Shop Review: Wheelworks--Expensive, But You Get What You Pay For.

Wheelworks is the benchmark that I measure other area shops against.  They have incredible stores of product in stock, new and old;  they retain an impressive array of spare parts for vintage and obsolete bicycles; they carry enough flashy product lines to make even the most jaded roady pay attention; their service center is unrivalled for attention to detail and thoroughness. 

 

When you walk into Wheelworks, either location, you are immediately greeted by a professional staff member and politely asked how they can help you.  I have never seen any Wheelworks employ act in a condescending manner, no matter how misguided a customer is. 

 

If you indicate that you are merely browsing, they back off and give you distance.  But they remain attentive and nearby to answer the questions that you will inevitably have.  They carry so much stock that they will always have something that you haven’t seen before, even if you are in the bicycle industry.

 

I have had the pleasure of buying a bicycle from them several years past.  I paid very close to MSRP for my mountain bike, which turned out to be a bit of a lemon.   Gary Fisher had some design problems with the Cake.  Wheelworks went over and above the call of duty to try to remedy the consistent chainsuck that plagues the model line.   

 

Wheelworks swapped out the crankset (selling me a better one at cost) and replaced a chewed up chain at their expense.  They even hit the marred chainstay up with touch up paint every time it was serviced.  At one point they offered to pursue Gary Fisher for a warranty, since it was clear that frame design was at fault.  I declined to

 

On this same bike, my front Hayes Nine hydraulic disk brake stopped working properly.  A Wheelworks mechanic took the brake apart and figured out that the product had failed due to a bad valve.  Wheelworks fixed both brakes (servicing the rear preemptively) and pursued Hayes after the fact for reimbursement.  This repair cost me nothing and took 3-4 hours.  I took the bike to them in the morning and was on the trail after lunch.

 

I find that the best reason to go to Wheelworks is when you need something immediately.  I often need some obscure parts.  I have never been asked to wait while they ordered it.  Instead, the counter person goes in back and confers with a more experienced mechanic and the mechanic rummages around and comes out with the part. 

 

My recent fulfilled requests have included: a lock nut for a first generation Campagnolo Chorus 10 Speed hub (located after 10 minutes of searching and installed free of charge), derailleur hangers for 2000-2001 model year Gary Fisher mountain bike (in stock and immediately located),  Shimano 600 brake pads (easily located), SwissStop Yellow brake pads, valve cores for tubular tires, Bontrager Valve Extenders, Mastik Tubular Cement (competively priced, even when compared to internet pricing) and various Campagnolo componentry.  I have never had to wait for Wheelworks to order an item; everything appears to always be in stock. 

 

Every time I have needed a piece of cycling clothing to address a need, Wheelworks has had a great solution.  Their glove and base layer selection is great.  They keep all sizes in stock, so there will never be a need to buy something that fits poorly just because you need it today. 

 

Wheelworks  also has great display items, vintage racing bicycles, autographed jerseys, photos, etc.  The Belmont location is worth a visit just for the tour of the shop. 

They have a world class bicycle fitting center in the basement of the Belmont location.  I haven’t used it yet, but if I needed a fit, this is where I’d go.

 

 

There are only two small things that I can say against Wheelworks:  it is pricey and there is usually a considerable wait for service. 

 

At Wheelworks, you get what you pay for.  Wheelworks justifies their prices every time they offer exceptional service, every time that they answer a mechanical question free of charge, every time a seasoned mechanic takes time out of his busy schedule, free of charge to rummage around for a part to fix a vexing problem that you can’t solve, every time they charge you a nominal fee for a vintage part that they have stored for 10 years and that you can’t ride your bike without. 

 

In short, Wheelworks earns their money.  You should go there if you are looking for a premium road bike or a premium mountain bike and you don’t mind paying MSRP in order to get exceptional service and fitting.  Don’t expect a discount, none will be offered. 

 

As for service, it is top notch.  Their attention to detail is unmatched in the Boston area.  Expect to drop the bike and wait a couple of days for it though.  Some shops are able to conduct repairs while you wait.  Wheelworks has a queue year round.  The consolation is that your bicycle will be returned to you clean, repaired properly and on time. 

