A1 Cyclery

Reviews 4

CH

Chris Woods

I am not knowledgeable in bikes, but I am more than proficient in business practices and sales. Im going to highlight everything that went wrong with my interaction and point out all of your missed opportunities. I literally came into the store ready to throw money around and I left with a pair of gloves and a feeling of inadequacy. My bike frame was completely bent from an accident and my front wheel seemed pretty messed up. I called A1 to see if they would take a quick look, but the mans delivery and tone sounded like "this isnt a charity, leave the bike with us or dont waste my time" The thing is, I had ordered a new frame and I was wanting to just transfer all the parts. But there was another reason I was there: I had 2 grand saved up and I was ready to pull the trigger on a new bike. My single speed was just for fun: I needed a real bike to celebrate my 1 year graduation and also because I regularly commute to work: I need gears! The man I dealt with was an older gentleman with hair starting to silver and a goatee. His demeanor was standoffish and I didnt really feel a welcoming vibe. He took the bike, spun the wheel a few times, and told me its got a little wobble but "nothing that cant be adjusted." That was missed opportunity number one. "Nothing that cant be adjusted" by whom? By me? By another bike shop? Follow up. "Did you want to leave your bike with us? We could true up your wheel so that its ready to go when you get your frame." I would have said yes right then and there. In fact, not only would i have said yes, but I would have returned with the frame I purchased and I would now trust you with building up my new bike. Repeat business opportunity lost. I was now left standing there. I decided to talk about how I was getting ready to try and commute throughout the winter, and how I needed some gloves. I asked him about any recommendations he might have. He showed me the different gloves, but didnt really point out any advantages or disadvantages or what was popular. The whole interaction could be summed up with "Gloves are gloves. which gloves do you want and make sure they fit." I then asked about his opinion on what kind of tires I should get for a winter commute. I also asked if he had heard about studded tires and what he thought of them. He replied he doesnt really know much about studded tires and doesnt have experience with them. No worries, you cant know everything. But that was that. He never told me about different tire sizes, what would be best for commuting in winter weather, etc. No follow up. You threw away an opportunity to show me you have knowledge and passion for your product and your profession, and you also boarded up an excellent window to make a sale. At that point I didnt really feel the warm welcome, and were only talking about gloves. I didnt even want to bring up purchasing a bike at that point. So: Key points here 1. You have a brand new customer in a completely baron and empty store. 2 New biker that is extremely passionate. 3. Ready to spend money! and you: 1. Immediately gave an unwelcoming vibe from the start. 2. Made me feel inadequate 3. Didnt open up any opportunities to make money off of me "How long have you been riding?" - this question lets you gauge my knowledge and also lets me feel like youre showing interest in me. It creates comfort, and comfy people spend money. "So you commute to work? How far? On a single speed? Ever thought about getting a bike with gears?" Why yes, I was thinking about that. Bingo, youre in. Dont just clerk bikes. Some people walk into the shop and tell you they want to buy, thats easy money. But if you want to double your profits youre going to have to sell to the ones that have different needs. You cant tell whos thinking about buying a bike and whos not, thats why you have to ask. New bikers like me want a place to call home. They want to talk about bikes with fellows that share their passion. All I wanted was a go-to spot for all of my biking needs and with that one interaction you threw it away.

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A Private User

My wife and I have have jumped into cycling over the past year and with the help of Chris and others at A-1 it has been a breeze. I have been working on a small project bike for my wife, and ran into some things where I thought "I dont really feel comfortable, and I dont want to buy another ***** tool". I asked Chris (over twitter) if they could finish the job, his reply; "no problem". I dropped it off saturday, and today (tuesday) its done, and beautiful. The money made off of this job was minimal in my opinion, but as always, the work was done with pride and skill. From the first time I walked in the door it felt like Chris, and the employees there were old pals. When I initially dropped the bike off, I was handed the repair ticket and noticed my full name was on it (I hadnt given it). I noticed one comment below about rude service. I think they may be inadvertently taken a dry sense of humor for arrogance. Lets be honest, theres something inherently wrong in the mind of a man who decides to own and operate a bike shop :), fortunately most people I spend time with regularly are equally disturbed. All the bikes Ive brought to them are broken down old beaters, and hes yet to hold it against me (out loud at least).

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A Private User

I took my bike in to A1 over the summer to get my shifter fixed. Dropped it by on a Friday and was told that I should have it back by the following Wednesday. Tuesday morning I received a call reporting bad news: the shifter was worn out and beyond repair and on top of that they are also no longer manufactured. I was also subsequently notified of numerous other problems and that the total cost to make my bike ride-able again would be "might as well get a new bike". Of course they gave me theyre pricing options... I agree with Lo - they were generally rude and condescending to me in person. As for other comments praising their customer service... of course theyre going to be nice to you if you go in with a pocketful of cash to spend! Unfortunately thats how retail works. Long story short, I took my bike back and ended up getting the shifter they said was irreparable fixed by Chad up at Performance Bike on the northeast side. He is a wonderfully skilled mechanic (apparently) or perhaps hes just a bit more patient. Saved me a s***load of money. Will never go to A1 again, nor would I ever recommend them to any of my cycling friends.

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Kiel Perry

Outfrikkinstanding customer service!! Prior to my purchasing experience, I had visited this bike shop numerous times to browse and ask questions. Each time, my questions were answered in detail, and with no pressure to buy. After doing some more research and comparison shopping, I returned to purchase the items that I knew I would need in order to begin bike commuting to work. During that visit, the staff on many occasions recommended products that were cheaper than the ones I had in mind, and that would service me just as well. I left completely satisfied, and confident in the fact that I would be much safer on the road. They cost a little more than a Dicks or other chain store, but their products are better, and they take the time to make sure that youre getting exactly what you need. Awesome experience!

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