bermanfb28

Thinking about getting this anyone heard of them or used them before?

https://www.racycles.com/product.aspx...6,681&pid=4542

WhyFi

They're one of the more well known single location bike shops around and they happen to be about a half-mile from my house. If you're asking if they're legit, yes, very.

bermanfb28

So do they keep all there stuff online in there store and it just one store or a chain?

HigherGround

As WhyFi mentioned, yes, they are a legitimate business. However, both times I have purchased from them, I was disappointed.

The first was when they advertised free shipping for Time pedals in a magazine ad, charged me shipping, and then refused to refund the shipping despite what the ad said. The person said, "The free shipping didn't apply to those Time pedals."

The second time, I went to the shop in person, put a deposit on a frame, and then mailed a check to pay the balance a few weeks later. (I live near Philly, so going back to pick it up in person wasn't too convenient.) After a few weeks went by and I hadn't received my frame, I called to inquire about it. The person who answered was no help at all, and made no effort to find the answers. When I called back another day, the salesperson (Phil) said they got my check, but had forgotten to send the frame.

In the interest of giving them the benefit of the doubt, these instances were a long time ago, and things may have changed since then. However, when people ask about R&A on BikeForums, some of the feedback makes me think that it hasn't. If you set the bar low enough for your expectations of their customer service, you may not be disappointed.

WhyFi

Single location = one store, not a chain.
I would imagine that all of their online stock is in the shop, but I don't know for sure - the place is stuffed to the gills, though. They're a legit, high-end bike shop -their (small) front window currently has a Cervelo R5ca, Look 695, Time RXRS, and Merckx. Walk in the front door and you'll see scores of frames hanging from the rafters, including a couple dozen Colnagos. They don't mess around.

bermanfb28

yea that sucks. im really just trying to locate a frame so my only concerns are legit business (sounds like it is) and the only time I would deal with them again would be for warranty because NY is like 4 hours away from me. Unless someone knows anyone else selling s-works frame at or around that price.

bermanfb28

good to know might be worth the trip if I end up going with this frame.

echappist

nope, they haven't changed their d**chebag attitude one single bit

a friend was ready to plop down $4000 on a new bike, goes into the shop, and the salesperson says, "hey man, i'm gonna be your wingman at a club, i'm gonna find you the girl with the brains and the c***a (in Spanish)." My friend wasn't very impressed by the vulgarity of the salesperson. When my friend asked to try out a bike for a quick test ride, they flatly refused. He ended up going to Stritctly Bikes, where the owner helped him out personally.

2ndGen

It's a nice shop in Brooklyn. Huge. Nice gear in there.
The highest end stuff you can get your hands on.
I bought some stuff from them.






Strictly Bikes in Fort Lee, NJ? Nice guys.
When I lived there, I dropped in there a few times.
That's an awesome shop. Very friendly. Very knowledgeable.

kimconyc

Good one Jerry!

They are a no-nonsense shop. If you know exactly what you want and don't expect some sort of personal relationship where a "business" bends over backwards for you, they are a good shop.

Although that seems like a good price, you might also consider thinking about things like how a shop would handle a warranty if there should ever be a problem. Something to think about.

kimconyc

Could arguably be one of the highest schwag/square foot joints in all the world. Plus, they are just pleasant to be around and also have a coffee bar!

Plus, where it would normally be uber pretentious in other bike shops, the vibe seems oddly zen-like when you see a customer walk in and they don't wince when they are told that the R5Ca loaded with the Lightweights is only $20K. They are just that good at a simple yet rare thing called customer service.

2ndGen

Affirmative. They treated me just as well as if I were buying an über rig.

echappist

not to mention that they'll give you a lift if you are ever stranded somewhere

v70cat

R&A is not the nicest place. If they had what I wanted at a very good price I would buy from them.

HigherGround

I wouldn't be in a good position to judge whether or not they have changed. After my disappointing experiences with them, I stopped shopping there long ago.

dmcdmc

R&A is a very legit store. They have mostly high end stuff that I won't be able to afford until I'm too old to swing a leg over a bike.

If you drive to the store, you can park in the keyfoods lot across the street.

roadiejorge 

I'm glad they transitioned into the new shop without losing that customer service touch they had when they were in their smaller shop on Main St in Ft Lee. The coffee bar reminds me of the Cheers tv show because there's usually someone you know hanging out or checking out bikes and/or gear. The owner and staff are helpful and knowledgeable plus it's been great that the owner goes out on the Sunday group rides, they're building a nice little cycling community.





That's one cringe worthy salesperson...yeesh. R&A will never get points for being a good shop for newbies or people who expect good friendly customer service. The staff I have dealt with do know their stuff though and since I had very specific questions I didn't have a hard time with anyone. I rarely go there but I definitely consider it more of a shop to purchase items and leave as opposed to others where you can socialize with the staff.