Boomer
07-16-04, 12:45 PM
This article sums it up for LBS. Why can't chain stores take on this customer service philosophy?
http://yourbusiness.msn.com/profile-article.aspx?aid=10
http://yourbusiness.msn.com/profile-article.aspx?aid=10
Road Cycling - What LBS is all about.
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Guest
07-16-04, 12:54 PM
Dunno. But if I ever get to Arizona, I'll be sure to visit! Thanks for the positive article!
Koffee
Koffee
royalflash
07-16-04, 01:24 PM
it has to be BS- how could any LBS offer full refunds on 10 year old bikes and free servicing/parts for life- something just doesnt add up
blueorder
07-16-04, 01:27 PM
Wow!...that's all I can say...just Wow!
On their site (Zanes Cycles Guarantee (http://www.zanescycles.com/about/our_guarantee.cfm)), the guarantee is 30 day test ride, lifetime free service and lifetime on parts...
On their site (Zanes Cycles Guarantee (http://www.zanescycles.com/about/our_guarantee.cfm)), the guarantee is 30 day test ride, lifetime free service and lifetime on parts...
pjbaz
07-16-04, 02:19 PM
They're located in CT.
Plus, they can make some of those claims because the prices are absolutely the highest in the state!
When I was shopping for a new ride I went there to see a few bikes...they had some of them in stock but some weren't. For instance, the full carbon Specialized Roubaix was there in several sizes but the Trek 5200 was only a 2003 in (I believe it was) 61cm. This was in May/June.
Pricing: The carbon Roubaix (ultegra) was $2650 - $400 more than other lbs's.
The 2004 Lemond Zurich was also around $2600 - again, over $400 more than other lbs's, including where I bought it.
Maybe their service is great but I never got past a few test rides. The staff, it seemed to me anyway, didn't know too much either. They had me test ride a 54cm Roubaix, and said it looked like a good fit, when I should have been on a 56cm. I aksed about a fitting and the kid said the 54 was "definitely" the right frame for me. I asked about other frames from Trek and they said they couldn't get them...another shop that day had me on a test ride and guaranteed (looked in the computer even) they could order any Trek, except the 5900 which I couldn't afford anyway, immediately.
Maybe he's a good guy but I don't think charging obscene prices qualifies.
My opinion. No bicycles were harmed in the making of this post.
PJ
Plus, they can make some of those claims because the prices are absolutely the highest in the state!
When I was shopping for a new ride I went there to see a few bikes...they had some of them in stock but some weren't. For instance, the full carbon Specialized Roubaix was there in several sizes but the Trek 5200 was only a 2003 in (I believe it was) 61cm. This was in May/June.
Pricing: The carbon Roubaix (ultegra) was $2650 - $400 more than other lbs's.
The 2004 Lemond Zurich was also around $2600 - again, over $400 more than other lbs's, including where I bought it.
Maybe their service is great but I never got past a few test rides. The staff, it seemed to me anyway, didn't know too much either. They had me test ride a 54cm Roubaix, and said it looked like a good fit, when I should have been on a 56cm. I aksed about a fitting and the kid said the 54 was "definitely" the right frame for me. I asked about other frames from Trek and they said they couldn't get them...another shop that day had me on a test ride and guaranteed (looked in the computer even) they could order any Trek, except the 5900 which I couldn't afford anyway, immediately.
Maybe he's a good guy but I don't think charging obscene prices qualifies.
My opinion. No bicycles were harmed in the making of this post.
PJ
boston310
07-16-04, 05:10 PM
Hey pjbaz, where do you recommend going in ct for a good deal on bikes?
BigFloppyLlama
07-16-04, 05:20 PM
They're located in CT.
Plus, they can make some of those claims because the prices are absolutely the highest in the state!
When I was shopping for a new ride I went there to see a few bikes...they had some of them in stock but some weren't. For instance, the full carbon Specialized Roubaix was there in several sizes but the Trek 5200 was only a 2003 in (I believe it was) 61cm. This was in May/June.
Pricing: The carbon Roubaix (ultegra) was $2650 - $400 more than other lbs's.
The 2004 Lemond Zurich was also around $2600 - again, over $400 more than other lbs's, including where I bought it.