 

They only area that Wheelworks is outdone is in track bikes and fixed gears.  Cambridge Bicycle covers that market better than anyone. 

 

Every time that I go into Wheelworks, I have to steel myself against buying anything more than my intended purchase.  They always have things that tempt me. 

Shop Review: Cambridge Bicycles--They've Always Treated Me Well

Before I start this review, which I have been putting off, I need to state that I race for this shop's team. In fact, I am one of the managers of that team. But the team and the shop are administratively and financially separate. Cambridge Bicycles is my team's title sponsor. As always, I will keep my review honest. Luckily for me, there is nothing scathing to write.



As many of you know, I was a commuting cyclist long before I became a competitive cyclist. I used to smoke cigarettes and ride a fixed gear. My original commute was a daily triangle starting in Coolidge Corner in the morning to Harvard Square and then in the afternoon to Boston's South End and then back to Brookline in the late evening. I took Mass. Ave. on the afternoon leg of the commute and used to frequent Cambridge Bicycles. I been and on and off again customer of CB for 10 years. In those 10 years, I have always been treated well and found what I needed.

Cambridge is a great shop for getting supplies to facilitate urban riding and commuting. They have a huge selection of locks, lights, fenders, panniers and courier bags and winter cycling clothing in stock. If you are looking for a courier bag or backpack, they are the only game in town. While other shops carry some of the same brands and styles as CB, don't even try to find another shop in Boston that is stocking as many BaileyWorks, Chrome, Freight and Ortlieb bags. Furthermore, they stock stuff with style. Multiple colors are available in every variety of bag.





CB specializes in commuter and urban bicycles. They have plenty of commuter style bikes in stock, including a bright orange cargo bike with a dynamo front hub and integrated rear wheel lock which I would like to buy. They have everything from the fancy commuter to a college kid's cheap ride to and from campus.

CB also has plenty of stylish clothing and accouterments. They have handmade cycling caps, vintage wool jerseys and t-shirts gallore. It is worth a trip every couple of months just to see what is new in CB fashion.








Every time that I walk into CB, I am surprised at the sheer volume of customers in the place. There are college kids with rusted Huffy's looking to keep them running for another semester for under $20, crusty Harvard professors having their Sturmy Archer three speed tuned for the 50th season of riding, bike couriers who crashed their brakeless track bikes into yet another taxi and need a wheel quickly so they can get to work and people hanging just around.

The shop has buzz, it is a hangout. They always have good music playing and are cracking jokes. If I had to choose a bike shop to hang out in, I would always choose CB. The employee list boasts some of the most plugged in scenemakers, musicians, DJ's and even a magazine publisher amongst them. When you widen the scope to see who is hanging around the shop at any given time, you have a veritable who's who in Boston.

In hanging out there and being a customer there myself, I have watched the employees service some of the most difficult customers, scammers and neighborhood types with grace, treating everyone well. People who I would give the bum's rush to are loaned tools and conduct their own minor repairs while listening to indy rock. Neighborhood kids stop in to warm themselves up on cold days. Homeless people service their can collecting bikes.

Cambridge has the largest selection of used parts that I have seen outside of Bikes Not Bombs (review coming). They are always willing to dig around and find a creative solution to a vexing problem. When I was missing an adaptor for my early 1990's Shimano 600 front derailleur, Tom found me a suitable substitute off of a lower end derailleur of similar vintage, cost: $2. Currently they are helping me get a bottom bracket that will fit a 1970's French threaded track bike (not an easy feat). If your 7 speed commuter's cassette is finished, they probably have an inexpensive replacement.


Fixed gears. Everyone is waiting for me to talk about fixed gears. Cambridge is the best place the Boston area to buy track bikes. They stock more anodized track componentry than you can imagine. In fact they custom order much of it direct from manufacturers, so much of it is Cambridge Bicycles exclusive.





I race track. Every time that I have needed anything to keep my track bike running, they have had more varieties of that item than I could process. When I recently needed a 16 tooth cog, I was offered a choice of 4, all with different finishes and asthetics. I choose a chromed out Euro-Asia cog that matches my other components, though I was tempted by the gold one...



