Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 6489 Location: Utopian Park Slope
Mon Mar 12, 07 1:49 pm EST
Every biker I know hates this place for their assholitude, so it was funny to read about 'em in this week's Time Out. Funny that the rest of the list is Time Warner, Kinkos, and the US Postal Service.
The ConEd Awards for Bad Service... http://www.timeoutny.com/newyork/Details.do?p.....wards_for_bad_service.xml
Quote:
R&A Cycles
Bike shopping? Apparently the staff at this Brooklyn store was trained at the Rikers Island Finishing School: At least one TONY staffer found a special animosity for women who dare to ask specific questions.
A bike shop where they match you perfectly with the bike
The Bicycle Station is a godsend for cyclists on their way to or from Prospect Park—and the many others who make a detour just to get their steed serviced by owner Mike Rodriguez and his crew. In a refreshing change from the usual attitude-laden bike store, the stationmasters want to find exactly the right cycle for you, they don’t up-sell, and they don’t look down on newbies who can’t tell derailleurs from crank arms. “Quick, efficient and friendly” seems to be the shop’s unofficial motto. “I think customer service means being nice,” says Rodriguez. Amazingly, this freakish philosophy hasn’t hurt the shop, which has been around for eight years. 560 Vanderbilt Ave between Bergen and Dean Sts, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn (718-638-0300)
Last edited by pitu on Tue Apr 17, 07 9:59 am; edited 1 time in total
Oiseau Wacky Tobacconist
Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Posts: 660 Location: Who wants to know?
Mon Mar 12, 07 1:57 pm EST
R & A Bikes is for bike snobs only. If you don't own a bike that costs over $1000 you just are not their type of consumer.
pitu Fake Buddhist
Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 6489 Location: Utopian Park Slope
Mon Mar 12, 07 2:07 pm EST
How can they tell what bike a person has if they act like jerks? Is there a spandex code?
They are losing out on the Bianci riding non-snob public...and those bikes ain't cheap. _________________ maar de oesters zijn zo lekker!
Oiseau Wacky Tobacconist
Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Posts: 660 Location: Who wants to know?
Mon Mar 12, 07 2:23 pm EST
They can tell if you bring your bike into the store.
They will always get the high-end business because other bike stores don't cater to bike snobs as much as R & A.
filmlover44 Funk Soul Sister
Joined: 31 Dec 2006 Posts: 1185 Location: No Man's/Woman's Land
Mon Mar 12, 07 5:54 pm EST
There is a low-key guy who repairs bikes on Prospect Avenue near 6th Avenue... _________________ Ok, now I'm crazy. Another goal achieved.
rachmouse Newbie
Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Posts: 42
Mon Mar 12, 07 9:13 pm EST
I ended up buying a bike this week from Gotham bikes in the city. But I went to Dixon's first and they were very nice and helpful. But because I was super hard to fit (very short woman wanting a non-road bike) they only had one bike I could even sit on to try. But I will definitely be going there for in-the-nabe repairs and what not.
I've heard nothing but bad about R&A - especially if you aren't a super-serious high end rider.
dw438 "Anonymous Guest"
Joined: 03 Jan 2006 Posts: 496
Mon Mar 12, 07 9:32 pm EST
pitu wrote:
Every biker I know hates this place for their assholitude, so it was funny to read about 'em in this week's Time Out. Funny that the rest of the list is Time Warner, Kinkos, and the US Postal Service.
The ConEd Awards for Bad Service... http://www.timeoutny.com/newyork/Details.do?p.....wards_for_bad_service.xml
Quote:
R&A Cycles
Bike shopping? Apparently the staff at this Brooklyn store was trained at the Rikers Island Finishing School: At least one TONY staffer found a special animosity for women who dare to ask specific questions.
