Bikes are a big investment and sometimes our most prized possessions, so it’s only right that you only use a great bike shop to repair it if something breaks or gets damaged. Not only this, but bicycle servicing ensures the efficiency and longevity of your bike. Before you set on your next ride, get your bike fine-tuned to ensure it’s in the best possible condition.
Finding a bike shop you can trust can be a challenge because there are so many out there that offer repairs and bicycle servicing. You want a shop that can repair knocks and scrapes at a good price, while still using high-quality parts. Here we’ll explain what you should be looking for in your bike repair shop so you can receive the best possible service.
How to find bike repair services near me
The first step is to scope out the different bike shops that are in your area. Try and look broader than just your town or city as it’s often worth travelling a little further for a great bike shop and it will help you save money in the long run.
Ask your friends, family or fellow cyclists
You’ll likely find a great bike shop by asking people you know what shop they always go to. Your friends, family or other cyclists you know will be able to point you in the direction of their favourite bike repair specialists and you’ll know you can trust their opinion. It’s a good idea to join some cyclist Facebook groups or online discussion boards and ask members’ advice for a good bike shop. Putting a request out into a big group will be sure to get some responses from people who have a good experience at a shop. You may even get some advice for shops to avoid that perhaps didn't provide the best service.
Look at reviews and testimonials
One option is to do a simple Google search to find any local shops. Google will likely list some of the best shops at the top of the page and will also provide you with reviews and ratings so you can get an idea about how good their service is. A rating between 4 and 5 stars is typically a good indicator that previous clients have had a positive experience, so choosing one with a high rating will be a safe bet.
What to look for in a bike shop
Once you’ve found several shops that you could use, you’ll need to find out which one will be best suited to you. Ask yourself what it is you require from the shop, how much you’re willing to pay and what kind of services you need.
Great customer service
When dealing with a bike repair shop you want one that is happy to help you as much as they can. A shop that provides quality customer service from the very start is likely to go above and beyond for you when you need your bike repaired. When you call or visit the shop are they friendly? Do they answer all your questions? And if you are emailing or messaging them are they quick with their responses?
A bike repair shop should be able to answer all your questions in a friendly approachable manner to make you feel that your bike will be in safe hands with them. Great customer service is a sign of a great business because it shows that the staff members really care about the work they do.
Knowledgeable staff
When you visit or speak to staff members at the bike shop, they should have extensive knowledge that exceeds what you already know. Make sure the staff can provide you with factual information and advice based on their own personal experience while still being able to separate the two.
The reason you choose to take your bike to a repair shop is because you know that they will be able to do a much better job than you could do yourself. This means it’s vital that the staff know exactly what they’re talking about and are able to offer effective solutions to any problems you may have with your bike. Misinformation regarding bike sales or repairs can be costly so make sure that when you speak to the staff in the shop that you feel they are competent.
Good shop facilities and website
The shopfront or website is often a reflection of how good a bike shop is. If they invest in the overall appearance of their business and you can tell a lot of time and effort has gone into it, you can usually feel confident that they are a high-quality shop. Often you may click on a business’ website and immediately be put off because it is of poor quality. Therefore, if a shop has put in the effort to present themselves well online, it’s likely they are a business you can trust.
This also extends to what in-store facilities the shop can offer. See if they have a range of bikes and accessories including indoor training, wheels and shoes. When shopping for bike accessories and parts, you’ll need a shop that can offer you plenty of variety and options.
How quickly can they repair your bike?
If you have to take your bike in for a service or repairs, you don’t want to be waiting around for days or weeks until they have completed the work. Speak to the bike shop and explain what needs to be done and ask them how long it will take. You could also ask for a quote to see how much it will cost and potentially compare it with other shops to get the best value for money. Remember that for a higher-quality shop you may have to pay more for better parts or specialist advice, but it will be worth the extra cost.
A good bike shop will also be able to give you an estimate on how long they expect the work to take so you have some idea how long you’ll be without your bike. This will allow you to better prepare if you need your bike serviced or repaired right before a race or competition.
Can they repair road bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes?
A key factor of a good repair shop is being able to service and repair all types of bikes and brands. If a shop is restricted to what bikes they have knowledge and experience with it’s unlikely you can rely on them to do a good job. Check if they are able to work on many of the popular brands such as Argon, BMC, Tifosi and Orbea. If you do have a specific type of bike, such as an e-bike or a gravel bike, they will be different to a typical bike and will therefore require a different set of knowledge in order to effectively repair it. Check if they offer bike accessories as you’ll always find yourself needing new or replacement items for your bike.
Why choose VeloRunner?
VeloRunner is a running and cycling shop in Stone dedicated to providing customers with professional and personalised service to help you with any of your cycling needs or requirements.
Why choose us?
- Excellent customer service
At VeloRunner, all our staff love cycling and running and want to do as much as we can to repair or service your bike. Our staff are professionals and are armed with plenty of knowledge and experience to elevate your cycling experience.
- A variety of brands
We have a great variety of bikes on offer from some of the best brands available. Whether you’re looking to purchase a brand new bike or need repairs on your current one, we have the facilities and options to help you with any brand or type of bike.
- Efficient bicycle servicing
Many customers choose VeloRunner to service their bikes because they know we’ll do a great job and ensure their bike is in the best possible condition ready for you to ride again. We’ll also give you an estimate for how long we think it will take to service or repair your bike.
VeloRunner is based in Stone and offers a range of bike services, bike accessories and running gear to help you discover your true potential. To learn more about our services, visit our website.