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2009-08-11 8:19 AM

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Pro
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Vestavia Hills
Subject: TOTW - Bike Shops + mechanics
Okay folks, it is time to start thinking about bike maintenance.  Many have their end of the season "A" race coming up (mine is the Augusta 70.3 in late September) and have ridden their bikes week in and week out since the beginning of Spring.  Since then cables have stretched and loosened, tires may have gone bald and/or been pocked, bar tape ripped, drive trains grimy, bottom brackets/cranks get clunky ... you get the picture.

This is where a relationship with a good local bike store comes into play.  Even those with the skills to do the maintenance overhaul themselves often take their bikes in to have it professionally done ... but be careful: not all bike stores have equal talent.

Post here your thoughts and examples of when you have received either great customer care or craptacular service.  Also post your thoughts on prices and fees charges.

I'll start by giving a shout out to Reality Bikes.  I was impressed with the level of service and depth of knowledge.  Same goes for CycleWorks Duluth ... great guys who have helped me out of pinch more than once.   Prices were "reasonable" but could have quickly added up to $180 for an overhaul of the road bike at Reality (I had to replace some parts, including a tire).


2009-08-11 8:23 AM
in reply to: #2340806

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Subject: RE: TOTW - Bike Shops + mechanics
TriYourBest in Stone Mountain (Gwinnett County) is awesome! These guys just opened a local Tri Shop on West Park Place. Super nice, and super easy to find...

TriYourBest.net
Triathlon Supply on Facebook
or  678-691-7212
http://triyourbest.net/contact.htm
2009-08-11 9:36 AM
in reply to: #2340806

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Boulder
Subject: RE: TOTW - Bike Shops + mechanics
I will give a shout out for Roswell Bicycles and All 3 Sports, because I have never had an issue with them.  I can also say that I went to Performance Bike in Decatur for a simple tire switch out that I probably should have done myself, which was done in the back by some kids who I saw were also horsing around while they were doing it.  Very first ride after the switch I not only blew the tube, but shredded the tire.  Needless to say I will not be going back to PERFORMANCE BIKE IN DECATUR off off the access road.  I have heard good things about Reality Bikes as well, but I have never been there, I am usually in All 3 Sports since that is where I bought by bike.
2009-08-11 10:24 AM
in reply to: #2340806

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The ATL
Subject: RE: TOTW - Bike Shops + mechanics
Smyrna Bikes by the Silver Comet Trail are very knowledgable mechanics. The main guy is a cat 1 racer w/ a lot of experience. I go to Atlanta Cycling a lot. A bit hit or miss but they always work me in and are very nice. My husband thinks less so....must be a female thing
2009-08-11 10:29 AM
in reply to: #2340806

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2009-08-11 3:18 PM
in reply to: #2340806

Elite
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Roswell, GA
Subject: RE: TOTW - Bike Shops + mechanics

I've had hit or miss service from Roswell Bikes and All3sports which has led me to doing most of my own wrenching.  There is nothing worse than driving your bike somewhere, leaving it for a few days, bring it back home, and after a short ride realizing they didn't fix it.

I'm getting ready for my first IM and I'm thinking about taking the bike in to have it looked over about a month before the race.  What kind of things should I ask them to look at?



2009-08-11 6:34 PM
in reply to: #2340806

Expert
1143
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Wellington, Florida
Subject: RE: TOTW - Bike Shops + mechanics
OK...
Gota get a word in for my boyzzz down at Golden's Bikes in LaGrange.
They are the best. Pat and Daniel are great wrenches and Bill is the ultimate owner.
I could easily use 2 different shops in Peachtree City, but you cant top the personal service at Golden's
Been using they for 4-5 yrs now. A++++


FM
2009-08-12 9:50 AM
in reply to: #2340806

Master
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Atlanta, Georgia
Silver member
Subject: RE: TOTW - Bike Shops + mechanics
For the in-town contingent, I'll recommend Nate at Outback Bikes in L5P, and Richard at Atlanta Velo Exchange(AVX Bikes) off Howell Mill Rd. These guys are professional, race tested mechanics...
2009-08-12 2:43 PM
in reply to: #2342210

Pro
3705
20001000500100100
Vestavia Hills
Subject: RE: TOTW - Bike Shops + mechanics
The key things you will want done are inspection and adjustment of shifter cables + bar end shifters, a check of the brake cables, pedals checked (and potentially serviced), wheels trued, wheel hubs inspected, tires inspected, drive chain cleaned and bottom bracket cleaned out +  greased.  All bolts should be checked and tightened as well. 

Optimally you will not want to have the shifter cables replaced as they stretch with use ... especially during the first month or two after they are installed.

Add on to that new bar tape and you are rolling!

brown_dog_us - 2009-08-11 4:18 PM

I've had hit or miss service from Roswell Bikes and All3sports which has led me to doing most of my own wrenching.  There is nothing worse than driving your bike somewhere, leaving it for a few days, bring it back home, and after a short ride realizing they didn't fix it.

I'm getting ready for my first IM and I'm thinking about taking the bike in to have it looked over about a month before the race.  What kind of things should I ask them to look at?

2009-08-12 2:53 PM
in reply to: #2342210

Champion
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Atlanta, Ga
Subject: RE: TOTW - Bike Shops + mechanics
brown_dog_us - 2009-08-11 4:18 PM

I've had hit or miss service from Roswell Bikes and All3sports which has led me to doing most of my own wrenching.  There is nothing worse than driving your bike somewhere, leaving it for a few days, bring it back home, and after a short ride realizing they didn't fix it.

I'm getting ready for my first IM and I'm thinking about taking the bike in to have it looked over about a month before the race.  What kind of things should I ask them to look at?



As many of you know I am partial to A3S, but in answering your question as to what to have them look for:

First make sure you take it in there with the race wheels you plan on using at IM.  That way they can adjust your derailieur, brake pads, etc specifically to that wheel/cassettee (sp) combo.

Let them know what you are doing and mention any creaks you are having.  Is your bar tape ratty/coming off?  Things that you have gotten use to and don't think about any more.
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