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beans · 15-09-2006, 11:14

One Saturday during last summer, the guy behind the counter in the shop on the Quays was knecking cans of cider. He had three on the counter and an open one in his hand. Is it just me, or is that a bit mental?

Only ever bought tools and a saddle from them, and found their advice, price and service pretty much spot on. From a sales point of view, that's where I go. No disrespect, but the younger sales staff in the Parnell St shop don't really have a clue. Their service centre is great though.

Oh, I love the Fairview shop also, bought my first bike there all those years ago

And the Rathmines shop seems to get the thumbs up from a friend who pops in from time to time

Ghost Rider · 15-09-2006, 11:36

My tuppence worth: I've always found the staff in Cycleways (both the shop and the workshop) helpful and professional. The shop is over-priced on equipment but that's shops for you. The guy who manages the workshop has thrown several bits and pieces my way for nothing, and I value his good will.

My experience of Cyclelogical is mixed. I've experienced staffmembers being rude and dismissive. I've also experienced them being helpful and attentive. I find the atmosphere of the shop a bit "clubby" for my liking (as if working in a shop was a secondary activity to hanging out with their mates) but I don't have a big problem with that; in general, I prefer to see people happy "at work", even if it means I have to work a bit harder to get their attention!

I had one negative experience at Commuting Solutions in Rathmines but a lot of very good ones.

The bike shop in Ranelagh I've always found to embody the "mom and pop" style, in both the positive and negative senses of that term. That is to say, it may not have the range of products of a larger shop or a chain store, but the owner is personable and conscientious.

blorg · 15-09-2006, 12:14

Seconded about Ranelagh, great place to go to get something fixed, he will nearly always do it on the spot (e.g. come back in half an hour.) Got a bike there also. Nearest bike shop to my house but can only really go there weekends due to the opening hours (tend to go to Hollingsworth in Stillorgan as it's near work, or Commuting Solutions due to their opening hours otherwise.)

janullrich · 15-09-2006, 20:21

Good research Gil_Dub and good ridence. I am glad that you have so much time to look what everybody else does and writes. You probably haven't anything else to do in this poor lonely life.

***Trojan*** · 15-09-2006, 21:34

1 week ban for stupidity. I'll unban you next Friday.

RainyDay · 15-09-2006, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost Rider

I had one negative experience at Commuting Solutions in Rathmines but a lot of very good ones.

The bike shop in Ranelagh I've always found to embody the "mom and pop" style, in both the positive and negative senses of that term. That is to say, it may not have the range of products of a larger shop or a chain store, but the owner is personable and conscientious.

My experience has been pretty much the reverse. I found the guy in Ranalagh to be unhelpful. He won't keep bikes overnight, so you have to collect it that day, which doesn't always suit. It is impossible to get him to answer the phone, and he had repeated broken promises of when a part was to arrive.

By contrast, the guys in Commuting Solutions fixed the problem same day, with no fuss or drama.

***Trojan*** · 15-09-2006, 22:31

And today I spent a glorious 45 minutes in Cyclelogical discussing the various options for my new rig (damn those Surlys are heavy!). Got some great info. Then I bought a repair kit and left[1]

Then I headed up to Cycleways and dropped a cool 150 EUR on some shoes (Spec Comp Carbon MTB). Because the guy spent 20 mins talking to me, and I like getting shoes in person (I should practice re: frames too, eh?)

So for me...

o Cheap purchases -- internet (chainreaction or pricepoint),

o In person purchases (shoes etc) needing assistance -- LBS (Fairview) or Cycleways (depending on complexity & required knowledge)

o Major purchases (200e +) -- Cyclelogical or internet (depending on prices)

It works for me, ymmv.

btw just on the "cheap prices" thing - Cyclelogical are usually pretty good, but Cliff was pretty proud of his 1/2 price RockShox Judy for 140e (yeah I was looking at a replacement for the 4300 stock InSync). Anyway, a quick look on chainreaction finds the Judy for 70e... maybe it's a year different, but interesting to check before you buy, even if it seems a great deal.

(ok, ok, I also bought a 40 EUR Bell helmet for my mate who's heading to Kilternan tomorrow with this MAD crowd. But it wasn't for me!)

