Great Shopping Experiences

[jasonc]

I like my toes so will stick with my bigger shoes

[g-boaf]

Blackman Bicycles. Parramatta.

Nine years on from my last review and nothing has changed except maybe a few faces.

Helpfull staff, as always, except this time the bloke even checked the wheel next to the bin outside to see if he could help my 81 year old Dad, who just wanted one bearing cone, without buying a whole axle, no luck but not through lack of trying. Many times they have helped us in our bike building endevours. Can't recommend them enough!

I know some people have had varying experiences with that shop, but I found them okay, but admittedly only few occasions I've ever been to them (in their old location).

I ordered quite a lot of stuff from Le Col recently with their massive discounts and it all arrived quite fast by DHL. No issues with sizing, but I've also ordered from them before so I know how their sizing goes. 2x bib shorts, 2x jerseys and a casual shirt, saved probably a good $300 or so on the total normal price.

[redsonic]

A thumbs up for Canyon Australia. I have recently made a couple of small purchases with them, and they were great both times. If you shop on the Aussie website to identify what you want, then call the local number and order over the phone, you can get parts delivered from within Australia rather than overseas. Both times took 1 day to Brisbane. Express post, but they only charged the cost of postage.

[g-boaf]

A thumbs up for Canyon Australia. I have recently made a couple of small purchases with them, and they were great both times. If you shop on the Aussie website to identify what you want, then call the local number and order over the phone, you can get parts delivered from within Australia rather than overseas. Both times took 1 day to Brisbane. Express post, but they only charged the cost of postage.

Oh yes, they are great. Kudos for them - I've dealt with them for a few things and they are always helpful and well organised.

[jindydiver]

Pirez electric bikes in Melbourne.
I bought a mid drive and battery last Nov' and in Oct' this year got caught in a bad storm. After that the bike started acting up and would not run. I did some diagnostic stuff before ringing them and they just straight up said "send the battery back and we will give it a test and see what we can do". A week later they tell me a brand new battery is on its way to me. Awesome service

[MichaelB]

From a different thread ;

Well after much to-ing and fro-ing, and primarily that the DT350 front hub in the config that I wanted is out of stock everywhere for another 17-18 weeks I finally found a well priced source of the Bitex 106 hubs in stock and with reasonable shipping. One place wanted GBP60 in shipping !!!

Spa Cycles in the UK came to the rescue with reasonable shipping (22 quid) and the VAT removal meant they were A$210 shipped. Cool.

Got the hubs in the mail on the 5th Jan. Well packed and as requested.

Big thumbs up to Spa Cycles

https://www.spacycles.co.uk/

[Retrobyte]

Ordered 4 bibs from RedWhite on Monday and they were delivered on Thursday - free express shipping from Singapore. Excellent service!

[Fishybone]

A thumbs up for Canyon Australia. I have recently made a couple of small purchases with them, and they were great both times. If you shop on the Aussie website to identify what you want, then call the local number and order over the phone, you can get parts delivered from within Australia rather than overseas. Both times took 1 day to Brisbane. Express post, but they only charged the cost of postage.

Amazing! I had no idea they could ship locally. Do they also offer minor service / repairs? I’ve heard of new Canyon bikes arriving with the gears not properly indexed, brakes not bled etc so wondering if they could fix this up, at least for Melbourne customers (as they’re based in Melbourne).

[familyguy]

After being a bit annoyed that Bikebug no longer have their North Sydney store for order pick up, I ordered a Shimano RS-100 front wheel online for delivery instead. Even among the publicised delivery delays it still turned up at home within 3 working days for $105 all told. Maybe bigger orders from them will still happen if they're going to be that prompt.

[redsonic]

A thumbs up for Canyon Australia. I have recently made a couple of small purchases with them, and they were great both times. If you shop on the Aussie website to identify what you want, then call the local number and order over the phone, you can get parts delivered from within Australia rather than overseas. Both times took 1 day to Brisbane. Express post, but they only charged the cost of postage.

Amazing! I had no idea they could ship locally. Do they also offer minor service / repairs? I’ve heard of new Canyon bikes arriving with the gears not properly indexed, brakes not bled etc so wondering if they could fix this up, at least for Melbourne customers (as they’re based in Melbourne).

I have no idea if they offer face-face service in Melbourne, but I doubt it.

[Iced Halo]

Amazing! I had no idea they could ship locally. Do they also offer minor service / repairs? I’ve heard of new Canyon bikes arriving with the gears not properly indexed, brakes not bled etc so wondering if they could fix this up, at least for Melbourne customers (as they’re based in Melbourne).

My Canyon Aeroad from around 3 years back arrived safely and without any issues apart from a missing rubber port bung- was sorted out very quickly. You would probably want to have some basic bike mechanic knowledge just in case, but nothing that a quick Youtube wouldn't be able to sort out.

The Melbourne office/warehouse was brilliant to deal with when I had a couple of smallish service issues to sort out (eg. helped me to order a replacement longer-than-stock integrated handlebar, and installed it including adjusting the hydraulic hoses; helped cut my steerer fork for me at the same time). This was all for a small service fee which was extremely reasonable compared to any LBS.

The guys there are great to have a chat to, and have been brilliant at helping order replacement bits and pieces like derailleur hangers. Would be really be a no-brainer to buy a Canyon if you live in Melbourne, as their after-sales support has been superb IME.

My next bike will most likely be another Canyon.

