maybe look at another custom builder??

On the IF front - a co-worker of mine bought an IF bike earlier this year, and he is very happy with it. So if your heart is set on an IF bike, go for it - just find a different bike shop!

[Nanci]

How on earth are you going to choose a color??? I love the Erik Roman Pink, and the Hot Lime. Ok, that's my choice, Hot Lime with ER Pink flames.

I do agree with everyone, the bike shop is taking matters less than seriously. I'd ask IF for recommendations for another shop.

Nanci

[drplasma64]

Just have to jump in and say that I wouldn't give anybody business if they don't take a potential $3000-5000 order seriously. Not returning calls, ignoring you, then rushing you, plus not seemingly expert advice on sizing makes this a bad risk in my book.

Good luck either way!

[SadieKate]

Fultzie, I notice that you said "sponsor" shop. Are you obligated to use them as a team sponsor? Are you getting a reduced price?

The lack of fitting skills and attention to detail would be enough to send me elsewhere but couldn't tell if you were locked in to this shop due to the relationship with the team.

BTW, is this a steel or ti Crown Jewel?

[fultzie]

oh wow! thanks for all your replies! i'm feeling sooo much better now!!

I heard back from IF... i LOVE them!!! i also talked to the owner of the shop, and he was very apologetic and very nice. i went in in person, which helped, i think (rather than called on the phone). i think i'll have to make the effort to do that from now on if i want to get my point accross. but i spent a good two hours in there today discussing bike details. it helped also that it was a slow day.

re: shop selection. they're the only shop that carries IF in my area (and i really have my heart set on IF), and they are giving me a nice discount since they're our sponsor. i was afraid that if i backed out, it would sour the relationship with the team.

but... when i was in today, i got the chance to talk to the engineer that designed my future bike on the phone. he was WONDERFUL (Matt at IF, you rock!) and explained all of the logic behind certain sizing choices. IF certainly listened to my qualms, although with the shop owner took some beating over the head.

and IF understood my color agony. i opted for solid metallic black (black diamond, i think it's called) with silver straight-edge decaling. understated, but i think i'm going with either red or pink CK headset and hubs, for some pizazz

it's going to be a steel CJ, with carbon fork. i'm aiming for as much campy as i can afford, but will probably go with some compatible alternatives (like FSA or something).

i also talked with some more teammates, who agreed that this shop owner was nice--- when you caught him on a good day (or threatened to take away his $4000 sale, which i did!). it's a small family-owned shop, and gets really really hectic. i get really sick of hearing how busy he is, which is the biggest thing that irkes me.

but all is well... i'm extremely psyched about my bike, and feel so much better after talking to the owner and the people at IF. and thank you all for your feedback! i feel much better knowing that i was right to complain

[CorsairMac]

I agree - sometimes a face-to-face carries more weight than just a phone call.....or a handwritten letter of complaint if you can't get there in person. It shows that you not only care about what happened but just how upset you are.

Glad to hear it all came out OK and that you're going to get the bike you really wanted after all! Goodonya!