Merrick Bicycles — Local services in Town of Hempstead

Last September, I replaced my 34 year old BCA mountain bike because of rust in welds. I went to Merrick bike shop to purchase a new bike (selection limited due to covid). The salesperson and I discussed my riding routine and I purchased a trek Marlin 6 ($900). 10 months later I am having skipping in the chain while riding. The owner tells me the cassette and chain wore out due to my riding habits and cross-chaining (on a 1 by 10). I was shocked that this could happen after just 10 months with less than 600 miles of use. I said I never replaced a part on my BCA and he said bikes aren't built like that anymore. He said I bought the wrong bike for the riding I do. I responded saying it appears that had he been my salesperson last year, I would have been steered in the right direction. Buyer beware at this shop. The owner seemed completely distinterested that I was upset over having to spend around $135 to replace parts on a bike less than a year old. His advice to me was to sell the bike as new on FB marketplace saying the bike looked in perfect condition only needing a wipe down and buy a new bike. I turned down having the repairs done and contacted Trek directly. The service agent was very concerned about the bike wearing out and stated he will take care of this problem. He is in the process of getting me new parts and having a trek dealer install them, not Merrick bike shop. Having managed a small family business for many years, I understand that for every customer you win, you win one and for every customer you lose, you lose 10. The owner should have faked empathy, waived his $10 per part labor fee and discounted the price of the two parts. I wasn't expecting something for nothing, but he should stand behind the products he sells and make the customer happy without giving away the store. At the very least, the owner should have offered to contact trek on my behalf and advocated...

TL;DR - Very nice and extremely helpful staff. A bit expensive but it's a small business and the overall quality is excellent. Turnaround time was outstanding.

Full Story:

Background - I have two bikes, both were bought, not sure where from, for me and my brother back in 2006. From 2006-2010 I would ride no matter how far away my destination was or how the weather was.

Decision - So eleven years later, I decided to get them tuned up. Sure I could have just bought new bikes but these bikes have sentimental value and, just like an old car, needed have a few small fixes and tunes.

Pricing - I had never been to a bike shop before then. And since then I have not been to any other bike shops to compare exact prices but I can say that Merrick Bicycles is a bit pricey, for even just a tune up, however the results made it well worth it. My, and my brother's, eleven year old bikes feel brand new and encourage me do to ride again.

Expenses - After tuning up the bikes, and replacing one back wheel, (story for another time) I ended up dropping maybe south of $400. But that was me going all out on tuning these things to pristine condition. Being conservative, I could have spent probably half of that.

Customer Service - The owner, receptionist, and the young man who fixed my bikes, were an amazing group of people. They were very informative and more than happy to assist me.

Overall Experience - All in all, I would highly recommend using this bicycle shop. Although you may spend a bit more than expected, it is worth the expenses, plus you'd be supporting a small business.

If I could rate by numbers, I would give it a...

To the most none professional business in merrick disgusting customer service. Last year took my son to buy a new bike spent 1300 dollars beautiful bike . The past 3 months front tire kept getting flat I ain’t saying one flat 4-5 in a 2 month periods same tire . The past week I decided that bike need to be tuned up which they charge 200 dollars which I was fine paying for it , picked up bike 5 days later took it home next morning front tire is flat again . Took it to them to show them and explain that it had been on road since but a service person in back of house keeps saying it’s common for tires to get flats all the time and to lose air , I ask then why is front tire always fine and not back. Anyways they decide to take a look check tube they fined there’s something in the inside of the tire causing it . They put in a new tube and send me to front of house to talk to person in front he decided to charge me it’s not the point of the money it’s the principle the whole time this was the cause they overlooked it so I can keep buying tubes . After buys 3 snowblowers and a bike there they will not see me anymore and I own a local business for 38 year with a lot more customers then them I will be sure to put the word out and give them a name that nobody will like to...