I had purchased several bikes from Atlanta Cycling in the past few years and their service has always been great.
This summer I decided to purchase my first road bike, which was more than double the amount I spent on my previous bikes from Atlanta Cycling. I don't consider myself the most demanding of customers, but I do want to test ride a bike and make sure it fits me. Especially, if I am upgrading to a bike I'm spending a significant amount on.
When searching for the bike, I knew what color I wanted, but I was unsure of the frame size. I fell between a medium (54 cm) and medium/large (56 cm) frame. Unfortunately, the Atlanta Cycling local to me (this Duluth location) did not have the color that I was looking for in stock.
I called another local bike shop, I won't mention their name here, with the color and suspected size that I thought would fit. I made sure to make an appointment because I was aware that it takes time to arrange a test ride and I was intending to test ride the two different frame sizes to ensure proper fitment.
When I arrived I was ready to test ride the bike, but no bike was prepared for me. When I spoke to the salesperson that I arranged the appointment with he proceeded to ask me what type of riding I do. In the end, he insisted that the bike I wanted to test ride was not for me and proceeded to try to sell me carbon wheels for the bike I already have.
I had the feeling that this shop's salesperson was sizing me up and figured I couldn't handle the bike and would likely test ride the bike and decide not to purchase. I understand these bikes are not cheap and setting up a demo of the bike takes time and risks damage/adds wear and tear to the bikes.
I left that bike shop ready to take my business elsewhere.
As I'm driving home from this other local bike store, I decide to call Atlanta Cycling in Duluth. I knew they didn't have the specific color that I wanted in the frame size I suspected that I fit on, but perhaps they had the frame sizes that I can at least see if I could test ride to pin down the proper frame size.
I called an hour before Atlanta Cycling closes and spoke to Eric. He told me he had both frame sizes in stock, not mention he adds that there's a peculiar scenario where the frame that I thought I'd fit on was swapped out because the original frame was defective and the bike manufacturer sent a replacement frame in a colorway only available as a frame set or higher trim of the model bike that I was interested in buying.
I was so excited to hear that colorway was available at the lower trim level model. I asked if I could come in and try to get fitted on the bike, mind you I'd arrive about 30 minutes before closing.
This is where the five star rating is truly earned. Eric prepared both frame sizes for me to be fitted on and then arranged a test ride, all within 30 minutes of closing! I ended up buying that bike in the higher end colorway.
I have purchased bikes from several other local bike stores in Atlanta and I can confidently say that I will be taking my business to Atlanta Cycling, specifically the Duluth location, in the future.
Thank you Eric and the Atlanta Cycling team for going above and beyond for the cycling...
Read moreWe were thinking about ways to enjoy the long, warm days ahead and decided on cycling. We decided to return to Atlanta Cycling - Duluth. As you can see 4-5 years back we purchased the Blue bicycle and had a good experience. I recommend this place and Nick, especially for his Customer service. I would suggest that if you plan ahead it is always better. Please DO NOT be like ME who was short on time for this activity. Even thou with a few hours we were able to get the cycle and did not compromise with the choice. Nick was very clear I could sense if this was not the bicycle for us he would have not allowed us to make a rash decision and walk out with the wrong bicycle. The stock in the store is good. People do smile. Don't forget, to visit to buy your first or nth time picking a bike visit Atlanta Cycling - Duluth, and experience the joy of bicycling.
I reached out to Atlanta Cycling - Duluth a week from 6/11/2022 calling them with my questions, situation, and budget. I was not sure if they would help but with tight constraints to walk out on the bike from the store on Saturday. I was helped by Nick - He was just extraordinaire and compelled me to write this huge review. He answered my questions and went out of his way to tell me how and options, where we could sell our outgrown bike since this store, does not purchase the bicycle. On Saturday, before arriving we had no certain time on my child's return from one week's camp. We only were able to go by 2:00 p.m. and the store was packed and the store closes by 5:00 p.m. I had interacted with Nick over the phone and by email but had not seen him. We waited for a bit before someone greeted us and guess it was the only wait we had where we were a little out of place but otherwise it was just amazing picking a bike. He worked with my child who had just a had a long drive You can sure imagine how cheerful this child was acting. But he gave him all the necessary attention to detail and the requirements were phenomenal. With the earlier interaction, he knew with a budget and he was not trying to upsell us anything. I understand if we do google we might see the same bicycle for a few dollars less but the human interaction experience and customer service are priceless is what I have learned during this pandemic chaos. I wish you'll pick up your bike by Nick you are in for...
Read moreWe went to this Duluth location this past Saturday; Greg asked us some questions to see what type of riding we wanted to do. He then got our sizes and showed us the Trek Verve series. Before going over all of the features of the 1 and 2, we decided to test the 3. I have to say, though, he wasn't pressuring us into the more expensive 3, he made sure we knew everything about all of them, and we made the decision. It was a calm and informative experience. We bought two of them. One had to be put together from the box, and both needed kickstands and water bottle holders added, so we picked them up today (Monday they are closed Sunday).
Gregg wasn't there this afternoon, but we had a great time working with Breanna - she is a real rock star! The Thule EasyFold bike rack we purchased from REI did not hold them securely, and we knew we would have to take it back. But, Breanna saved the day! She took us inside and showed us the Kuat Sherpa. I ran outside and took off the Thule; she had the team put together the Kuat, she measured and installed (with a lock) the hitch extension to clear the spare tire on our JEEP, then installed and locked the Sherpa! Then fitted us for helmets. Let me tell you, this woman was amazing!
If you're in the market for a new bike or need service, get over there to see these guys. I am not just saying this - before we went to Atlanta Cycle, we went to Twisted Spokes closer to our house, and the experience was awful. They don't even greet you. Though they were there all working and behind the counter, we had to approach them to get information, and still, they reacted as if we were bothering them. I highly recommend Atlanta Cycle; we are thrilled with the team there. Oh, and do not buy that darn Thule; get everything from Atlanta Cycle. They have...
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