Rubber Soul Bicycles

Reviews 6

JD

jdkwww

I have owned three bicycles going all the way back to 1974, the last of which, a Klein, was purchased in the mid 90s. The Klein for the time was a very good bike as were the two purchased prior to it, but the bike I just purchased, a Canondale carbon frame with Ultegra groupset, discs and electronic shifting is so far superior to any other bike I have ridden.I have ridden a lot, including some big hills which required some effort on the steel and aluminum framed bikes, but I suspect this Canondale would allow anyone to dial in most mtns. in ways they might not be used to. Because it is so light it just seems to glide along normal surfaces; but what really screams out to me about this bike is the extremely fast steering geometry. These new upper echelon bikes today are historically extraordinary and as a consequence I have no reference point, save for what I read and watch. I must extend kudos to Rubber Soul for what I consider to be a well outfitted bike shop, whose personnel are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable; my salesperson, Pablo, spent approx. four and one-half hours with me answering all the questions about equipment that I had, allowing me to make intelligent decisions about the bike. Also, I was particularly impressed with his ability to apply his knowledge and make fitting adjustments, allowing me to be comfortable on the bike and not hurt, all in very short order. Finally, and on more than one occasion, he told me to please return if I had any questions or concerns; so I feel confident that Rubber Soul will be there after the sale to continue to provide excellent support.

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A Private User

Me and my girlfriend went in to look for some road bikes, being our first time looking we asked a few friends where we should go. All of them said Rubber Soul. We got to the shop and looked around, and within 5 minutes of being there we were greeted by three different employees. They asked how we were and told us to ask if we had any questions. We looked around and then found an employee and we asked about a thousand questions. Each and every question was answered regardless of some of them being kinda lame, lol. Our plan was only to look around that day and see what we were getting ourselves into. Without having to even ask we were both on a training stand witht he bikes we were interested in gettting fitted and then out for a test ride. My girlfriend had never ridden clipless pedals and was a little intimidated by the whole ordeal, but Bailey came to the rescue and made her enjoy herself, loosen up a bit and realize that everyone there was going to make sure she was okay to ride. After purchasing two bike, two completes sets of gear ( Emergency kits, tubes, helmets, shoes, pedals, shorts, jerseys, and who knows what else....) we are very happy with the service. Rubber Soul deserves the credit for getting us into this sport and making sure that we hit the ground running. I would recommend this shop to anyone that is looking to buy a bike, buy parts, or get service.

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A Private User

I like this place and Ben the owner. The staff seem purdy dang good too. A few years back Ben offered me a great deal on a demo bike, heavily discounted. I wasnt sure so he said "Take it home for a few days, see how you like it". This eliminated my fear of a large purchase. Recently my bud, out of work, in desperate straits, depends on his bicycle to get around. He called around for a new tire and mounting. Rubber Soul offered a good price. He went in for it but they were surprised at his claim as they had offered the wrong price. It was awfully low. They werent sure how the mix-up had happened but they honored the phone offer. Who knows who made the mistake? I took it for a mark of integrity and I started doing business with them. Turns out that it is Bens new shop. I hadnt realized that he was back in the bike business after selling his previous shop. I saw a Tour Easy recumbent that caught my fancy. Again, Ben offered to let me just take it for a few days to try. Again, no deposit, no hassle. I like my new bike!!! Great price. He has been great on labor and parts too. If I wasnt happy with their prices I would still prefer to do business with an honest but expensive place rather than a cheaper dishonest. Or even a large faceless chain store. But happily, in todays world, his place has good prices.

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A Private User

I didnt have much cash to spend at all, and they still worked with me and got me a great price on a Trek 1.1 . Sized me up, told me what gear I would need, how to use the gear and adjust the bike, and I was set. The bike rides great and will out perform me for a while. I had to go in the next day because I blow out a tube and cut my tire right away on rough country roads. They fixed it up for me right away, no question asked:) This is not Wal-Mart, so if you go in with a Wal-Mart budget, expect Wal-Mart service. Good road bikes simply do not exist for less the 600 new. And yes if you have a credit card they will like you. Doesnt every retail store? Its a good place to go. If your new to biking, go with a friend who knows a bit about it because the younger sales kids working there can be (can be, not are) overly aggressive. Also they are busy and they try to get every setup correctly, which takes time. so if your in a hurry or your a rich, spoiled, impatient jerk, dont bother... I recomend this for anyone who wants to get into more serious road biking, but if your looking for a simple summer neighborhood cruzer with a small budget, just stick with wal-mart..... oh yah, i live in south fresno, and drive a crappy old VW, cuz this matters, right? rhetorical... so much for stereotypes.

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A Private User

I found comments about the diff between CycleP and Rubber Soul by the other user interesting given the history of the owners and creation of Rubber Soul. The difference of business model is apparent though in the customer service at this place. Im a long time cyclist in the area and also not surprised about the impression this shop has. RS does not go for the small sale, period. "... credit card... Doesnt every retail store?" Yes! Does every retail store abandon potential future large sale because of it when they dont have that card? No! This is a personal philosophy this shop has owned in order to maintain the thumbnose boys club vibe of cycling in the Fresno area. Its unfortunate, true, and is what it is. You can cry about it, or you can find a shop that will respect you regardless of your big fish/small pond status. Ive always gotten decent service here, but have also seen first hand the scenarios described. If youre in, come on in, if youre not, dont waste our time! ... oh yeah, I live in Copper River. (My second home is off of Park Circle and Waverly.) Of course it matters.

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Dustin Batty

One of the greatest men to walk the earth would always tell me to go see Rich at Rubber Soul, he would say: "he will take care of you trust me." Thank you Edward Lund, we miss you. I told Rich I would have to wait to have everything necessary done because of my budget. Rich explained to me he would rather charge less and do all the work necessary to ensure I left his shop with a safe bike. Yes Rich is human. I was quoted a number that was so low I didnt believe possible. I was sure when the bike was to be picked up it would be a lot higher dollar amount, something most people are used to businesses doing. But no, it was lower, unbelievable! While paying for the best service ever, Rich came to me and said he personally oversaw the work and said if I had any issues to bring the bike back everything is covered under warranty. Truly an amazing person and a privilege to have met Rich. I will never spend not even a penny on anything bike unless Im buying from Rubber Soul. Thank you Rich and Rubber Soul crew you guys are the best!

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