When I think of building a custom urban whip with colored deep V's and matching componentry (which is probably my next new bike), Cambridge is the only place that I would think of going.






Obviously, in the interest of my sponsorship, I should end there. But I can not. I started this blog as a service to Boston area cyclists, focusing on the competitive among us.

As a bicycle shop for competitive cyclists, Cambridge has some weaknesses. Stock is the biggest complaint. While CB has been incredibly supportive of our team, they are not really focused on servicing the competitive community. While a competitive cyclist could keep a bicycle running there, they don't have many drool factor bikes and components on the showroom floor. When you need a chain or a 10 speed cassette, they will have something to get you through. But carbon fiber is rare in CB.

CB actually has access to product lines that appeal to the competitive cyclist, but since they are not selling much of this stuff, they don't keep samples in stock. For instance they can quickly order Easton wheels (they got the team a set of EC90's tubulars). CB sells the entire Fuji and Bianchi line as well. Cambridge also is an Igleheart dealer. They have worked directly with Chris to market some track bikes as well as competitive level cyclocross bikes.




While Cambridge is not a uber chic competitive shop like Cadence, it is an honest community shop dedicated to helping cyclists. And, they are the only shop in the city where you are likely to hear Notorious BIG's B sides and Minor Threat played at high volume in the same day, perhaps back to back. I may not go in there to look at race bikes, but I certainly love to go there for bags, track componentry and atmosphere. And if you are looking for a stylish fixed gear, they are the only place to go, as you can see from the photos.



Photos courtesy of Cambridge Bicycles and/or Pedal Power Photography

Shop Review: Landry's Boston--Expect to Pay MSRP for Professional, Fast Service

I have been avoiding this review. But Landry's won my reader's poll, so I am obliged to share my opinion. I personally like all of their employees (I am friends with a few). I find Landry's to be most useful for lightening fast emergency repairs. While I have been happy with most of my experiences at the shop, the shop doesn't fill all of the roles that I need a bike shop to fill. They have some gaps that they need to fill before they can realize their goal of displacing International and Wheelworks as the "go to" shop in Boston.

Landry's gets things done on time, every time. Recently, I damaged my IF in a roof rack accident and needed it fixed in 48 hours for my most important race of the season, a stage race. I needed the bike gone over for safety and a new fork installed. Excuses were not going to get me to the starting line, so I brought it to Landry's, confident that they were the best shop in the city to rush a bike in and out. While I was floored by the bill (more about this later), I was happy that they turned the bike around so quickly.

Landry's charges MSRP for most items. They have occasional sales, where good deals are offered, but day to day, expect to pay MSRP. When I had my fork replaced, I was charged MSRP for the fork, overnight shipping charges and a premium for installation.

For items that are seldom offered at discount, such as Craft base layers, paying MSRP doesn't hurt, but for items that are deeply discounted elsewhere, it becomes hard to justify paying that much money (especially if your cycling budget is limited).

Thier labor charges are definitely some of the highest in Boston, if not the pinnacle. But they are reliable and quick. Again, if you need your bike tomorrow without excuses and the money doesn't matter, Landry's is your shop.

Recently, I had a minor complaint about a repair that had been rushed though Landry's shop. I was upset because I felt that I was charged top dollar for a less than perfect repair. Landry's management was very good about affirming my position, refunding my money and following up quickly. I was thoroughly satisfied with the way that they handled the issue and would not hesitate to use them again if I was in a similar rush situation. This experience really drove home how seriously they take their customer service.

I have found that Landry's does not have basic items in stock. Personally, if I actually walk into a bike shop and ask for something, like a cassette, it is because I am in a pinch and need it today. If I was willing to wait for it, I would order it myself online, for 50% less than MSRP and wait for it to be delivered to my front door. If I order it from a shop, not only do I have to pay MSRP and perhaps postage, I also have to make another trip to the shop to pick it up when it arrives.