A bike shop where they match you perfectly with the bike
The Bicycle Station is a godsend for cyclists on their way to or from Prospect Park—and the many others who make a detour just to get their steed serviced by owner Mike Rodriguez and his crew. In a refreshing change from the usual attitude-laden bike store, the stationmasters want to find exactly the right cycle for you, they don’t up-sell, and they don’t look down on newbies who can’t tell derailleurs from crank arms. “Quick, efficient and friendly” seems to be the shop’s unofficial motto. “I think customer service means being nice,” says Rodriguez. Amazingly, this freakish philosophy hasn’t hurt the shop, which has been around for eight years. 560 Vanderbilt Ave between Bergen and Dean Sts, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn (718-638-0300)
Sounds good, but as of 931p 3/12, those links do not work on the TONY home page.
pitu Fake Buddhist
Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 6489 Location: Utopian Park Slope
Tue Mar 13, 07 11:47 am EST
Quote:
Sounds good, but as of 931p 3/12, those links do not work on the TONY home page.
hmmm.
I just hit that link from this page, and it took me to the correct TONY page.
I use FF2 browser.
But since I pasted the text over here anyway . . . _________________ maar de oesters zijn zo lekker!
dw438 "Anonymous Guest"
Joined: 03 Jan 2006 Posts: 496
Tue Mar 13, 07 3:37 pm EST
pitu wrote:
Quote:
Sounds good, but as of 931p 3/12, those links do not work on the TONY home page.
hmmm.
I just hit that link from this page, and it took me to the correct TONY page.
I use FF2 browser.
But since I pasted the text over here anyway . . .
Thanks. All works now as of 3/13.
A bike shop to avoid, and one to ride over to. Nice.
erikka Bruce Ratner's Love Child
Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 754
Wed Mar 14, 07 11:19 am EST
I found Dixon's a bit hard to navigate--kinda dark and cluttered. R&A does definitely have a niche (weekend warriors in spandex who buy bikes as status items to show off in Prospect Park, I'm looking at you) and have never given me outright attitude, but the last time I was there someone followed me around the store as if I were stealing.
Does anyone know what the deal with the store on 7th in South Slope is? They're almost never open.
kosherdave The Kosherist
Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 988
Wed Mar 14, 07 11:39 am EST
Oiseau wrote:
R & A Bikes is for bike snobs only. If you don't own a bike that costs over $1000 you just are not their type of consumer.
I have a bike that costs more than 3X that, and I would not go to R&A. The only bike snobs that go there are the employees. Seriously, I dropped a LOT on a bike, went there first when I was shopping around and could get no service. WTF! Verazzano Bikes ended up making a lot of money, and I returned there to get my g/f her bike and a lot of other shit, despite the distance from PS.
The thing with R&A is they have exclusives on a ton of high end models. So because they have a lock they figure where are Slopeheads gonna go to get their Cassati, Pinarello, Isaac & so on. I hear they do a great mail order biz as well.
I tried Verazzano. I test rode a few Sevens. Three models in two hours. Each model kept losing the chain and needed the gears tightened. I was not amused. Finally, I went to Mike on Vanderbilt and got a Land Shark. It's Bling Bling all the babay!
modoki Regular
Joined: 11 Mar 2007 Posts: 68
Thu Mar 15, 07 8:53 am EST
erikka wrote:
Does anyone know what the deal with the store on 7th in South Slope is? They're almost never open.
They're awful. My visits to that store, when they are open, have ended up in verbal escalation and I'm not a combative person.
The woman who runs it has a very big mouth and wants everyone to succumb to her posturing. I wasn't impressed with the work they did. Their opening hours are byzantine, I went back in vain a few times. When I finally went back during their 'opening hours' to pick up my bike, they slapped me with a fine.
I usually go to Dixon for repairs. They are great and they actually fix the bike properly so you won't have to go back in 2 weeks with the same problem.
My husband went to buy an expensive bike at the place everybody's dissing. He's super knowledgeable about bikes, and they couldn't even get their act together to order the bike he wanted, which was expensive. He said: "Are you going to order it for me or not?" and they said "whatever". Maybe that store is a tax write-off for someone.
