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

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline rottenpossum

  • Huffy Rider
  • **
  • Posts: 31
  • Karma: +1/-2
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: Giant Talon 29er1
Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« on: August 17, 2011, 01:35:01 PM »
Publish
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

  • At least this is a Healthy Obsession, right?
  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Yellow Jersey
  • ****
  • Posts: 2468
  • Karma: +112/-438
  • Gender: Male
  • aka "The OGRE" - Elite Epic Gonzo Soul Rider
  • My Bike: 2012 Salsa EL Mariachi Steel 29er in Jungle Fever Green
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #1 on: August 17, 2011, 02:01:17 PM »
Publish
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

  • Cycling Sherpa
  • ***
  • Posts: 295
  • Karma: +9/-283
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: is soooooooo dirty
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #2 on: August 17, 2011, 02:57:38 PM »
Publish
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

  • First Bike
  • *
  • Posts: 29
  • Karma: +1/-8
  • Gender: Male
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #3 on: August 17, 2011, 05:49:25 PM »
Publish
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

  • Huffy Rider
  • **
  • Posts: 31
  • Karma: +1/-2
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: Giant Talon 29er1
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #4 on: August 18, 2011, 07:32:38 AM »
Publish
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?

Online Darrinw2001

  • At least this is a Healthy Obsession, right?
  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Yellow Jersey
  • ****
  • Posts: 2468
  • Karma: +112/-438
  • Gender: Male
  • aka "The OGRE" - Elite Epic Gonzo Soul Rider
  • My Bike: 2012 Salsa EL Mariachi Steel 29er in Jungle Fever Green
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #5 on: August 18, 2011, 07:39:18 AM »
Publish
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

  • Huffy Rider
  • **
  • Posts: 31
  • Karma: +1/-2
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: Giant Talon 29er1
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #6 on: August 18, 2011, 07:50:55 AM »
Publish
good to know, that's a huge piece of what I'm trying to avoid. Thanks!

Offline Luis

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Clipless Mountain Goat
  • ****
  • Posts: 212
  • Karma: +7/-41
  • My Bike: Waltworks 29
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #7 on: August 18, 2011, 08:26:54 AM »
Publish
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

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Yellow Jersey
  • ****
  • Posts: 1477
  • Karma: +44/-263
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: Scott Scale 949 29er, WaltWorks 29er, Trance X, Cannondale CADD9
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #8 on: August 18, 2011, 08:47:41 AM »
Publish
I will pile on the anti flying fish sentiment, anywhere but there!!!!

Offline Alan

  • Ninja Master Cyclist
  • ****
  • Posts: 919
  • Karma: +37/-95
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: 08 Monocog 29er, 09 GF Paragon
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #9 on: August 18, 2011, 11:40:26 AM »
Publish
+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

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Amateur Billy Goat
  • ****
  • Posts: 112
  • Karma: +5/-12
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: Dartmoor Hornet, all Dartmoor'd out.
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #10 on: August 21, 2011, 12:35:43 AM »
Publish
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

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • First Bike
  • ****
  • Posts: 21
  • Karma: +1/-6
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: Giant Anthem X 29er (2012)
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #11 on: August 25, 2011, 05:03:20 PM »
Publish
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

  • Cycling Sherpa
  • ***
  • Posts: 487
  • Karma: +16/-250
  • Gender: Male
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #12 on: August 25, 2011, 07:04:59 PM »
Publish
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 »

Offline ProEdgeBiker

  • PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR TRAILS By DONATING $30/yr to SWAMP for a FAMILY MEMBERSHIP!
  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Yellow Jersey
  • ****
  • Posts: 1974
  • Karma: +102/-628
  • Gender: Male
  • *SPECIALIZED & SCOTT* My SWEATSHOP BOUTIQUES!
    • PROEDGEBIKER.COM
  • My Bike: Custom 09' Specialized Epic w/ Sweet SLR's
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #13 on: August 25, 2011, 07:07:51 PM »
Publish
Chainwheel Drive in Clearwater & Palm Harbor

Online Darrinw2001

  • At least this is a Healthy Obsession, right?
  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Yellow Jersey
  • ****
  • Posts: 2468
  • Karma: +112/-438
  • Gender: Male
  • aka "The OGRE" - Elite Epic Gonzo Soul Rider
  • My Bike: 2012 Salsa EL Mariachi Steel 29er in Jungle Fever Green
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #14 on: August 25, 2011, 07:44:53 PM »
Publish
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!

