Speaking as a fellow retailer in a differrent geographic area my impressions of Nytro are that they are an absolutely first class organization with a high degree (arguably among the highest) level of technical sophistication.

Some customers are critical of Nytro, saying they are "elitist", etc. I don't buy it. Their staff is knowledgable and competent and their inventory is wide and deep as is their experience.

There are a number of good triathlon retailers in San Diego but Nytro is a stand-out. I think you will enjoy your experience there.

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Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com

Rich:

I bought a bike from Nytro two weeks ago and couldn't be happier. Chris the manager, as well as everyone else, was friendly and helpful. It was nice to be able to test ride what I wanted and their low price guarantee is a bonus. The shop, location, selection and the help I received made the process a good experience for me.

Hope you go for it. Do you remember what it feels like to get a new bike?

Tom

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"Boldly Going Nowhere"

Tom,

Are you from Texas and also rode the P3? I only ask, because about two weeks ago my legs were getting cold and so I stopped at Nytor for knee warmers. When I left I rode for a ways with a guy testing a Tiphoon first and then a P3.

If this is you I saw you on the P3 on my way back up the coast and you looked better on the Tiphoon.

Brian Long

My experience has been very limited... so, take it for what it's worth... I went to San Diego on business one time ... and, decided to stay the weekend and do the Carlsbad Triathlon. I was in the neighborhood and was looking for a new bike. Went to Nytro... walk around and was very impressed by the selection. There were what looked like 3-4 employees working... well, they weren't actually "working". They were actually all huddled around one customer (pro or maybe a good customer - don't know) and fiddling with his bike. At any rate, I asked one of them a question about a few bikes they had... got a quick answer and that was it... I walked out... Two weeks later bought a Kestrel direct from the Mfg. - got more help over the phone than I did at Nytro.

I'm sure they give better service to most than I recieved... or else, they wouldn't be in business. Well, that was my experience and that way about 6-7 yrs. ago... maybe it's changed. But, base on my VERY limited experience... the employees I saw must be paid by the hour (only). Is it worth the trip... I'd say so... but, (IMHO) you might temper your service expectations a bit.

FWIW Joe Moya

Nytro is a great triathlon store, from what I have seen among the top in the nation. Definitely worth a trip if you are in San Diego/Encinitas and you are shopping for a bike. It's worth it to stop in at B&L just down the road in Solano Beach as well, they carry some different lines of bikes so even more selection. Tri-geek heaven.

I bought a Kestrel there a couple years ago after test riding it, a litespeed, cervelo P3, softride, and looking over a Corima and Xlab pretty close, and not bothering with the C'dale, Seven, Colnago, QR, etc (even a Lotus) that they also had. I don't know anywhere else you can do that. It took several trips to try everything...

However, with all that said, it is true that their niche is more toward the high end bikes. If you are a newby, you might consider whether your local bike shop can supply you with the same Trek or Cannondale and then be there for you when you need them. There are many many stores that can give you a good fit and good service. Check Dan's bike shop list and you will be in good shape.

That was me Brian! I came out for the day just to visit Nytro and I'm glad I did. Had a great time "test riding" up and down the coast. It's been years and I forgot how nice it can be in southern California. Ended up buying the Tiphoon -It's a great bike and even I looked good on it! Enjoyed riding with you. Maybe we can do it again sometime.

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"Boldly Going Nowhere"

you guys are great. Thanks for all the useful info. I am definitely going to give nytro a try. If I am not pleased with their service it is nice to know there are so many choices there.

Nytro tried to sell me a Kestrel Talon SL in a size 57 (they didn't have any 55's when I went into the shop). They really wanted to make a sale that day and they were pushing the wrong bike on me. I ended up buying a 55 P3 from FinalKick in Va Beach. Jerry Frostick, the owner, is incredible. Cobbs was the best in San Diego but they're out of business. I don't understand all the rage about Nytro because I haven't been impressed. B&L is OK but they're leaning more towards road bikes. There has to be a decent Tri shop somewhere in Fl?

Tom and everyone,

I'll take some exception--Nytro can be first class, but not always. I've been a long-time customer and have purchased bikes, wheels and various other goodies from them over the years. It's been my experience that once the gang in there knows you, you receive first class treatment. ...Not that new customers don't, but their tendancy towards high-end gear coupled with the technical aspects of the sport can easily overload the newbie/new customer with too much information, giving the Nytro crew the image that they are somewhat elitist.

With diligence, consumer honesty and patience, however, they can be a first-rate store. My only serious caution is that they tend to configure and position bikes too aggressively without adequately accounting for the customer's wants/needs. I think that's an unintentional side effect of working with so many pro's and elite age-groupers. Any ordinary age grouper who is intent on buying a bike from them and who doesn't know the exact sizing specifics he/she requires must be blunt to the point of repetition about what he/she wants from the bike. I fell victim to this issue once with them, entrusting them too blindly and ending up with something way too small. What's more, I have several friends who've had the same experience. As you've mentioned before, Tom, the buying process is ultimately about communication, and that's where I think Nytro suffers the most. I don't think they ask the right questions. ...Still, their inventory and detailed knowledge is first rate.

That said, I'd offer two other San Diego recommendations. B & L a little further south in Solana Beach is a great store. They are FISTies, and I've used them for wrench work on several occassions (their mech that I call the Bike Whisperer is a different story for a different day). While they don't have the breadth of brands that Nytro carries, they still offer a good spread of frames/bikes (QRoo, Merlin, Serotta, Trek, Look, etc...). Personally, they are one of my few trusted mech shops (along with Leucadia Cylcery).

