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Buying a bike - where to go? — Brooklynian

Buying a bike - where to go?

christina
christina
edited November -1 in Park Slope
So I've decided to spend my hard earned money on a decent bike.
R&A bikes is right across the street from me but I've heard that their service is terrible, is that still the case?
I checked out Dixon's as well but didn't find them too helpful either.
Where else can I go? Any advice?

Comments

  • joncane
    joncane

    Subject: Re: Buying a bike - where to go?

    Christina wrote: So I've decided to spend my hard earned money on a decent bike.
    R&A bikes is right across the street from me but I've heard that their service is terrible, is that still the case?
    I checked out Dixon's as well but didn't find them too helpful either.
    Where else can I go? Any advice?
    Christina:

    Approximately what is your budget and what kind of riding do you plan to do? If you let me know, I can try to suggest an appropriate shop. Feel free to PM if you prefer.
  • idlewild
    idlewild
    Mr. C's on 7th Ave by 47th in Sunset Park or Bike Station on Vanderbilt and Dean. Unless you're looking for million dollar carbons and/or titaniums, then R&A it is. Or that awful place in Bay Ridge that sells Sevens.
  • christina
    christina
    I'm looking for something simple, it's supposed to be light weight (most important feature) and I'll primarily use for recreational purposes (although in my dreams it'll be my only means of transport, it's just not going to happen).
    I guess I'm looking at around 500$ but I won't mind cheaper!

    I've been to a place in Bay Ridge on 3rd Avenue and 91st I think, is that it?
  • idlewild
    idlewild
    Yup! That's the one. I would go to Mr. C's and Bike Shop. They have a whole slew of Cannondale, Trek, Bianchi, Specialized, Raleigh, Jamis and the like for that kind of cash. Although in general the lighter your bike is the pricier it will be.
  • gooner
    gooner
    I have been in the market for a bike as well, and have been to many of the shops mentioned on these boards. frankly, I hated the Bicycle Station place on Vanderbilt. They are supremely understaffed, and after sitting around for about 25 minutes all we got was some woman handing us a book and saying take a look and tell me what you want. we didn't hear from her for another 15 minutes, and left. And also, surprisingly, we found pretty good service and very informed staff at R&A. if you tell them exactly what you want, and if you are firm about how much you want to spend, they are pretty good. we found their pricing pretty fair as well...once you take the quality of components into account. and they are always willing to put lesser components onto a bike to make it more affordable to you.

    you can't always go by the opinions on this board. individual experiences may end up being very different. (come to think of it, I have found that you can almost never go by the opinions on this board. there are avowed haters and lovers of almost every single thing discussed.)
  • christina
    christina
    Well, that's the nature of people I guess, we can't and shouldn't all be the same, that would be boring.

    The Bay Ridge store is actually the only store I found really helpful.

    I'm going to check out R&A now, followed by the other 2.

    Thanks for the replies so far.
  • christina
    christina
    Update - I bought from R&A. They weren't that terrible. I'm just suprised that they won't upsell anywhere. Here I am with a budget that can be stretched and I need to ask for stuff like lights and other gadgets, their perfect opportunity to add on to the bill - but nothing happens. I'm glad, don't get me wrong, but it seems like nowadays you really have to know exactly what you want in a specialized store. I mean... even Sleepy's tries to pimp their mattresses!

    Anyway... bring on those bike trips, I'm ready!
  • lmboogie
    lmboogie
    I bought from R&A
    What did you get? I may also be in the market for a new bike. I have a 10 year old hybrid Trek which is actually in ok condition. I've been ride to work (midtown) but not sure this bike is right for long rides.
  • christina
    christina
    A Raleigh Passage 30 if that means anything to you. It's light weight and I think it's a hybrid.
  • doctorj
    doctorj
    Bike looks like a great choice to me. What do you think will prevent you from using it as your primary means of transport?
  • pitu
    pitu
    Craigslist and yard sales . . . it's pretty incredible what you can get used.
    Then Bike Station for a tune-up. Their niche is not selling new bikes.
    They are pretty great for trades tho . . .

    Anybody been to King Kog in W'burg? Some kool kids out of town were telling us about how great the owner is . . .
  • christina
    christina
    @ doctorj: my laziness!
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