[NorskiCroat]

Before vaccines were available and Covid was killing people by the thousands, most business owners wore masks, as did their customers. When I asked the bike shop employee in Brownwood why nobody on staff was wearing a mask, he replied that they did not "believe in them." I asked if he would wear a mask while waiting on me. "No," he replied. Haven't been back since. Trek in Wildwood is great.

[Fastskiguy]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

No, I'm not looking for bike shops. Did you read what I posted?

I reread it, I think you lost me. I thought this was a question about "where can I find a good bike shop". I probably need you to spell it out for me but if you're not looking for a bike shop, what are you looking for?

Joe

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Fastskiguy

I reread it, I think you lost me. I thought this was a question about "where can I find a good bike shop". I probably need you to spell it out for me but if you're not looking for a bike shop, what are you looking for?

Joe

I'm not looking for anything. I'm not the original poster. The original poster was looking for a bike shop. I know where all the ones are, that are within an hour of the Historic section of the Villages. I was expressing annoyance that none of them are in SAFE bicycle-riding reasonable distance from home.

There used to be one in Spanish Springs plaza, where I brought it for a tune-up. They moved to Brownwood and distanced themselves out of my options. There are no others near me.

[Fastskiguy]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

No, I'm not looking for bike shops. Did you read what I posted?

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

I'm not looking for anything. I'm not the original poster. The original poster was looking for a bike shop. I know where all the ones are, that are within an hour of the Historic section of the Villages. I was expressing annoyance that none of them are in SAFE bicycle-riding reasonable distance from home.

There used to be one in Spanish Springs plaza, where I brought it for a tune-up. They moved to Brownwood and distanced themselves out of my options. There are no others near me.

Ah that's it, I was confused, thought you were the OP. And I agree, you'd think there would be a shop within riding distance of the northern villages. We just consider it "normal" in the southern villages to have to drive a zillion miles for anything LOL.

Joe

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Fastskiguy

Ah that's it, I was confused, thought you were the OP. And I agree, you'd think there would be a shop within riding distance of the northern villages. We just consider it "normal" in the southern villages to have to drive a zillion miles for anything LOL.

Joe

Especially since this part of the community is along the Ocala Forest, where there are family neighborhoods and OTHER communities, where there are lots of people who like to ride their bicycles.

[Pwanderson]

We had the same experience there.

[NoMo50]

Originally Posted by LonnyP

I have had good luck with the bike shop in Wildwood. Its now called the Trek Bicycle Shop. I am not sure if they changed ownership or what as I have not needed to go in there for 2 years. But I had a similar experience as you in Brownwood and won't go back.

Yes...ownership of that shop changed a couple of years ago. They used to be David's World Cycle, and they had several locations in Florida. They were (and are) a big Trek and Electra dealer, and all of their locations were purchased by Trek Bicycles. We have dealt with that shop under both ownerships, and have had nothing but great experiences.

[LG999]

I have always found The Villages Bike store to be great.
Efficient & easy to work with.

[Bealman]

Originally Posted by SummerDays

Good afternoon. I've been biking for decades. First it was road, the last 10+ before moving to Florida was primarily mountain. Wherever I've lived, I found a bike shop to work with. Mainly repair and significant parts replacements. I like my bikes to work as well as they can be made to, and am happy to spend whatever it takes to get to that outcome.

I have always found bike shop employees to be very engaging and enthusiastic towards the customers. In essence, I've always been made to feel like the bike shop wants me to be their customer.

Until now.

Visited the bike shop in Brownwood. They could barely be bothered to show interest and seemed to be put out by the service I needed. No engagement or attempt at connection.

Biking is a community. The shop is a huge part of that. What I experienced was the opposite of community.

Questions. Is that consistent with others experience with this shop or is my experience not the norm? Any recommendations of a shop or person that performs first rate repair and maintenance?

Thanks

https://youtu.be/lJxxph5pQEg

[maistocars]

Definitely go to Pedego and speak to Andy at 5806 Seven Mile Drive, #106, The Villages (Trailwinds Plaza). He's my neighbor and the nicest and most helpful guy!

[collie1228]

I dropped my bike off at Village Cycles in Brownwood late Wednesday afternoon, and they worked on it Thursday. I asked for their Bronze (basic) tune-up and two new tires. I also told them I was having some difficulty shifting to and from lower gears. They found I needed a new gear cassette and chain, which they swapped out. I was very pleased with the service and price. The tech gave me some good advice on lubrication, and they threw in a $8.99 bottle of chain lube at no charge. Very pleased. I will recommend Village Cycles to anyone who wants a quality repair or maintenance of their bike.

[SummerDays]

Originally Posted by Romad

You show up at their busiest month and expect immediate service along with every other entitled snowbird? The bike shop in Brownwood and the Trek one in Wildwood are great bike shops. I’ve bought bikes from both and have received nothing but good advice and service. My friends that didn’t even buy their bikes from them have also received great service.

Even in The Villages bicycling is seasonal. New people want to get a bike to enjoy the weather and the returning people who should have had their bikes serviced before they left now want them fixed immediately. It’s like going to a gym in January.

Your post would have credibility if I had indicated I needed, wanted, or required fast service. But I didn't say that, nor did I need it.

There is a difference between a demanding and unreasonable customer during a difficult time for the business staff, and a routine customer during the same time frame seeking a service provider to perform services that same service provider markets to the community.

But I doubt you can understand what I am talking about without the aid of crayon drawings to refer to.