Of course, I do not blame cyclemainia for the theft- I do, however, blame them for what followed:
A couple of weeks later, as I rode my now-700-dollar machine home, the derailler machanism, along with the bike chain, became wrapped around the axel like cheap tinfoil. Fortunately, as the bike skidded into the pavement, I was thrown into a patch of grass.
In the end, I walked away with the bike, and took it to another local bike shop for inspection. A week later, the Kryptonite lock I was using jammed, because apparently, those locks cannot be exposed to water- but that's another story. The bike spent three weeks chained to a fence, until I found out that any Kryptonite lock can be broken with a drill and a three-dollar cutting wheel.
The above is an old joke, to be sure, but never was it more applicable.
The bike began falling apart the day I bought it. The gears were prone to jarring, random changes, and the bike chain continuously fell off the gears. Every time I got on it, I was afraid what might happen.
I don't typically write glowing reviews but these guys were just over the top. I had visited most other shops on Sunday when Cyclemania is closed. When I finally got to get in to see their shop later in the week the service and quality of help far exceeded my previous experiences. I was trying to purchase my first "real" bike, upgrading from a big box store and had very little knowledge of what I really wanted or needed. They were super patient with me, taught me about correctly sizing a bike and choosing one based on my riding habits. They went above and beyond to contact their rep to try to find the exact bike for me. The following week I left with a new Cannondale that I absolutely love and fits me perfectly. I wish I wasn't so bad with names so I could tell you who the lady and gentleman were that helped me.
The next day, the manager of cyclemania seemed quite perplexed as to why I was so very angry. They offered to "fix" the bike, yet again. Four days later, when I picked it up, the owner of the shop had the absolute gall to proffer a bill.
I went to Cyclemania - and I'll never buy another bike!
My only solace regarding both instances is that I didn't spend a dime there...nor will there be a future Etap purchase...mechanical is king gents.
The manager of the store made reassuring noises. I gave them another $200 for wheels, along with 80 dollars for two of the best Kryptonite Locks I could buy.
I was recently back in town visiting family and went to an art/craft store and noticed they where in a new location. I had a very rare need for a replacement tube, I usually have boxes of them, so I thought why not. It was rather conveniently next door. Again mid day, again near empty, again with about 4-5 employees...and guess who...yup the owner. I looked around saw the tubes but wanted to see some other things. I kid you not..there for about 10-12 min...nothing. This time I even had two employees walk by me...I say hi...and nothing but a nod. What? The others were discussing how awesome/not awesome Etap is...and there was the owner...building a bike on the stand..watching me walk out.
First I'd like to describe a bit about myself. I've been traveling as an ambassador for a cycling industry prominent business (no not LIV, as my profile might suggest). I've been in countless bike shops from mom and pop's to giant brick an mortars. Bike shops definitely don't all have the same feel but like most retail business, I assume, you can get a vibe from who works there and what they're about.
Yes- he had, indeed, offered service. Unfortunately, it was always bad service.
Had this happened in traffic, or on a rougher road, I would have been seriously injured, or killed.
So I get that some places are a bit lax about helping right away to give customers time to feel things out and that as a customer engaging first is common place these days. But the overall impression I had of this place first compelled me to right a review....I never right reviews...especially in my own work industry. I felt that they had the stereo typical arrogant/can't be bothered bike shop feeling, that I frankly kills me to perpetuate...but...if bike shorts fit.
Such knowledgeable and friendly staff. Local favorite for all things bikes!
The first time I visited Cyclemania was about 3 years ago on vacation. Walking into the then India st shop, the Le Tour De France was playing on a small tv at the entrance. I stopped to watch it for a bit and then began looking about. Not another customer was in there, it was mid day. About 5 employees and, who I later learned was the owner, where behind the counter. While the owner Dave was on the phone we made eye contact several times as well as a couple workers behind the counter...who were engaged in a conversation about woman in bike shorts. Not really crossing lines directly but "subtle" implications were in the mix, and yup I got them guys. The owner completed his call and joined the conversation. I was there about 10-12 minutes and was never even spoken to. So like in any awkward moment...I left.
He then complained about a review I had written on his shop's facebook page, saying it was "unfair," and that he had offered me "nothing but service."
When I picked up the bike, the repairmen hadn't bothered putting the chain back on the wheel. On the ride home, the random gear changes continued.
They fixed the seat for free, but apparently didn't bother looking at the gears. On the way back, they were still clanking and clonking.
Two weeks after I bought it, small pieces were falling off of it. Sometimes, as I walked the bike along the street, I could look back, and see multiple stainless steel bibs and bobs that were falling off. I pledged to call the bike shop the next day, to see if I could take it in for a tuneup. Unfortunately, that night the bike wheels were stolen, even though the cycle and wheels were double-chained, using Kryptonite locks.
I asked them: "if I come into the shop, and buy new wheels, can you PLEASE take a look at the bike, and make sure that the gears and chain are okay? This bike is very hazardous to ride- it's been acting like this, since the day I bought it."
I will certainly never, ever buy a bike again.
Two weeks later, I noticed that the seat had become loose- it was impossible to ride the bike. I brought the bike back in, yet again- asking them to also please take a look at the gears and the chain, because the bike was STILL dangerous to ride. I said "please let me know what the charge will be."
Two weeks later, the bike itself was stolen, while chained with another Kyrptonite lock.
This, to me and countless others, is Portland's premier bike shop. They have all the best bikes, the best staff and yet, Cyclemania remains a chill, unassuming place to visit. The latter point is even more prevalent now in the new location which, aside from looking/ feeling really cool with the rough hewn pine boards throughout, is the easiest accessible bike shop in the city.
In mid-may, I made the mistake of beliving the hype, and buying a bike from this shop. I had it for less than four months, total. During those short few weeks, the bike I purchased- a 410 dollar cannondale- was in the shop three times, was stripped by thieves, almost killed me, spent a month immobilized and chained to a fence, and was finally stolen by other thieves.
When I walked away, the manager followed me, begging me to stop. He whined at length about how he had run his shop for so many years, and how he had never- NEVER (he swore) ever encountered issues like this with ANY of his bikes.
Cyclemania is a US Bicycle Store based in Portland, Maine. Cyclemania is located at 65 Cove St, Portland, ME 04101, USA.
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