How many people shop there (or have shopped there in the past)? I went in there for the first time today to get my wheels trued and I thought there was both good and bad about it.
Good:
-Selection of bikes. The square footage of the retail space was at least 50% bikes. Maybe a good place to shop if you're in the market for a new bike...if you just want some replacement parts then keep on reading.
-Clean and well lit. This may not be a big deal to some, but the closest shop to me before I moved was dingy and poorly lit place that was not very welcoming (run by a guy how didn't like riding bikes).
-Customer Serice. In the time I was there (less than 45 minutes) I was asked if I needed any help by two seperate people. Both of the people were friendly and able to answer any questions that I had.
-Bike service pricing. I thought it was fair. $20 to true a wheel. $80 for a complete tune-up.
The bad:
-Do they carry anything besides Specialized? From the bikes to the shoes there was *a lot* of just that brand. Oh, there was also Fox but that is about 90% of it.
-I got the feeling from the place they were a little anti-DIY. Both Performance and REI have a lot more of the DIY parts (brake cables, shifter cables, grease, blinkies, etc, etc) than SCC.
-Non-competative pricing. The prices were more than Performance on most things but about par with REI (at least I can get a dividend credit with REI).
-If a person had a shop apron on, they acted like a punk. I've found this at other bike shops as well; kinda weird if you ask me. One employee snatched a work slip away from me while I was still writing on it and had a real nice "@#$% you" attitude.
A couple of the "bad" may be due to the fact that they have been open for about a year; maybe a little less. They may not have the need or the want to sell/display a lot of I also may not be their target demographic because they were displaying a lot of higher end bikes with pricetags that were double or triple that of the most expensive bikes at REI or Performance.
Mr. Beanz
05-25-07, 03:46 AM
Too expensive for my blood! I walk in, look at the bikes, then leave before they arrest me!:D
They were friendly when I went in for a look. I'm a clyde so I get lots of attitude from most shops. I guess I don't fit the rider mold. I went into 2 Wheeler Dealer in Brea. I was the only one in there for 15 minutes. The old guy never even said hello or can I help you! Neither did the other 2 guys that were there.
Everything was Specialized when I went into the shop. Maybe they are a Specialized concept store. I know Jax is a Trek concept store and everything was..............Trek!:D
Happytime
05-25-07, 05:28 AM
SCC is a Specialized Concept Store so that brand is what you're going to get, much like Cynergy Cycles of Santa Monica. List prices are pretty much determined by Specialized, who are very particular about where and how their products are sold and distributed. There is some wiggle-room regarding bike pricing, but sales on current-year parts and accessories are rare. That's pretty much standard for all their Concept Stores I've been to, and not just indicative of Surf City.
The difference in product and attitude between SCC and Performance/REI is like the difference between shopping at Nordstrom and Mervyn's. It's almost a "boutique" attitude. I admit that I look at some accessories at the SCC and then look for them later on eBay, but I try to support an LBS if internet price savings aren't significant.
Personally, I've never received anything but excellent service at SCC. As someone who is hard-to-fit in both clothing and bike fit, I was gratified to find an LBS that carried products I could use! Also, Specialized is among the best – if not THE best – and most proactive bike manufacturer when it comes to women's cycling needs, and I found that sentiment backed up by the assistance I received by Sean and TJ at SCC. They were awesome. I've been to too many LBSs where employees wouldn't give me the time of day because I didn't have a pair of stones. For that alone, SCC gets a big thumbs up from me.
Oh, and Sean showed me his road rash... and anyone who shows me road rash gets bonus points.
EDIT: And yes, SCC took a huge bite out of my checking account... it still stings! :o
Drew12
05-25-07, 07:02 AM
Recieved email " NO TAX THIS WEEKEND AT SCC". (MEMORIAL DAY W/E).
I've been there many times.
If your looking for a "deal" you need to ask, and they'll see what can be done. ( but yes they are a little
pricy).
Personally, they are among the best LBS i've shopped at. Performance just does not
come close...
Brought in mavic crossmax, they installed new bearings, pawls and had ready for me to ride 2 hours
after dropping it off... :D
two thumbs up from Drew!