Repeatedly, when I go into Landry's and ask for a cassette or anything made by Campagnolo, I am told that they can order it. Every time, I walk out and buy the item at International. In fact, when I am forced to buy staple items at retail, I don't even bother with Landry's anymore, as I have been given the "I can order it..." line so often. International and Wheelworks has this stuff in stock, you don't even have to call ahead, they just have it.

Landry's carries brands that appeal to the competitive cyclist. While they don't have a cassette in stock, they are a great store to go look at bikes and components in. They carry BMC, Specialized, Zipp, Mavic, Cyfac, Cervelo and more. While other shops have more drool factor, Landry's is no slouch.

Landry's is a sales based shop. They are in the business of selling bicycles and they don't forget it, even for a minute. When you go in there to browse, one of the sales people will more than likely draw your attention to a new model line or a new frame design.

While this information is sometimes welcome, it often feels pushy, especially if the pitch is poorly targeted. There have been occasions when I have been in there for a very specific item and in a bit of a rush to get in and out and then found myself expectantly being shown something like the new "Boston" Langster by an overzealous salesperson. Obviously, I am not buying a Langster. If you came across a vintage Benotto track bike, by all means, bring it out to show me, but a mass produced, track-bike-resembling cruiser, don't insult me. This does not happen on every visit and it is becoming less frequent as the employees get to know me better.

Along with the last two thoughts, Landry's does not keep used, small parts in stock. Lock nuts, quick release springs, small derailleur parts, shifter innards. I have some vintage bicycles and I also race cyclocross. I constantly need small parts to keep my bicycles running. After a tumble, I don't need a new rear derailleur, I need a single cable retaining bolt or a set adjust screw. While WheelWorks, International, Cambridge, Quad and especially Bikes Not Bombs and Broadway Bicycle School retain these kinds of parts in drawers and bins for such occasions, Landry's throws them away.

The few times I have wandered into Landry's looking for a small part, I have been stared at like I just threw up on the counter or been told that a new one could be ordered. While I realize that no shop is going to make a killing on these parts, its an appreciated service to the cycling community to keep these things in circulation. Furthermore, I am somewhat of an environmentalist and an avid recycler and reuser. What makes more sense, saving and eventually reusing a still useful part, or throwing it away so that your customer will be forced to buy a new one when theirs breaks?

With the few noted exceptions, Landry's provides top notch service. They won the poll that I recently conducted. It wasn't a resounding win, but 23% of my readers said that Landry's was the best shop in the city. While Landry's is not my daily "go to" shop, they fill a real need that I have. When I need no excuses, lightening fast service, I don't hesitate to go straight there. I don't call anyone else. When I need parts or components or help keeping an Campy 8 speed bike running, I go elsewhere. When you go in, you will always be acknowledged and helped quickly. Every employee is unfailingly polite and knowledgeable. Expect to pay a premium for this level of professionalism.

Shop Review: My Local-Broadway Bicycle School--Everyone Should Love This Place

Broadway Bicycle School is located on Broadway near the intersection with Inman St. They sell both new and used commuter bicycles and operate a full service repair shop. They also offer repair stands, tools and expertise that you can rent in quarter hour increments. They have parts bins that you can rummage through to find that one of a kind, reverse threaded locknut. When you rent space from them, they will leave you alone, unless you are stumped and then they are happy to help. Also, you get to hang out with the bike shop people, but with a task to do, it makes you feel included and purposeful.

BBS is a community bicycle shop, they offer classes in bicycle repair, help break down gender based barriers to women engaging in mechanics (more women fixing bike=yay!) and facilitate bicycle commuting. While a bicycle racer can find items to fill certain needs, the shop is not geared towards racers. There was no carbon fiber in evidence on my visit last week.

I bought my first bicycle with character from BBS back in the dark ages, the 1900's. It was the brown Team Fuji that I still ride around town. When I bought it, I knew nothing about bikes and Broadway got me on a great bike for $450, including pocket sized Kryptonite lock and cable. I have upgraded some of the parts and replaced items that have worn out or broken, but it is essentially the same bike. The build and frame has stood up to all-weather riding for almost ten years without flinching. Only last month the bottom bracket finally succumbed to the salty abuse. When Tom at CB pulled the BB out of its rotting shell, it was still covered in the grease the some conscientious mechanic slathered on there ten years ago. The frame is showing some rust structural rust. I now have many bikes, many of them exotic and flashy, but this is still me favorite, as it was my introduction to real cycling; this bike was the gateway drug.

