Originally Posted by
SoCal Commute
Ok, so I went back to Empire Bike today to grab that saddle and I have to say the ride to them was torture. Got my saddle and the ride home was pure heaven
One comment about their service though. Sure they got me out of a painful situation but the shop had kind of a cold feeling. Yes they answered my questions but the replies were rushed and uncareing. They treated the bikes that were brought in a little indifferently as well. I saw a technician lean a bike that was just brought in against the corner of the counter only to have it fall, it happened twice and both times he just laughed and picked it up again.
I can honestly say that unless I'm in a extreme parts emergency I probably won't be going back. Since I work in customer support I have a strong ethic about customer service. I have some higher expectations about service but I am also a strong believer in customer loyalty. Basically, treat me right the first time or two and I'll keep coming back again and again.
I just wanted to revise my opinion of Empire Bike. I discovered that my bike didn't fit well and that I would have to get a riser stem for it (to much pressure on my hands) went back to Empire Bike and was treated fairly well, they pushed really hard to get me into a new bike but I held my ground and finally they gave up and helped me with my bike questions. Once they realised that I had done my homework they knew that I wasn't going to be persuaded easily we got along great. Subsequent visits have been casual and they have answered all my questions. I have been going back for parts that they have in stock and to get their input on how my commuter build is going. They are a great couple of guys and I would recommend them to everyone except the new cyclist due to their limited selection and how they try and move their stock like there is no tomorow.
They have a little of everything but it seems that because they try and be so diverse they don't have enough in the area of sizing.
My rating:
7 on customer service
4 on selection and parts