Bike Room

I bought a bike here in November and am now just getting around the writing the review. I have been a bike commuter for about three years now, but when I was living downtown I just had a cruiser. When I moved and realized I would be riding my bike farther and farther, I realized that I would need to invest in a nicer/​lighter/​faster bike. I saved up some money and was honestly a bit intimidated about buying a commuter bike. I knew I didn’t want a total road bike, because I just felt that wasn’t my style, but there is just so much to chose from. I did some research online just so I knew what I was basically looking for. When i finally went to the bike room, the owner asked me what I was looking for and what my needs were. He showed me bikes in my price range and explained everything to me. I tried a Cannonade Quick 5 and I was immediately in love. What impressed me most was that he suggested that I go to other bike stores and test ride other bikes before I decided to buy a bike from him. That made me feel like he was really looking out for my best interest to make sure that I got a bike that would be best for me rather than just trying to get me to get a bike from his store only. I ended up going to a few other bikes store, and ultimately decided that the cannonade would be the best bike for me. I ordered one in my size (women XS) and within a few weeks they had it ready for me to be picked up. I’ve had my bike for a little over six months now and I absolutely love my bike! It is the perfect bike for me! Thank you bike room!

BUMMER
NOTE: Actually thought about ordering a bike from REI for return policy and dividends but decided to shop local.
I think they do so much business based on their location that there is no need to consider efforts in providing any type of customer service.
I went in twice. First for a specific bike and was sold on another (more exp) bike. Thought about it and went back to order the one the guy sold me on. Had to order it (bc I didn’t like the color combo in stock) on ¹²⁄₂₉ and was told wait two weeks for it to come in and be assembled. Its been 17 days so I called to check in. They told me that the manufacturer didn’t have my color combo in stock and so nothing was sent to them.
I highly doubt a large bike manufacturer ships an order of bikes and does not inform the shop that some of their order was not complete.
When I spoke to the owner/​man I ordered through he was not able to provide any clear story or options to purchase another bike.
No one called to update me that my bike was not in stock or to give me options. Instead I waited for 17 days to have to seek them out to find out I was back at square one.
No proactive customer service, no ownership in the lack of service and poor communication.
They are always busy… location location location people. Does wonders. What a poor way to run your business.
I called other bike shops to locate the bike I’m looking for… a few of them have told me they often get people in their shops that seek bikes or fixes after the bike room has not provided them the service desired.
UPDATE — purchased my bike from flying fish bikes in S Tampa. They were AMAZING and knew their stuff… and gave GREAT service. They also said there is a lot of traffic and similar stories about ‘the bike room’ that they hear.
UPDATE — My Facebook review directing people to this Unilocal review was posted earlier this week. There is a response to my FB review attempting to discount my experience and misses the point made above stating that this review is about a lack of service. In the response it mentions the exact bike manufacture name. I have not mentioned in any review the manufacturer name. Clearly the response to my review was prompted by other motivations and is not an arms-​length customer response to my experience but rather another example of the Bike Room not taking ownership of the poor experience I had.

I will never go to another bike shop again! The bike room offers incredible customer service, even for those of us that can only afford the bare minimum. I had a few issues with my tires going flat pretty often, and the bike room staff replaced my rims for free! (Though I’m sure they wouldn’t do that if you hadn’t purchased your bike from them in the first place.) They have proven that they truly value their regular customers and take care to keep them regulars. This is the epitome of how awesome small businesses can be.