[trailgumby]

After being a bit annoyed that Bikebug no longer have their North Sydney store for order pick up, I ordered a Shimano RS-100 front wheel online for delivery instead. Even among the publicised delivery delays it still turned up at home within 3 working days for $105 all told. Maybe bigger orders from them will still happen if they're going to be that prompt.

.
Yes, their online service is pretty good. They are my go-to online store now.

Sadly, I have to say I don't lament the loss of their North Sydney store. Picking up an $8k bike order felt like I was paying for a $10 part order, there was no effort to comply with a bike fit diagram they were sent, one part was missing (a fork brake hose guard) and there was no engagement on some of the other bits I requested to be there on pickup, like a spare derailleur hanger (a must-have for a mountain bike). It was all rather deflating. And finally, no follow-up on a $7.5k road bike order I was looking to place.

[Ross]

After being a bit annoyed that Bikebug no longer have their North Sydney store for order pick up, I ordered a Shimano RS-100 front wheel online for delivery instead. Even among the publicised delivery delays it still turned up at home within 3 working days for $105 all told. Maybe bigger orders from them will still happen if they're going to be that prompt.

.
Yes, their online service is pretty good. They are my go-to online store now.

Sadly, I have to say I don't lament the loss of their North Sydney store. Picking up an $8k bike order felt like I was paying for a $10 part order, there was no effort to comply with a bike fit diagram they were sent, one part was missing (a fork brake hose guard) and there was no engagement on some of the other bits I requested to be there on pickup, like a spare derailleur hanger (a must-have for a mountain bike). It was all rather deflating. And finally, no follow-up on a $7.5k road bike order I was looking to place.

Not surprising from a LBS, though saying that, every online order I've done with BB has been fault free and fast shipping.

It's B & M local shops where I'm trying to spend my money (admittiedly just on parts, not new bikes) that I get misinformation, apathy and attitude. So much that I am going back to online wherever possible, even if it costs more. So much easier

[g-boaf]

I see Rapha is back in Sydney, 325 George Street.

Nice place and good customer service. Just missing the coffee machine and food from the old Surry Hills location (for those old school folk who still rememer it).

I got some gloves and a backpack from there.

[caneye]

I see Rapha is back in Sydney, 325 George Street.

Nice place and good customer service. Just missing the coffee machine and food from the old Surry Hills location (for those old school folk who still rememer it).

I got some gloves and a backpack from there.

Not-so-good news coming out of Rapha in the US. hope the local store is unaffected

the RCC rides seem to be very well-supported. big turnouts for weekday rides.

[g-boaf]

Yes, I see what you mean: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rapha- ... off-staff/

The one in George Street Sydney is fairly new. After the old one was closed.

I don't see the USA thing automatically meaning all the others are going to close down either, but it might scare people into not doing business with Rapha.

Same could apply or happen to other cycling brands also with a few whispers here and there to make people doubt the brand.

[biker jk]

Yes, I see what you mean: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rapha- ... off-staff/

The one in George Street Sydney is fairly new. After the old one was closed.

I don't see the USA thing automatically meaning all the others are going to close down either, but it might scare people into not doing business with Rapha.

Same could apply or happen to other cycling brands also with a few whispers here and there to make people doubt the brand.

They need to get their costs down as revenue growth is hardly rising, if not falling. The rent on that prime location store must be huge. They'll need to sell quite a few $250 jerseys to pay the bills. If they slash prices then the Veblen good demand will collapse. Mind, you Rapha is considered a luxury item via marketing rather than superior quality.

[g-boaf]

Mind, you Rapha is considered a luxury item via marketing rather than superior quality.

I don't know about that, my rapha kit from 2015-2016 vintage is still holding up well, stitching still good, padding still fine - all looks as good as new.

Maybe your experience is different, but I got quite a lot of it (not expensive either). Of all the kit I've purchased, it's the Rapha and Assos stuff that lasts longest.

[biker jk]

Mind, you Rapha is considered a luxury item via marketing rather than superior quality.

I don't know about that, my rapha kit from 2015-2016 vintage is still holding up well, stitching still good, padding still find - all looks as good as new.

Maybe your experience is different, but I got quite a lot of it (not expensive either). Of all the kit I've purchased, it's the Rapha and Assos stuff that lasts longest.

I've never bought any Rapha. Have used Assos and Castelli though. My comment on Rapha not being superior quality to justify the price is informed by comments from a small brand owner who said he uses the same technical fabrics as Rapha but charges much less.

[Aushiker]

Excellent service from 7 Mesh in Canada. Seven days for delivery.

[Dave_rh]

Fast shipping and good customer service from The Broken Spoke bike shop in Tamworth NSW.

I ordered item via their online portal. Spoke with them on the phone just before ordering. They were very helpful.

Ordered online just before midday, Thursday morning 2nd May. They shipped by mid Thursday afternoon. Delivered to Sydney suburban address by mid afternoon on Monday 6th May.

[caneye]

Excellent service from 7 Mesh in Canada. Seven days for delivery.

Was it on special?
I really like their bib shorts.

But I found the shipping from their main website to be really pricey, USD40, regardless of how much I added to the cart.
I ended up buying their bib shorts from BikeInn instead.

[Aushiker]

Was it on special?
I really like their bib shorts.

Yes on special ... not a huge fan of Bikeinn but they didn't have the jacket anyway. Sometimes Bike24 can be an option as well.