Cycling in Melbourne Australia
Favourite Bike Shop?
Having just found a bike shop I'm really happy with, I'm curious to know what others like about their fave velocipede emporium.
I'm pretty damned happy with Cycle Centre, East Bentleigh, after a couple of dud experiences during visits over the last year or so. (I won't mention the duds, I'd rather spread sunshine than blow hot winds.)
What I like about Cycle Centre was that they listened to what I was asking for and quoted accordingly, delivering on the quoted price, even after they'd revealed it was their mistake. They were quick to supply the order as well as quick and thorough with the install and setup. They don't carry all that much stock, but they'll order in pretty much anything and quote competitively.
Where do you buy, and what makes them good for you?
I'm pretty damned happy with Cycle Centre, East Bentleigh, after a couple of dud experiences during visits over the last year or so. (I won't mention the duds, I'd rather spread sunshine than blow hot winds.)
What I like about Cycle Centre was that they listened to what I was asking for and quoted accordingly, delivering on the quoted price, even after they'd revealed it was their mistake. They were quick to supply the order as well as quick and thorough with the install and setup. They don't carry all that much stock, but they'll order in pretty much anything and quote competitively.
Where do you buy, and what makes them good for you?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by vx255 on -
I've had servicing done at Bikepro in Box Hill and was extremely happy with the way the bike felt afterwards, recently changed to TrailMix in Lysterfield (closer to me, service for both the mtb and roadie), I've also been very happy with any dealings I've had with Abbotsford Cycles in Richmond, including them sourcing obscure parts for my 50+ yr old fixie.
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Permalink Reply by ChrisS on -
My fave would still have to be Abbotsford Cycles. No request is too small or difficult to deal with and as a Lady I've never encountered any difficulties. I still get staff discount on the LBS next door to our cafe, but both the Bloke and I are still very loyal to our previous local shop.
Plus they do regular swap meets. Bonus!
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Permalink Reply by Chris Harris on -
Walkers Wheels in Montmorency.
Go there and check it out yourself - it's a nice ride from everywhere.
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Permalink Reply by LongLoad on -
But allow twice as much time as you should need, because Marcus is always up for a chat.
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Permalink Reply by Maree Carroll on -
Abbotsford Cycles FTW!
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Permalink Reply by Steve Jay on -
"One of the owners lives in my neigbourhood and he is just a good bloke."
Probably the best reason of the lot! The loner/metcard option is nifty.
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Permalink Reply by Mark Ferguson on -
The best bike shop is the one who makes you feel special - discounts are superfluous. We can get them online if we want to save money.
Very few, make customers feel like anything is possible, like they care and want to help.
I wrote a blog post about this recently HERE .
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Permalink Reply by Nick Orloff on -
I live in Caulfield and I've tried most of the LBS in my area (you can work out who they are) ... to a man, I find them all useless.
Crappy service, staff that are rarely there twice, and no really effort to treat me like anything more than the next sale, rather than trying to build some customer loyalty.
The end result? When I know I'm going to need something a week or so in advance, it's PBK; if I need something in a hurry, it's whoever I happen to pass first whichever way I'm heading.
All that said, I got some good (not great) service at Goldcross in Abbotsford a few weeks ago - but they're a little out of the way to become my LBS.
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Permalink Reply by Pete Roadie on -
My experiences with bike shops have been varied. Generally, most bike shops (carrying the varying brands) have provided good service. One has been by far exceptional, another completely appalling.
I live in the inner metro area and so go out of my way to get to Rapido Cycles in Keilor Rd, North Essendon. In ALL my visits, I have left completely satisfied and impressed with the service and integrity of the staff (who are all - but one I think - dedicated full-time employees, not high school kids looking for extra pocket money).
The dodgiest bike shop that I have visited is a "supposedly famous" one on Queens Parade in Clifton Hill (where I bought my hybrid some 5 years ago). Being a complete novice to bike-riding at the time, it was only some years after that I realised that I had been short-changed on some of the kit (e.g., getting no-name shifters, where Shimano Deore was specified, etc.). On top of that, the different-coloured lenses accompanying my Rudy Project glasses were heavily scratched and so a return visit was needed for a replacement unit (which took 4 weeks).
On going back late last year to get a new Trek, I personally witnessed one of the owners telling his sales staff to up the price of a bike that I was looking at by $100, saying to his guy that "...that bike is too cheap...put it up $100" - in front of me.
Having already done my homework on the range, I found the owners action completely unethical (as well as his re-pricing of the unit above the RRP) and showed my astonishment and displeasure to the sales guy. His reaction? He simply looked at me, shrugged his shoulders and smiled. Suffice to say that I took my business elsewhere (to Rapido).
Anyone else have similar experiences? The key aspect of any bike-hunting experience is the service. Honesty and integrity of the staff are equally important. There is nothing worse than the euphoria of a new purchase soured by a dishonest act. And, I also resent sales people bluffing their way talking me through a bike in which they have limited knowledge of.
Looking at bike shops where I visited more than once, for my money, Rapido Cycles stands out in front (9/10).
I have also visited Flemington Cycles and found them to be good (7/10).
Gold Cross in Puckle St Moonee Ponds were also very good (8/10).
Cecil Walker Cycles in Elizabeth St CBD were also good (7/10).
BSC Bikes in Elizabeth St, CBD were average (5/10).
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Permalink Reply by Ben Carr on -
Most seem to have covered all of the obvious signs of what makes a good bike shop including treating you like a real person rather that just a source of $ and being interested in seeing you in the door again. My expereince is that you need to use a variety of differerent shops for different thing . I use Abbotsford for general parts cause they atr good and cheap, high end bits Ivanhoe are Ok though I have got soem wrong advice and wrong parts in the past and for things Im rebuilding and restoring I use the Bike Bar and am prepared to wait - cause its worth it. I've also had good experiences at Cecil Walker and Kennedys who really helped me out when I busted up a back wheel out on a beach road ride.
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