Karma · 19-09-2006, 09:17

like every thing in life, you have to approch it in the right? way. yes the guys in Cyclogical can be difficult, but i have put up with it and they have been this way to many people(why? dont know or care any more) they do take good care of many of my friends and annoy others. not always about the cash. I was in there at 6 weekend before last and the door was closed and then opened to move something, this old guy with his"world tourer comuting bike" demanding they fix it there and then, its 6.03pm they said no, he got ratty so he was told no again-point made, no cursing and he was escorted to the door.

so, i know the lads in there, its easier for me but hey you can show anywhere, and i do-except for cycleways-they accused me of buying a stolen specialized
epic- nice.
ps Trojan, what Surly did you get(had a steamroller-got nicked and now on a Karate Monkey-sweet)
take it easy,
dotC

*Civilian_Target* · 19-09-2006, 12:06

I got my bike serviced with Cycleways twice - the first time they did a good job at a reasonable price. The second time it was very shoddily done - and they charged me a fortune! The one thing I asked them to fix they did, to be fair but within a week of service I had to:
- Readjust the front and rear brakes as they were catching on the wheels
- Re-set the back wheel as the chain wasn't sufficiently tight and was "hopping" every now and again.
- Re-set the rear mudguard and tighten it so that it didn't come back off

For a service that cost the guts of €50 (that's over half a day's wages!) I would expect a lot better! Especially since I hadn't even covered massive distance in the time inbetween.

grizzly · 20-09-2006, 01:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Civilian_Target

I got my bike serviced with Cycleways twice - the first time they did a good job at a reasonable price. The second time it was very shoddily done - and they charged me a fortune! The one thing I asked them to fix they did, to be fair but within a week of service I had to:
- Readjust the front and rear brakes as they were catching on the wheels
- Re-set the back wheel as the chain wasn't sufficiently tight and was "hopping" every now and again.
- Re-set the rear mudguard and tighten it so that it didn't come back off

For a service that cost the guts of €50 (that's over half a day's wages!) I would expect a lot better! Especially since I hadn't even covered massive distance in the time inbetween.

Yes! I had the very same experience 6 months ago. Paid €50 expecting a good job, waited 3 days and knew that if I had done it myself I would have done a (slightly) better job. Which isn't good as I'm inept.

As for Cyclogical I find them quite snotty, but on the plus side I brought in a bike with a cracked handle bar (11 months old) and they fixed it the next day, no qualms.

***Trojan*** · 19-10-2006, 20:39

Hey dotC, didnt know about the name change. I ordered a green Cross Check, which still ain't in - took ages, Surly's distributer had a conflict with their carrier or some bull like that... ah well, I hurt my back (muscle strain) so couldn't go out anyway

What happened your Steamroller in the end? Was it a black one, and was it found, and found in the possession of another courier? I heard a story...

Back on topic, I thought I'd mention an experience with Cycleways & Cyclelogical... my friend taco'ed his front wheel during but luckily at the very end of one of the MAD rides they had recently. As it was on Sunday and Cycleways have the retail part of the shop open we stripped the hub and dropped it into them asking for them to have it rebuilt with some Mavic rims, double butted DT Swiss spokes.

Anyway we needed the wheel for the following Saturday's ride, so I thought dropping it by Sunday, they'd give it to the workshop on Monday morning, they have all week, no problems building one wheel before close of business Friday, right?

'Fraid not! I called in on Thursday lunchtime to pick it up after calling them and they told me they didn't know anything about it. Luckily we had not unbolted the disc brake rotor on the Sunday, so it was easy to say "the black Giant hub with a rotor with red paint on it" to identify it. It had been sitting in the shop from Sunday til Thursday without anyone looking at it.

Disgusted, I brought it up to Cyclelogical straight away, and stressed that I needed it by Friday afternoon cos we were heading out early Saturday. When I called by Friday I was asked if I hadn't listened to my voicemail - cos it was ready for pickup on Thursday afternoon.

