Eurocycles

elwood76 · 05-07-2011 04:00PM #1

Has anyone had a bad experience? Am currently trying to actually buy a bike from them and its like they are trying to make it hard for me to do this. Customer service and communication skills are pretty damn awful.

kenmc · 05-07-2011 04:04PM

I went in to the long mile road one on Sat with the brother in law, he was looking to buy a bike, we left after about 10 mins cos no-one seemed to be at all interested in selling anything.

Unregistered. · 05-07-2011 04:05PM

Walked into the shop in walkinstown a while ago. Walked around for a good 20 minutes and left while nobody budged from behind the counter to try and make a sale.

dario28 · 05-07-2011 04:54PM

Bought a bike off them , would never go back , the chain snapped 3 times in the first week , guy hadnt a clue how to put it on , gears were all over the place , brought it in to get adjusted took half a day to get bike back and they still weren't right , had to bring it back a few more times to get them right , had creaking coming out of the BB and took them weeks to fix that also

brutal customer service and brutal bike techs in town and swords store

Avoid !

Had the complete opposite with Halfords , bought it in Malahide road and any time I bring it back for a service its always done well

And Euro babys is as bad , ur one there told us we could use the cot that comes with the pram as a moses basket , just buy a rocker stand , went to place up the north and she told us that was the most dangerous thing you could do as the cot is top heavy and the baby could topple it , instead of spending 150 on the travel cot , spend 25 on the proper moses basket

coolbeans · 05-07-2011 04:57PM

I went in with the intention of buying a bike but was put off by the lack of knowledge on the part of the staff. I was looking at a high end road bike and your man tested my saddle height by asking me to stand over top tube. I did so and he said it was a grand size for me. I expect better.
Also, prices are high. A Pashley Guvnor caught my eye but it's way too expensive at E150 more than what the guys in Wheelworx were looking for the same bike. The staff really do not seem bike knowledgeable at all.

petethedrummer · 05-07-2011 05:09PM

The one on Sth William St is spot on.

Leroy42 · 05-07-2011 06:02PM

In my experience, the level of customer care has generally, I stress generally, gone down over the last year or so.

Bike shops have got such a boon from the BTW scheme, they don't even have to sell, they just put a kit together in the amount of €1000.

Cycling has really taken off, just look at the amount of people out on Howth (or anywhere I guess) and you can see that, so I guess that when you walk in the store you are just one of many, no big loss if you walk back out. Another customer will be along soon.

On the other hand, did you go up a sales person? Or did you simply walk around the store and then walk out in disgust. A lot of customers know what they are looking for and don't really want to be bothered, so I guess the shop worker has a choice of either leave you alone to come to him or maybe bother you. Not trying to excuse it, just saying.

No doubt in my mind that the BTW scheme has made the guys lazy. In others areas traders are falling over themselves for business, bike shops don't seem to be in that category.

But on the issue of Eurocycles, yes they are complete pants!

check_six · 05-07-2011 06:23PM

I've always got super service from South William St.

I find that a lot of bike shops just sort of let you do your own thing until you actively go and start asking them questions, I don't know if this is a specifically a bike shop thing or not (maybe I haven't been in enough regular shops recently!).

I wouldn't expect anyone to start trying to sell me a random book in a bookshop, for example.

adrianshanahan · 05-07-2011 06:46PM

dario28 wrote: »

would never go back , the chain snapped 3 times in the first week

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that might have more to do with bad cross chaining than where you bought the bike.

Bit to the person who is asking about Eurocyles call into the branch on the Longmile road and ask to speak to Richie, even ring ahead to see if he is there. I guarente there isn't much he doesn't know about bikes and will look after you.

