PhilBixby wrote:I think the combination of and would do it, Rob. Given that Andy got the stuff bought in, and they've promoted it as something extra they can offer, why OH why are the staff not using it? And, as Muzzy said, at the very least you get a print-out of your recommended bike setup dimensions which is a handy reminder in future. Plus you stand a fair chance of getting the saddle height somewhere near right on day one...
I'll have words... ...meanwhile Will if you're passing CH sometime I'd ask them to put you on the jig sometime as long as they're not charging for it.
On way to the TT tonight I'm going to CH, they forgot to give me my bike pump back lol.
Must say though the guys in CH are really helpfull, for at least 1 hour a guy was helping me and answering any question I had, if it was somewhere like halfords where they all look depressed I'm pretty sure they would of told me to **** off, he even shook my hand as I'm about to go they very frinedly in there. I'm surprised at the amount of staff though, they must be about 10+ in there
If they're 10+ deep in there why aren't they doing the job right? I hope you got the discount at least, Will? I apologise, I was expecting a better standard of service from our partners.
As I mentioned earlier, I had a couple of bikes from Racescene and was measured up for both. I reckon they would have spent at least an hour doing this and only then do you start looking at the frames! They told me in there that they would refuse to sell a bike to someone if they weren't measured for it first - and its not as if this adds to the price (although they would charge if you were measured but didn't buy the bike from them). Racescene reckoned they had their reputation to think of!
paulM wrote:If they're 10+ deep in there why aren't they doing the job right? I hope you got the discount at least, Will? I apologise, I was expecting a better standard of service from our partners.
As I mentioned earlier, I had a couple of bikes from Racescene and was measured up for both. I reckon they would have spent at least an hour doing this and only then do you start looking at the frames! They told me in there that they would refuse to sell a bike to someone if they weren't measured for it first - and its not as if this adds to the price (although they would charge if you were measured but didn't buy the bike from them). Racescene reckoned they had their reputation to think of!
Yea I got the discount, the guy was really helpfull dont know his name, only way I can describe him that is easy to identify is that he had big sticking out ears, that guy was really helpfull its 100 times better than my dealings with halfords.
I can vouch for Racescene too. Extremely professional, friendly outfit.
Gill and I have both had their measuring service now. In my case they spent a good 2 hours with me, my pedals and the jig getting it mm perfect before we even looked at frames. I've now got all my bikes set up using the template they gave..no more backache, neckache etc.
Good to hear about Racescene, but it doesn't help Will now. Back at the beginning of this thread Phil wrote the missive below. Nothing wrong with this advice for us middle aged, middle class, middle income riders. I still have mis-givings whether we should be pushing a student in this direction, but Will's a big lad and I can put that on one side.
PhilBixby wrote:Will, there's an issue here which I'd ask you to consider, which is about ongoing support from the dealer who sells you your bike. You've already experienced what this is like - with Halfords - when it's poor quality. Buying a bike should involve expert support before buying (to get the size right) and after buying (to make sure it all works and is set up right, and any defects are sorted swiftly).
There are a number of small local bike shops, all of who give 10% discounts to club members and who will go out of their way to help you get a bike that suits your needs. They will do this because they're generally passionate about cycling and because they know many of the club members and want to maintain a good relationship. Prices may not always look like the big chains' bargain basement jobbies but a conversation with the owner will often result in deals being done. Why oh why go to Evans?
When I bought my original Cervelo I was new to cycling as a sport and bought it from a specialist dealer who put me on the BikeFit jig and sized the frame properly. I really, really recommend this - or at the very least getting eyed up by a VERY experienced bike salesperson.
I had a look at Will's bike at the race last night. At least its a nice bike at a fair price - thank heavens he didn't get charged over the odds! His saddle was about 4cm too high and about 12° from horizontal. I guess it may not have left the shop like this - but if he's been tinkering then its because he had no confidence that they'd set it up correctly.
CH like to call themselves our partners, a phrase that I've always wondered about. Maybe this is it - they sell the bikes - we finish the job?
I still believe local shops should be providing something you don't get by buying on the net - service and advice based on expertise. CH invested in the Bikefit system (some of you will remember Andy put the journalist Steve Lewis on it to fit him for a borrowed bike when he did the ride with us last year, and made much of it) and - as is clear on here - many of us have benefited from being properly measured up by good dealers prior to getting anywhere near sitting on a new bike. Given Will's position - buying a new bike because the previous one was ill-fitting - it beggars belief that CH should simply plonk him on a bike they've got in the window and say it "looks right".
