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January 2024 by Nicole C.
While I appreciate the apology from the store, I'm confused by the store's response below. I did not purchase a custom bike. I bought a second set of road wheels and tires, separate from the gravel wheels/tires that came with the bike, which I also bought. Before picking up the bike for purchase, Rich put the set of road wheels/tires on without me asking him to do so. I didn't ask him to switch them back because I didn't think much of it at the time. These were always meant as a second set of wheels/tires, separate from the bike and the original gravel wheels/tires on the bike. Secondly, my husband did ride the bike down the street from our house to the store (maybe a 5 minute ride, about 1/2 mile) to talk to Rich about the bike to make sure it was the right size/type he needed. (I had surprised my husband with the bike, so he wanted to ensure it was exactly what he wanted because it was an expensive purchase.) He never would have ridden it to the store if we knew he wasn't allowed to do that very short ride. I've purchased bikes before and have always been allowed to ride them around the block or down the street and back, so while I'm not saying it's wrong, this policy was new and news to me. When we broached the subject of a return, Rich said my husband rode on the tires so he (Rich) wouldn't return the bike. However, the bike had the second set of wheels on it when my husband rode that short distance, so the bike's original wheels were untouched and unused. So my genuine suggestion and response to Rich when he said that was - not to worry because the bike's original tires are untouched/unused, so we could put those back on. The conversation that followed consisted of Rich mocking, belittling, and continually interrupting me, so it was nearly impossible to have a conversation with him. I finally walked out of the store, with him still yelling as I did. Rich did say he could sell the bike for us at a reduced price. While I would have loved to find a solution with him, one can imagine that after being mocked, belittled, yelled at, and interrupted for the time I was in the store, I wasn't super interested in doing continued business with him. Had Rich responded to me in a respectful, calm manner, while I still would have been deeply disappointed and confused as to why I couldn't return or exchange the bike, I wouldn't have felt the need to write this review. Instead, I was treated terribly. I was hopeful the new ownership of this store would improve the shop, which is why I went there in the first place, but unfortunately, I will never go there again and will advise others not to as well.
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December 2023 by Jake Fleischmann
DO NOT SHOP HERE. READ THE OTHER REVIEWS. THIS IS A PATTERN.What an awful experience. The mechanic (and I assume owner because that's the only way I see them still having a job) was incredibly rude to me when I brought in a sinple repair job. Kept yelling "lets pretend I know what I'm doing" when I tried to explain the issues with my bike. He told me he'd been working on bikes since before I was born and that there wasn't a bike he didn't know how to fix. He was unable to fix my bike, even after calling the manufacturer and yelling at them. I took my bike to Village Peddler where they removed and replaced my worn headset bearing with no assistance and no attitude. I will not return here. Plenty of good shops in the area.
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November 2023 by Jason R.
Excellent service! I have used all the other nearby bike shops in the past, but the service and work they did on my bike here was excellent. I will be going to Larkspur Bike shop for all my bicycle needs in the future.
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October 2023 by Jamie E.
Very knowledgeable and helpful. After not finding the specific bike lock I was looking for, the owner offered to let me leave my bike in his shop while I walked through town. A very personable guy.
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September 2023 by John F Ince
Shortly after the bike shop transferred ownership I went in and needed kickstand. He quoted me $30 which seemed a little bit high but I said go ahead. After he put it on. He said that the labor would be $20 too for a total of $50. $50 for a kickstand. That's outrageous. Fast forward 3 months and that $50 kickstand no longer worked. The bolts got mangled on it. Through no fault of my own so I went back and told them about it. It was a different guy now. And he said he would put on a kickstand for $16. Okay, that's what should have been in the first place ... But it didn't happen in the first place. And in fact, I'm out $67 for a kickstand happened in the first place but the fact that it was $50 on top of that just doesn't sit right with me. On top of the whole thing as I was leaving, he gave me some advice about tilting bike. Okay, just walked out. I do not have a high opinion of this place.
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September 2023 by John F I.
In telling some friends about the $67 kickstand they suggested that maybe the owner hadn't understood. So I went back today just to make sure that he did understand. He not only understood but stood by his decision. So that's a $67 kickstand on a bike that probably isn't worth more than $100. I won't be going back to this bike shop for sure.
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September 2023 by Sharon Montgomery
I popped in to ask a question about by bike, Ricardo took 30 minutes it seemed to explain, in depth the shifting mechanism on my bike and how I’m not correctly adjusting my cables. I live 45 minutes north and when he explain tome what their tuneup included I arranged to take my bike in.Very satisfied. Ricardo pays attention to details.
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September 2023 by Jack
Man was very condescending, called me an idiot for not knowing technical specifications for a particular part on my bike. After this interaction I was a little taken aback, so it surprised me when I asked how much it was going to cost and he said I shouldn’t worry about the price and then tried to charge me 20$ over what it cost initially. Then when I confronted him about it he acted like it was a mistake and got defensive. I would not waste your time or money at this shop.
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September 2023 by Shino Jomoto
Made a visit because I saw the "Man was very condescending" 1 star review and thought, this is probably my new LBS. I wasn't wrong! There's no mechanic like Rich. If you have a sense of humor and can handle a good ribbing from someone that wants to help, go see him.
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September 2023 by Steve Phillips
Rich has helped me multiple times with my bike and given great advice about riding routes. Trustworthy shop with a great mechanic.
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September 2023 by Zac P.
I went here 2 months back when I was having issues with the drivetrain on my mountain bike on a friend's recommendation. The folks at the shop got the bike fixed quickly and for a very reasonable price. I forgot that I also needed an extra part replaced and they were able to accommodate that as well & still get things out faster than I was expected. The experience in the shop was quick & easy, and the people were very friendly and willing to answer questions. My bike has been riding great since then, and I'm happy to be over the issues. I'll be back to these guys when I need future help.
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August 2023 by Den M.
Been in three times. Terrible, nearly hostile, service each time.
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August 2023 by Kyle Huber
Steve and Richard are awesome! Highly recommend this shop.
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July 2023 by Steven Turner
The new owners are awesome! Steve did a great job trueing the rear wheel for my daughters Woom bike for an incredibly reasonable price. I’ll be back.
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June 2023 by Michael Singh
I recently discovered that Larkspur Bike Shop is under new ownership. The customer service was exceptional, with attentive staff who eagerly assisted me and offered valuable recommendations. The bike shop is well equipped with a great selection of bikes, accessories, and gear catered to all levels of cycling expertise. The staff's impressive knowledge and mechanical prowess were evident as they effortlessly addressed my inquiries and provided expert advice. What truly set this shop apart was its exceptional repair and maintenance services, ensuring that my bike was in optimal condition. From their warm welcome to their skilled guidance, this new owner has created an outstanding cycling haven. For a remarkable experience with excellent customer service, a great selection of inventory, knowledgeable staff, and top-notch mechanical expertise, I wholeheartedly recommend this bike shop as a must-visit destination for cycling enthusiasts.