Poor customer service and their staff is not knowledgable.
Anytime I’ve ever needed a bicycle part I would go to the bike room. I try to support local business and in fact share that sentiment with many of my friends. However, after yesterday I will sadly not be returning. I purchased a tire for my road bike on Thursday, it was mildly expensive. Before I purchased the tire I asked one of the employees if he could help me find a tire that was 27 – 1 ¼ in diameter or 32 – 630. I had it written on my hand so that I could get the correct tire for Saturdays ride with friends visiting from out of town. The employee proceeded to pick out tires, he was helpful in the sense that he was trying to keep it affordable. He picked out several tires that were 32 – 622 in size and said «this should work.» I didn’t know at the time that neither he nor I knew the difference. So, I purchased the tire that he recommended, after confirming three different times that it would not matter that my old tire said «32−630» and the tire he was selling me said «32 – 622.»
It was my first time changing a tire so I really didn’t realize how small the tire was for my rim. We decided that something was wrong, we took it back to the shop and told them what had happened the day prior.
I told the owner (he behaved like he was in charge) what happened and he said «you grabbed the wrong size.» I told him that I requested a 27 – 1 ¼ in diameter tire and that they sold me the wrong one. In the end, not only did I pay for the wrong size tire ($ 28) but I also had to purchase the correct size tire, with a $ 10 credit. Altogether, I spent $ 48 on one single bike tire.
Their customer service was less than ideal and the owner or person in charge made me feel like it was my fault that his employee sold me the wrong tire.
It is unfortunate because I have referred many people to this place and although everyone will formulate their own opinions based on their unique experience, I hope this helps shoppers understand that they are not as knowledgable as you might think and it is definitely worth it to do the research prior.

I have not purchased a bike here, but plan to when the need arises. I have a cheap, heavy cruiser which I needed to alter due to me getting old. My neck was bothering me and my hands going to sleep. They installed handle bars, which as a kid in the 60’s, we called monkey bars. These allow me to reposition and avoid the issues I was encountering. They also gave me a longer seat stem, so my down stroke was being maximized. they did all of this within an hour and at a price far below what I expected to pay.
They did not make me feel out of place due to age or caliber of bike. They were attentive, knowledgeable, competent and great turnaround time. I definitely recommend them

Why 5 stars? Because I never thought spending this much money on a bike could be a 5 star experience.
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I have wanted to buy a bike for quite a while now, and just kept putting it off. Not because I was worried about the cost of one, but just due to sheer laziness. I finally got the nerve to go out and get one… and was quickly introduced to reality: bikes don’t cost $ 100 anymore. Well… they do… but those bikes are hot garbage. And hot garbage is not something I enjoy purchasing.
So I consulted with my roommate, he of significantly more bike knowledge than myself. He recommended that I get a single gear, road bike. Skinny tires, light-​weight, and simple.
We called Bike Room, and they confirmed that they had several in stock. As we arrived, my bike was hanging in the very front, and as soon as I saw it, I knew it was the one I wanted. The matte finish with red wheels… I’m officially hipster.
Aside from the reasonable prices, the guys working at Bike Room are awesome. They put up with me and every request I had for well over an hour. I had them put on accessories, take off accessories, add on new things, etc etc etc. They were very knowledgable, and had tons of recommendations for me. On certain things, like the seat I bought, I went against the grain of what they suggested. They will probably end up being right in the long run, but they just kept saying, «hey… you need to be happy, because it’s your bike.» I appreciated the complete lack of pretentious cycle snobbery.
I’d recommend anyone hunting for a bike to head to Bike Room.

I live in Largo and this is my bike shop. I’ve gotten two bikes from them and always recommend them to friends. They are friendly, knowledgable, and helpful. Whether you’re an expert or a novice they will take care of you. Honest and reliable with an amazing selection of bikes and accessories from basic entry level to professional grade equipment.

This place is the best bicycle shop I have been too. Been there a few times, and every visit, nomatter how busy they are, they always make customers first priority with extremely useful information! Very friendly and very informative. I had a tune-​up and new tires on my bike, and was ready the next day for pick up. (If I had bought my bike earlier, it would of been ready same day). Awesome people, best bicycle shop!

These guys give great service, quickly and charge more than fair prices but more than that, they make it feel very personal.
I came in to this shop knowing next to nothing about road bikes but each time I leave, I know a little bit more. I just changed my first tire thanks to a great lesson from one of the guys. And when I told them I was getting ready to do my first triathlon, they sent me out to ride around the block with a cycling pro so he could give me race tips!

Great service, and super knowledgeable. My bike is in perfect condition!