OUTSPOKIN BICYCLES

unknown

We have now purchased 5 bikes here and lots of accessories (baskets, helmets, lights, seats, car carriers, clothes, locks, etc.). I love their willingness to trade-in older bikes for a discount on a new bike (have done this twice). They give expert advice and tips and notice details such as the chain issue mentioned above. Service is prompt and sometimes while you wait. They carry Trek bikes and other solid brands. The liner on my helmet came apart about 9 months after I bought it, and rather than sell me a new one they pointed out it was under warranty, and gave me a new liner on the spot. The only slight negative is that the level of knowledge and helpfulness of the staff varies, and Brian gives by far the best advice and service. But he has always been willing to help and is pretty available. The other staff are usually helpful, but not as knowledgable or as professional. Once, I took a new bike home to discover it had practically no air in the tires. I am sure it is very hard to find good help, to train them, and to manage them all the time, so I don't think this problem is unique to Outspokin. In fact, I had purchased a bike and had it serviced at another specialty bike shop in Columbia before I switched to Outspokin a few years ago, and the service there was terrible, plus they had none of the other advantages I listed for Outspokin. My wife and I are over 60 and ride for exercise and pleasure, and to get around the neighborhood. We are not into speed or high performance; we recently went on a bike-barge tour in Germany which only required 25 miles per day on relatively flat trails. We loved it, but I mention this to indicate we are not into challenging or competitive cycling.