Community Bike Supply

Reviews 7

GR

Grant Beyer

Price and everything aside I just received poor and unethical service. Long story short, I got charged for additional items without consultation first, and then the subsequent work done needed to be fixed after pick-up. I was replacing my derailleur cables when I decided I needed new housing, and didnt have the right cutters for cable housing, so I decided to take it in to Community Bike Supply. I also decided to get a shorter stem and new rear brake pads while I was at it, and just let them install them. Guy behind the counter looked at my bike, grabbed a stem, I liked the length so said sure. Said if anything else pops up while servicing my bike to call me (thats why they ask for a cell phone #, right?) so I could discuss pricing and if I just want them to do it. Go to pick up my bike, see "handlebar shims $10" and "Cables $6". Now I know my cables were brand new, maybe a little frayed at the end but plenty of length to cut that off, so Im not sure why they added the cables but I wasnt going to fight. I asked about the shims and the service rep says "Oh yeah the one you picked out wasnt the right diameter for the handlebars so we had to add some shims." I informed her I did not pick it out, her salesperson did, she said "Well the shop was going to put a longer one but I remembered you said you wanted shorter so thats why we added the shims. Take a look at it." Bike is wheeled out, immediately notice that they didnt even line up the stem in the center of the handlebar, it was off to the left by over a centimeter. I mentioned it to the shop guy and he seemed surprised, but at this point with the added hidden costs and clear incompetence I just wanted to leave before making a scene. If you dont have the right parts, call me. Dont assume you can switch to a longer stem, or just throw some shims on and charge someone for it and assume its okay. Hell, I went for a cheap stem just because this is my city commuter but had they called and said "Hey the only stem we have in stock is a Thomson Elite, or we can order you the right part, what do you want to do?" I probably would have just gone with the Thomson, so its not the cost issue but the lack of disclosure. And after all of that, just line the handlebars up correctly, thats why handlebars have lines to help you do so!

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SA

Sasha Proshina

Absolute FRAUD! I brought my bike there to replace stolen wheels and seat. When I came back to pick it up, I was told that they "disposed" of it and sold it to someone. Nobody from the shop ever attempted to contact me (they had my phone number and my address). My bike was there for three months (I was traveling and couldnt pick it up). When I addressed my questions to owners, I was told that I should go to small claims court! Eventually, after hours of deliberation and phone calls and their attempts to burry the issue, I paid for repairs and storage fee and got my bike back. Overall, the whole situation plus horrible customer service, I feel cheated out of months of not being able to use my bike, a lot of money, and disgusted feeling that neighborhood shop fell so low and was so combative. Please beware and spread the word. I also thought that South End shop would be civilized and reliable place that cares and nice to its customers but apparently "third world bandit" way of doing business can be found even here.

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RE

Reinhard Schaler

Really bad, unhelpful and totally overpriced, arrogant service. I arrived in Boston last Thursday for a charity ride over the weekend. I went into the shop to ask could they box my bike for my return flight. They said yes, and it would cost $45. When I came in yesterday and asked could they do it, I was told by the same guy I had talked to just a few days previously that they could box it, but it would take up to three days (!) as they were very busy. When I explained that I was leaving that night he said I could go and talk to the mechanics who might be able to do it for double the price. - To put it into perspective: it probably takes 5 minutes for an experienced mechanic to box a bike, and in Dublin, Ireland, it was done for me at no cost, using one of the many spare boxes every bike shop has lying around and actually wants to get rid of. Are they for real???

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JA

Jay Ouellette

Usually a die hard Amazon guy. Gotta say, here I had a great experience, I really did. Bought a great Specialized Sirrus Comp Carbon and a rack and bags. Bike is sick, I cant recommend it enough. Prices are a little high, but the service and knowledge are totally worth it. Besides, its downtown Boston, what do you expect? Of course amazon was going to be cheaper, but I wouldnt have known about the bike I bought without talking to the guys there, and the differences in options through the various models. Im a research kinda guy, and the information on the web was all over the place. When I got it, it was so nice I couldnt believe it. I delt with Brian, and he was awesome. Thanks guys. See you for my new bike adjustment/tuneup next month (wouldnt get that on amazon either).

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KE

Kevin Roelofs

I did not purchase a bike here, but I would definitely in the future due to the excellent service. When my friend puctured a tire on a ride, we stopped by the store. The repaired his flat in 30 min for reasonable price. My month old bike had some issues, and I got a free diagnosis of what was wrong (alot) and actually some service on the bike FOR FREE! The guy was very knowledgable, and let me watch what he was doing. He showed me what to point out to the people from the store I had purchased my bike, and fixed what was easy on the spot (adjusting brakes, shortening brake lines). Incredible service, the best I have ever seen, FOR FREE, because they CARE. 6 Stars.

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MA

Matthew Calvey

Overpriced and dangerous location to bike to. Small and weak selection of bicycles. Also the staff has a condescending and terrible attitude. They purchased Cannondales inventory (who had a great selection of bikes and excellent customer service) so I thought I would take my business there. The second I go to ask a question about Cannondale bikes the employee rolled his eyes and said that they "bought their bikes not their problems". So instead of acting like a good representative and gaining a new customer, he basically called me a problem. A better choice and safer bike ride would be Community Bike Supply located at 496 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

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DI

Dik van Bommel

Absolutely amazing experience. Very helpful and friendly people. We rented the bikes for two days, decided to stay a day longer because the second day was a rainy one. We went to the shop and asked for an extra day, “no problem sir, lets forget this rainy day and no extra pay”. Next day we arrived too late, I phoned the shop and they told me that that was no problem, someone would wait for us, as they did.... and no extra pay. So we decided to stay (paid) another day in beautiful Boston, bought some muffins for the crew and had an amazing stay in that beautiful city. Thanks guys, you helped us enjoying it! Dik and Ciska, Holland

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