Offline hygieneboy

  • Cycling Sherpa
  • ***
  • Posts: 295
  • Karma: +9/-283
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: is soooooooo dirty
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #15 on: August 26, 2011, 06:18:15 AM »
Publish
if I cant do it I know an orge that will help

An orgy always helps no matter what the problem is ;)

Offline northbkr1

  • SWAMP Club Advisor
  • Cycling Sherpa
  • *****
  • Posts: 343
  • Karma: +44/-38
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #16 on: August 29, 2011, 11:46:52 AM »
Publish
I vote for AJ's

Offline Scott

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Yellow Jersey
  • ****
  • Posts: 1477
  • Karma: +44/-263
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: Scott Scale 949 29er, WaltWorks 29er, Trance X, Cannondale CADD9
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #17 on: August 29, 2011, 03:13:01 PM »
Publish

Online chisel

  • Yellow Jersey
  • *****
  • Posts: 1673
  • Karma: +138/-85
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #18 on: August 29, 2011, 03:17:53 PM »
Publish
ART!! 8)  my car is ready for some auto x.   keep me posted!

Offline northbkr1

  • SWAMP Club Advisor
  • Cycling Sherpa
  • *****
  • Posts: 343
  • Karma: +44/-38
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #19 on: August 30, 2011, 05:50:02 PM »
Publish
Hey Scott, call me.
Paul, should have a car sometime between the end of sept and 1st of dec.

Offline Juicehead

  • Huffy Rider
  • **
  • Posts: 37
  • Karma: +2/-12
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: Custom Green Machine
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #20 on: September 18, 2011, 08:28:33 PM »
Publish
Hey Scott, call me.
Paul, should have a car sometime between the end of sept and 1st of dec.

What's this I hear about AutoX?  I wanna play!

Offline jonesy0924

  • First Bike
  • *
  • Posts: 5
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Gender: Male
  • I got this SH*T
  • My Bike: 2011 Giant Revel
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #21 on: November 21, 2011, 11:39:17 PM »
Publish
AJ's Bikes and Boards I got my Giant there

Offline mellowme17

  • Cycling Sherpa
  • ***
  • Posts: 445
  • Karma: +9/-20
  • Gender: Male
  • My Bike: Single speed 29er
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #22 on: November 22, 2011, 08:32:34 AM »
Publish
native...
Yeah i am that guy with the socks

Online PoserLowroad

  • Amateur Billy Goat
  • **
  • Posts: 102
  • Karma: +3/-34
  • My Bike: Giant Trace X frame with a bunch of weight weenie parts bolted to it.
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #23 on: December 22, 2011, 10:39:53 PM »
Publish
Can't say enough good things about Native. They have put up with my eBay, MTBR and Swamp classified section foolishness, and have gone above and beyond the call many times.

Offline Johnny V

  • SWAMP Club Member
  • Huffy Rider
  • ****
  • Posts: 36
  • Karma: +2/-9
  • Gender: Male
    • Fat Man On A Mountain Bike
  • Favorite Trail: Balm Boyette
  • My Bike: 2007 Giant Trance
Re: Bike Shops... who do you go to?
« Reply #24 on: February 08, 2012, 03:55:22 PM »
Publish
Native Bike Works in Riverview is the Most down to earth and friendly staff in the bay area. Just Ride in Fishhawk is awesome too. some of the other bigger shops seem to be a bit snobby in my opinion.
Mountain Biking in Florida? Hell Yea