Topic: Bikedock (Read 16315 times)

Scribble · « **on:** September 20, 2011 »

I'm hopefully heading down to bikedock to get myself a bike and was reading the reviews on the net and they are shocking , has anyone had any dealings with this lot as it's the only place I can get cycle to work scheme through .

Cheers Andy

RedLeader · « **Reply #1 on:** September 20, 2011 »

They're a big company, I see them advertised loads. What sort of stuff have you heard?

LennyJ1 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 20, 2011 »

I got my bike from there. The staff a grand. I did come off my bike as soon as I bought it as the handle bars were not done up tight. As they knew they were in the wrong the gave me some free inner tubes. I would go back thou.

Oisín · « **Reply #3 on:** September 20, 2011 »

I dont think I'd have settled for some inner tubes when you could have been seriously hurt.

Scribble · « **Reply #4 on:** September 20, 2011 »

Quote from: RedLeader on September 20, 2011

They're a big company, I see them advertised loads. What sort of stuff have you heard?

I read the google reviews and most seem very harsh but I was thinking they could be from an ex employee who is a bit pissed with them and most of the reviews mention another bike shop that I thought was a bit suspect , I will trust Lenny and go for it as I've no where else I can go

Cheers for replies

specimanYak · « **Reply #5 on:** September 20, 2011 »

I had an awful experience in Bikedock last year, i had read the scathing reviews online and thought they can't be that bad, i would never go back.

I went in to get a chain spiltter for my mountain bike but instead they sold me a BMX tool which eventually wrecked the chain and broke the tool, i wheeled the bike over and they agreed to fix the bike in part exchange for the broken tool. They took my bike in the backroom for repair but quickly came back and told me the chain was broke and i didn't know how to use a chain splitter and i had to pay the full amount for the repair or they would keep my bike. This wasn't what was agreed and eventually the manager appeared, shouting and condescending and i was asked to leave the shop or they would phone the police!!

Eventually, through e-mails i was able to point out they had sold me the wrong tool for the job which was why it broke the tool and my chain. I only got the money back for the tool though and had to go to another bike shop to buy another chain. I was never offered an apology for their mistake. Overall my bike was in a worse condition than when i first took it into the shop. Best avoided.

suspectmonkey · « **Reply #6 on:** September 20, 2011 »

I've bought a couple of bits and pieces from Bikedock in the past, but not a bike so can't really comment on their customer service.

Personally, I would highly recommend taking a visit to Real Cycles. Fantastic shop with excellent after sales service and extremely honest. They do provide bikes for cycle to work schemes so it might be worth giving them a call and seeing if they can help. If you speak to the owner Steve and say suspectmonkey sent you he will sort you out

Scribble · « **Reply #7 on:** September 20, 2011 »

Cheers speciamyak I take it you left a review on google as I remember the name

Suspect thanks for the offer but I'm having to use bikedock as it's the only place I can use through work but I will keep it in mind as Santa has to buy a new bike

RedLeader · « **Reply #8 on:** September 20, 2011 »

That is ridiculously bad service. I'd have been raging!

Quote from: specimanYak on September 20, 2011

I had an awful experience in Bikedock last year, i had read the scathing reviews online and thought they can't be that bad, i would never go back.

I went in to get a chain spiltter for my mountain bike but instead they sold me a BMX tool which eventually wrecked the chain and broke the tool, i wheeled the bike over and they agreed to fix the bike in part exchange for the broken tool. They took my bike in the backroom for repair but quickly came back and told me the chain was broke and i didn't know how to use a chain splitter and i had to pay the full amount for the repair or they would keep my bike. This wasn't what was agreed and eventually the manager appeared, shouting and condescending and i was asked to leave the shop or they would phone the police!!

Eventually, through e-mails i was able to point out they had sold me the wrong tool for the job which was why it broke the tool and my chain. I only got the money back for the tool though and had to go to another bike shop to buy another chain. I was never offered an apology for their mistake. Overall my bike was in a worse condition than when i first took it into the shop. Best avoided.

specimanYak · « **Reply #9 on:** September 20, 2011 »

Quote from: RedLeader on September 20, 2011

That is ridiculously bad service. I'd have been raging!