Guess I must be one of the Irish team now, eh?

milod · 25-10-2006, 10:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Civilian_Target

I got my bike serviced with Cycleways twice - the first time they did a good job at a reasonable price. The second time it was very shoddily done - and they charged me a fortune! The one thing I asked them to fix they did, to be fair but within a week of service I had to:
- Readjust the front and rear brakes as they were catching on the wheels
- Re-set the back wheel as the chain wasn't sufficiently tight and was "hopping" every now and again.
- Re-set the rear mudguard and tighten it so that it didn't come back off

For a service that cost the guts of €50 (that's over half a day's wages!) I would expect a lot better! Especially since I hadn't even covered massive distance in the time inbetween.

I've noticed the quality of cycleways work is not as good as it used to be. I've 2 bikes and have had a bad run of luck with both recently, requiring things like chainrings, cranks, derailleurs etc.

Just this morning, my newly fitted crank literally fell off on the way to work - noticed a slight wobble and assumed it was a worn pedal spindle and then clunk. I'm rightly pissed off and won't be returning, other than to demand a new retaining bolt... The frustrating thing is that it took them over a month to actually order and fit the new part - a series of cock-ups with wrong sizes etc.

Over time, and by necessity, I've learned to do a lot for myself, but the really complicated or specialist tool stuff like bottom brackets, and groupsets still evade me. Anyone know of any evening courses...??

smcclaw · 25-10-2006, 11:40

Just to add that my experiences of cyclelogical have been overwhelmingly positive. I did buy a eur700 bike off them a while back and they gave me a great package. All my more expensive bikes I've bought second hand but when there has been any issues with them (maybe twice) I was able to just drop in and have it done there and then for no charge (including fitting small bits and pieces such as spacers with no charge). They also price matched a set of wheels for me no questions asked.

I think these kinds of stores do operate in a particular niche that is distinct from the local bike shops. The LBS probably deal with more general maintenance/small repair type jobs. The shop on camden st (raleigh shop, don't know the name) put my cassette back together for me yesterday when the lockring came loose on the way to work and handed it back to me with a smile and no charge.

The next brake pads I need will be bought there so!

daymobrew · 25-10-2006, 13:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by beans

Oh, I love the Fairview shop also

Wow, Little Sport is more popular than I thought. It's close to my work (East Point Business Park) so I drop the bike off on the way in, walk to work (or the DART shuttle) and collect it in the afternoon. Always quick and a great price.

Titiritero · 30-04-2007, 23:05

Hi,

I remember this post from months ago and decided to bring it back to life, for all the new people looking for new bikes now that the summer is coming. I visited Cyclelogical last week to check the price in a Kona I´m particularly interested on, and the treatment and customer service, as usual, was appalling.

I met a friend for a spin on Sunday and told him about it and he said he doesn´t go there anymore for the same reason, which was a bit of a relief because I thought maybe it was something personal towards me.

I only wish I could run a business where I can completely ignore and be rude to my customers and survive despite that. By the way, the bike they had, despite being a 2005 model, was 150 EUR more expensive than the 2007 model on the Kona website (thank god for internet shopping, some get even surprised for getting out of business!).

Thinking about it, I think I´ll email Kona to let them know about their "friendly" dealer in Dublin!

15-09-2006, 11:14	#31
beans Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: In Rainbows Posts: 1,370 Adverts \| Friends	One Saturday during last summer, the guy behind the counter in the shop on the Quays was knecking cans of cider. He had three on the counter and an open one in his hand. Is it just me, or is that a bit mental? Only ever bought tools and a saddle from them, and found their advice, price and service pretty much spot on. From a sales point of view, that's where I go. No disrespect, but the younger sales staff in the Parnell St shop don't really have a clue. Their service centre is great though. Oh, I love the Fairview shop also, bought my first bike there all those years ago And the Rathmines shop seems to get the thumbs up from a friend who pops in from time to time Last edited by beans; 15-09-2006 at 13:02.

