[ocelot]

Hi,
I'm currently sitting in Cleveland, Ohio working on my engineering degree, but in a month and a half, I'll be back in the Seattle area. I'm planning on doing some upgrades to my Trek 820 hardtail (new fork, brakes, maybe more as funds allow) and frankly, I'd like to a) get my bike tuned up by a pro and b) have someone who really knows what they're doing do the parts installs/swaps. I haven't been to a bike shop in the PNW in quite a while, and was just wondering if you could give some suggestions as to where might be a good place to take my ride. I was thinking somewhere like Greggs (probably Greenlake, since I've heard bad things about the new Bellevue place), but by all means, if you've got a better idea, I'd love to hear it :) Thanks in advance!

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[swc7916]

On the Eastside, try Sammamish Valley Cycle in Redmond. In Seattle, try Seattle Bike Repair (part of R+E Cycles) in the University district (from Gregg's Greenlake, go east on Ravenna to University, turn right and it's about 1/2 a block down.)

[CliftonGK1]

On the Eastside, try Sammamish Valley Cycle in Redmond. In Seattle, try Seattle Bike Repair (part of R+E Cycles) in the University district (from Gregg's Greenlake, go east on Ravenna to University, turn right and it's about 1/2 a block down.)

+1

SVC is my favourite shop. I had my fitting done there before ordering my Cross-Check through them, and before that I used to bring my old commuter rig there for repairs I couldn't do.

[BengeBoy]

+1

SVC is my favourite shop. I had my fitting done there before ordering my Cross-Check through them, and before that I used to bring my old commuter rig there for repairs I couldn't do.

I've always heard good things about SVC, but I've gone out of my way twice to go shopping there and been treated very poorly both times.

The first time -- last summer -- I was seriously in the market for a bike, did my research, and called during the week and asked if they had two specific bikes I could test ride. They agreed to have the bikes ready for me on Sunday, and when I showed up nobody knew what I was talking about, said they were too busy to help. Since I had ridden my bike 20+ miles to get there, they finally took pity on me, and set the bikes up for a ride (they were fully assembled; just needed pedals, air in the tires, saddle adjustment). The guy clearly didn't think I was serious, and (essentially) treated me like dirt. When I was done with the rides, he didn't try to ask me what I thought, "sell" me a bike, help me choose, or anything. Basically he acted like he was relieved I was done so he could go back to unboxing bikes or whatever he was doing.

OK, so they had a bad day.

Second time, three weeks ago, I stopped by during a ride, just to have another good look around and try to find one specific part (an extra strap for a Carradice seat bag). Wandered in on a Saturday, they weren't busy, I was happy to roam about. Finally, after 25 minutes, they noticed I was there and asked if I needed anything. I told them what I wanted. Person I talked to (a) didn't know what a Carradice seat bag was (b) had to go find out whether they carried them. When told by the manager or whoever that they DO normally carry Carradice, the person who talked to me was then unclear about whether they could order the extra straps, but offered to go check for me again...I declined....

They have a great selection of bikes on the floor, but I won't go out of my way to shop there again. I know plenty of people like them, maybe I don't fit their profile for ideal customer.
.

On the other hand, I've gotten great help from:

- Gregg's Bellevue (they were originally a little disorganized I thought after their shiny new store opened, now very helpful whenever I'm in)
- Elliott Bay Cycles, downtown (I would take anything really unusual or vintage to them).

There are lots of other really good shops in Seattle, but these are the two I go to most frequently.

[swc7916]

I've been in SVC several times and gotten attention every time i've been there. I have never, however, had service done there; I've only heard good things about them. Another shop that I have gotten good service from has been Redmond Cycle, just a few blocks away. Over the years I have purchased 5 bicycles from R+E and I like them a lot. Since they have been building bicycles for over 30 years and have a loyal following, they see the same bikes come back over the decades with many thousands of miles on them. I trust that with that with that kind of experience, they know what works over the long haul and what doesn't. Elliot Bay is an excellent shop and I would not hesistate to go there if their location was not so darned inconvenient. I hate going down to the Pike Place Market area.

[ocelot]

Thank you for the input, people! It sounds like SVC can be quite good...that said, it's probably going to be the least convenient location for me ;) Oh well. I'll make some calls to see about getting the work done, see if I can get a couple quotes...regardless, thanks for setting me off on the right track. :)