just got my first bike fit at tribe and... (Page 2)

I'd like to add something to this thread. I recall the first time I went into Tribe as a complete newb. I did not have a bike yet. Kevin spent 30-60 minutes discussing bikes with me. He provided several suggesstions for my bike purchase without being overly assertive. I did not purchase I bike as I was not ready and felt more research needed to be done.

One of his employees assisted me with my first tri suit purchase. She explained how they should fit etc.

So, for me, I have no complaints about Kevin or Tribe in general. I think his store is a great benefit to the tri community. Certainly one of the better stores as far as knowledge and product in the valley.

Mirg,
Don't apologize for airing your gripes in an open forum.  Businesses either live or die on word of mouth from their customers. Whether you say it to someone directly, or on a thread like this, it is still your customer experience that you are sharing.  Most people know I am not a fan of Tribe, for many of the same reasons listed here, plus a personal one that happened at a race as well.  I too will share my gripes if asked, but then tell people you can shop wherever you like, and most often that is dictated by which store is closest to you.  But for me, I personally choose to not spend my money there.  There are many stores that sell tri stuff, and the on line shops are limitless.  So I choose to spend my money where I have had a good customer experience.

Edited by StandsWithFist 2009-08-10 11:26 AM

I agree with Tanya. I think it's great that we have a local forum to discuss our experiences. Don't temper your opinion. My first visit to Tribe Kevin was great, explaining which tri shorts were see-through and which were not.  After that I didn't get as warm of a reception, mostly ignored and once I wish I had been ignored. I think Tribe is just just shy of being an amazing shop. It's a common theme among triathletes, many of us have felt alienated while trying to spend lots of money on a hobby. If they could bridge that gap, I think they'd be the perfect retail location.  In the meantime I'll stick with driving to 3 different shops for all the different things I need.

PS: Don't bring you internal-cable-routed tri bike to Bike Depot. They do NOT know how to handle that sort of thing, and they could possibly mess your bike up.  ...just saying'.