N2GLOCK
05-25-07, 08:01 AM
The last bike purcahse I made was from there and it was a bike that was on sale. I live in Burbank and I drove all the way the heck out there to get it. I literally looked at 3 different stores that had the same bike on sale and they all wanted at least 500 dollars more than SCC. Sean over at SCC even switched the cranks out for me for a set that was a bit pricier than the one that was already on the bike, and when I went to pick the bike back up he decided to not even charge me. I find that there prices on other stuff are actually quite fair also.
octico
05-25-07, 08:56 AM
They are really good guys. Most of the guys I've know for a long time, they used to work at SuperGo Bikes. As matter of fact my friend is buying a StumperJumper Expert this weekend at the shop. She asked if they could hold it for her and they said "Yup no problem".
Neccros
05-25-07, 09:12 AM
Being a concept store requires them to carry 60% Specialized product, signage, etc to be considered one....
roadfix
05-25-07, 09:29 AM
Basically, if you're a DIY'er, these concept stores are not a place for you. But at least most should be able to order whatever you're looking for through the QBP catalogue. :)
Garfield Cat
05-25-07, 09:42 AM
At their Grand Opening last year, I was the one who won the Ridley frameset. Mostly on default because the caveat was that to claim prizes, one had to come back at 5 pm Saturday for the drawing.
I didn't get the build up from them. I went back to my fitter, Eileen Olson and Bill McPherson for the build up and fitting.
Best thing I like is when the Specialized tubes are on sale.
Sean was always good at Supergo and still is at SCC.
Neccros
05-25-07, 09:42 AM
Basically, if you're a DIY'er, these concept stores are not a place for you. But at least most should be able to order whatever you're looking for through the QBP catalogue. :)
Im a DIY'er and I stick to shops like The Path in Tustin.... TONS of parts(Roadie and mountain) although they are more Mountain oriented, they are also roadies.... also TONS of knowledge and access to alot of parts if they dont have them in stock
alfa63
05-25-07, 11:27 AM
...
-Customer Serice. In the time I was there (less than 45 minutes) I was asked if I needed any help by two seperate people. Both of the people were friendly and able to answer any questions that I had.
I can vouch for this.
Interesting to know about the Supergo personnel. That shop was over on Warner near Magnolia where Performance and Bicycle Discovery now exist. I was told (can't confirm though) that Performance bought Supergo.
Neccros
05-25-07, 11:48 AM
I can vouch for this.
Interesting to know about the Supergo personnel. That shop was over on Warner near Magnolia where Performance and Bicycle Discovery now exist. I was told (can't confirm though) that Performance bought Supergo.
Actually the parent company that bought Performance bought Supergo when they guy that owned it wanted to semi retire and not own it anymore, so he sold it but still worked at the company.
Eventually that company decided they didnt want two shops out there and made it one.... They also own one of the online stores as well... just not sure which one...
I recall when Supergo in Fountain Valley used to be 2 Wheel Transit Authority
thomson
05-25-07, 11:56 AM
Actually the parent company that bought Performance bought Supergo when they guy that owned it wanted to semi retire and not own it anymore, so he sold it but still worked at the company.
Eventually that company decided they didnt want two shops out there and made it one.... They also own one of the online stores as well... just not sure which one...
I recall when Supergo in Fountain Valley used to be 2 Wheel Transit Authority
Gary Snook started Performance in the early 80’s. In the late 90’s he received funding from Apax Partners and went and bought a bunch of LBS’s as well as Nashbar and SuperGo. There is no ‘parent’ of Performance per se, it is partly owned by a VC
cradduck
05-25-07, 02:27 PM
I am sure I will be looking them up when I feel like I need a new bike; they are a nice store without a doubt and have a lot going for them. They're shop service is fast, they called and said my wheels were done first thing this morning. REI across the street can be 48+ hours for the same service.
But even Nordstroms has items on sale and more than two or three brands to choose from. As nice of a store as it is and as cool as the people are that work there, I am not going to waste my time ordering from the QBP catalog when another store less than a mile away will have the item in stock.
I am all for a LBS that is not a huge chain store but I think there is something to be said for catering the people who are looking for something besides a new bike.
What does SCC get in return for being being a concept store?
BCIpam
05-25-07, 03:42 PM
Concept stores must unfortunately sell themselves to the Company - in otherwords Specialized actually owns the store and the "owner" becomes an employee. The Company guaranteeds certain benefits and discounts but if you can't move product, you risk losing your business.
Will be interesting to see how the concept stores for Trek and Specialize do in the next year or so. I suspect some of the stores (like Jax in Irvine) will be folding.
