"Any suggestions for shops that respect high end frames and have pride in workmanship. Perhaps a shop that doesn't:
handle their tools carelessly and nick your frame
touch your brand new bar tape with dirty hands
leave your headset spacers misaligned before tightening it up
look at you like your nuts when you tell them your recently purchased Campy Record or Dura-Ace 10 is not shifting smoothly, but instead adjusts it correctly
tell you ""that drivetrain noise is normal"" (I'm not an idiot, I know what is normal drivetrain noise and what's not)
I give up.
Jay
"
Shop suggestions
Mon, 09/27/2004 - 8:53pm
Tue, 09/28/2004 - 1:35am
#1
We've said it before, and we'll say it again:
Bicycle Workshop in Tenafly, NJ. Best shop, best bedside manner, most knowledgeable mechanics.
- Christian
Tue, 09/28/2004 - 5:24am
#2
Boy, is that sad . . .
or what?
Here we have 7.5 million people laced together by perhaps the most extensive public transport system in the world. 1.8 million of them live on a single skinny island where virtually all goods and services can be obtained (i) on foot or (ii) within 20 minutes on the subway. But when someone asks for a decent bike shop, the first nomination (from someone who knows his stuff) is out of town.
Sigh . . .
Tue, 09/28/2004 - 7:49pm
#3
Yes, it's sad
There're a lot of things New York is good for. And a lot of things NOT. Getting service for anything that moves is one that Manhattan is not good at.
Most Manhattanites don't own cars. Those who has a bike have even less need for such a monster. But I happen to own a car while livintg in Manhattan. God, don't even get me started on in-ept car machanics.
At least I can fix my own bike. But I really don't want to start on my car!
Tue, 09/28/2004 - 5:53pm
#4
Establish a Relationship
It's sad but true that many shops will be more attentive to someone with whom they have an established relationship. That's why there's so much diverse opinion about which is the best shop.
I personally swear by Sid's on E. 34th St. and I think Zoltan is one of the best (and most careful) mechanics in town. But I'm a regular customer, I've bought 2 custom bikes from them and I've sent them other good customers, so they always treat me right. Other people swear by shops that I've found to be rude and dismissive.
I know Zoltan is a good and careful mechanic, so if you want a shop in Manhattan, go down to Sid's on a weekday (when they're not too busy) and tell them you want to do business with them and chat a bit about your needs. I think you'll find they'll suit you.
Tue, 09/28/2004 - 8:21pm
#5
Relationship
"Unfortunately, the comments I made above were in reference to a shop that I ""have a relationship with."" I have been using the shop for the past 1.5 years and have spent more than 10,000 dollars in that time (shoes, bib shorts, sunglasses, components, Dura-Ace 10 on a bike purchased elsewhere, a new carbon frame built up to the tune of about 5500 dollars, etc.).
And yet despite spending lots of money and being reasonable (but wanting things done right), I still cringe every time I give them my bikes for any work fearing a nick or scratch on my expensive frames that I am ultra careful with. Each time I get the bike back I have to fine tune little things such as brake pad spacing, headset spacers, etc.
I guess the old saying is true, ""if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.""
Jay"