Adrian

elwood76 · 05-07-2011 08:10PM

I have literally waved the money in front of the staff, did a jig and wore a t shirt saying I want to buy a bike. All I have been waiting for is a bike to be put together for me... to buy. A week later I have had three call ins with no bike ready, calls with no calls back and now finally been told they don't actually have the bike that they told me a week ago was down stairs in a box waiting to be put together. So called the swords store instead this morning, left my number and was told I would be immediately called back... guess what....

funkyjebus · 05-07-2011 08:11PM

Shocking service, my bike was assembled by a monkey and I'm now bringing them to the small claims court and have had to report them to the ASAI for a misleading leaflet. I requested a refund 5 times and got no responce at all, not even to formal letters. Also they charge 500 euro more than wiggle for a cayo:eek:.

elwood76 · 05-07-2011 09:11PM

Does anyone know another bike shop where i might get my hands on a Felt X city 2 for the same price?

http://www.eurocycles.ie/Hybrid_Bike_Gents/Felt_Bicycles-b/Felt_XCity_2_2010/3145_p.aspx

http://www.eurocycles.ie/Hybrid_Bike_Gents/Felt_Bicycles-b/Felt_QX75_-_2010/3605_p.aspx#

chakattack · 05-07-2011 09:15PM

funkyjebus wrote: »

Shocking service, my bike was assembled by a monkey and I'm now bringing them to the small claims court and have had to report them to the ASAI for a misleading leaflet. I requested a refund 5 times and got no responce at all, not even to formal letters. Also they charge 500 euro more than wiggle for a cayo:eek:.

Why the small claims court and ASAI?

I found them to be sound on my only visit there.

Holyboy · 05-07-2011 09:36PM

Leroy42 wrote: »

In my experience, the level of customer care has generally, I stress generally, gone down over the last year or so.

Bike shops have got such a boon from the BTW scheme, they don't even have to sell, they just put a kit together in the amount of €1000.

Cycling has really taken off, just look at the amount of people out on Howth (or anywhere I guess) and you can see that, so I guess that when you walk in the store you are just one of many, no big loss if you walk back out. Another customer will be along soon.

On the other hand, did you go up a sales person? Or did you simply walk around the store and then walk out in disgust. A lot of customers know what they are looking for and don't really want to be bothered, so I guess the shop worker has a choice of either leave you alone to come to him or maybe bother you. Not trying to excuse it, just saying.

No doubt in my mind that the BTW scheme has made the guys lazy. In others areas traders are falling over themselves for business, bike shops don't seem to be in that category.

But on the issue of Eurocycles, yes they are complete pants!

I totally agree, with the bike boom we're having the employees of bike shops just don't care and of course the BTW scheme, it seems to be an Irish kind of mind set and in my opinion our attitude has gotten this country into the state it's in, the government is talking about scrapping the BTW scheme and I actually think it would be a good thing, it will put all the money grabbers out of business that have opened up trying to jump on the band wagon, and of course all the skullduggery, kids bikes and the likes being put down as "clothing" on the BTW forms, in my opinion a proper bike shop builds it's reputation around it's workshop no matter how big or small, if a shop can't fix a bike properly why would some one go there?

projectgtr · 05-07-2011 09:55PM

Holyboy wrote: »

I totally agree, with the bike boom we're having the employees of bike shops just don't care and of course the BTW scheme, it seems to be an Irish kind of mind set and in my opinion our attitude has gotten this country into the state it's in, the government is talking about scrapping the BTW scheme and I actually think it would be a good thing, it will put all the money grabbers out of business that have opened up trying to jump on the band wagon, and of course all the skullduggery, kids bikes and the likes being put down as "clothing" on the BTW forms, in my opinion a proper bike shop builds it's reputation around it's workshop no matter how big or small, if a shop can't fix a bike properly why would some one go there?

Not all shops i allways find Cycleways in city center great regardless of whether im just looking for info/browsing or buying, the guys there just seem to be actually interested in what they do

Neverlandland · 05-07-2011 10:47PM

I bought a bike from Eurocycles a couple of months ago. I found the Swords store pretty shocking. One of the lads was pretty nice, but the lack of knowledge there was worrying. Also, on one of their bikes, they had a sign saying that it was x euros. I had a close look at a sticker on the frame, and it said that the price was 50 euro cheaper than the price tag on the handlebars. They were also going to charge me the more expensive price!

