Gear West Bike and Triathlon
| Category: | Bicycle Repair Shop |
| Address: | 1786 Wayzata Blvd, Long Lake, MN 55356, USA |
| Phone: | +1 952-473-0093 |
| Site: | gearwestbike.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 10AM–2PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–5PM 12–4PM |
Location
Photos 1
Reviews 5
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P McCarty
Run, dont walk out to Gear West Bike and Tri - youll probably ride back home! Gear West Bike and Tri is as good as it gets. Simple as that. Some years ago - frustrated with some less - than - satisfying experiences - I was looking for a bike and tri shop where I could find unassuming, friendly folks (and avoid the local bike shop snob factor that seems to exist some places) who had a laid back approach (sell me what I need, not what you need to clear out of inventory!), really know their stuff and who would be dependable when it came to servicing my equipment. I found all four at Gear West. Whether you are a newbie or an Olympian (and you just might actually be shopping next to one when youre in the store) the staff are as friendly as they come - despite the fact that the staff includes amateur elites and pros. The staff really tries to get to know you and your cycling / triathlon goals and steers you towards the level of equipment that will help you achieve those goals - whether they include taking part in the Saturday morning group ride, racing off-road single track, hammering crits, finishing a local sprint tri or qualifying for Kona - and they know what it takes to accomplish those goals because they have "been there, done that". Regarding service, whenever Ive needed a last minute tweak to my bike, they have managed to get it done - and done right - before race day. The passion these guys and gals have for cycling and triathlon is impressive - what other LBS actually took a group to the wind tunnel at MIT to analyze drag coefficients for different water bottle positions a bike frame? If you have adopted a torpedo, between - the - bar position for your water bottle, these folks are the reason why. Bottom line - Gear West Bike and Tri has the best equipment around, develops relationships with customers based on making cycling and triathlon fun, offers an unparalleled knowledge base and in my experience does the right thing for the customer every time
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Heather Lendway
After my first season of triathlon I was hooked, so over the winter months I was slowly upgrading my bike and gear to help me perform better and to get more comfortable on the bike. I had purchased a new seat at Gear West Bike and Tri, took it home and rode on it for about a week. It definitely was a better seat than what I had, but something still was off. I took the seat and my bike back out to Gear West where they were able to set my bike up on the trainer and swap seats in and out for me to try. They were incredibly patient with me needing to try the same seats multiple times because they wanted to be sure I was going to go home with the right product. When I did finally decide which seat was right for me(not the one I had taken home for a week) they helped me make some small adjustments to ensure I had a good fit with my bike seat. On another occasion I was shopping for a tri suit, I wasnt sure how comfortable I would be in a traditional tri suit. The staff was there to help show me all the options and some alternatives. I never thought I would be comfortable in a tri suit but they helped me find something that I really love to wear and I feel incredibly comfortable in it. Its great to know that the staff at Gear West really cares to help you figure out what will work best for you because its definitely not the same for everyone. Not only are they knowledgeable cycling, they are knowledgeable about the sport of triathlon which can be hard to find in a bike shop. After all my trips to Gear West and seeing the mechanics out at just about every race Ive done, I can see the staff is like a family and they are passionate about what they do. It makes me happy to shop at a place where I trust the staff and a place that gives so much back to the triathlon community that is now a big part of my life.
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Phillip Falkner
My wife and I have been GearWest Bike and Tri customers since we moved to Minnesota 10 years ago. We started competing in triathlons when we moved here and quickly realized to be competive meant having the right equipment. Our first stop was Gear West Bike and Tri and we have never left. They have all your needs covered from bikes, race gear, wet suits, nutrition and everything in-between. Each time we purchased new bikes, we have returned to Gear West Bikes. I know I can trust owner Kevin Oconnors recommendations and if I have any issue they will get resolved without any questions. My first tri bike had some frame issues right before my first IM. Kevin called the manufacturer and had a new one overnighted. The staff worked late into the evening to build the bike up and test in time for my departure to the race the next morning. It is that level of customer service and dedication that has endeared us to this great team and shop. Like Kevin, the staff is extremely knowledgable and active in the racing community. They are passionate about what they do and the triathlon community. No other bike shop in the area gives more back to the tri community than Gear West Bike. It shows on race day when you see them bright and early providing last minute bike maintenance to cooking hotdogs for us all after the race. If you are looking for great service, dedication and a one stop shop then Gear West Bike and Tri is where you need to go.
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David Schutz
Gear West Bike & Triathlon is a lot more than a retailer. They are the epicenter for the Minnesota triathlon community. They helped build the community by supporting grass-roots events and athletes well over a decade ago and continue to do the same today. They have an incredibly knowledgeable staff that is more intent on guiding you toward the right solution than making a quick sale. On more than one occasion I’ve walked in their shop expecting to buy something, only to be told that I may not even need the product – that my current equipment might better serve me or that the investment might be better placed in something else. As a race director for one of the premier events in the region, Gear West has been the best partner you cold hope for. They invest both money (by donating things like swim caps and bib numbers) and time (by showing up early and staying late to wrench the bikes and fix the flats of our participants). A lot of events – including ours – wouldn’t be possible without that kind of support. There’s a reason these guys continue to be ranked and voted as one of the top retailers in the country. There’s simply no shop like them for hundreds of miles. They believe in the product they carry and it’s based on years of dealing with every brand in the industry, understanding what works and what doesn’t, what’s real and what’s fluff. They are, quite simply, the best. Make the drive out to Long Lake and discover why.
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Sue Rubens
Gear West Bike & Triathlon in Long Lake, MN is the best triathlon and bike store I have ever been to. Truly a one-stop store that has everything from the latest high-tech apparel, gear, and bikes for every price range. I started triathlons as an uninformed newbie in 2003 and have since qualified for the Ironman World Championships 3 times. In that span, Gear West Bike & Triathlon has been my number one resource regarding equipment decisions, race information and having my bikes serviced. Why is Gear West Bike the best? It starts with the owner Kevin O’Connor and runs through the dedicated and loyal staff. From the front-end staff to the mechanics, everyone representing Gear West Bike & Triathlon is friendly, knowledgeable and truly wants you to be empowered with information to make the best purchasing decisions. From advice on wetsuits to getting the correct fit on the bike, Kevin and his staff have the training and expertise that is unmatched. Gear West Bike & Triathlon provides exceptional service, selection/knowledge of products, trusted mechanics and genuinely cares if my needs have been met – which are my key criteria when choosing where to spend what can be a significant investment. There is not another bike or triathlon store I have ever been to who are as passionate about triathlon and helping athletes compete at every level as Gear West Bike & Triathlon is.