Ringling Bicycles

Reviews 8

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Walter De Goes

Last weekend I decided to buy a bicycle for my personal use and exercise. I decided to buy a Specialized Bicycle because of the good reputation of the manufactory. I visited the Specialize Dealer “Ringling Bicycles” at 3606 Manatee Ave west, Bradenton, Florida. I spend couple hours with the sales person (Tony) talking about the bicycles, features and accessories. I also expended time riding the many different types of bicycles to figure out the ones I like the most. After riding the bikes I defined the bike I wanted was the Sirrus Sport, and the sales person (Tony) gave me the price, conditions, and the price of the accessories of my choice. I told Tony I would return next day to complete the purchase. Then I went home and called some friends to clear my final choice regarding the pedals (clips or flat). Next day, on Sunday, I returned to Ringling Bicycles store and I spoke to other sales representative (Tony was off) and ask him to help me to complete the order. First I rode the bike again because I wasn’t sure if I would take the size M or L. I rode both bikes for some time and decided that the M was the ideal size for me. Then I was ready to purchase the bike. Then the store manager told me that they could not sell the bike for the tag price because the price was incorrect. The store manager inflated the price in 25% and told me if I want the bicycle I would have to pay the additional amount. The bicycle had a tag of $ 600 dollars and the manager informed me that I would have to pay $ 750 dollars. I complained about the price change and ask the manager to honor the price I was discussing with the sales people during the entire weekend. The manager told me that it was an honest mistake and he wouldn’t sell me the bicycle for the tag price. I believe the mistake was an honest mistake but make your customer pay for the store honest mistake is not a very good business practice. I spend my entire weekend to search and choose the bicycle I wanted and when the store tells me they won’t honor their commitment it shows total disrespect to me (customer). I will not recommend this store to anyone because the management cannot be trusted. Very frustrating experience.

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Nicholas Vincent

Took advantage of an out of town novice cyclist (myself). The original issue was the fault of my home cycle shop failing to notice the tire rubbing the frame. I noticed it when in FL on vacation and took it to Ringling. When I spoke to someone at my home shop they recommended the tire be "dished" from what I explained. When I took it to this shop they quoted me $25 for a new derailer hanger. When I arrived at the shop he next day, the guy who checked me out turned back to the guy who quoted me and said the hanger should be $35. He proceeded to cross out the price on the slip and replace it with his new price, and not wanting to be in he shop any longer I agreed to the price knowing I was getting conned. I took my bike for a quick ride in the parking lot next door and the tire was still rubbing. After learning this I took it back in and told them it was still rubbing. They then proceeded to "dish" the tire--and surprise surprise thats all it needed! They also told me the tire was too big for the frame. I just left my home shop and they informed me the hanger came stock from cannondale and they have put plenty of 28s on a synapse. SUMMARY- Ringling takes advantage of customers for $10.

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Rick Vandermey

Good bikes, good service, good prices. Ringling Bicycles is THE place to rent a bike when you are in the Bradenton/Sarasota area. This was my second year renting a bike from them while visiting for March Break. Both times I got a good quality bike in excellent working condition, ready when requested (even when I called in just an hour before showing up), friendly service and fair pricing. Both times they included a basic repair kit and pump, and threw in a cable lock, no charge. We were staying in Annna Maria, where the biking options are pretty limited, but after taking Riverview Blvd and then cutting through the Robinson Nature Preserve on my way from Ringling to AMI, to avoid some of the nasty traffic on Manatee, that became my preferred ride route. I will be back again next year!

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Bill Funkhouser

I had not ridden a bike in years and thought it would be a great way to exercise. Ringling had been recommended to me, and they had a convenient location. When I went in, I met Richard who listened to what I was looking for and recommended 4 bikes to try. I decided on a Specialized Roll bike. Richard gave me a discount on accessories I bought at time of purchase which was nice. I took the bike back a few times for adjustments. Each time Richard and the staff were very helpful. Unfortunately, I had to return the bike because of a previous injury. Regardless, I highly recommend Ringling Bicycles to anyone looking to get a bike.

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Mark Russo

I just took a wheel off a little girls 20" bike that I am fixing up for free so one my neighborhood kids can have a bike. The wheel just needed a quick straightening (even a different employee agreed) and they said the soonest it could be done is 10 days. 10 days really? I told them who the bike is for, it didnt seem to matter it was for a girl who didnt have bike, I was more than willing to pay, and it seemed very cold not to just take less than 5 min for a quick repair. I should add, the place was empty because they were just opening up. What every happened to neighborhood bicycle shops that care about kids.

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Bill Wilmeth

I want to thank Dave and his crew for fixing my 20 year old Gitane bike. I originally went in for 2 tires and a tune up for the bike that was badly needed. The gear change from small sprocket to large was brutal and they adjusted it to perfection, but upon picking up my bike there was a small hunk of material tore from my seat. Dave offered to refund "all"of my money and give me a new gel seat!!! I was happy with his offer but declined the refund (they did the work) but let him replace the seat. I appreciate his customer service and honesty. Thanks Dave

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Annie R

I have been there several times for various reasons. The last time was for a tube for my trike. I brought the wheel down with me because they said they would put the new tube on the wheel for me. They pointed out how old the tire was and the rubber was rotting away. They werent trying to sell me a new tire, but to keep me safe and not having to buy another tire if this blows unnecessarily. So, I invested the additional 25$ and for $35 I was out of there within 15 minutes. They have always been extremely nice and helpful.

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A Private User

Last week I bought a Pinarello Dogmas from this shop. The owner, Dave, was the nicest most attentive guy I have ever met. He built my bike with a level of attention to detail and love as if he was building his own. He matched all colors and gave me better components and accessories than we originally specced out without charging me anything extra because he wanted the bike to come out better. He delivered ahead of time and took the time to fit me on every possible dimension. It was a fun experience through and through!!!

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