My second rec might surprise some--Supergo in Vista. While they are a chain and the bike industry equivalent of WalMart, this particular store nonetheless has a single asset to the triathlete, namely Richard Albrow. He's one of the managers there and he worked at Nytro for a great many years. He's their tri fit specialist, and I have great faith in him.

I would have recommended John Cobb's Bicycle Sports in Leucadia, having been in there several times this past summer and fall. Dave Bunce had a good operation going there--friendly, decent prices, good service, etc. Notice I said had.... I just got back from a deployment to find that the shop is no more. I'm not sure what happened.

Anyhow, I'm rambling now. Sorry. Like I said, I agree with most of what Tom said, but I'd "lightly caution" people about Nytro. You've got to be very assertive with them in order to get fit on the right bike at the right size and configuration.

Scott

Good info. Thanks Scott, the other recommendations are valuable.

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Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com

Thanks again for the word of caution. I probably would have blindedly trusted them as far as fitting. I already own a softride qualifier that I have never been comfortable on and trusted the bike shop owner that it fit me well. I would hate to buy another bike that did not fit me perfect. I am leaning towards the litespeed saber, but I need someone to trust to make sure it fits me perfect and not set me up like a pro.

Again I greatly appreciate the words of wisdom.

I purchased a Caliente online with them a few months ago and Chris was super to deal with. I had some specific configuration changes to make and they were all made without a problem. I've purchased quite a few items from them online without any glitches. I think you guys are all spoiled (wish I was one of you):), We don't even have a tri specific shop in New Mexico.

In my opinion, I would go with somebody else: R&A Cycles or Trisports.com to name a few. We had a similiar discussion on Triathlete.com and found similiar complaints among the group. In my instance, I decided to go with a Hed3 front and after some talk on the phone with Nytro, I went with an Xlab disc. The story went that I had a race in a 2 weeks, and the wheels were delivered with 3 days prior to the race. The Hed3 was fine. The Xlab disc was a totally different story. What a piece of sh*t. The bearings and hub were junk and the rim was marked by poor craftsmanship. I called Nytro and expressed my concern. They said that I could send it back which was great. However, I could not get a new wheel sent out. I realized the time frame, so I asked about having a new a new Hed3 rear sent overnighted so I could have it to race on. Nytro said that was impossible. I was willing to finance all 3 wheels on my credit card, how was that not possible you say? They were too busy, and were doing inventory and did not want to bother sending a new wheel and told me to call back in a couple of days after my xlab was returned. I was so pissed off after having got off the phone with them that I called R&A and they had the wheel to me on that Friday to race on Saturday with. Nytro has now been placed on my list of last resorts.

yep, I know there are no tri shop in NM...
Danois is from NM, and I am about 1mi away from NM (west TX)

Danois and Francois, huh? I hope you guys don't hang out together too much.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

I too am from NM (Las Cruces), where are you from? My bad experiences with Nytro were all on-line, phone orders, and one at 1997 Wildflower. All bad!! So I'm sorry my friend, I would not say I am "spoiled", I just expect my purchases to be appreciated regardless of the method of sale.

Thanks for the praise guys!

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Dave Bunce
Bicycle Sports-Tyler, TX
http://www.bicyclesports.com
dbunce@bicyclesports.com
800.365.2453

Dave,

The praise was warranted--I thought you had (have?) a great set-up in Leucadia. That said, however, what happened? I was out of the country for most of January and early February, and I returned to find it closed and empty. I also noted you signed your email from Tyler. While I personally harbor no grudge against the great state of Tejas (although I'm not a big fan of big belt buckles), I'm nonetheless left wondering why you guys aren't here any more?

Cheers,

Scott

Scott, please give me a call and I'll be glad to fill you in. Quickly, opening a 20,000 sq ft facilty here and they needed the big guns. Remember Chad, he's on his way as well. Oh and by the way, better change your thinking on big belt buckles. They are coming back into style.

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Dave Bunce
Bicycle Sports-Tyler, TX
http://www.bicyclesports.com
dbunce@bicyclesports.com
800.365.2453

"was considering going to nytro bike shop to buy a new bike based on their rep."

it seems to me if you read the responses, most of the "pro nytro" posts are from recent transactions, and most of the "no nytro" are from 5 or 6 or 7 years ago. that tracks with my own experience.

chris is a quality guy, nytro has BY FAR the best stock of tri stuff west of the rockies, and you'd be silly to omit checking them out of you're in san diego. for sure, you might end up buying your bike elsewhere, but if you're shopping in san diego you ought to be prudent shopper and see nytro before you make any decisions.

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Dan Empfield
aka Slowman

Interesting, Dave. 20K sqr ft is a big crib. Will you guys still have the couch, if not a full on sectional?!

Still, your move is our loss. I thought you guys rounded-out the PCH triumvarite. ...That and I live in Carlsbad, which made y'all particularly convenient.

Anyhow, best of luck in Texas. Last time I was in your store was for a rear derailer cable housing replacement (tall skinny guy with the blue Dean). If memory serves, you guys were cranking The Smiths. Somehow, I'm thinking that's not going to mix well with really big belt buckles. More power to ya and remember that Lone Star is, in fact, the NATIONAL beer of Texas!

Cheers,

Scott

They're one of the best--if not the best--store I've been in (Mr. Demerly's certainly deserves honorable mention). But the fact is, and always will be, that you'll find glowing reviews and horror stories no matter where you go. But if you polled the average triathlete in the San Diego area, you'd find they come highly recommended. There is good reason for their success. You've got nothing to lose by stopping in and putting 'em to the test.