Another bike question

[lhafer]

There are 3 bike stores that I have been too, and I found bikes at each of them that would be great for me. I can't figure out which one to get.

Store #1: Has Giant bikes. The one I want runs ~$400. They do a 2 year service plan when you purchase the bike. The guy seemed knowledgable enough, but this store has gotten horrible reviews regarding customer/repair service. Close to me - 15 minutes or so.

Store #2: Has Specialized bikes. The one I want runs ~$510. They do lifetime service plan when you purchase the bike. Everyone who gave Store #1 bad reviews said this is the shop to get your bike from, has fantastic reviews regarding their customer/repair service. Closest to me at 5 minutes up the street.

Store #3: Has a good mixtures of bikes. The one I want runs ~$500. They do NOT include any service plans with your purchase, but he seemed the most knowledgable about bikes. And this one is the furthest from me (~45 minutes). When I asked about any included service plans, he said "We value our service department and don't include that with our bikes. Our guys have been here for 20+ years, and when you get lifetime service plans with bikes, they don't necessarily always fix your bike."

Which store would you get a bike from????

[bubbaray]

Hands down, Store #2. Customer service is key with bikes, particularly if you don't have your own mechanic (I do!). It would be worth it to me to pay that bit extra for the better service and closer shop.

[ladysoapmaker]

I would go with Store #2.

The guy at #3 just sounded arrogant to me. and I have found with bikes the reviews tend to be pretty good so they are probably on the spot with #1.

Jen

[vonfirmath]

I would go with Store #2 too, just from what you posted. But then I've had good experience with Specialized Hot WAlk for my son too.

We have a FANTASTIC bike shop we found that we go back to every time now -- because they helped me readjust the bike to fit my son once when we had not even bought the bike from them. They spent time with us trying to find a helmet to fit him when he was 2 -- and then suggested we go elsewhere because they didn't have anything easy to use in his size. We recently went back and they had the knowledge to put together a "higher bike seat" for the bike so my son could continue to ride it even though the Hotwalk does not come with this option. (for a much cheaper price than I expected!) -- cut down a bike "rod" thing to fit the size we wanted, found a kiddie seat, attached, etc. But they basically had to figure it out themselves how to do it.

They are golden in my eyes. You really want to find a bike service department like this. That will try to solve problems, etc. And really care about the sport. Not just do a basic menu of services.

We do have to drive about half an hour to get there -- but its worth the drive.

--Sarah, Austin, TX