I have a good friend in Santa Maria who owns a fairly sucessful bike store and is one of the few that can still carry Trek and Specialized because he moves so much of each product. Both have pressured him to become the other's concept store but he refuses. Because he can move so much of each product the Companys have stopped pressuring him. Other shops aren't as lucky and take on the Concept challenge in order to get the product. Bottom line Trek and Specialize sell but I hate to see a bike store forced to give up some of the other smaller brands. I miss the old days when a neat little store offered service and good bikes for a fair price.
BCIpam
05-25-07, 03:50 PM
Also I understand the smaller shops can't compete on price with the super stores like Performance but I can't recall finding something in a Performance store I want to buy. Bikes definitely NO. Clothing - their prices are not competitive, the same as everywhere else and definitely not cheaper than the internet. Components - I can get better elsewhere. Service - sucks. It may be cheaper but it's not better.
Happytime
05-25-07, 04:03 PM
Bottom line Trek and Specialize sell but I hate to see a bike store forced to give up some of the other smaller brands. I miss the old days when a neat little store offered service and good bikes for a fair price.
I was in a small, higher-end LBS the other day (Look, Time, Merlin and Calfee) and inquired about components. When I told the guy I had a Specialized frame, he threw his hands up in the air and said exasperatedly, "Specialized! Specialized! Everyone wants Specialized!"
I felt bad for him because I admire his commitment to quality brands. But honestly, none of his bike brands cater to women as much as Specialized/Trek do. If they did, perhaps he could have sold me one.
WhiteCarbonDude
05-25-07, 05:01 PM
I am sure I will be looking them up when I feel like I need a new bike
If you are going to get a road bike look no further that Santiago Cycling in Tustin. I know what you're saying, that Robert guy is a -----. The first time I met him I got the same impression but after I got to know him, he is a real nice guy. I wish I had bought my bike from him instead of DIYing a bike together off ebay. If you buy a bike from him you will get the right size for one and two he will personally fit you. I know all bike shops "fit" you but usually it from a guy with little to no experience. Robert has owned his shop for 20+ years, this is an "old school" shop with no bells or whistles. No fancy "bike fit.com" equipment. Just real experience.
Robert built a set of wheels for Chuck Bramwell for PBP many moons ago and Chuck still rides on those same wheels today. If you ask Chuck he will tell you those wheels are "bomb proof". Robert is a pro wheel builder and expert bike fitter. If you have a wheel built or trued from him or buy a bike and get fitted you will not be disappointed. Just my two cents.
redal
05-25-07, 09:58 PM
I have a good friend in Santa Maria who owns a fairly sucessful bike store and is one of the few that can still carry Trek and Specialized because he moves so much of each product. Both have pressured him to become the other's concept store but he refuses. Because he can move so much of each product the Companys have stopped pressuring him. Other shops aren't as lucky and take on the Concept challenge in order to get the product. Bottom line Trek and Specialize sell but I hate to see a bike store forced to give up some of the other smaller brands. I miss the old days when a neat little store offered service and good bikes for a fair price.
Incycle also carries Trek and Specialized. They also carry Cannondale. You are right, not a lot of stores can get away with that.
redal
05-25-07, 10:28 PM
I'm a clyde so I get lots of attitude from most shops. I guess I don't fit the rider mold. I went into 2 Wheeler Dealer in Brea. I was the only one in there for 15 minutes. The old guy never even said hello or can I help you! Neither did the other 2 guys that were there.
I hadn't shared this with anyone but your story reminded me. I must say I am a little biased because I get treated great at Incycle, but I recently went into 2 Wheeler Dealer looking for something that Incycle didn't have and was going to need to order for me. I guess I fit the rider mold (if there is one) but I don't think that is necessary for good customer service. When I walked into 2 Wheeler, the older gentleman was on the phone behind the counter. I stood near the counter because the part I needed is usually kept near or behind the counter. The man never even acknowledged my presence and walked past me twice. When one of the kids finally came out of the back, he rudely cut me off before I could finish telling him what I needed.
Mr. Beanz
05-25-07, 10:46 PM
I hadn't shared this with anyone but your story reminded me. I must say I am a little biased because I get treated great at Incycle, but I recently went into 2 Wheeler Dealer looking for something that Incycle didn't have and was going to need to order for me. I guess I fit the rider mold (if there is one) but I don't think that is necessary for good customer service. When I walked into 2 Wheeler, the older gentleman was on the phone behind the counter. I stood near the counter because the part I needed is usually kept near or behind the counter. The man never even acknowledged my presence and walked past me twice. When one of the kids finally came out of the back, he rudely cut me off before I could finish telling him what I needed.