15-09-2006, 22:31	#37
*Trojan* Administrator Join Date: Feb 1998 Posts: 12,971 Adverts \| Friends Admin: Events, Feedback, Forum Requests, Help Desk, Rugby Mods	And today I spent a glorious 45 minutes in Cyclelogical discussing the various options for my new rig (damn those Surlys are heavy!). Got some great info. Then I bought a repair kit and left[1] Then I headed up to Cycleways and dropped a cool 150 EUR on some shoes (Spec Comp Carbon MTB). Because the guy spent 20 mins talking to me, and I like getting shoes in person (I should practice re: frames too, eh?) So for me... o Cheap purchases -- internet (chainreaction or pricepoint), o In person purchases (shoes etc) needing assistance -- LBS (Fairview) or Cycleways (depending on complexity & required knowledge) o Major purchases (200e +) -- Cyclelogical or internet (depending on prices) It works for me, ymmv. btw just on the "cheap prices" thing - Cyclelogical are usually pretty good, but Cliff was pretty proud of his 1/2 price RockShox Judy for 140e (yeah I was looking at a replacement for the 4300 stock InSync). Anyway, a quick look on chainreaction finds the Judy for 70e... maybe it's a year different, but interesting to check before you buy, even if it seems a great deal. (ok, ok, I also bought a 40 EUR Bell helmet for my mate who's heading to Kilternan tomorrow with this MAD crowd. But it wasn't for me!) Last edited by Trojan; 15-09-2006 at 22:34.

19-09-2006, 12:06	#39
Civilian_Target Subscriber Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Boston Posts: 5,485 Adverts \| Friends	I got my bike serviced with Cycleways twice - the first time they did a good job at a reasonable price. The second time it was very shoddily done - and they charged me a fortune! The one thing I asked them to fix they did, to be fair but within a week of service I had to: - Readjust the front and rear brakes as they were catching on the wheels - Re-set the back wheel as the chain wasn't sufficiently tight and was "hopping" every now and again. - Re-set the rear mudguard and tighten it so that it didn't come back off For a service that cost the guts of €50 (that's over half a day's wages!) I would expect a lot better! Especially since I hadn't even covered massive distance in the time inbetween. Last edited by Civilian_Target; 19-09-2006 at 12:08.

25-10-2006, 11:40	#43
smcclaw Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 124 Adverts \| Friends	Quick defence of cyclelogical Just to add that my experiences of cyclelogical have been overwhelmingly positive. I did buy a eur700 bike off them a while back and they gave me a great package. All my more expensive bikes I've bought second hand but when there has been any issues with them (maybe twice) I was able to just drop in and have it done there and then for no charge (including fitting small bits and pieces such as spacers with no charge). They also price matched a set of wheels for me no questions asked. I think these kinds of stores do operate in a particular niche that is distinct from the local bike shops. The LBS probably deal with more general maintenance/small repair type jobs. The shop on camden st (raleigh shop, don't know the name) put my cassette back together for me yesterday when the lockring came loose on the way to work and handed it back to me with a smile and no charge. The next brake pads I need will be bought there so!

30-04-2007, 23:05	#45
Titiritero Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 40 Adverts \| Friends	Cyclelogical, as bad as usual Hi, I remember this post from months ago and decided to bring it back to life, for all the new people looking for new bikes now that the summer is coming. I visited Cyclelogical last week to check the price in a Kona I´m particularly interested on, and the treatment and customer service, as usual, was appalling. I met a friend for a spin on Sunday and told him about it and he said he doesn´t go there anymore for the same reason, which was a bit of a relief because I thought maybe it was something personal towards me. I only wish I could run a business where I can completely ignore and be rude to my customers and survive despite that. By the way, the bike they had, despite being a 2005 model, was 150 EUR more expensive than the 2007 model on the Kona website (thank god for internet shopping, some get even surprised for getting out of business!). Thinking about it, I think I´ll email Kona to let them know about their "friendly" dealer in Dublin!