When I went to the longmile road, they were very helpful, and had the bike on sale at the cheaper price. Eurocycles have a good promotion where, if you're buying on the C2W scheme, you get 15% off on top of the tax you save. I also got some other discounts on other stuff I was getting. I have gone back a couple of times with different queries and they have been very helpful.

Now, they didn't exactly spend a lot of time sizing me up. It was my 1st bike and wouldn't have been totally sure what to look out for if I hadn't spent so long looking around in other shops. Other shops were probably better when it came to sizing me up, but the staff at eurocycles were very helpful, and at the end of the day, with the extra 15% I saved with their promotion, the whole package cost me around 200 euro less than it would have if I had gone through Wheelworx

Holyboy · 06-07-2011 07:25AM

projectgtr wrote: »

Not all shops i allways find Cycleways in city center great regardless of whether im just looking for info/browsing or buying, the guys there just seem to be actually interested in what they do

Im not having a go at all shops, there are some great ones out there, cycleways was the best bike shop im the country at one stage and I still admire them, but with the bigger shops it can be very hit or miss with what member off staff you get or even if theyre having a bad day! Also there are not enough proper bicycle mechanics in the country for the amount of cycle shops we now have, so you get people who think, "ah sure its only a bike, how hard can it be". That is all:)

dario28 · 06-07-2011 08:29AM

adrianshanahan wrote: »

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that might have more to do with bad cross chaining than where you bought the bike.

Bit to the person who is asking about Eurocyles call into the branch on the Longmile road and ask to speak to Richie, even ring ahead to see if he is there. I guarente there isn't much he doesn't know about bikes and will look after you.

Adrian

Eh I know how to ride a bike thanks

TommyTheGun · 06-07-2011 09:07AM

I have to agree with the majority of posters here. i have found their service in the Swords branch to be nothing short of absolutely horrific. I bought a bike there on the CTW scheme, and the only reason I did was because ( as another poster said) they offered the 15% accessories option which saved me the €150 I would otherwise have to have spent in another shop.

To be honest it was heartbreaking having to buy from the guy, but the 150 was the ONLY reason i did. I was in wheelworx and they couldnt have been more helpful and if they had offered close to the eurocycles deal then I would have definitely bought from them.

Now I'm a novice to cycling and this is my first bike, so I was generally looking for help in regarding cycling. The guy just looked at me and was adamant that I was a 58" frame. Since then, I'm sure the frame size is wrong, Ive had no end of trouble trying to be set up on right on the bike but I'm too proud to go back to them !

Just overall a very bad vibe and they should maybe realise in future that people on BTW schemes are mostly novices who require some bike education, a little help goes a long way. I spent 1000 euro and the chap couldnt get me out of the shop quick enough.

I would'nt recommend

redzone · 06-07-2011 10:15AM

I know its away from Dublin city but Eurocycles in Newbridge is a great shop. The lads are always very helpful and know their stuff.

They have looked after me and some friends and all I have heard about them is good.

Talk to Tiago, he looks mad but is sound and a good bike mechanic aswell.

funkyjebus · 06-07-2011 10:26AM

chakattack wrote: »

Why the small claims court and ASAI?

I found them to be sound on my only visit there.

Because the bike was sold misleadingly and there were marks on the frame they also put it together to a shocking standard ( brakes rubbed so bad the front wheel wouldn't move). I reported them to the asai as they told me as I was paying for my bike that the 15% free voucher was only available online despite no t&c to the offer. Without that voucher I would have gotten better value elsewhere.

green_dub_girl · 06-07-2011 10:27AM

I haven't had any experience of Eurocycles, but I can say I received the worst experience of my cycling life in Halfords in Blanchardstown. I stood at the bike counter for several minutes trying to ask a question while the bike team ignored me and had a chat. They are rude, disinterested and a damn intimidating.
Lesson is, if you want personal service go to a smaller bike shop, not a major British chain.

kenmc · 06-07-2011 11:13AM

green_dub_girl wrote: »

Lesson is, if you want personal service to buy something for cycling, go to a smaller bike shop

There you go, fixed that for you.

fenris · 06-07-2011 11:46AM

I found Eurocycles on the Longmile rd great.