I have stopped into the small shop periodically ever since my first fruitful visit. Despite the lack of floor space, they always have what I am looking for. Be it 10 speed chain or Bondhus Ball end Allen wrenches, it is in stock. Currently I am sweating a handlebar mounted brass ding ding bell for my commuter, such a rich ring.

Recently, I had to change a Campagnolo Record 10 Speed Chain. Campy recommends that you use only their proprietary chain tool to do the job. I have never had $100 to burn on a single tool that I'd only use a few times a year. I walked over to BBS in my pajama's to see if they had the tool, expecting to be turned away. I was shocked to find out they had it.

I went home, got dressed and brought my bike and new chain over. The ever personable David Wilcox helped me to learn that, while the Campagnolo Chain Tool is a great tool, it is not vital to properly changing a Campy chain. Basically, every time that you do mechanical work at BBS, you are learning skills that make it so that you won't need them in the future and they are happy to do it!

Last spring, I was looking for a condo to buy. My Realtor showed me one that was 4 doors down from BBS. In between BBS and the condo is the building that currently houses the main branch of the Cambridge Public Library. I am not going to gush and tell you that I bought the condo because of its proximity to this great bike shop, but it certainly was a consideration.

Broadway is a great community asset and I strongly encourage you to drop in if you are in the neighborhood, you'll be glad you did. Perhaps you will get a bike that remains your favorite ten years and 20 bikes later!

Shop Review-International Bicycle Centers-I Like Them Even Though They Miss Deadlines

I have been frequenting IBC's Allston location since I started cycling in Boston, way back in the 1900's. I have had interactions with them on a number of levels, from buying a cheap wheel for my fixed gear back in the day to buying my first Fred-style road bike to settling and negotiating a $9000 bicycle replacement claim with a hostile insurance company. In all of these situations, IBC has acted in my interest, while remaining helpful and friendly in the case of adversity. Often the difficulties originated from your humble writer, as many of you may know, I can be a demanding customer.

Before I launch into my in depth review (which many of you will forgo reading), I'd like to point out two blanket observations about IBC. Firstly, they are often willing to offer a rider a good deal on a bike, particularly if the bike is old stock or last year's model. Be sure to ask about what they have "upstairs." Secondly, IBC misses their own deadlines, often. If they promise something will be done on Tuesday, it may be, but don't count on it.



Experiences.



My first major experience with IBC was when the rear wheel of my fixed gear was destroyed in an attempted theft. I brought wheel in to have it trued. The mechanic offered to true it as best he could, but politely pointed out that it was so far gone that it wouldn't stay true for the ride home. Suspicious, I had him true it and attempted to ride home. I walked back asked about wheels.
The mechanic walked me through the hub options and eventually I selected a Surly Flip Flop Hub. I allowed the mechanic to spec it out, as I was pre-Fred. We special ordered the hub, a one week wait. Short story, he never measured the old hub or the dropout spacing and ordered a 130mm when he should have ordered a 116mm. 8 days later I get the call; I walked over to IBC, paid and brought the wheel home and it didn't fit. Frustrated and sweaty from trying to force the wheel into the dropout, I collected everything and walked over to IBC. Another special order, another wait, though this one only 4 days, as IBC offered to upgrade the shipping and bump the wheel to the front of the mechanic's queue (this will become a theme).
Two weeks after placing the order, I got a well built wheel on a great hub that I am still riding today. I was upset about this transaction at the time, but now that the purchase has proved to be a good one, the sore taste is gone.


