i have a friend who just moved to the upper east side, 70's & 1st. wants to buy her 9 yr old son a bike.
who's a good, kid friendly, service oriented, shop up there? thanks hal
bike shop
Thu, 06/17/2004 - 7:47am
Thu, 06/17/2004 - 7:51am
#1
i've been going to metro cycled on 88th and madison. they're good guys and you get free adjustments for the life of the bike when you buy it there. ask for ben.
Thu, 06/17/2004 - 9:07am
#4
suggestion, Larry & Jeff's on 79th & 3rd
Larry & Jeff's downtown store, on 3rd Avenue, between 79th & 80th streets has a new manager & entirely new sales staff as of winter 2004. They're great & the mechanics recently helped a friend of mine who had already been to 3 other shops with a problem; the other 3 didn't fix it - Larry & Jeff's did!
I had been a loyal customer at the 79th street store until the mid/late 1990's, when I experienced some difficulties. Now, the new manager, Don, together with the sales staff, Mary, Riley, Heather & Adam are all really helpful when I go in. They seem to be very attentive with the serious cyclist as well as more casual/family customer (yes, they have children's bikes). Also, they stock a wide selection of inventory - even clothing in the mid to high level (Exte/Ondo, Santini, DeMarchi elastic chamois shorts, etc...).
I live in the neighborhood & it's nice to have a good bike shop in the area, again.
Fri, 06/18/2004 - 12:54pm
#5
Larry & Jeffs
In the interest of full disclosure I think Mr. Kalb should have stated that he has business relationship with Larry and Jeffs. This seems more like an advert then an attempt to help.
Kelvin
Thu, 06/17/2004 - 9:10am
#6
kid friendly...not friendly
I live on the upper East side and usually use Larry and Jeffs on second or Bike Heaven on 64th and second. The last place I would go is Metro on 88th and Madison even though I originally purchased my bike from that shop.(Will who is currently at Toga used to work at Metro) Last year when I needed something quickly, I ran into Metro and one of the salesmen was completely obnoxious and disrespectful. I called him on his attitude and now refuse to go back there. Even though Larry and Jeff's is busy they have a good selection of kids bikes too. In my opinion and experience, both L & J and Bike Heaven are far more friendly and helpful than Metro on 88th.
Thu, 06/17/2004 - 10:09am
#7
Anyone But Metro
I would go to almost anyone before Metro. I was a customer there for years but when I became more knowledgeable, I found that many of them are completely incompetent (for example, they sold me two bikes without any fitting whatsoever and both of them were far too small for me--don't get me started, I could go on for a very long time) and one was very dishonest. I had several total disasters with them before finally deciding I would never again set foot in any of their shops, not even for a minor repair. I will not let any of them put a finger on any of my bikes, even the two I bought there. My advice: stay away.
Fri, 06/18/2004 - 8:02pm
#8
Seconded
Do go to Larry & Jeffs on 2nd Ave @87th St. Larry is there excep-t for sunday (sometimes) and Tuesday. His attention id priceless. and he will help a child to become comfortable on the bike.
Tell him 'Crash' sent you, you will get an extra grin for free!
Thu, 06/17/2004 - 11:25am
#9
Hal, I would highly recommend Roger and Evan at the Peddle Pusher on Second Ave. between 68th and 69th. It's a small shop but the service is great and they have an awesome red bike with 18 inch wheels that every 9 year old would think is totally cool. Joe D.
Thu, 06/17/2004 - 12:48pm
#10
I'll second that
What you get at Pedal Pusher or Bike Heaven (62nd St, not 64th as mentioned above) is the owner, not the manager du jour or employee of the week. Someone who cares; someone who wants you to come back as a satisfied customer.
Thu, 06/17/2004 - 4:23pm
#11
Bicycle Heaven-thumbs up
I've been a fan of Bicycle Heaven just because of the owner. I've known Carlos for many years, since he was in the West 50's. At that time, I'd go out of my way to give him busines, although I didn't live in the area! Although the shop is small, he has a loyal contingent of some pretty high end cyclists, probably for the same reason.
Tue, 06/22/2004 - 6:45am
#12
thanks
to all of you who responded it was appreciated.
many thanks. hal
