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August 15, 2006
the Bike Gallery rocks 
If you need to buy a bike in Portland, you could do much worse than the Bike Gallery. Much worse.
They're who I've bought my last couple bikes from. They've been generous with service and helpful with advice and just plain nice.
I returned the bike last night. I felt like a turd. I almost started crying at the register. I so love the idea of that bike, and yet the riding of it is so thoroughly awkward. I rode it to the store, and while starting up was fine, stopping was a nightmare. Ack.
The folks at the Bike Gallery were totally cool.
"That's why we have the 30 day guarantee. We want you to love your bike. There's no use buying a bike if you aren't going to love it."
I almost started crying (again).
While I was there, I ran into a old friend whose partner was buying a bike. A Townie, baby blue, all decked out with white fenders and a white bike bag—so lovely. It'll be a good bike for her—she wants to start cycling—and she was obviously tickled by the Townie.
Posted at August 15, 2006
Comments
I LOVE The Bike Gallery. That's where I got my Gary Fisher, too, although it turns out that bike isn't working out for me so hot at the moment.
What's wrong with the Townie? I was thinking of getting one of those with the Xtracycle, but I think I'm going to get a mountain bike instead.
Posted by: Cheesepuppet at August 15, 2006 1:17 PM
Nice. Every store I've ever returned something big to has always been really cranky about it and made me feel bad. Sounds like your store knows about customer service.
Posted by: Jon in Michigan at August 16, 2006 4:07 AM