Manufacturer, Retailer, Survey and Consumer Feedback - Bike Stuff Retailers I Like

I've spent the last few days ranting against certain retailers, so it's only fair to list the retailers that I've had good experiences with.

In no particular order:

Colorado Cyclist -- I got some fantastically good deals from these folks on some really high end stuff.

Arkel -- Friendly and professional. Top quality, bullet proof bike bags.

Rivendell Bicycle Works -- Their silver shifters will warm the heart of any retro-grouch. I've got 'em on two bikes.

Velo Orange -- Some really unique stuff you can't find anywhere else.

Harris Cyclery -- Always a pleasure. Enough said.

Nashbar/Performance -- Some folks rip them, but I've had mostly good experiences with them, and the few problems I've had were promptly addressed.

Bike Tools, etc. -- Efficient, well run operation.

Loose Screws -- See above.

Universal Cycles -- Good deals on high end stuff.

Peter White Cycles -- Only one experience, but it was a good one.

Wheelandsprocket(eBay Seller) -- I got some really good deals from these folks. Always shipped promptly, without any problems.

Nova Cycles -- If you need frame parts(braze-ons, tubes, brake bridges, etc.) this is the place.

Jenson USA -- Haven't done a lot of business with them, but it was all 100%.

REI -- This place is expensive, but everything was top quality, and service was very good.

I recommend all of the above.

I'm sure I've left out a few, but only because I've fried a large number of brain cells over the years.

I have to give a big recommendation to REI.

I just decided to get a mid 80's Schwinn World Sport out of my basement and start riding it after it had been sitting there around 10 yrs. I needed to replace a rear tire before I could ride it, and bought one at REI. I was very excited to start riding, so I couldn't wait to get it mounted and go for a ride. I was very careful, but it was my first time mounting a tire in as long as I could remember. As soon as I get the wheel installed, I noticed 2 long cuts on the sidewall, and couldn't figure out how it could have happened.

I thought about returning it, but REI was an hour away, and I assumed they would just think I damaged it myself anyway plus it was just a $20 tire. I wanted to ride so bad, I figured I would attempt to patch it and go out and ride. I rode it around for a couple weeks, but everytime I looked at that tire it bothered me since it was bulging, so I dismounted it and took it with me the next time I was out that way.

I was expecting a big argument with them saying the tire had been used, so I must have run over something with it, so there was nothing they could do. After briefly explaining my issue, the very friendly and helpful saleswoman (Meg) told me everything they sell has a 100% satisfaction guarantee and they had no problem at all giving me a refund and it was obviously a manufacturer defect. Not only that the replacement tire was now on sale for 25% off.

I had never been in an REI store until last month, but after that great experience I try to go there for all my cycling needs.

Big ups to Ben's Cycles of Milwaukee.

We are developing a new website and would like the input of "web riders" so we can fine tune the site. We are a LBS that is expanding into the web arena. We have a great supply in house, but we haven't gotten everything listed yet. We were looking for some feedback on the layout, descriptions, pics, etc. How easy is it use, etc. Would appreciate a true response, I can take the criticism.

B4S - you gots nothing in there yet....... need more stuff.....

I like Wallingford Bikes. When I went to buy a pair of Marathon Supremes they were the only place I could find them in stock. Pleasantly surprised by the great service and just how nice Bill was when I called.

Have you had any past experience with Bikewagon?

www.bikewagon.com