Cool, I thought it was just me. And I do also get treated well at Incycle. I've bought most of our 8 bikes there including our tandem. When I bought our tandem, I had went into many stores inquiring about Burley tandems. One guy actually told me to come back when I got serious!:eek: ...I guess he didn't realize I had the cash on me.
This was before Incycle had expanded and had only the one small shop in SanDimas. I went in spoke with Mark and was treated very well. He said if I wanted the tandem, he'd order it and give me a good deal. He was very cool and that's probably the reason why his store has grown so much!:D
I did some of the training rides in RC a few years ago. He was cool to ride with too.
Hey wait a minute! Now that I think about it. I went into the Chino store the other day. The girl that was there looked like the girl that was at Bud's. The girl that was at Bud's is.......oh nevermind, can't be!:D
redal
05-25-07, 11:52 PM
Hey wait a minute! Now that I think about it. I went into the Chino store the other day. The girl that was there looked like the girl that was at Bud's. The girl that was at Bud's is.......oh nevermind, can't be!:D
Yeah, you're right! Bud's was actually the shop I frequented for years, well before my wife managed it (heck, before I even knew my wife!). When they sold to Jax, my wife changed jobs and I guess you can see why I get treated very well at Incycle.
Mr. Beanz
05-26-07, 12:04 AM
Yeah, you're right! Bud's was actually the shop I frequented for years, well before my wife managed it (heck, before I even knew my wife!). When they sold to Jax, my wife changed jobs and I guess you can see why I get treated very well at Incycle.
;) :D
ADlBOO
05-26-07, 03:50 PM
Will be interesting to see how the concept stores for Trek and Specialize do in the next year or so. I suspect some of the stores (like Jax in Irvine) will be folding.
Trust me when i say this, Jax will not be folding from trek. They are treks largest dealer in the nation. I hate to say this but specialized will be shooting themselves in the foot a couple years down the row and murdering the current shops that decided to become specialized concept stores in the process.
TriFlowMartini
05-29-07, 10:40 AM
I stepped into the this shop over the holiday weekend and boy let me tell you, I was blown away at what these guys had to offer. Any cyclist that rides can tell right away that this place is where its at weather you are just starting out or master cyclist. Ive been cycling for quite some time now, and, although this is my first post as a member, I immensely disagree with the comparison of this shop to such a piece of **** place as performance as well as rei, who carries a line called novarra....what does that mean anyway...is that a native american word?
dddave
05-29-07, 12:25 PM
jeez, calm down.
voltman
05-29-07, 12:34 PM
I stepped into the this shop over the holiday weekend and boy let me tell you, I was blown away at what these guys had to offer. Any cyclist that rides can tell right away that this place is where its at weather you are just starting out or master cyclist. Ive been cycling for quite some time now, and, although this is my first post as a member, I immensely disagree with the comparison of this shop to such a piece of **** place as performance as well as rei, who carries a line called novarra....what does that mean anyway...is that a native american word?
Wow.
roadfix
05-29-07, 12:44 PM
I stepped into the this shop over the holiday weekend and boy let me tell you, I was blown away at what these guys had to offer. Any cyclist that rides can tell right away that this place is where its at weather you are just starting out or master cyclist. Ive been cycling for quite some time now, and, although this is my first post as a member, I immensely disagree with the comparison of this shop to such a piece of **** place as performance as well as rei, who carries a line called novarra....what does that mean anyway...is that a native american word?Do you cycle?
voltman
05-29-07, 12:45 PM
Do you cycle?
He drinks.
Brandy
05-29-07, 04:36 PM
Was just at SCC this morning. I love walking in there to "Hi Brandy!" Avery broke her the chain on her Specialized Hotrock somehow?!?!?! They fixed it up in a few minutes and sent me on my way, no charge. :)
herbm
05-29-07, 05:06 PM
Was just at SCC this morning. I love walking in there to "Hi Brandy!" Avery broke her the chain on her Specialized Hotrock somehow?!?!?! They fixed it up in a few minutes and sent me on my way, no charge. :)
Wow...broke her chain...she is getting as strong as mom!!! awesome!!!
I do like that at my lbs also....I can walk in and everyone knows my name...sort of like Cheers...but with no booze
edit: BTW..when is she getting a roadie??
1955
05-29-07, 06:04 PM
Was just at SCC this morning. I love walking in there to "Hi Brandy!" Avery broke her the chain on her Specialized Hotrock somehow?!?!?! They fixed it up in a few minutes and sent me on my way, no charge. :)