bike shop recommendation - Page 2

Hi Team (I've only been visiting this place for a little while, thought I'd be polite )

I've got the best service over the years from Simon at Bikeforce South Perth, Phil at Runners World and (surprisngly to some) the blokes at TBE claremont. The little bike shop on South terrace in Freo is also staffed by good knowledgeable people, but their range is a bit limited.

Actually - being self employed, with the opportunity to drop in to most shops mid-week means I tend to get plenty of attention any time - not the case on weekends.

I guess we shuld realise that in WA the standard of product knowldege and service in retail across the board has dropped dramatically - the clueless teenage salesperson (nervous and unsure if they are female, arrogant and overconfident if they are male) is becoming the norm because of the skills shortage and the fact that almost any bozo can earn $75k+ FI/FO up north.

I was in a shop in Bunbury recently and asked for some well padded cycling gloves for my tourer.

Salesgeek - "No-one rides with those any more; they make it too hard to grip the handlebars".....followed by a long eye contact, trying to bluff me. I did an abbrupt 180 and left the establishment without a word, because we all know that arguing with a fool just makes 2 fools....

TBE Claremont have failed to notice my existence both times I've been in there. It was on the weekend though, so that might be part of the problem. Bikeforce in South Perth were lovely the one time I dropped in to talk about panniers.

Yeah I know TBE hasn't got the best rep on service but I bought a specialized road bike from the claremont shop a couple of years back. The young bloke was knowledegeable, not pushy, understood my particular needs (I was getting back into road riding after an 8-year layoff) and let me test ride a whole range of bikes up and down the side street. When I came back to pay for the bike he had it set up on a wind trainer and made sure it was adjusted properly for me. I ultimately bought there because they had the bike I needed for a good price, but the service was good.

Yeah I reckon if you've got some particular needs then get to a shop mid-week, when they aren't selling to all the Mums and Dads. Also remember, if they've worked in the industry for more than a few months, then they just won't share your love of talking bikes . 'Trainspotter' customers can be a PITA in any industry (who me? - a bike geek? Never!). Seriously - I can remember a bloke asking for the most aerodynamic handlebar tape once.

On a side note - I can remember TBE when it was Dennis and his dad operating out of that tiny shop on GE HWY in Belmont -1/2 of what is now the locksmith, before the move across the street into the big showroom and before the franchising. The boys done good he has........