Hi all! I have been racing on my road bike for a few years now and think its time for a tri bike. I live in Belgium and it is rather difficult (and expensive) to get a tri bike here, as well as a decent fit (Yeah, this is road racing land).
However, since I will be in New York in April, I think it may be a good idea to get a tri bike and a good fit there. Can someone recommend me a shop in New York City? I will only be there for a few days so that might be an issue. Thanks,
Michael
See the post below:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=71176;search_string=new%20york;#71176
jonathan cane is a good fit guy in the city.
good luck
For both fit and products, go check out R&A Cycles in brooklyn. www.racycles.com
for fitting, ask for Tony, they are FIST certified.
Thanks for the input, I will have a look there!
Wrt to racycles, I’ve tried to purchase a bike from them, but it is essentially like communicating with a black hole… (e-mail and fax).
Simon
I tried to buy a bike from RA, but with no success. They were not interested in listening to what I had to say. After a brief two minute conversation, some guy said he would be right back and then he went to lunch. When I approached another salesperson he suggested that I, “wait until he gets back”. Some people have the patience for that, but in that instance I was not one of them.
I know Bryan had a bad experience at R and A but I’ve purchased three bikes from them over the years and I feel that I’ve always been given the time and respect that I deserve. I don’t think there is any excuse for treating a customer in the manner that Bryan was treated, period. But my opinion is based on my experience there and it’s been wonderful. Phil, Tony, Felix and all the other guys there not only put together some great bikes and fit me perfectly but they’ve also continued to provide stellar service post-purchase. Go there if you want the best because there really isn’t a better shop in the country.
My only advice regarding RA is that if you go there do one of the following:
Adam is correct, RA is a top of the line shop and has a good selection. They know what they are doing, which is something not a lot of people in this neck of the woods can say. I know many people who have had great RA experiences, Adam being one of them. I certainly do not want to discourage anyone from going to RA and checking it out but I want to manage your (not yours Adam) expectations because reviews of RA will turn up a mixed bag. Once you have done business with them, it appears their track record on the second go around is really good.
Thanks for managing my expectations, I think I will just call or send them an email and see what happens. As long as I get a good fit there I am happy.
I can get the nice people at home but not the good fit, and that just happens to be what I am looking for so I’ll give it a try.
Hi, I’m also from Belgium, my name is Wim De Doncker and there a Belgian Guy Christophe Van Daele, who lives in NY for 10 years that’s opened up a tri store. here’s the site
There is a small friendly shop on Long Island about 1 hour from NYC. Call “Kreb Cycle” Chris the owner and Greg are great. This shop focus is road and Tri racing. They will take the time and offer wonderful insight. They will fit you and are NOT about take your $$$$ and run. There are larger shops in NYC but none are more professional.
They are currently building by Felt B2. Yesterday; The bike was 95% built, They had me on it re-checking my aero position and the Aero Bars length. I could have taken it home, but with all this wonderful SNOW (the four letter word) I thought I would pick it up next week. I will post photos next week. I did my homework before I purchased this bike and found that the larger shops only offer a higher price tag, with no service.
Kreb Cycle in Belport, NY
Enjoy your stay in NYC. Note:There are great USCF races in Brooklyn in April. Yes we race is snow too.
Thanks for all the adresses. I think when I am there, I will go from one tri shop to the other and do a little sight seeing on the way. Just hope my buddies agree!