..snip
PJ
Wouldn't their 90-Day Price Protection thing make them cheaper than the competitor?
90-Day Price Protection. We guarantee you will never overpay at Zane's Cycles. If you find any item you purchased in stock for less anywhere in Connecticut within 90 days, we'll gladly refund you the difference plus 10%
Plus, they can make some of those claims because the prices are absolutely the highest in the state!
When I was shopping for a new ride I went there to see a few bikes...they had some of them in stock but some weren't. For instance, the full carbon Specialized Roubaix was there in several sizes but the Trek 5200 was only a 2003 in (I believe it was) 61cm. This was in May/June.
Pricing: The carbon Roubaix (ultegra) was $2650 - $400 more than other lbs's.
The 2004 Lemond Zurich was also around $2600 - again, over $400 more than other lbs's, including where I bought it.
..snip
PJ
Wouldn't their 90-Day Price Protection thing make them cheaper than the competitor?
90-Day Price Protection. We guarantee you will never overpay at Zane's Cycles. If you find any item you purchased in stock for less anywhere in Connecticut within 90 days, we'll gladly refund you the difference plus 10%
ChezJfrey
07-16-04, 05:46 PM
I have to believe that their "Lifetime Parts Guarantee" must have some limitations (beyond the obvious - chain/tires/bearings).
Otherwise, along with the Price Protection, you are set! Free rims, chain rings, cassettes would pay off within a relatively short time given how often I need to replace them.
Otherwise, along with the Price Protection, you are set! Free rims, chain rings, cassettes would pay off within a relatively short time given how often I need to replace them.
pjbaz
07-17-04, 04:32 PM
While I can't speak for the parts replacement guarantee, as I didn't even know about it when I was looking, I didn't "feel" like it was the right shop for me.
As stated previously, the staff didn't seem too knowledgable and they didn't have all the bikes I wanted to test ride/buy anyway. But, the price protection would only bring the bike to the same price (+10%) as the competition which is a better shop IMHO. I'd rather pay 10% more in the short term to be better off in the long. Plus, the shop where I bought my Lemond offers 10% in store credit on all purchases (once you're in the club which is free when you buy a new bike- $20 otherwise) anyway.
I don't want to sound like the shop sucks I'm just telling you MY impressions/OPINIONS. There service dept might be great.
As far as shops in CT it depends what bike you're looking for.
Wallingford Bike (Wallingford, CT) has been good to me.
Pedal Power (Middletown, CT) where I bought my Lemond, has a FAST service dept.
Bike Rack (Waterbury, CT) Al is a good guy.
PJ
As stated previously, the staff didn't seem too knowledgable and they didn't have all the bikes I wanted to test ride/buy anyway. But, the price protection would only bring the bike to the same price (+10%) as the competition which is a better shop IMHO. I'd rather pay 10% more in the short term to be better off in the long. Plus, the shop where I bought my Lemond offers 10% in store credit on all purchases (once you're in the club which is free when you buy a new bike- $20 otherwise) anyway.
I don't want to sound like the shop sucks I'm just telling you MY impressions/OPINIONS. There service dept might be great.
As far as shops in CT it depends what bike you're looking for.
Wallingford Bike (Wallingford, CT) has been good to me.
Pedal Power (Middletown, CT) where I bought my Lemond, has a FAST service dept.
Bike Rack (Waterbury, CT) Al is a good guy.
PJ
capsicum
07-17-04, 05:37 PM
I think the 'returning a 10 year old bike' means an old one you bought used in the last 30 days which is still a good deal by its self. Price protection usualy meens that if he has a sale within 90 days you can get the full-sale price difference back. Most good stores of any sort used to do this, at least for 30 days.
My LBS had a walmart open up across the street! Then again walmart isn't a full line specialized dealer and I don't think they carry $700 triple clamp forks or build custom wheelsm, my LBS just started carrying road and CX bikes this spring after some 15+ years there.
My LBS had a walmart open up across the street! Then again walmart isn't a full line specialized dealer and I don't think they carry $700 triple clamp forks or build custom wheelsm, my LBS just started carrying road and CX bikes this spring after some 15+ years there.