Bikes & More

Well, I finally got my bike. It was a complete custom job, and it took six weeks to get all of the parts, and to put it together. But this was absolutely expected, and they told me this from the beginning, and reiterated it when I pestered them after a couple of weeks. They also called me and told me when the parts arrived, and called a couple of times as they were building it to ask my opinion about things … like I have an opinion about custom bikes … dude! Anyway, the big day arrived, and we went down to the store, and they tweaked this, adjusted that, and fitted it to me exactly. When I asked about this, that or the other, they completely understood and did everything the way I wanted it. So, how did it turn out? I have now ridden the bike for about two weeks and I completely love it. Of course, they will tune it up and adjust it for me if I wish, but so far no complaints and I have put about 50 miles on it or so. The bike is fast … I mean real fast. Amazingly so. I think I want to race it … no, maybe not. But it is fast, peddles easily, and I am really proud of it. I keep it in my living room, even though it clashes with my paintings, because, well I don’t have a garage, and I don’t want to leave a bike that cost more than my car sitting outside. But the bike is a dream, and well, a car is just a car. I am so glad I came to this shop, it is, I believe the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

I did some Unilocaling to figure out which bike shop I was going to and this was the one that gained my first visit based on your reviews. Thank you, Unilocalers. You Unilocaled me whether you wanted to or not.
I walked into the shop not really knowing what to expect but was approached immediately by a young energetic lady who asked if she could help. I had pretty particular needs but as a complete beginner, it was obvious I had no idea what I was doing. That did not deter her, however, and she essentially talked me through what my options were. After about an hour chatting, she zeroed in on what she believes would be the best bike for me based on my needs. She even asked for another opinion by someone who she claimed was very knowledgeable about this particular bike. All in, together they spent about three hours with me before I finally left the shop with a bike purchase. I purchased several other items based on the recommendations and never once felt inadequate or looked down upon for my lack of experience or knowledge even considering I’m a middle-​aged guy.
They have some nice policies including discounts for 30 days after a bike purchase, free tuneups for life, free bike fit even for non-​customers (maybe I should not be revealing this secret worth about $ 250 per person,) and free adjustments when needed. They offer a 30 day tuneup with the purchase of the bike as well again at no additional charge.
There were a couple of mistakes made and they even forgot about another bike I brought in to have repaired. I thought about knocking one star for that but everybody makes mistakes no matter where you go and I don’t think five stars means perfection but I think it means the best in my opinion. They work really hard to take care of me as well as the other customers I saw in and out of the shop each time I was there and they are so incredibly friendly that it’s difficult to knock anything they do. I would say the only real drawback is the limited stock and small shop but it certainly hasn’t stopped me and I’m already thinking about my next bike and without hesitation will visit them.
All in all, it’s been a very personal experience and each time I go in to pick up a few other items, my bike, or ordered items, Michael greets me like a friend rather than a customer. I was also greeted by one of the mechanics in an incredibly friendly manner and he answered some questions that I probably should have already known the answers to without making me feel like an idiot. On my second or third visit, I briefly encountered the owner, Paul, who is actually working along side the mechanics on a bike. I was actually impressed by that. He, too, was very friendly. Everybody there seems to be a very active rider in one way or another. There is even good information about the staff on the website including the bikes they own and what type of writing they do.
Some friends who are knowledgeable riders have spoken highly of the shop. If someone wanted to nitpick, one could find things that are not perfect but all in all, they have an incredibly large catalog that is available to us, very friendly service, and it seems they know what they’re talking about… At least it feels that way to me. And I absolutely love my Surly!
— — UPDATE 07-​OCT-​2015 — — –
For the most part, the experience gets better. There have been a few hiccups but they continue to spend incredible amounts of time with me in advise *after* purchase which, for me, is really the differentiator — it makes a good shop great. I could go on and on about Gaby who has really put me at ease with my questions and helping me get started. She regularly invites me back so someone at the shop can help me refine my riding or the fit or… you just can’t put a price on this. Paul, the owner, has also spent a bit of time with me offering his very clearly knowledgeable opinion about various products/​brands/​levels/​experiences which has helped steer me. I have since purchased another bike from them (only 2 months later) and they continue to instill confidence that they will tweak it and me and guide me until I’m comfortable. They give me advise on clubs/​trails/​people, Gaby works to keep me motivated, etc, etc. There have even been an occasion or two where they advised me to purchase something online as it would be better for me (price/​value.) As far as I’m concerned, they can’t do much more to earn trust which is another huge key for me. Thanks again.

We have bought 2 bikes here in the past and were very happy with them. I got there right at closing time today for a part and they were more than happy to help without making me feel rushed. This place is a great example of excellent customer service. Highly recommend!

This bike shop always goes above and beyond what is required of them. Their customer service is remarkable and I always feel like they take their time to look over my bike. The only place I trust to work on my road bike nowadays. Highly recommend.

I just moved here from Philadelphia and found this place on Unilocal and was very happy with the service. I was impressed when I dropped off my bike for service that they took time to evaluate my bike right there and tell me up front what were the main issues and how much it would be. They work with you based on your needs and were professional and helpful and thorough. The only reason that I give them a 4 and not a 5 was turn around time and wait time was longer than what I have experienced in the past.

like others say, fast and friendly.
Check out this example of Bikes&More service: we have a jogging stroller that never rolls straight, always veers off to the left, its wheels aren’t aligned right. so, we take it to Bikes&More on a whim while we planned on shopping at Wards. In less than the time it took us to grocery shop, they took the stroller and tuned it, let me ‘test’ it, and then didn’t charge us a dime. I have bought peddals and toe cages from them and they installed them for free. i doubt anybody else in town would do that.
i have used a lot of the bike shops in GNV with ok results from all of them, honestly. but, at these other shopes on more than one occasion, i have to leave my bike there overnight or longer to get them tuned. here, i have yet to wait longer than it takes to shop at Wards for a service to be done. we will definitely come back for more.

This place was recommend by a Professor. It is an excellent places for repairs. The prices are reasonable, the work is competent.

THE BEST bicycle store in Gainesville hands down. I have been a customer at four other bike stores in town and none come close in comparison! The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and willing to help in any way. They are not arrogant in the slightest (which you sometimes experience at bike stores). Every time I have gone in to get something done (on both my mountain and road bikes) they’ve done it right. They don’t over charge and MOST IMPORTANTLY they don’t prey on inexperienced riders (like one shop near campus tends to do). THE BEST SHOP IN TOWN. I will go nowhere else.

Stopped here on a roadtrip from Miami to buy a Brooks bike seat. The employees could not have been nicer or more enthusiastic. They are also extremely knowledgeable. This is the best place to get a Brooks saddle in all of Florida. I can’t recommend it enough.

Fast and friendly. Locally owned and community oriented. Will work with you to make sure you get a bike that fits you as well as your budget. They also have a very nice shop dog.