On Oct 1, 5:58 am, Gregg Fowler
NOSPAMsaneearth.org> wrote:> On Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:32:22 -0500, Doug Smith W9WI
>
> wrote:
>>On Sun, 30 Sep 2007 02:40:17 +0000, JG wrote:
>>> Cumberland Transit used to be a lot like that back in the early
>>> 70's, when they were on Broadway and only sold bikes and the place was
>>> still owned by young what's-his-name. The Jolly Cyclist seems to have
>>> some good folks now, (it's been a few months since I've been in) but
>>> they are out in freaking Borneo.
>
>>While probably closer to the moon than Borneo... The Bicycle Center on
>>Madison St. in Clarksville has done me good over the years. Actively
>>involved in a number of organized events - and are lucky they didn't drive
>>themselves into bankruptcy giving away spare tubes after some kind of
>>thorns flattened a few dozen riders' tires in the 2006 Sunrise Century.
>>(apparently I was very lucky to have *only* two flats...)
>
> I shopped there years ago when Roger was the owner. Always a good
> experience. Who took the shop over, do you know? I have yet to find a
> shop here in Nashville that I am loyal to.
East Side bikes are great, if new and small. I also like the Jolly
Cyclist out in Hermitage, or as I call it now, Hermisia (home of the
fighting Hermisians).
Allante can kiss my ass after I picked up a bike there last year that
was so poorly assembled as to be downright dangerous. It seems that
service there is strictly proportional to how much you blow on a bike.
Spend 3K on an ego-ride, and everything will be good.
The Bike Pedlar is sort of OK, though it's tainted by proximity to
Vandy. If you need some wheels that'll last forever, have their senior
wheel builder lace you up, Can't think of his name, but he's
supposedly legendary. $50 per wheel plus parts, which is pretty
standard.
The Bicycle Company is downright evil. Every person I know that's
dealt with them loathes them.
Cumberland Transit has lost its soul. However, the wrenches in the
back are still top notch, so if you have a pretty techy problem like
the chirality in your outboard flanges being wappyjawed--they're the
go-to guys.
REI is good for accessories, as they simply have a bigger selection
than most. It's a good place to buy a bike. Can't beat the value of
their Novara bikes. I especially like the Randonee, though if you
don't mind mail order, a Surly LHT is even better...
If you need parts on a Sunday, and aren't on the REI side of town, Sun
& Ski at Shopryland isn't half bad. The cycling manager, last time I
talked to him, was incredibly nice.
Don't know about the fancy shops out on hwy100, might be pretty good
as wel
--but I'd venture that they make their sheckels selling 3K+ up
models. Gran Fondo, I believe, is the only go-to place if you want a
Campagnolo friendly shop.