Fallonaise Newbie
Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 4 Location: North Slope
Wed Mar 28, 07 3:07 pm EST
Hello All,
I have never posted here before, but I would just like to add to the many comments about R&A and what kind of douche bags they really are. I live above them and they "mysteriously" lost my package-which they accepted on my behalf without my permission-after having it for over 4 days without even notifying me they had it. It was food that my mother sent me (that she purchased on the internet) so I had to do some investigating (per my mom) about where it went. When I went in there, they kept changing their story and saying that they "thought they saw it around somewhere" but couldnt find it. Im convinced they ate it, since I never picked up it (but didnt know it was there since they NEVER told me). My mom ended up re-ordering it so it wasnt a big deal in the end.
They also just put in brand new wood floors (although the condition of my apartment and hallways are a wreck) and decided that it would be too troublesome to do during the day (and have to close the precious bike shop), so they worked overnight. I live on the third floor and until 2 in the morning all I could hear was loud banging and power tools. Not only that, but they were so loud that I could hear all of the guys screaming and yelling and carrying on. My roomate went down there and they were total assholes about it. The only reason they stopped was because we went down there to complain. They didnt even ask if we would mind all of the noise in the middle of the night, and then were really rude when they were confronted.
AND FINALLY, just after the wood floors were put in, they had to do some plumbing work in the shop. They shut my water off THREE DAYS in a row without notifying me, even though I went down there to ask them to let me know in advance so I could plan around the water being out. Not only that, but on the third day, they only turned the cold water back on. I went down there before they closed to make sure I would have hot water (I had to be up really early for work) and they assured me it would be on before they left-and of course-it wasnt. So they left my fucking hot water off and didnt really seem to give a shit about it. I had to go back into the store 24 hours later to get them to turn it back on (because apparently it was really difficult-they did it in a matter of 2 mins). Then last night, I went to turn on my sink and there was NO HOT WATER-AGAIN! Its 3 pm and they JUST turned it on since I complained over and over again because they kept telling me it was on.
Sorry for the negativity, but these guys really suck. My landlord is the father of the gentleman who runs R&A and I feel bad because he is so old and the bike shop just walks all over him. He was fuming when he found out what happened with my water. They just dont listen to him. Everytime I have to go in there, they are total dicks. I would never send anybody there for any reason.
theoryofpractice and a cast of thousands
Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 230 Location: slope
Wed Mar 28, 07 3:27 pm EST
charlesbklyn Regular
Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 102
Wed Mar 28, 07 7:38 pm EST
Not only does it seem that R&A has a terrible reputation, but this bike shop used to be down the avenue, and the owners skipped out and didn't pay their last couple months rent.
A business built on bad customer service, and unethical behavior as a business, does not deserve to stay in business.
I guess deserve has nothing to do with it.
joncane Regular
Joined: 11 Aug 2005 Posts: 171 Location: Sterling
Wed Mar 28, 07 11:28 pm EST
charlesbklyn wrote:
Not only does it seem that R&A has a terrible reputation, but this bike shop used to be down the avenue, and the owners skipped out and didn't pay their last couple months rent.
Not only does it seem that R&A has a terrible reputation, but this bike shop used to be down the avenue, and the owners skipped out and didn't pay their last couple months rent.
When was that?
Charles? Any response? When exactly was it that R&A skipped out on their rent? They've been in the current location for at least 20 years, probably longer, and they own the building. Are you sure they did as you said?
BTW, i have bought multiple bikes from both shops and understand why each has a loyal following, as well as why each has its detractors. No need for hyperbole or misinformation.
8thandPrez Stroller Person
Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 1130 Location: No longer at 8th and Prez
Tue Apr 10, 07 12:21 pm EST
We bought a run-of-the-mill, $400 bike from R&A. They were actually quite nice and I feel like we got good advice from them in choosing a bike. We were firm in stating that we only bike occaisionally and recreationally (ie, leisurely strolls down to Riis Park or over to the Red Hook food stalls) and that we had a firm limit of $500. They didn't give us any beef and we got a great bike.