15-09-2006, 11:36	#32
Ghost Rider Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,844 Adverts \| Friends	My tuppence worth: I've always found the staff in Cycleways (both the shop and the workshop) helpful and professional. The shop is over-priced on equipment but that's shops for you. The guy who manages the workshop has thrown several bits and pieces my way for nothing, and I value his good will. My experience of Cyclelogical is mixed. I've experienced staffmembers being rude and dismissive. I've also experienced them being helpful and attentive. I find the atmosphere of the shop a bit "clubby" for my liking (as if working in a shop was a secondary activity to hanging out with their mates) but I don't have a big problem with that; in general, I prefer to see people happy "at work", even if it means I have to work a bit harder to get their attention! I had one negative experience at Commuting Solutions in Rathmines but a lot of very good ones. The bike shop in Ranelagh I've always found to embody the "mom and pop" style, in both the positive and negative senses of that term. That is to say, it may not have the range of products of a larger shop or a chain store, but the owner is personable and conscientious.

15-09-2006, 12:14	#33
blorg Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Cambodia Posts: 15,930 Adverts \| Friends	Seconded about Ranelagh, great place to go to get something fixed, he will nearly always do it on the spot (e.g. come back in half an hour.) Got a bike there also. Nearest bike shop to my house but can only really go there weekends due to the opening hours (tend to go to Hollingsworth in Stillorgan as it's near work, or Commuting Solutions due to their opening hours otherwise.)

15-09-2006, 20:21	#34
janullrich Closed Account Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 405 Adverts \| Friends	Good research Gil_Dub and good ridence. I am glad that you have so much time to look what everybody else does and writes. You probably haven't anything else to do in this poor lonely life.

15-09-2006, 21:34	#35
*Trojan* Administrator Join Date: Feb 1998 Posts: 12,971 Adverts \| Friends Admin: Events, Feedback, Forum Requests, Help Desk, Rugby Mods	1 week ban for stupidity. I'll unban you next Friday.

19-09-2006, 09:17	#38
Karma Hosted Moderator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Dublin Posts: 1,072 Adverts \| Friends HMod: Couriers	like every thing in life, you have to approch it in the right? way. yes the guys in Cyclogical can be difficult, but i have put up with it and they have been this way to many people(why? dont know or care any more) they do take good care of many of my friends and annoy others. not always about the cash. I was in there at 6 weekend before last and the door was closed and then opened to move something, this old guy with his"world tourer comuting bike" demanding they fix it there and then, its 6.03pm they said no, he got ratty so he was told no again-point made, no cursing and he was escorted to the door. so, i know the lads in there, its easier for me but hey you can show anywhere, and i do-except for cycleways-they accused me of buying a stolen specialized epic- nice. ps Trojan, what Surly did you get(had a steamroller-got nicked and now on a Karate Monkey-sweet) take it easy, dotC

19-10-2006, 20:39	#41
*Trojan* Administrator Join Date: Feb 1998 Posts: 12,971 Adverts \| Friends Admin: Events, Feedback, Forum Requests, Help Desk, Rugby Mods	Hey dotC, didnt know about the name change. I ordered a green Cross Check, which still ain't in - took ages, Surly's distributer had a conflict with their carrier or some bull like that... ah well, I hurt my back (muscle strain) so couldn't go out anyway What happened your Steamroller in the end? Was it a black one, and was it found, and found in the possession of another courier? I heard a story... Back on topic, I thought I'd mention an experience with Cycleways & Cyclelogical... my friend taco'ed his front wheel during but luckily at the very end of one of the MAD rides they had recently. As it was on Sunday and Cycleways have the retail part of the shop open we stripped the hub and dropped it into them asking for them to have it rebuilt with some Mavic rims, double butted DT Swiss spokes. Anyway we needed the wheel for the following Saturday's ride, so I thought dropping it by Sunday, they'd give it to the workshop on Monday morning, they have all week, no problems building one wheel before close of business Friday, right? 'Fraid not! I called in on Thursday lunchtime to pick it up after calling them and they told me they didn't know anything about it. Luckily we had not unbolted the disc brake rotor on the Sunday, so it was easy to say "the black Giant hub with a rotor with red paint on it" to identify it. It had been sitting in the shop from Sunday til Thursday without anyone looking at it. Disgusted, I brought it up to Cyclelogical straight away, and stressed that I needed it by Friday afternoon cos we were heading out early Saturday. When I called by Friday I was asked if I hadn't listened to my voicemail - cos it was ready for pickup on Thursday afternoon. Guess I must be one of the Irish team now, eh?

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