Purchase Feedback: EndureIt - Naperville, IL

Triathlon Forum
1

I would like to take some time to provide some feedback regarding my experience at EndureIt Sports in Naperville, IL.

My wife and I went to the shop without a notice (I was completely naieve - and thought that the process for buying and fitting a race ready machine was something you could walk in on.

I was immediately greeted by Drew, the technician at the shop, who pointed out David, the owner /manager of the shop, who was at the time riding with a group on a computrainer.

My eyes drifted in awe of the incredible machines on display on the second story rack inside the shop, Orbea, Cervelo, Kuota, Pinarello… oh the joy. For me, being a quite the computer junky, spending inordinate amounts of time researching which bike would soon replace my Cervelo One (A bike purchased to enter the sport without a high investment, however, without any thought in regards to the size ), I was like a kid in a candy store. I rarely have the opportunity (outside of events) to see big toys.

David greeted me , and was incredible from the first conversation. He let me know the process typically followed, what needed to be done, and wasted no time to get started on the bike fitment process (thank the lord that someone else cancelled… what a day it would have been driving two hours to get there , only to find out nothing could be done).

For those curious, the FIST certified fitment program apparently revolves around a common piece of hardware - a rather rudimentary fitment bike, however, with a great deal of adjustment ranging from axis on both the headset, as well as the seat. Adjustment is simply limited by the imagination, and the patience of those handling the procedure.

Quickly it was determined that I was quite the freak when it came to sizing. Drew was beyond knowledgeable about the implications of being such an odd size, and immediately provided feedback on what selections (bikes) were to be available. I have to say - I was in a great deal of amazement of how professional, lax, and overall enthusisastic he (drew) was about helping me out.

Once completed, David came in to check everything, and made some additional adjustments, all the while, soliciting my feedback for the best feel. The two combine proved to be a dynamic duo -

Alas - I ended up needing (at 6’3, 60% legs) a P2c, with the higher headset, and the fitment was perfect on a 58cm. With some spacers, and the correct settings this would work perfect.

My wife additional was assisted, and setup in the same fashion. She went with the P2-SL -

After everything was built (utilizing some additional parts that I brought in, as well as my constant nagging) Drew threw together bikes with precision I rarely see (even as someone that has built several bikes, works in a shop regularly). The Shimano Gruppo’s on both bikes had fantastic precision out of the box - Drew made them better, all the while, a fun guy to talk to -

Overall - 6.5 hours later, my wife and I headed home with new setups for this season (which I have saved and dreamed of for nearly an entire year), and a found respect for the best cycling shop I personally have been to. I learned a great deal about fitment, and came home with a bike I most certainly wouldnt have looked focused on , (Was leaning towards a Felt B12), but now having my fitment, know it was a great setup. Even making comments regarding - “I would really like that P3c” - David and Drew instantly retorted - That will not work for you -

I would HIGHLY reccomend this shop (perhaps plan ahead, I lucked out!) to anyone within a 2 hour drive. It was worth the trip - David gave us an excellent price, and the fitment is included in the price of the bike (something you wont find on All3sports…).

I am the penny pincher, and this added up, what a deal. I left with a smile on my face, knowing this years racing , and IM , would be better because I now am fitted… and on a dream ride… a Cervelo P2c.

Cheers -

RC

2

It is definitely the best in the area. I do not understand why so many people still patronize Mission Bay and The Bike Shop when there is a much more honest and down to earth shop nearby!

3

I have to agree

As someone who previously heavily patronized online retailers in this industry, I now only shop in person at Endure It! and cannot speak highly enough of the entire team there.

Amazing selection of bikes, a group computrainer set up, endless pool and the depth of knowledge and talent in the staff and coaches is incredible

WELL WORTH Visiting - congrats on the new bikes by the way!!!

4

While I like David and the gang a lot, those other shops have done a lot of favors for me as well. Don’t diss anyone, just mention that we’re indeed lucky to have a number of great shops, and skilled people, locally. For tri related purchases, one can’t go wrong at any of these!

5

I have to agree with you. There are a TON of great shops around Chicago. David actually coached me for a short period of time last year and was awesome. I’ve also had the pleasure of doing business with Mission Bay (I’ve heard some horror stories, but they’ve always been good to me!) and of course Get a Grip has been FANTASTIC to me. To have a number of nationally known and respected shops within a 50 mile radius is really quite something.

6

I would never say something negative if it wasn’t because of my own personal experiences, of which there have been many over the years.

7

Those of us that do live in the Chicago area are very lucky to have so many good shops to choose from. I think the main thing to take from this post is that if you are intending to get fit for a bike its best to call and make an appointment. If there wasn’t a cancellation would there still be praise for the shop? It was a win win for both the customer and shop in this instance. Thats why people shouldn’t diss any shop without knowing everything.

8

It is definitely the best in the area. I do not understand why so many people still patronize Mission Bay and The Bike Shop when there is a much more honest and down to earth shop nearby!
All those bike shops are great, I’ve seen same service from both shops. Then again it all comes down to the numbers, availability and service if you know what you are getting. A friend of mine drove all the way to booneys to get fitted and buy from Tom Demerly. And she lives with in 10 mile radius of those shops.

9

It is definitely the best in the area. I do not understand why so many people still patronize Mission Bay and The Bike Shop when there is a much more honest and down to earth shop nearby!

Honestly - I do not have any negative feedback for the other shops, rather was advocating the purchase of a Bike in person rather than online. The time and effort donated from the staff far exceeds any cost savings incurred from online retailers.

Simply put - when you include fitment, and the reccomendation of the appropriate hardware, it is truly beneficial to purchase in person.

I am sorry this turned in to a debate on shops in the area - I am not local to any of the above mentioned -

10

I have to agree with you. There are a TON of great shops around Chicago. David actually coached me for a short period of time last year and was awesome. I’ve also had the pleasure of doing business with Mission Bay (I’ve heard some horror stories, but they’ve always been good to me!) and of course Get a Grip has been FANTASTIC to me. To have a number of nationally known and respected shops within a 50 mile radius is really quite something.
Speak for yourself! It was a 2+ hour drive for me :slight_smile:

11

Getting out to Naperville is a solid 75 min drive for me with traffic (coming from downtown Chicago), so when I go it’s an adventure. I’d actually rather go in the summer and then spend some time running around Naperville to just be out of the city for a little while.

12

I go there whenever I am in town. It’s a bit pricey, but the staff has great knowledge and they are very friendly. I got a fit there last year and it was perfect for me.