I thought it was a good idea to support local business so I went back to my local bike shop to buy my second used bike from them. I was assured that they would fix any shortcomings that the bike had, and shortcomings it has. And now I have been back 4 times- among other things they could not fix a simple decending seat post! WTF? If I had a 1/2″ wrench I would do it myself. You would have thought that a pro bike shop would have the integrity to at least test their products before they send them out the door.
So after heaps of shit back and forth I have a crap bike that is barely rideable. You get what you pay for but I did not bargain for the big fuck around. So sorry local business but if you do not stand behind me then I am headed to Walmart. Fuck you very much.
—Michael
This article appears in May 28 – Jun 3, 2009.
I’ve had both bad and good experiences with local bike shops. One place calls me by name even though I come in like, once a year. Another place (highly recommended) said they’d rejig my bike for me and make it so it had 6 gears instead of 12 and it would be easier for me. Fine I said, I go in and pick it up (it takes longer than they said it would), there’s 4 gears not 6 and the tires aren’t even filled. I had to walk it home so I could fill the tires up myself.
If you really care about supporting local bike shops, you should try a few other places.
wall mart bikes suck.
Don’t make other small businesses pay because of a bad experience at one of them, especially by going to WalMart. There’s more than one shop in town, give it a go. Don’t cut the nose to spite the face.
Good thing nobody ever encountered bad customer service or shoddy products at Walmart. I say we all start shopping there.
You could always check out crappy tire, they have bikes and although they’re not exactly local they’re probably better to go to than Walmart.
Yeah that’s a really mature attitude OP. SWG is right, Wally Mart bikes suck too, also, actually expecting a retailer (either local or multinational) to “stand behind a product” is silly. Just because you feel that you should get a refund or replacement at your whim means you’re living in a dream world, buddy. Retailers say things like “the customer is always right”, but it really boils down to “is it going to hurt our bottom line to take this item back?”. Be a smart consumer: ask when you’re buying the item, “if I don’t like it, can I return it? How long do I have?” it’ll save you time and it’ll save you a ton of frustration too. But that would mean you would have to think about what you’re buying, and for the most part consumers are stupid. You’re clearly in that group.
Not to mention, you have the potential of hurting more then just the local businesses by refusing them. What about our economy?
Unfortunately, your ‘get what you pay for’ attitude is going to come full circle and start whispering in your ear. Walmart’s bikes are downright dreadful compared to what you’ll find in a local bike shop. Plus, you can always tweak the bike out if it isn’t working for you. It’s your decision.
Oh great another bike rider, just what we drivers need. Don’t forget to sign your organ donation card.
While you’re in Wal Mart get an adjustable wrench too!
LOL.
Learn how to work on your own shit. Buy a good book and some tools. I only take my bikes in to a shop if it’s over my head.
I gave up supporting local business years ago. Even Canadian businesses. I do my shopping online via the USA, or shop when I am down there. Boo to small business.