I was livid at the time because of the service and added a review to the many that were online, the managers reply failed to mention that i had sent them numerous emails, and phoned, many of them ignored and complaints don't seem to be taken seriously anyway. We live and learn.

twentyclicks · « **Reply #10 on:** September 20, 2011 »

I'm a little biased as I now work there, but Chain Reaction Cycles have opened a store on Boucher Rd. Not long open and still finding feet a bit in terms of linking systems with the main operation at Doagh, but should do bike to work and have workshop. Store is big! I've only be in 2 days as I went on hols as soon as it opened

Got my current bike in Bike Dock. It's a great bike but the service has never really been welcoming. No advice, no banter, no interest in my bike courier business. A little disappointing, but I do really like the Genesis bikes.

I also know some guys starting http://velocafemagasin.com/. Bit more casual and bike culture. They do repairs, custom builds, spare parts etc. Joe builds up cheap 2nd hand bikes to get people on the road all the way up to high end gucci stuff. Just sorted my rear bearings for me and lent me a spare wheel while he fixed it. The dream is to have a city-centre based bike culture mecca where you can watch the Tour, have a coffee, and have your brakes serviced etc. They're good lads.

suspectmonkey · « **Reply #11 on:** September 20, 2011 »

Quote from: twentyclicks on September 20, 2011

but I do really like the Genesis bikes.

I believe Real Cycles are selling Genesis bikes now as well. Nice looking range! Not that I work for Real Cycles or anything, they've just been really helpful in the past and I think small, independent dealers should be celebrated in a world of supersized, customer-ignorant retail chains.

I've used CRC in the past and they are very good also, both through their website and their shop in Doagh. Haven't been in the new Boucher store yet, but hope to pop in and get a chat with you some day soon Craig

twentyclicks · « **Reply #12 on:** September 20, 2011 »

I'll be there Saturday's and most Thurs / Fri evenings

Scribble · « **Reply #13 on:** September 20, 2011 »

Seeing as you guys know what your talking about what mountain bike would your recommend for around the £500 to £600 , it's for commuting to work mostly road and a bit of a dirt track , was looking at the ridgeback as I've heard of them but there is also a make forme which I know nothing about . All suggestions and advice welcome , please as I ain't a clue really $:-\$

Andy

suspectmonkey · « **Reply #14 on:** September 20, 2011 »

Quote from: Scribble on September 20, 2011

Seeing as you guys know what your talking about what mountain bike would your recommend for around the £500 to £600 , it's for commuting to work mostly road and a bit of a dirt track , was looking at the ridgeback as I've heard of them but there is also a make forme which I know nothing about . All suggestions and advice welcome , please as I ain't a clue really $:-\$

Andy

If I had £500-600 I'd be looking to get the best for my money and aiming for Shimano Deore components (front/rear dérailleur etc.) and RockShox front forks such as the RockShox Tora. Looking at the Bikedock range then something like the Saracen Zen 1 would fit the bill and it has hydraulic disc brakes fitted as well. The Marin Northside Trail also looks okay and Marin get a good name, although the components aren't as good as the Saracen and it has mechanical discs. The similarly priced Ridgeback MX6 doesn't look as well specced as either the Saracen either, although it does have hydraulics. I haven't heard of Forme before and I wouldn't be fussed on the Element as it has cheap and nasty RST forks and lower end Shimano components.

If you stretched the budget you could get a Genesis Core 10 which has decent forks and hydraulic brakes, and if you could really stretch the budget to a Genesis Core 20 you would be doing very well.

Bikes are a bit like walking boots though - you really need to go and have a sit on them, pedal about outside the shop etc. as they all use different tube lengths and angles. Just because it looks great on paper and ticks all the right boxes component wise doesn't mean it will ride well. One other thing I'd stress is to avoid any full suspension bikes in the £500-600 price bracket. They will be rubbish and aren't going to be efficient at all for commuting with. Finally, I know you make a saving with Cycle to Work but bear in mind the Genesis Core 20 is £170 cheaper from Real Cycles, the Core 10 is £100 cheaper, the Ridgeback MX6 is £95 cheaper and the Saracen Zen 1 is £115 cheaper. At the very least I would be looking Bikedock to price match as most of those bikes are 2011 and the 2012 range are on the way if not already out. They should all be at reduced prices by now. Hope that helps a bit

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Author Topic: Bikedock (Read 16315 times)

Scribble

Bikedock

RedLeader

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LennyJ1

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Oisín

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Scribble

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