My next major purchase was a Lemond Victoire Titanium bicycle built up with Ultegra and a decent component spec. IBC offered me a good deal on the bike, my first road bike. I paid $1900.
They promised to have it ready for my at 5pm on a Tuesday. I came in to pick it up and the person at the counter called upstairs. A terse whispered conversation was visibly held out of my earshot. The clerk told me that they were just finishing it up. I walked around, looking at base layers, jerseys, tires, lights. 45 minutes later, I asked if it was almost done. The counter person didn't really know how to answer. At 5pm when it was supposed to be done, they hadn't started it yet! After this became clear, I asked them when it would be done.
I was asked to return on Thursday morning, which I did. Thursday presented the same scenario, upstairs call, delay, but this time it was brought down 20 minutes later, built.
I took the bike out for a ride that afternoon and found it so out of tune that it was unrideable. After tinkering with it on the side of the bike path, I limped home without shifting or applying any power. I though it on the car and drove back to IBC to bitch.
Amid a shower of excuses and apologies, the bike was fixed and the owner, Harold, threw in a pair of SPD pedals to replace the worn out ones that I had been using.
Nine monthes and 1000's of miles later, I sold the bike, as is, for $1600.
Again, IBC gave me a good deal, but big hassle.

My next purchase was a IF custom Crown Jewel frameset with a carbon seatstay and a custom paintjob. IBC was great about every step in the process. Over two weeks they patiently allowed and encouraged me to test ride every road bike in the shop, honestly pointing out the ride characteristics of each. They helped me to agonize over the choice between another Ti frame and steel. Eventually, they helped me choose the lower priced steel frame. They even let me get custom paint at their cost. Furthermore, they unbuilt my old bike, washed and relubed all of the parts and built my IF free of charge.
This transaction was smooth from start to finish. A+


While on a secret ride with Yash, a driver cut me off, causing me to crash into his car, T bone style. I went over the handlebars and over the car. My beloved IF frame was left crumpled on the pavement, while I suffered only scapes and bruises. Every other part on the bike looked fine, not even a scratch. Even the tires remained inflated.




I took the bike to IBC, who meticulously inventoried every part on the bike, assessing them at their full retail value. IBC reprinted a sales receipt for the parts and frame (I had lost the original receipts. IBC and IF wrote letters that stated:

1. All parts on a bicycle that had been in an accident of this caliber were inherently unsafe and would need to be replaced.

2. The normal life expectancy of a bicycle is 25+ years, so at 9 months of age, my IF had not depreciated by much (if you have an insurance claim, make sure you get a letter of this sort)

In addition to fielding difficult calls and in person inquiries from claims adjustors while protecting my claim, the manager from IBC, without my asking, loaned me a Campagnolo Record equipped road bike from his personal collection to train on while me claim was settled. He made it clear that the bike was mine to ride, in all weather, until I found or bought something else.
After months of wrangling, I received a full settlement of almost $9000, which represented the full retail value of my bicycle, my helmet and the clothing that was destroyed in the accident.
Throughout this whole process, IBC acted flawlessly, following up with documentation, returning calls and fending off insurance agents. They were singleminded in their effort to help me recover damages and get back on a borrowed bike in hours.


I ordered an identical IF frame. I changed only the paint job. I originally ordered the frame in brown and then at Yash's insistance, I went back and asked them to change the color to white.
My frame came 10 weeks later without the carbon seatstay and in brown. Furthermore it had an Alpha Q fork. Racing season was months away, so I remained patient. After talking on the phone with IF, it became clear that IBC was at fault. They had misordered the frame to begin with and then failed to make the request to change the color.
The problem was quickly sorted out; the frame was repainted and I accepted it without the carbon seatstay (which I don't regret). Again, IBC unbuilt my old bike and rebuilt my new one with a variety of parts from the old bike and eBay.


Another occasion, I had a Campagnolo Carbon crankarm fail. The aluminum insert that the non-drive side pedal threads into pulled out. When I brought the crankarm in to pursue it as a warranty issue, one of the mechanics rode his bike home to get a Campagnolo crankarm off of his personal bike to loan me while mine was replaced. It was an Aluminum crankarm, but it was the proper length and it served me well for the 5 months that it took Campagnolo to turn mine around.

