Cycle Craft Parsippany

Reviews 3

JA

jay almour

In 2007 I purchased a high end road bike on line which was built to my specifications. The little beauty arrived and I cannot remember being more pleased. It was a work of art and light as a feather. Imagine my shock when, after clipping in and riding for a few hundred yards, I felt so unstable and out of control that I was absolutely terrified to ride the thing any further. I put it back in the house and came to the one conclusion that any intelligent person could be expected to infer; I was an over the hill incompetent who should not be permitted to ride a proper bicycle. For the next 6 years, the beauty sat in my basement. I eyed the little guy occasionally, rode it on an indoor stand and two or three times outside, but I continued to quake at the thought of using it on a regular basis. This year I decided that I was going to force feed myself on the thing, but the seat was about 5” above the handlebars, the handlebars were in an odd position and, try as I might, the 40 or so miles that I logged were pure panic. Enter Mike from Cycle Craft. I had brought the bike in for an adjustment to the computer (in case I ever learned how to ride) and I mentioned my problem to Mike. He suggested an analysis and fitting in order to either adjust the bike or confirm that it was the wrong unit for me. The cost was to be $175.00. I thought about that for a minute and decided that, considering my present investment in the thing, $175.00 would probably be insignificant compared to trading my white elephant for something else. Furthermore, if we couldn’t make the bike work, at least I would know what to purchase. One and a half hours later, Mike had a list of measurements and All I needed was a seat adjustment, an angled extender for my handlebars and careful attention to the exact dimensions of the setup. I must admit that I was seeing a new bike and about $4,000.00 in my future. The part had to be ordered, so I left the bike and returned three days later to find that my total bill was only $45.00, but I could see hardly any difference in the appearance of my bike. I took it home and stared at it for a while assuming that this was but the first step in what was to become a lengthy pilgramage. Was I ever wrong! In my life, no matter what sport or equipment was involved, I have never seen such a miraculous change in the performance of a piece of equipment. Those minor adjustments turned my unstable bike into the most comfortable, beautifully performing machine I have ever ridden. I love it! I get on and I just do not want to get off. I cannot thank you enough for giving me back the joy of riding my bicycle. That is, without any doubt, the best use of $175.00 I can ever remember (Restaurants and bars not included)(just kidding). Thank you, Jay Almour

WA

Wayne B

I stumbled on this store several years ago, but it seemed quite pricey to me, so I had never purchased anything from them, until last year, when I went in to look around, and was greeted by the friendliest, and most knowledgable staff. I ended up buying new shoes, pedals and a jersey from them, at various times throughout last season. As a result, of the good vibe, when it came time for a new bike purchase this year (no, I didnt really need a new bike, but then Im sure you know what its like when the urge bites you), I of course went to their showroom first and was greeted warmly by Mike who answered all of my questions, without any pressure to buy. I then went to several other shops to compare prices, inventory, different brands, etc. I had various experiences at the other shops, ranging from adequate to wonderful. But when I went back to Cycle Craft, the customer service that I received from Brendon (owner) was beyond exceptional, not only does his enthusiasm for bicycling show, his knowledge of the equipment that he both sells, as well as equipment that he does not is beyond reproach. His knowledge of the market is very impressive and encompassing. He too put up with my barrage of questions and stories not even related to bicycling. He answered all of my questions honestly, even when it may have meant losing a sale. When I thought that I would be interested in a bike that was not in the stores inventory, he had one delivered the following day. When I went back to see and test ride the bike, Brendon let me take it for a test ride, which of course is par for the course when purchasing a new bicycle, but at the other shops that I went to, they would let me test ride in the parking lot, or perhaps on a small 1 mile loop. He basically told me to take the bike for as long as I need to truly get a feel for it, and even put pedals on that matched my shoes, where as the other stores I went to only used flats for test rides. Needless to say (Ill say it anyway). I did indeed purchase a new Cannonade Synapse Carbon bike from Cycle Craft. I see that some of the other reviews here complain about prices being high, and service being poor, This has not been my experience at Cycle Craft. Perhaps the people that had bad experiences went at the height of season, when all bike shops are backed up, or were there before this management was in place. No, this was not a paid endorsement, actually I never write reviews, but I left the shop feeling good about the whole transaction, something which is a rarity these days retail.

A

A Private User

When I walked in to the store I was struck by their selection. You can find a lot of things there. I was met by a very friendly woman who talked with me about purchasing a bike. I had wanted to try both a carbon Canondale and a Trek to compare them. She assured me that both bikes were available however not at the store at THAT time. So we agreed that I would come back on a specific day and both bikes would be available for me to test. She said "I wont be here that day so talk to ___", he will know whats going on. I called 3 days before and spoke to the store to remind them about my appointment. I called the day before and also asked "do I need to bring anything as I ride clipless?" - they asked what type of clip (Look) they said no problem - bring your shoes. I called the day of my appointment and they said they were ready for me! So I get there and only one of the bikes if available. I was told the Trek I wanted to ride was not at that store, oh and we dont have Look pedals for you to use. The sales person suggested maybe we can take the pedals off of one of the employees bikes? I passed on that. Then I took the Canondale out for a ride. It was shifting terribly, so bad that I turned around and brought it back in. The salesman told me "yeah, I noticed that..." He did not offer to fix it. So to sum it up - I am spending about $2,000 each for a new bike for me and one for my wife, no pedals, no bike and then they sent me out on a bike not set up...no sale. As a post note: I bought 2 carbon Treks and a Thule roof rack from another store (located in Lincoln Park). Then my eldest daughter starting riding with us and she bought a Trek from the LP store and then my youngest daughter bought a new road bike from them this year. - We all now ride together. 4 bikes....true story