Canberra bike shops - recommendations?
- Jean
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Canberra bike shops - recommendations?
Postby Jean » Wed Apr 16, 2008 4:04 pm
Being fairly new to Canberra riding I'm trying to find a good LBS. I've tried out a couple but they were either gougers (one, which shall remain nameless, was trying to get me to replace bits that didn't need replacing) and/or their customer service was of the typically patchy LBS variety. I don't need to be swept off my feet, but friendly customer service backed up by some knowledge would be a good starting point.
I know this is very subjective area, but if anyone can offer any recommendations about where to try next it would be welcome. A shop that knew something about Campagnolo would be nice too (as I'm trying to keep an oldish 8-speed groupset up and running - PBK doesn't help much on this front). I don't know what you have to do to get your shop listed on the Campagnolo website but, judging by the discussions I've had with the Canberra shops, knowing something about Campagnolo components doesn't seem to be part of the criteria.
Cheers
Jean
- LuckyPierre
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Postby LuckyPierre » Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:00 am
Not many of the shops have a strong background when it comes to Campagnolo components and Paul is no different - but he'll tell you where you stand.
Probably the best bet with Campagnolo gear is to take it to Ian Downing (he used to own - and be the chief mechanic - at Bike Culture). Ian has set up a formidable workshop at home, so 'Downing Bicycles' are at the 12 Raymond Street, Ainslie and you can call Ian on 6247 4636. I saw him last night and he said that he would be away until Tuesday or Wednesday next week.
Alchemy Diablo - Columbus Zonal tubing, Ultegra 9-speed groupset, UltraGatorskins
Gitane Rocks T1 - U6 tubing, Deore/XT groupset, CrossMarks
- HAKS
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Postby HAKS » Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:51 am
- vic
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Postby vic » Thu Apr 17, 2008 4:21 pm
For other stuff, accesories, tools etc, I go to the bike store in Lyneham Cnr Wattle and Hall st, right next to the service station. Speak to Garth or Drago
- Jean
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Postby Jean » Fri Apr 18, 2008 10:36 am
I go past the Lyneham shop on way to/from work so I'll drop in there and have a look.
Cheers
- vic
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Postby vic » Fri Apr 18, 2008 11:09 am
I agree the shop front has lots of stuff, but my experience with the sales staff is that unless I seem keen to spend lots of money, they seem less interested. Hope Lyneham store is a positive experience for you.
- Jean
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Postby Jean » Sat May 31, 2008 8:54 pm
- Sia
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Postby Sia » Tue Jun 10, 2008 9:43 pm
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Postby mycyclingdisorder » Thu Jul 03, 2008 9:30 pm
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Postby slik50 » Sun Jul 06, 2008 8:29 pm
I was in there today looking for a helmet. I was a little surprised when I explained what I was after (i.e the cheapest helmet they sell..) they sales guys still helped my find one that fits properly.
The one on display fitted perfectly and I told the sales dude I don't need a box. He then gave me $10 off (the helmet was only $50 so it's not insignificant) because I took the display model. I didn't even have to ask.
Friendly, helpful and a discount.
Rob
- brent84
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Postby skeeo » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:58 am
Admitedly I was wrong but they were absolute bastards about it, absolutely no customer service and I won't be heading back there again.
Basically, went in to try on helmets, they didn't have my size so they said they would order me in one (+ get more stock of larger sizes - it wasn't just my order).
I got a call a few days later saying it was in and ready for me to come get. I said I would come in over the weekend but didn't end up going in as another helmet had caught my eye.
About 10 days later, I got a call from them saying "THANKS FOR THE CALL, I'LL GO AND PUT THEM BACK ON THE SHELF NOW (with attitude )" to which at that moment it had just clicked that I had completely forgotten about the helmets on hold for me (he put on hold 2 colours for me) and he proceeded to hang up.
oh well, no wonder from what I have seen, they have next to know business, when I have visited in the past, it has been deserted.
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Postby BG » Fri Sep 26, 2008 1:28 pm
I'd also recommend Ride Shop in Bradon - they've helped me out with little things (both parts and service) more than once and when I asked 'how much?' they said 'don't worry about it'. Definately a reason to go back.
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Postby kilroy » Sat Nov 08, 2008 6:42 pm
I'm finding myself on the LBS side here. You ordered a helmet and found a different one instead never bothering to tell them...skeeo wrote:negative vote for Bike Superstore in Mitchell.
Admitedly I was wrong but they were absolute bastards about it, absolutely no customer service and I won't be heading back there again.
Basically, went in to try on helmets, they didn't have my size so they said they would order me in one (+ get more stock of larger sizes - it wasn't just my order).
I got a call a few days later saying it was in and ready for me to come get. I said I would come in over the weekend but didn't end up going in as another helmet had caught my eye.
About 10 days later, I got a call from them saying "THANKS FOR THE CALL, I'LL GO AND PUT THEM BACK ON THE SHELF NOW (with attitude )" to which at that moment it had just clicked that I had completely forgotten about the helmets on hold for me (he put on hold 2 colours for me) and he proceeded to hang up.
oh well, no wonder from what I have seen, they have next to know business, when I have visited in the past, it has been deserted.
- HAKS
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Postby HAKS » Sun Nov 09, 2008 8:52 pm
Next day I rang and spoke to a senior staff member and both parts they had in stock
- twizzle
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Postby twizzle » Mon Nov 10, 2008 10:22 am
Nope - this is an old discussion. They were getting in stock for him to try on, it was never an actual order. And there is no excuse for an abusive phone call.kilroy wrote:I'm finding myself on the LBS side here. You ordered a helmet and found a different one instead never bothering to tell them...skeeo wrote:negative vote for Bike Superstore in Mitchell.
Admitedly I was wrong but they were absolute bastards about it, absolutely no customer service and I won't be heading back there again.
Basically, went in to try on helmets, they didn't have my size so they said they would order me in one (+ get more stock of larger sizes - it wasn't just my order).
I got a call a few days later saying it was in and ready for me to come get. I said I would come in over the weekend but didn't end up going in as another helmet had caught my eye.
About 10 days later, I got a call from them saying "THANKS FOR THE CALL, I'LL GO AND PUT THEM BACK ON THE SHELF NOW (with attitude )" to which at that moment it had just clicked that I had completely forgotten about the helmets on hold for me (he put on hold 2 colours for me) and he proceeded to hang up.
oh well, no wonder from what I have seen, they have next to know business, when I have visited in the past, it has been deserted.
I was talking to a former employee from there on the weekend - the owner isn't into bikes, it could have been a store for anything (fridges, furniture etc.). Reason for the high prices is the quantity of advertising they do.
...real cyclists don't have squeaky chains...
- Papa Campagno
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Postby Papa Campagno » Thu Nov 13, 2008 12:23 pm
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canberra LBS
Postby llew51 » Sun Jan 25, 2009 4:30 pm
- Strawburger
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Postby Strawburger » Mon Jan 26, 2009 10:59 am
We will be heading back to TLC when in town.
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