I have had many other interactions with IBC. Repeatly, they have treated me well, often completing small fixes free of charge. They are always willing to root around in back for spare parts to keep a vintage training bike rolling. Repeatedly, I have left IBC satisfied, often without spending a dime. Every time that I go in there, I am made to know that I am a valued customer.
IBC certainly has its quirks, such as their inability to meet a deadline, but now you know that and you can plan accordingly. Go check them out, they will treat you well.

Shop Review: ATA Cycles Cambridge: Beware!!

I have been considering offering reviews of the various shops in Boston for a few weeks. Obviously they all have their upsides and as well as weaknesses. My recent visit to ATA convinced me that I needed to offer these reviews so that people new to the Boston area or riders who are just starting out will not get ripped off or mistreated.

ATA has nice bikes. Look, Museews, Wilier, Fondriest and Colnago are a few of thier high end offerings. If you are looking to inspire bike lust, ATA is the place. They have more candy per square foot than any place else in the city.

But your bicycle experience with ATA should end there. Walk out. No matter what they say to you, walk away. I have found ATA to be dishonest, misleading, condescending and at times downright fraudulent. I have caught them in lies only to be told another lie. You've been warned.

In reporting on these miscreants, I write only about my personal experiences, but be aware that I have material that is even more scathing that I am uncomfortable using, since the witnesses may not be comfortable substantiating their stories.



I used to live around the corner from ATA when I first became serious about cycling. Since they were around the corner, I went in there looking for a bike. Repeatedly, I would be told that a certain bicycle was the current model year, only to find out online that it was two years old. Furthermore, I was assured that various bikes were "stock" from the manufacturer only to discover that a choice component had been swapped out for a lessor one, without a corresponding reduction in price, which were faithfully at MSRP. Of course, this was many years ago, so I am unable to remember the exact models and componentry. Luckily, I was wise enough to see the writing on the wall and formed my close relationship with International Bicycle Center by purchasing there.

My second ATA experience even more illustrative and easier to detail. I was looking for a set of Mavic Ksyrium SL's. I forget the date, but it was the first model year where the SL Ksyriums were silver. Prior to that year they has black decals with silver lettering.









This was at least the second year that the Ksyrium SL rim was machined in between the spokes to remove extra material. In short, there was a simple and quick method for telling the model years apart.

When I walked into ATA I was descended upon by a pushy and condescending salesman. I told him what I was looking for(Ksyrium SL's) without letting him know my level of knowledge, my budget or that I had already been to another shop (which had been honest and ultimately sold me a wheelset). The salesperson began showing me wheelsets by LightWeight ($3500-5000 per set), implying that I my purchase of a sturdy alloy wheelset was a mistake.

I insisted that I was interested in Ksyriums and asked if he had any in stock. Reluctantly and somewhat exasperatedly, the salesman went in back and shortly returned with a set of Ksyrium SL's that were Black and Silver, but more importantly, had no machining between the spoke nipples. These were quite obviously two model years old. I didn't say anything, since I figured that I was about to be offered a deal (which I would not have been opposed to). Instead, I was told that ATA had just gotten these wheels in from Mavic, that they were the new model and that this was the wheelset that all of the pro teams were currently riding. In short, they were trying to fleece me. Furthermore, the salesman didn't even flinch when he quoted me the MSRP of the model that was current at that time. In fact, he told me that he was cutting me a deal.

I thanked them. I made a point to thank the owner, who was behind the register. I said that I would think about it and left.

I wish that I had the fortitude never to return. But I did...there are so many great frames to ogle.

The next time that I went there, the owner, without asking me a single question about my riding style, my goals or my dimensions grabs a frame and says, "this is the best frame for bicycle racing." No explanation, no comment. The frame was garish and flashy. I didn't really care to go into discussing diffent types of frames for different riders. I kind of just wished that he would go away, which he did not. In fact, he was so pushy, that I left before looking at half of the bikes that I wanted to.

But again I returned. Just last week, I was having my car inspected next door. I had half an hour to kill.

This time there was no pushy salesperson. Apparently, all of the pushy staff, including the owner, work in the newer Concord location, probably since there is much more money to extract from that clientele.

