Bike World at 281

Reviews 4

JO

jose ozuna

I havent purchased a bike here or made any significant purchases. I have only gotten service, and it was excellent. Staff is knowledgeable and polite. There is one guy, I dont recall his name, who is extremely knowledgeable. He was a thinner guy, and had longer hair if I recall correctly. Really good guy--look out for him if you need service. Its important to note that a good bike shop, in my experience, is extremely rare in this city. I ride very often, road and mountain, and constantly need things, but wont step foot in Planet Bike, even though it is only a five minute trip. I used to go there because it was so close, and found that Id always leave extremely annoyed. Staff is rude, and even the simplest question turns into an awkward and annoying discussion. I also tried Bicycle Heaven, and ended up spending money on something I didnt need, and was without my bike for a month--and got it back without repair--because a salesman didnt bother to listen to enough to what I was telling him, or to look at my bike when I briought it in, and ordered the wrong part. I had a much better experience on a second visit, but that time I went in for something simple. Ultimately, I go off on this tangent because praise for this bike shop is better in context. Its one thing if this bike shop was merely good, but it is not only that. It is good in a city where it is hard to find a proper bike shop, and nothing is more frustrating than dealing with bad service at bike shops. I should also note that this place isnt close to where I live. It takes me a good half hour to make it there, door to door, but I wont go anywhere else. Lastly, I browse their bikes every time Im in here, and can see myself purchasing something from them at some point. Maybe a Surly... they pretty sweet Surly bicycles, and Ive always wanted one.

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BR

Bryan W

I am in the military stationed in Okinawa. Ive always had and loved riding a bike, but my favorite one was stolen 10 years ago. Since then, Ive lived with poorly-fitting hand-me downs and bought one new, expensive Trek that I didnt find out until riding it for a long time just didnt feel right. In Okinawa, the bike shops have a poor selection and wont help you pick the right size. And shipping a bike by Fed Ex or UPS overseas from the US costs thousands of dollars. I was in San Antonio for one week and needed a bike shop that could help me pick the right size frame, customize it (because Im particular), and ship a bike in pieces via USPS to my military address. All the staff at Bike World were enthused to help me out, and expert in their knowledge. They checked my riding position by riding along side me and gave me great advice; they put together a totally unassembled bike just so I could test ride a different size frame. And they helped me with suggestions and total flexibility to select a range of upgrades, like my awesome Whisky Parts carbon fork (I dont like shocks), upgraded components, and custom-selected saddle, pedals, grips, and wheels. Then, after I had to leave for Japan, they ordered a new frame to put everything on, assembled the bike to make sure everything fit, then disassembled it so it would meet shipping dimension requirements, and made two special trips to the local post office to ship it via USPS (not their normal method). I have ridden my new bike all over Okinawa and absolutely love it. This is the kind of bike shop that the rich and famous would want to go to. Its been my dream for 10 years to finally get a bike that fits me and is everything I want, and they made it happen. I dont think anyone else could have. Thank you everyone at Bike World for making it possible!!

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A

A Private User

Beautiful shop. Customer service was lacking. But there did appear to be plenty of free elitist cyclist attitude to go around. Went in for shoes about an hour after opening. Plenty of employees around and I was one of 2 customers inside shop. No one looked at me, asked if I needed help, or even acknowledged my presence. Found the shoes I wanted, and had to ask for help. Employee found them, made fun of my feet being too big for my height. Now granted, I am the type of person who can laugh at himself and you can make fun of someone in a funny way or a mean way. This employee chose the latter. At this point I was ready to walk, but the sale price was too good, and I do have big feet so hard to find my size elsewhere, so I decided to buy. He took the shoes to the shop area to remove the rubber parts that allow me to install cleats, and then hung out, chatting with the other employees in the shop area. I am standing right there in plain sight of him and the other employees, again, no one acknowledges me (cmon basic customer service people) and the employee who is supposed to be helping me now seems more interested in their little conversation about nothing. Finally I get to pay for my shoes, and I ask if the shop has any rides or if they know of any good routes in the area. His answer: "Check online or something. Theres this one ride I do, but I dont think you could do it." Ooookay. Ive only been riding for years, but whatever. I decided to leave it at that, take my shoes and spend my money elsewhere from now on. I may be willing to give it a shot in the future, but for now... BLACKLISTED.

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RY

Ryan Hughes

First off, I have worked in sales a combined 15 years in both retail & corporate environments. Therefore, I tend to be highly critical anytime I have a poor purchase experience which sadly is often. However, after deciding to visit Bike World at 281, I was pleasantly surprised. I had the good fortune of being greeted and assisted by Anissa Avalos. Not only did Anissa promptly greet me as I was browsing, she was genuine in her desire to help. After spending some time sizing me and having me test ride the bike for some time to ensure it was a good fit, I made my purchase right then and there. Usually I will shop a few places as most consumers do. However in this case, I was so incredibly pleased with the genuine and consultative approach Anissa took when assisting me, I knew there was no need to. Not once did she try to sell me anything I did not need nor did she apply any pressure when I was making me decision. As a sales professional, I cannot stress enough how important her approach is in any customer facing role. As a result of how Anissa treated me and her approach to helping me pick the right bike, I will buy from her and only her for any of my bike needs moving forward. Thank you Anissa for performing in a manner of true integrity and excellent, client focused service. You have an incredible career ahead of you and thank you again for an amazing bike purchase experience. -Ryan

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