Chainwheel Drive

Reviews 8

AA

Aaron Joslin

My first experience with chainwheel was back in 2006 Where I purchased my Specialized full suspension stump jumper. Fast Forward to 2017 to get back into riding after a few years they did a thorough look over on my Stump Jumper and gave me many options I decided it was not worth putting that kind of money into it (it needed every bit and then some) and went for a new Camber 29er. I had left before making this decision. Cannot believe how much the bike world has changed 26" bikes lol what is that?? I checked out a few various bikes gained more info on such. What I found was most bike shops wanted to try and push their inventory to sell. I ride a larger size frame which most usually dont have. More then 1 shop tried to convince me into a smaller frame for various reasons and excuses (imo they were excuses) Back to chainwheel where they had a Large Camber 29er where I took the bike for a test ride Loved the bike, was given plenty of info and details ordered the XL frame no problem at all and I absolutely love this bike and will be riding it for many years!! There are quite a few long time staffers who have had some time in, very knowledgeable! The only ones I will trust with my bike. Support your local bike shops they are the ones who will be there for you at the end of the day, not amazon, ebay or the others.

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A Private User

The handful of times Ive been in this shop, I mustve had my cloaking cape on. Never did anyone come around to see if I needed help, even with the store mostly empty. Prices seem way higher than they should be, especially for Specialized product, and the selection leaves plenty to be desired. I have called the service department at the Clearwater location a few times for price quotes, and they were actually somewhat helpful and courteous. However, I had attempted to have a set of wheels built up at the Palm Harbor location, and they did an absolutely horrible build on them. One of the hubs was mounted backwards so I had hub labels going in either direction (this is something you learn to avoid in wheelbuilding 101...) and they only used half of the wheelsmith spokes I brought in, claiming the spokes for the rear were the wrong length, even though I had pre-determined everything with them before purchasing all items needed to build up the wheels. That was $90 flushed down the drain. I would seriously recommend avoiding this place, and either buying online for product, or supporting a different LBS that actually believes in helping their customers and building a repoire to ensure repeat business. This place obviously doesnt care about the individual.

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A Private User

I am only giving this store a 1 star because it is the lowest rating I can give them. I bought a gift card online for a friends birthday and used the option to leave in store for pick up. When my friend tried to use get the card a few weeks later, she was told there was no card. I called to clear up the mistake and when I gave the guy who answered the phone the order confirmation number he said "Oh, I guess you cant make that number up. Ill have someone look into it." The store then charged my credit card AGAIN and when my friend AGAIN called to try to get her gift card, she was told there was nothing there. Then trying to get the money credited back to my account was another nightmare. I was actually asked if I wanted a refund or if I just wanted them to mail the 2 gift cards. What a mess! Will never shop here again.

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Phil Jansen

Chainwheel is top notch, though they sell a limited selection of brands on high ticket items, their knowledge and mechanic shop make up for any shortcoming there if you know what you want. Dont ever expect to be ignored of you have a problem on your bike that needs solved, they can and will get your butt pedaling in no time. In my experience, the best "service" cycling store in all of Pinellas, not ignoring the Conservatory in Dunedin who are also very talented in their own way. Oh, and if youre getting four flat tires the problem is not with the stores product, its your POS bike. Dont come on here and give them one star ratings cause you cant a maintain wheel and find out why it keeps going flat, I suppose you didnt even let them look at your wheel cause if they did they would tell you what is really causing the punctures.

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A Private User

I agree with Mulls review below. I took my daughters Schwinn bike in for an emergency fix and safety "look-over". (The bike had locked up weirdly and sent my daughter over the handlebars.) Even though her bike wasnt a brand they carry, I was greeted with total professionalism and help in everything - even from the moment I pulled in the parking lot (with help from Rob to get the bike in and out of my car!) Jay was the mechanic who did a thorough diagnosis, and fixed her bike while I waited (I had thought I was going to have to leave it overnight), and charged me such a fair and low price I could hardly believe it. He was great! Now I have a happy daughter and a like-new bike, thanks to Jay at Chainwheel. I would totally recommend their service to anyone. Very nice employees, accurate mechanics, and HONEST.

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Amy Douglas

We had a perfect experience here. From the moment we walked through the door we were greeted with warm smiles and a helpful attitude. The entire staff made us feel valued . The service department was quick and efficient and explained everything thoroughly. Ian in sales was amazing he answered all of our questions and got my daughter into a bike that was perfect for her. He treated my daughter with respect and was surprisingly really good with her. She was allowed to test drive her bike before we bought it and he even gave her pointers on how to ride. The prices were more than fair and our purchase came with a great service plan so I have piece of mind that we will be taken care of even after we walked out the door. I would highly recommend anyone who has a bike or who is looking for a new one to go here

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Dan Zadroga

If you live in the area and want to find a shop that will give attention to what you need in a new bicycle purchase, Chainwheel delivers. The repair staff, as well as sales staff, took time to listen to my needs and what I wanted out of a (fairly expensive) bicycle. They guided me toward a breed of bike that would suit my needs best and showed other options so I could make up my mind for myself. Never was anyone pushy on making a sale. Instead, they wanted to foster a long-term relation. When the bike order arrived they took the time to set the seat post and seat rail position so that the bicycle would work best for me and not lead to any stress injuries. Its their extra attention to detail that keeps my faith in the brick-and-mortar stores that support service after the sale.

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VI

Victoria Crocker

I went to Chainwheel Drive to get a touring bike. I have been a very serious cyclist for years but because of a neck injury, I cant ride my road bike. So I havent been riding for the past 6 years and miss it everyday. Finally I decided to look at bikes that I could sit in a more upright position. I went to Chainwheel and Desiree helped me and she was just awesome! I was a little embarrassed to buy that type of bike but she made me feel like this bike was the coolest bike in the world. I have been riding everyday and having fun. Desiree was very knowledgeable about EVERY product in the store. I hope to get back to my Cannondale at some point but now I am riding and it is a blast. If you need a bike, go to Chainwheel and ask for Desiree.

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