Personally, I've found the service at Dixon's to be lacking.... cluttered, overcrowded, and a bit scattered. I'm swimming against the current, but I'd choose R&A over Dixon's.
I'm Mr C's all the way. Carlos is the Man. _________________ I'm a Chain Belt...that's called the "quart of blood" technique. You do that, a quart of blood will drop out of a man's body.
bluecat Local
Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 201
Wed Apr 11, 07 12:20 am EST
My wife bought me an aqua-backpack at R&A as a present. Not knowing this I had bought one myself and went to R&A to exchange my gift. The a-hole behind the counter refused because I didn't have a receipt. The pack was still in hard plastic wrap w/the store's price tag on it. I said I didn't need an refund, store credit was okay with me. The a-hole refused to give me store credit w/o a receipt. The name of the store was printed on the price tag. THE PACK WAS STILL IN SHRINK WRAP! There could be no doubt where it was bought. It would have been to their benefit to give me store credit since I'd surely spend more than that. He flat out refused because 'it could have been bought more than 10 days ago'. (So?) And he seemed to enjoy being an a-hole too. They have no use for anybody but their regular customers. Stay away from these guys.
pslopeslob Newbie
Joined: 17 Jun 2007 Posts: 1
Sun Jun 17, 07 3:23 pm EST
The family owns a lot of real estate on 5th avenue -- you can tell by the color of the buildings (blue paint). The guys who run the bike shop are children and grandchildren of the owners of the real estate. My sense is that they are:
1. Bike snobs, as mentioned by others. I bought a $850 bike there and got really crappy service, because I was not buying a carbon fiber racer.
2. Waiting to cash in on the real estate they will inherit. The buildings are clearly not being invested in, and it is a shame.
I bought a bike there and am sorry I did. I agree that they are a-holes!
brickscoli Newbie
Joined: 21 Jul 2007 Posts: 12
Sat Jul 21, 07 1:24 pm EST
I like Dixons. They are very busy but are the nicest. I went to 5 bike shops to get my bike. Dixons was the only one that wasn't rude to me and were the most helpful.
However Dixons didn't have the bike I wanted in stock so I had to go to Upper east side to get the bike at Larry's. It was the only place that had the bike in the whole area. Yes the people at Larry's were rude some of the time but I had to get the bike somewhere.
This whole situation really pisses me off though. Aside from Dixons people in other bike shops were pricks. The whole process of finding the right bike and purchasing it really sucked. Instead of getting any real help I just got pressured and rushed.
I live in Bayridge and ended up in an argument with the two bike shops out here (there's one on 3rd ave and one on 5th ave) and I was just simply asking questions. These people are assholes. Now I go to dixons in PS to get my bike serviced. I'm happy to give them my business.
Rose Ninja
Joined: 10 Nov 2005 Posts: 911 Location: South Slope
Sat Jul 21, 07 1:50 pm EST
I love the little bike shop on 7th Ave in the South Slope -- On the Move, I think. They are very nice and not snobby. I have no idea if it's a good bike shop for serious cyclists, but if you just want a bike to ride around the park, or your bike is making a weird noise and you can't figure out what's wrong, they will help you without making you feel stupid.
filmlover44 Funk Soul Sister
Joined: 31 Dec 2006 Posts: 1185 Location: No Man's/Woman's Land
Sat Jul 21, 07 9:58 pm EST
Re On The Move. I had a great experience with them. They fixed up my bike good. _________________ Ok, now I'm crazy. Another goal achieved.
tobie just dropped in
Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 31
Sun Jul 22, 07 10:59 am EST
WOW!
I geuss they've ALWAYS had a terrible 'tude at R&A. Ten years ago, I needed a rack for the back of my bike. Dixon's didn't have one compatible with my bike and very graciously sent me to their competition (didn't know the place on 5av then)
Those jerks did have the proper thing, but insisted that I had to bring my bike in to have THEM install it (extra charge, of course) because I "wouldn't be able to figure it out myself" WTF?!
