Waldo Bikes

Category:	Bicycle Store
Address:	507 W 75th St, Kansas City, MO 64114, USA
Phone:	+1 816-333-6595
Site:	waldobikes.com
Rating:	3.2
Working:	11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM 10AM–5PM 12–3PM

Location

Photos 5

Reviews 7

Holly L

I would not recommend this store to anyone. I went in looking for used bikes and the older man working barely wanted to talk about bikes with me. He seemed more interested in asking me questions than letting me, the customer, ask questions. He asked creepy things like where I lived, where I worked, how old I was, if I went to college, what I do for work, what my political beliefs are, etc. Things that were completely unrelated to me inquiring about bikes. When he would finally talk about bikes, he put down everything I was interested in and pointed out several items in his store and referred to them as "horrible bikes." If theyre so horrible, why are you selling them?! It made no sense. After that, he continued to try to up sell me on bikes I had no interest in. He also kept referring to the bikes I was interested in as "old lady bikes" and told me is regret my purchase. I went in looking for comfort/commuter or hybrid bikes. Im going to have a less than 3 mile ride to work so I didnt need anything flashy or expensive. The whole experience was very unpleasant uncomfortable, and he was insulting and pushy. I purchased a nice used hybrid elsewhere and Id suggest you save your time by shopping someplace else. Family Bicycles is just a couple blocks away and they were very nice and helpful. If youre looking for a bike shop in that area, pay Family Bicycles a visit before you consider this place.

A Private User

Very mixed feelings on this place. I can see what other people say - that its a local place, that the owner (Dave) is very knowledgeable, just excuse that he can come off kind of abrasive - its just not the experience a person typically expects going into a locally-owned place. I walked in - it took about 10 minutes for someone to help me, and even then I had to stand at the counter and say "excuse me?" While helping you, at seemingly random moments, Dave will stop for a second to work on a bike or do something else - and youre not sure if hes forgotten youre standing there, or what the situation is. I went in looking for someone to give me an overview of bikes less than $1500, and provide a little education with the differences between different price breaks. Dave was more interested in telling me which bike I should get, and when I asked for an explanation simply said "better parts, more money." I will say, after looking around on-line, it does appear the bike he was promoting was a good bike, for a good price - but he very much expected me to blindly trust him and make the purchase. Im not sure if Ill go back to buy a bike or not. He has been in the business so long, I think he forgets what its like to be new, and to need a general overview before laying down $1000 or more.

Loren Thalacker

If you want someone to sweet talk you and tell you everything you know and have read on the internet is correct, you probably dont want to come here. If you want to buy a bike and get service from a knowledgeable person who has been working on bikes for 30+ years, this is probably your shop. Dont expect a rushed experience with someone who is begging for your service. Expect that this might take a second, but when you walk out, you will have a product that will work well for many years to come, and that can be serviced by someone knowledgeable. I came in looking for a tune-up on a 25 year old road bike, and I was very impressed with the Daves knowledge. He didnt push anything I didnt need, and explained to me the parts he would be replacing, and why he would be doing that. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience that felt genuine. I would rather talk to someone who knows their stuff, and isnt trying pull any baloney on me, over a phony salesman any day.

A Private User

Went to Waldo Bikes to pick up a freewheel for a bike I was restoring. The price was reasonable, and it was the only bike shop in the entire KC area I could find that had what I was looking for. That being said, the customer service was terrible. I was ignored for the first few minutes as I stood at the counter and watched an employee work on a bike. He eventually walked over, rang me up for the freewheel, and proceeded to insist that I would need something "better" than the product I was buying, and that I needed several more tools and parts to finish the job. When I explained that I had already owned the additional parts and tools he was trying to sell me, he told me the ones I had werent good enough. I asked what the differences were (honestly wanting to know), and he just laughed and returned to his work. If youre looking for helpful advice and friendly customer service, avoid Waldo Bikes.

Sean VanRiette

I stopped in to this local shop looking for answers to my questions about moving from a 20 year old mountain bike to a cyclocross bike. Even though i was the only customer in the store the owner Dave acted like i was interrupting something more important. He immediately steered me away from cyclocross bikes and literally called the owners of these bikes "jerks and high maintenance". Dave seems very knowledgeable...just not customer-service oriented. If you want a Raleigh bike for a decent price Im sure you can find one there. I left this shop and crossed Wornall to another local shop and had the complete opposite experience. Theresa was friendly and helpful. She answered all my questions about cyclocross bikes and asked about my riding experience/interests/etc. I plan to return to her store for service, parts and more once i make my decision on a bike.

A Private User

I have lived in Waldo my entire life. I first went to Waldo bikes when I attended the grade school down the street. In the 17 years I have been to this shop the owner Dave has, in one way or another, been a douche. His way of doing business is one of the most bizarre, ineffective methods Ive seen. Basically...he treats would-be customers like crap. I know this first hand because I have been coming back intermittently over the past 17 years. Still not sure if he remembers me, but he certainly treats me just the same. I wont name drop any other shops around town, as some others seem to believe the poor reviews are from competitors. Yet, you dont see any other local shops with extreme reviews like Waldos. The only problem with this shop is the owner, everything else about it is unique and it stands as a landmark in the Waldo neighborhood.

A Private User

*HONEST* Been going to this store for over 12 or 15 years -- Dave is his name and I have bought two bikes and countless supplies from him. His prices are good and the work is very good. He tells you *exactly* what he thinks!! -- He is honest in his opinion!! He has strong opinions. And I can see where some people would call him "sour". Sometimes I agree with him myself, sometimes I dont - I just smile and nod and never feel pressured . He really is a neighborhood character but he is *HONEST* and I like that! Some people will appreciate his unpolished honesty. Some people wont. The people that go out of their way to write a review I am guessing are they people that are taken aback by it. Thats too bad, but if you can appreciate the character that he is, then you will find it a great bike shop and a guy that knows what hes doing.