I'll be down there today, I know who I need to talk to...
Glad Will's bike looks like the business, and indeed that he was happy with the friendly, helpful service. Certainly a big step up from Halfords, but they could do SO much better...
I find that the people most in need of good advice are the least likely
to get it.Nick always gets better service than me which ever bike shop we use.It's like visiting the doctors you have to go prepared and use the correct terms.Like most non bikey people I find CH to be friendly unlike Cycleworks but they
make very quick assumptions about you as a customer and what sort of riding you do.I took my MTB in for a service and was hard pushed to work out what they had done (as was Nick)except that my saddle kept slipping down.Went back and was told ever so nicely that I needed to tighten the quick release.When I mentioned the suspension I was told that the bike would need to be sent back to the manufacturers for a proper service.I had basically paid them to do no more than a good clean and lubricate,after all,I look like the kind of person who doesn't really ride a bike and I don't know much about them.Nick would never have received that sort of service.He often has to explain to members of staff exactly what he wants and then he gets referred to one of the more knowledgeable staff.I didn't realize they offered a bike fit service they don't seem to actively promote it but they do promote the club in store and supprt some of the events we put on which is why the partnership tag is more than justified.
If I want anything for a road bike I would go to Nigel's shop at Haxby.He knows what he is doing,he rides with us on Sundays and always brings a tool kit.If you need something done he charges less than either CH or CWorks.
As for internet providers I have found Wriggle to be very helpful and when we have ordered items from them if they, are out of stock,
they call you and try and sort something out.
Is this a good time mention I need a new winter bike and was wondering...
My impression of CH - FWIW - is that they are geared to cater primarily for the family cyclist/commuter market and not the 'enthusiast'. In this context it may be that whilst they see club connection as a way to increase their exposure they aren't ideally situated to respond to the needs of the average club cyclist.
I wonder if another outlet may be more attuned to the likely needs of most active club members?
Why would the manager be interested in a copy of this thread, its got all my posts it will seem like I've been trying to cause hassle aswell.
I'm also going to CH today to look at some more stuff to buy like a bike cover as one of my bikes will have to stay outside (old bike) and some overshoes. I might enquire about that bike fit thing again, is it that thing in the changing room?
As for the bike when Rob looked at it the reason it was so high is because thats what felt the best for me really, It just felt too low in the normal position and is taking some getting used to.
Don't worry Will, we've no intention of dropping you in it with the CH staff. But there is an issue about CH being professional in how they sell bikes - Andy (the owner) has always said he wants them to offer something the big shops or online can't, and I really don't think pairing a display bike and a rider purely by eye is what he had in mind.
Hmmm ok, well when I go in tonight should I try get on the cycle fit thing or is it really too late for that now?
They allready offer stuff really the big shops cant, well I dont know exatly as Halfords and evans is the only 2 big shops I've been in but CH seem to take more time with there customers compared to them, I feel confident going back to them for advice and also they seem cheaper than the big shops, infact nearly every LBS I have been in seem cheaper than a big shop like halfords.
Will, I think the reason we're now on the 6th page of this thread is it's a super important issue and a lot of people are watching this thread with interest and could very well take it all into account before buying their next bike.
I don't know most of the contributors personally, but it seems that they are people with excellent knowledge and contacts who are unselfishly trying to ensure that all future sales are correct. I, as an observer (who hopefully will benefit from this) am grateful to all of you more clued up folks for this - and if you want to say hi, I'll be the one washing up tomorrow! (it's strange having conversations with people I can't put a face to!)
willhub wrote:Why would the manager be interested in a copy of this thread, its got all my posts it will seem like I've been trying to cause hassle aswell.
Doesn't read like that to me.
Will, you should be aware that this is a public forum - anybody in the world can read it although you have to register to post. The CH manager is also a Clifton member and I'd like to think that he would look up the forum from time to time to see what Clifton members (his most important customers afterall ) are discussing.
If you prefer to give your money to a LBS, then do a little homework on line first and make sure the LBS is giving you what you want not what they happen to have in stock. And as Helen indicates, doing the homework gives you the jargon which, unfortunately, appears to be important.
and
would do it, Rob. Given that Andy got the stuff bought in, and they've promoted it as something extra they can offer, why OH why are the staff not using it? And, as Muzzy said, at the very least you get a print-out of your recommended bike setup dimensions which is a handy reminder in future. Plus you stand a fair chance of getting the saddle height somewhere near right on day one...
) are discussing.