Bert’s Bikes & Fitness

Out of the bicycle places I’ve visited in WNY so far, this one has the best combination of knowledgable and friendly sales staff, and good selection of bicycles and accessories. They deal in the following major makers: Trek, Cannondale, Schwinn, Surly, and Electra. They have a number of smaller makers as well.
The overall selection at this store is pretty great, covering all the ranges and styles. I already have a bike, but I’ve been doing some looking for accessories. When I went in and mentioned my desire for new bar ends, the sales guy had several recommendations, showing me both stuff was on sale, and then made a recommendation on the Egon grip/​bar end combination, which is something I’ve read about online as being a good choice for me.
My one quibble is the price. I really really really love to support local stores, and I know, Bert’s is a small chain, but one of the things that makes things difficult for someone on a budget like me is the markup on accessories. There are things worth buying in the store, especially a bicycle, but then there are things that aren’t so much. The markup on some accessories is a double digit percent over MSRP, and that’s a bit disappointing.
So – great service, great selection, but buyer beware on accessory pricing.

Ernie’s Bikes was better, but he went out of busines, so Bert’s Bikes is all we have left. It’s a chain store, and it sells some pretty decent bikes and some pretty awful ones as well. Some of the employees are less than friendly.
Last time I was here was about a year ago when I was shopping for a new bike for the summer. They didn’t do a very good job of selling anything to me, and I found most things to be a little overpriced. Plus, there are a lot of lower-​quality bikes in this store.
More importantly, your money goes out of state because it’s a national chain. And they’re overpricing a lot of their bikes. I recommend going to one of the few locally owned bike shops around here… you can get a better deal, and your money stays within the area.

I can mostly rate their service department, because I’m usually buying either tools or parts. I could save some bucks buying online, but they are nearby, and they’re a WNY business. They have yet to be anything but helpful, even when they know I’m not buying their labor.
Here’s the other thing. When I buy a tool or part, they almost enthusiastically go through a list of things to keep in mind and things of which to be aware. Good to have when you’re replacing your first bottom bracket cartridge.
I went to a few other shops in the area and Bert’s service manager was also the only local mechanic to solve a mystery wheel noise that confounded me for a month. He was able to confirm it had nothing to do with the hubs that I had serviced, which is great ’cause that self-​doubt can be a bummer.

I finally had time to trade out my blown tire this afternoon. I figured out the one I wanted using Bert’s website. I called Bert’s & was assured that they had it in stock. So I drove the 15 miles over there only to discover that no, they don’t have it in stock, they haven’t had it on hand for weeks, and wouldn’t I like to buy one that’s twice the price? Why no, I wouldn’t like to succumb to your bait & switch, Bert’s.
Local shops constantly bemoan people who buy online. Well, this kind of thing is why we do.

I had a fantastic experience in this bike shop. Spent 20 minutes browsing and then not seeing my size in a road bike approached Justin P. who was a very knowledgeable sales associate, we talked briefly about how great it is that Lemond is building bikes again. We also discussed Trek Madone frame build versus Cannondale. I was very impressed with the shop and the variety of bikes, best of all Justin taught me a few things while being friendly and professional. Visiting a good friend and will visit this bike shop next time I am in town.

Walking in I was initially not impressed, my friend and I were both looking for a new bike. I don’t remember being greated upon after 30 minutes of browsing the enormous wall of bikes we were still never greated or offered assistance. That is not until my friend sought out assistance.
He initially approached someone who although could and did see us however seemed clueless about everything but thankfully brought us Rich to further assist in our browsing.
With the introduction to Rich my experience turned completely around, 180%. I had gone from frustrated and ready to walk out and write off this store to ready to make a purchase.
I am a plus size a/​k/​a a heavy set male however I am also fairly tall. Finding a bike frame for my needs was a bit difficult, the XL frames were too big (6’1″ +) and the M frames were too small. Also I wanted a mixed utility bike and since none of the bikes were labeled it had made it difficult to figure out what was what.
Upon showing Rich the bike that visually appeared preferable we discussed my height needs, Rich graciously went «upstairs» to find an already assembled bike for me to try. Upon sitting on it he noticed two things and wanted to educate my friend and I on bike ownership as well. 1) the front tire needed air 2) how to adjust the seat and where the leg should rest and at the correct angle.
After riding the bike around the store I determined it was the correct one and Rich being a good salesman assessed our additional needs, I being the most unprepared needed the most help.
Rich continually went above and beyond, again going «upstairs» to retrieve me a helmet that was the correct size and teaching us how they should fit and how to adjust it but he also told us the most expensive helmet is just as good as the cheapest one minus some carbon fiber.
In the end I got a great education on being a bike owner, will be a better owner and rider not only leaving with a new bike but also a helmet, bell, safety lights a water bottle and holder. He even taught us how to take off the front wheel and put them in my car.
All in all my experience went from zero to hero and once this weather turns I’m ready to hit the road! (or bike path)

4 flat tires, sometimes within just 3 weeks of each other. Took it to Bert’s. They claimed the tire was checked… it was just the tube. How come so soon the tube if the tire was checked?
This time took it to a small local bike store in town. Eric explained he had some customers with similar situations… it was due to a known manufacture defective tube issue. It should be covered under warranty. How come the folks at Bert’s didn’t know that and do a tube replace under warranty? Friendly, knowledgeable and while not open on Sunday… the local not so fancy small shop is going to be my first choice for future bike issues.

I received very good service at this store. Fantastic selection of bikes. I am very happy with my purchase. Very focused on their customers with a lot of professionalism. The salesman was intelligent and made sure bike fit me properly. I would recommend this store. Unfortunately, I did not have the same experience at their store in Williamsville. Also, I took time in making a bike selection so my ratings are based on going into the stores more than just a couple times. Thanks for helping me get the bike I wanted and making it an excellent experience for me.