I never went back there and, by the way, it was a piece of cake. I've never been exactly sure if he was just squeezing me for a few extra bucks or if he was just a misogynistic SOB. Probably both.
triebensee Regular
Joined: 24 May 2007 Posts: 76 Location: Park Slope
one time i went in there w/ my wife to get a replacement seat that had been stolen.
the hispanic guy who helped us was wearing man-dals and had the grossest fungus-infected toes. he also warned my wife that 'you shouldn't be riding this bike without your papi around'
honestly, bicycle habitat in soho is the best bike store in the whole city!
www.bicyclehabitat.com
brooklyn family (used to have a bklyn store as well)... great service, not pushy, great selection of bikes!
bklyn Newbie
Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Posts: 1
Thu Oct 18, 07 10:58 pm EST
this board saved me. i called r&a today to schedule a bike fitting (i already own my bike.) they want $250. i figured i will search around before committing and found all this great feedback.
can anyone recommend a good place to get a professional fit for a road bike?
thx.
daver who is you is
Joined: 15 Apr 2007 Posts: 3591 Location: the land of the smiling knives
Fri Oct 19, 07 7:25 am EST
rebmarel wrote:
honestly, bicycle habitat in soho is the best bike store in the whole city!
www.bicyclehabitat.com
brooklyn family (used to have a bklyn store as well)... great service, not pushy, great selection of bikes!
They can be a bit pricey, and I had a guy turn downright nasty on me when I questioned it. I had a better experience at City Bicycles, 315 W 38th St. I popped a tube, stopped there, and they changed it for me immediately and sold me an extra for a total of $12. Two tubes, one installed. A different time I popped a tube and stopped in at Bicycle Habitat, they made me wait for ever, while acting like having my bike in there was a serious inconvenience to them. They changed the tube finally, total $19. One tube changed. I asked how much they charged to change it and the guy stared me down and said, it is $19. You owe me $19. You can have your bike back when you pay me $19. I was like, OK, I wasn't trying to get out of paying, just trying to figure out where the $19 got made up out of. I paid it, and decided to avoid going there again.
FWIW. I've heard great things about them, maybe it was just a fluke. _________________ "It's only as boring as you make it."
You're making me want to poke my eyes out with a spoon. Stop that.
Bringing the term thin-skinned to a whole new level!
liftandcut Wannabe ProHi Mayor
Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 468
Fri Oct 19, 07 9:07 am EST
Yeah, they are pricks over at R&A. They are especially prickish to women. Mike over Bicycle Station is really cool and I always support him. They tried to get me for $90 for a tune-up at R&A! Unbelievable.
Mookie Wilson Regular
Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 131
Fri Oct 19, 07 10:11 am EST
so the consensus seems to be to stay away from r&a. yet they're still packed with people every weekend. what gives? is it more of a speciality shop for the lance armstrong types who terrorize me when i try to cross the street in prospect park?
liftandcut Wannabe ProHi Mayor
Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 468
Fri Oct 19, 07 10:22 am EST
Nah, I think people just don't know that other good shops exist. I made the mistake of going to R&A a few years ago simply because I did not know about Bicycle Station.
joncane Regular
Joined: 11 Aug 2005 Posts: 171 Location: Sterling
Fri Oct 19, 07 11:54 am EST
bklyn wrote:
this board saved me. i called r&a today to schedule a bike fitting (i already own my bike.) they want $250. i figured i will search around before committing and found all this great feedback.
can anyone recommend a good place to get a professional fit for a road bike?
thx.
Sorry if this is too commercial for this board, but i may be able to help you. My company does bike fittings. Our studio is on 8th St & 3rd Ave. I have a background in biomechanics as well as USA Cycling Coaching and FIST Bike fitting certifications, and work with a lot of roadies and triathletes. We also do bike purchase consultations and work with multiple bike shops to get you on the right bike, and then negotiate discounts that often exceed our fee. feel free to PM or send an e-mail to info at citycoach dot org for more info.
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