Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2381475)

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

Originally Posted by Fastskiguy (Post 2381542)

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

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2381475)

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

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2381545)

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.

Originally Posted by Fastskiguy (Post 2381546)

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

Originally Posted by LonnyP (Post 2381293)

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.

Originally Posted by SummerDays (Post 2381121)

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

Originally Posted by Romad (Post 2381529)

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.