So, I proceed unmolested through the store. The helpful saleswoman answered my questions with valuable information. She explained the purpose of the flax fiber in the Museeuw frames and clarified the difference between the 2008 Look 595 and the 2009 (paint job only).



2008



2009



They had a 2008 Look 595 on display. It had clearly been built, likely ridden. It had grease in the bottom bracket shell and appeared to have road dust at the crotch of the fork and the frame where the recesses bolt for the front brake is (a spot even the most thorough bike cleaners often miss). Upon closer inspection, I found minor scuffs and nicks. I forgot to note if the seatmast had been cut. I asked if the frame had been ridden and the saleswoman said no. I then asked if it had been built and she replied that it had not. I picked up the frame and showed her all of the evidence of use. She was nonplussed. I didn't push the issue further.

I thanked her for her help and picked up my car.

My conclusion: This is the most pushy and dishonest bicycle shop in the Boston area. I know of no experienced cyclist who frequents the shop. Most everyone who I know has a horror story from this shop, ranging from a falling out over a major Boston team's sponsorship to delivery of subpar goods for premium pricing. They repeatedly misrepresent products. Most area cyclists just steer clear. If this post helps prevent one cyclist from being ripped off, swindled or lied to then it was worth my time writing this post.

Quad Multi-Sport: Shop Review

Those of you who know me, probably think that I am about to slam the triathlon shop. You couldn't be more wrong.
Let me tell you a story:
I had a set of 2005 Zipp 404 tubular wheels. I bought them used and raced the set for two seasons. Lots of potholed crits. I thought that I had broken them a dozen times. I put enough miles on them that I had to change the tubular tires.
When I tried to sell them, I found a hairline crack near the tire on the front wheel. It was small enough that I may have been able to get away with selling them "as is," but the ethicist in me would not allow that.
Zipp has a "no fault" crash repair policy for wheels that are out of warranty. My wheels were both out of warranty and on their 2nd or 3rd owner. Furthermore, I don't have a receipt for them. Zipp's repair policy requires you to go through a Zipp dealer, pay for shipping (both ways) and pay wholesale for repairs. The idea is that Zipp will keep your wheels running for less than the cost of new wheels. Fair enough.
Quad Multi-Sport (QMS) is a Zipp dealer. There are also a number of other Zipp dealers in the Boston area. I have done business with almost every one of them and opted not bring the wheels to them for one reason or another. I chose to go to QMS because I used to race for Quad Cycles, which is across the street and closely affiliated with QMS. I remain good friends with QS's owner, Rustem, despite my decision to race for another team. I figured that Rustem would make sure I was treated well at QMS.
I brought the wheel in on a Saturday and was treated politely. Obviously, the owner and I had little to talk about since our cycling disciplines could not be more different. There was no small talk, all business. I don't even remember if I mentioned my former affiliation with Quad.
I truthfully told Tom, co owner, that I had no idea how the wheel came to be cracked. I didn't imply that the wheel was defective, only that it was cracked and that I would like it fixed. I never disparaged Zipp or their product.
Tom promised to call Zipp on Monday, readily admitting, without shame, that he had never handled a Zipp service issue before. He said that it would be a learning experience. I made him promise to call me before sending the wheel off. I was a little hesitant to be the test run, but left the wheel accompanied by my name and phone number.
I never got a call from QMS on the following Monday. I had visions of waiting forever for the wheel and then getting socked with a $500 repair bill on a wheel only worth $400.
Tom called back a week and a half later, the wheel was fixed and I was only required to pay for shipping ($42)! I am not sure how the shop wrangled this deal, but I was very happy. I kept my happiness under wraps so that they wouldn't change thier minds and be tempted to tack extra charges onto the bill. I didn't ask any questions either.
I should add that the wheel looks brand new and came with a new Zipp skewer and a valve Zipp valve extender.
While I will not be switching sports, or more accurately, taking on two new sports, I will say that I was more than happy with the service at QMS. They were polite and quick. They have a good selection of aero gear in stock. So if you are looking for fast carbon wheels or a TT setup to buy or rent, I'd at check these guys out, you'll be happy with the service.