You’re not the only one!

If you are reading this, you are the unfortunate victim of unregulated capitalism from the corporate empire.  Large companies like Wal-Mart, Target, and online retailers (such as Bikesdirect.com, Amazon) sell what they call bicycles that are really not meant to be ridden for any use other than portraying a somewhat active lifestyle in one’s garage.  You can be sure of a fraud by the big greedy corporations if your bike has the following problems:

• More than one flat tire in the last few months or within the first 3 months after purchase.
• Worn out drivetrain in under a year with average riding.
• Is heavy.
• Make strange noises that raise uncertainty wih the safety of the bicycle.
• Gears do not shift properly.
• Broken chain, crank arms, loose handlebars.
• Other odd bike problems.

These issues arise from the bikes sold by these retailers due to the profit incentive to show to the stakeholders within the company.  The profit minded nature forces builders to choose cheap low quality components on their one size to attempt to fit all frames.   These cheap components encompass the entire bike including: tires, wheels, derailleur’s, chain, freewheel, brakes, etc.  Just to inform, many quality parts cost as much as an entire bike from these retailers and are often assembled by the same person who greets you when you enter(= not qualified to build a mechanical transportation tool).  We can make these bikes work, but it come at the cost to you.  We make significantly more money fixing cheap bikes through the volume of parts we end up replacing over the lifetime of the bike(which is usually very short) versus us selling a new bike to you.  But we believe in good karma and want the best for the students and surrounding community, and thus would rather see you on a bike that resists flat tires, stops when the brakes are applied, shifts when shifted, and has a good riding quality experience.  

There are zero reasons for not having “Bike shop” quality bike.  Here are the most common reasons people say they can’t get one:

-I can’t afford it: Yes, bikes from bike shops cost more than the cheap bikes, but are less expensive and more safe when looking over the lifetime of the bike. It’s also better for the environment as you are not throwing away a bike every year.  If you are on a budget and there is no way of spending around $400 on a bike, then consider a good pair of shoes because they are significantly better than a bike from walmart.

- I am worried it might get stolen?: UCI is a very safe school.  We have special U-Locks, which have up to $1500 in insurance if the lock does get cut and your bike stolen.  Just ask us how it works.  We all ride very high quality bike everywhere we go without worry of them getting stolen.

Buying a bike from a bike shop also supports local business, we are the guys that know how to fix stuff and make your ride work properly.  We feel taken advantage of when we are asked to fix online bikes/other cheap bikes.  We are here for the students, faculty, and surrounding area around UCI, if you support us we will happily go out of our way to help you out.  If you have any questions, please ask us.