About two months ago when we bought a bike for my daughter (5), the staff were knowledgeable and spent a good amount of time making sure that we had the right bike, which was not the one we thought that we were going to get initially, we ended up with a very nice light 20" bike with a low stand over height, gears and short reach brakes and sparkly bits rather than the 16" smyths type object that looked to be the only option elsewhere. I was impressed by the amount of time spent making sure things were right even after what felt like a million laps of the car park. The end result is that she lives on her bike and just need to stop shouting out what gear she is in!

Would I go back - yes
Would I recommend Eurocycles based on my experience - yes
Just to echo what a previous poster said - Richie in Eurocycles is well worth talking to, he also won't hesitate to point you in the right direction.

Hermy · 06-07-2011 12:07PM

Holyboy wrote: »

Also there are not enough proper bicycle mechanics in the country for the amount of cycle shops we now have, so you get people who think, "ah sure its only a bike, how hard can it be". That is all:)

How does that get remedied? Is there anywhere I can go to learn to be a better bike mechanic?

Lumen · 06-07-2011 12:27PM

fenris wrote: »

Just to echo what a previous poster said - Richie in Eurocycles is well worth talking to, he also won't hesitate to point you in the right direction.

^ This. Very sound guy in my experience.

Generally speaking, decent bike shops are staffed by people who love cycling. People who just want to flog stuff with wheels work in car dealerships. Consequently, it is not unusual to walk in and feel ignored. If I was to eliminate every bike shop that had ignored me at one time or another there wouldn't be anywhere left to go.

Lumen · 06-07-2011 12:38PM

Hermy wrote: »

How does that get remedied? Is there anywhere I can go to learn to be a better bike mechanic?

Ah sure its only a bike, how hard can it be?

gman2k · 06-07-2011 12:43PM

green_dub_girl wrote: »

I haven't had any experience of Eurocycles, but I can say I received the worst experience of my cycling life in Halfords in Blanchardstown. I stood at the bike counter for several minutes trying to ask a question while the bike team ignored me and had a chat. They are rude, disinterested and a damn intimidating.
Lesson is, if you want personal service go to a smaller bike shop, not a major British chain.

A someone who carries out mystery shopping as part of my job, let me put my spoke in here.
Bad customer service is rife out there at the moment, and it's not just in major British chains.
It's a management failure at store level that lets this happen, it's not a macro issue within chains.
If I was a manager/owner of a store (and I was a retail manager in a previous career), and witnessed staff ignoring customers, there would be immediate repercussions.

A very recent bad example that happened to me (in a small clothing store which I was mystery shopping);
I walk in - only me and the retail assistant were there - I say hello to this person, and they walk by me, and looked through me! And he never once approached me during the rest of the call to inquire whether I needed assistance with anything. (BTW, that outlet failed).

So the thing to do with your Halfords experience is to write a little email to their head office and explain your complaint, and I'm sure you will be taken care of. That's the benefit of the large chains! Try that with your LBS and see where it gets you!
(btw I am a kind of a fan of Halfords in general, not that they are anything great or special, but they fill a certain niche and are often derided unnecessarily)

Holyboy · 06-07-2011 12:46PM

Hermy wrote: »

How does that get remedied? Is there anywhere I can go to learn to be a better bike mechanic?

There are courses in the uk, if you dont have your piece of paper its hard to get a job as a mechanic but after a very lengthy conversation with a cytech rep I finally got him to admit that they are under pressure every month to pass a certain amount of people so sometimes have to let some not so good people through! Thats when I decided not to bother with cytech.

easygoing39 · 06-07-2011 01:41PM

The thing about Halfords is that its a good shop to get stuff IF the customer knows about the item they want to buy.However if you need advice from a salesperson youre in trouble,as most of them seem to know very little about the products they are selling.

Hermy · 06-07-2011 02:23PM

Lumen wrote: »

Ah sure its only a bike, how hard can it be?

Lend me yours and we'll soon find out.:p

Eurocycles

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