Author Topic: Bike Shops... who do you go to?  (Read 1385 times)

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Offline rottenpossum

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Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« on: August 17, 2011, 01:35:01 PM »
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So in part of my moving & researching, I'm wanting a general consensus of what bike shops you guys like, what shops you hate and why.  One point of interest that is important is that I currently own & ride a Giant Talon 29er1 & a Trek 1100, so whatever shop I go to would need to be able to service those bikes relatively easy.  I'm hoping to find a shop like the one I have back home. Guys who know bikes, work on bikes, and love bikes but still very approachable and friendly.

Last qualification is that I would like to find a shop that is somewhat close to Westchase, but that's not a requirement if the people & service are right.

Thanks!

Online Darrinw2001

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Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #1 on: August 17, 2011, 02:01:17 PM »
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Carrolwood Bike Emporium is good, ask for Brain (owner) or Manny.. stay away from Flying Fish, just my opinion and others I have talked to. University Bike Center on Fletcher is OK but a little pricey on service, if you go there ask for Jason Daniels. Native Bike Works on 301 in Riverview is also very good, AJ's bikes and Boards in Valrico is OK...


Offline hygieneboy

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Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #2 on: August 17, 2011, 02:57:38 PM »
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I've had great experiences with Streetfit360, Trek Tampa, and both Flying Fish locations. All Three have been super nice and have worked with me on price for bikes and service.

Outspokin in Clearwater gets my award for the rudest most snobby elitist bike shop around.

Offline bigbunion

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Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #3 on: August 17, 2011, 05:49:25 PM »
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UBC and AJ's have been good to me.  AJ's being open on Sunday is a plus and they have mechanics there on Sunday!

Offline rottenpossum

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Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #4 on: August 18, 2011, 07:32:38 AM »
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Carrolwood Bike Emporium is good, ask for Brain (owner) or Manny.. stay away from Flying Fish, just my opinion and others I have talked to. University Bike Center on Fletcher is OK but a little pricey on service, if you go there ask for Jason Daniels. Native Bike Works on 301 in Riverview is also very good, AJ's bikes and Boards in Valrico is OK...

what issues do you have with Flying Fish?

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Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #5 on: August 18, 2011, 07:39:18 AM »
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Carrolwood Bike Emporium is good, ask for Brain (owner) or Manny.. stay away from Flying Fish, just my opinion and others I have talked to. University Bike Center on Fletcher is OK but a little pricey on service, if you go there ask for Jason Daniels. Native Bike Works on 301 in Riverview is also very good, AJ's bikes and Boards in Valrico is OK...

what issues do you have with Flying Fish?

answered in PM

Offline rottenpossum

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Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #6 on: August 18, 2011, 07:50:55 AM »
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good to know, that's a huge piece of what I'm trying to avoid. Thanks!

Offline Luis

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Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #7 on: August 18, 2011, 08:26:54 AM »
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Carrolwood Bike Emporium is good, ask for Brain (owner) or Manny.. stay away from Flying Fish, just my opinion and others I have talked to. University Bike Center on Fletcher is OK but a little pricey on service, if you go there ask for Jason Daniels. Native Bike Works on 301 in Riverview is also very good, AJ's bikes and Boards in Valrico is OK...

what issues do you have with Flying Fish?

answered in PM

ogrephobic?

Offline Scott

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Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #8 on: August 18, 2011, 08:47:41 AM »
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I will pile on the anti flying fish sentiment, anywhere but there!!!!

Offline Alan

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Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #9 on: August 18, 2011, 11:40:26 AM »
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+1 for Carrolwood Bike Emporium.  I've had good experiences with them in the past (both at their shop and with their mechanic handling an issue for me at Squiggy two years ago). 

Also noteworthy is Just Ride Bikes.  Not near you, but near Boyette and is a great place to stop in if you need something on the way to or from the trails over tehre.  I've had nothing but great experiences with the owner and his staff.

Offline Albe23

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Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #10 on: August 21, 2011, 12:35:43 AM »
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Bicycle Outfitters in Seminole is a great shop, Chris the service manager is an awesome dude and the dogs are always great to play with.
"Force has no place where there is need of skill" - Heredotus

Offline prof

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Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #11 on: August 25, 2011, 05:03:20 PM »
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I had a great experience at San Antonio Cyclery. The customer service is first rate and they quoted me very fair prices. I will be going back. 

Offline mm

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Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #12 on: August 25, 2011, 07:04:59 PM »
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I havent been to a bike shop yet that has risen to my expectations. Either the overcharge, leave brake fluid dripping down my fork, misdiagnose the problem, or completly half ass the repair after upselling me parts I could have gotten cheaper elsewhere. leaving me wonder why I didnt do the repair myself.
I now buy online and do the work myself. Much more rewarding. And if I cant do it I know an orge that will help
« Last Edit: August 25, 2011, 07:08:00 PM by MM »

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Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #13 on: August 25, 2011, 07:07:51 PM »
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Chainwheel Drive in Clearwater & Palm Harbor

Online Darrinw2001

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Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #14 on: August 25, 2011, 07:44:53 PM »
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I havent been to a bike shop yet that has risen to my expectations. Either the overcharge, leave brake fluid dripping down my fork, misdiagnose the problem, or completly half ass the repair after upselling me parts I could have gotten cheaper elsewhere. leaving me wonder why I didnt do the repair myself.
I now buy online and do the work myself. Much more rewarding. And if I cant do it I know an orge that will help

Ogre Works Ghetto repairs! LOL!