Services
Cyclemotive
Cyclemotive is one of those bike stores where you get a bit of everything. Affiliated with the older Cycle Shoppe on Queen West, this larger space around the corner on Bathurst allows for a more diverse range of products than is offered at its commuter-oriented "older brother." What that means, more than anything else, is that Cyclemotive is a good place for those looking for entry to mid-level road bikes, high performance hybrid/city bikes, and accessories and parts galore.
As is the case with a lot of general-purpose shops, the price range of bikes on offer is extremely wide, in this case spanning $400 to $10,000. When asked what the so-called sweet spot is, manager Jab Hassanali tells me that the bulk of sales are in the $1000 to $2000 zone, which is what it'll cost you to get into a performance oriented road bike or a 105-equipped performance hybrid. The difference between these two types of bikes is essentially one of geometry and set-up. The road bike will put you in a more aggressive position (with a flatter back) and feature drop handlebars (of course), while the hybrid makes things easier on the back with a slacker head tube angle and flat bars.
Cyclemotive also carries mountain bikes (in regular and 29" models), though they top out at a higher price when one gets into rear suspension (say $3500). A small selection of single speeds, fixed gears, and Electra bikes can also be found around the shop, but are more the specialty at the Cycle Shoppe. Nevertheless, based on a look around the floor, one would be hard-pressed to find a major type of bike not available here (excluding those of the folding and cargo variety).
Brand wise, the three that occupy the most rack space are Giant, Argon 18, and Scott. Of these, I'm most impressed by the supply of Argons they have. This is a Quebec-based manufacture on the rise in the road community (in much the same way that Cervelo was seven or eight years ago), and as far a bang for your buck goes, it's hard to compete when looking for your first high-end road bike. Rounding out their stable are offerings from Masi, Redline, SC Racing and Raleigh.
As is to be expected, the shop does custom fittings for all of its bikes that will be ridden with clipless pedals (if you're feet are moving around a lot, there's no point in refining your fit). They use the Juteau Cantin system, which is well respected and vastly superior to the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants business that some stores call a custom fit. This is a big deal if you're dropping more than a grand on a bike, so it's a plus in my books when a store takes its fitting skills seriously. Also noteworthy is the fact that the store offers three years worth of full tune-ups with every bike purchase.
The clothing selection isn't particularly vast at Cyclemotive, but all the important stuff is covered with Louis Garneau taking the honours as chief supplier of spandex. Accessories are another story. Even though Hassanali tells me they've yet to receive a bunch of spring/summer stock, it's clear that this is a strong suit — with everything from Zipp wheels to wire baskets to be found scatter around the sales floor or hanging from the ceiling.
I've only been to Cyclemotive a few times, but in each case I've been impressed by how friendly the staff were. This is a solid all-arounder that should be very attractive to downtown residents looking for one shop to service their needs.
THE SKINNY
Who the store caters to: Everyone, but particularly riders looking to get into performance bikes
Bike price range: $400-$10,000+, most bikes range between $1000 and $2000.
Service capabilities: Everything, hydraulic brake work
The tune-up: For $49 you get complete external adjustment of the bike (bikes, gears, bolts) and a safety check. For $175 you can have your bike stripped to the frame and rebuilt.
Discussion
27 Comments
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If you got a tune up done for 15, I strongly question the quality of the job they did. 100.00, maybe 200 for needed parts per year on a bike is not the same cost as a car.
Anyway, so far have been very happy with the service received from this shop.
They haven't been good at returning phone calls, giving me updates on the issue or giving me options. Thank goodness the spring weather sucked but it's been a great long weekend and no bike to ride.
So right now these guys get a big ol' F on customer service. I will not be shopping there again. Oh and don't get me started on Giant Bicycles - they're worse. I may just buy Canadian next time so it's easier to harass people when I've got a problem!
I just walked out and I don't plan on returning.
My apologies. Correct, that expereince could've been much better! Thanks for visitg us on yor lunch break, we understand the value of your time, esp.then.
Thus the question of type of bike (MTB, road, cx etc.) Whch usu. Determines the cabling setup to know how to cut housing. You then told us the Brand/model/yr yourself(Specializd Epic MTB) but didn't tell us abt un-interrupted housing - whch you knew but didn't tell us - before I cut the $3.50/ft. housing to the usual interrrupted pieces for an MTB for you...whch you then revealed had to b one long, uninterrupted piece, not in pieces. :|
We do not recall "this is what you're getting" being said at all. That would've bn an unacceptable statement here a Cyclemotive. Sorry if u heard that or felt I was communicatg that.
*NB Secondly, Mike, you also required _white_ housing which was only available in 5mm.
Hence, all of our 4mm housing kits were suggested(shimano MTB, XTR, Dura-Ace, Yokozuna etc.)..to no avail to you, bc white was still desired. Amen to that bro n that's why we stock it! but agn, white was only available in 5mm.
Mike, my friend, let's move on...this time, bring the bike in question in-store and we'll have you + your bike comin out resolved, happy n lovin life again!
Peace,
DT
And yes everybody, John n I both talked it out yestrday (Wed May 26th) n he basically told me what was said here. We appreciate your candor John. And, we @ Cyclemotive have felt your pain.....and I shall be that Advocate, btwn you and the great company called Giant Bicycles Canada (except last week whn their internet servers were down, thus delaying your warranty. Crrntly faxing them instd)!
As per our phone conversation, all is back-on-track, Giant Canada's 'net is up n running, and yes, we'll be updating you live as they happen.
Peace
DT
PS Generally, warranty claims take 4-6weeks on average. shipping+service costs may be incurred. But if its deemed a warranty replacement, you can get an all-new part/frame on-the-house. ;) Thanks to Giant's limited Lifetime Warranty for quality and workmanship and agnst manufacturer's defects.
We LOVE you all! (You don't have to love us...but we will always love you.....Okay, maybe _I_ will always love y'all...Lord-willing, uhm, usually during business hours only, but not Sundays bc I'm usu.absent...well, except for ths Sunday to make-up for Sat day-off for wedding/receptn n boss wants me in etc etc etc...hmm, need a 'substitute' Sat. Stat!......did I say I love you guys?) :D
Peace out, Hogtown!
Ride On!
DT
I had dropped off my bike on a Friday for a hydraulic break repair. I also have Pins for the axels, to which I had to bring the key for. So the following Monday came in with the key, but the repair guy was SO RUDE, telling me that since I didn't have a piece of paper, I had to come back. That they were so ungodly busy, that he couldn't deduce which bike was mine (the gray giant rainier with PINS ON THE AXELS).
I think I'll spend my money at an operation where the repair guys has a BRAIN and can figure out problems, and not speak to people like they are neanderthals.
There is a while history of it:
http://goo.gl/Y45Z5
All others, do NOT give that jerk your hard earned money. You don't need to be spoken to like child.
FYI the type of bike (MTB, road, cx etc.) will not determine the cable set up in today's bicycle market as there are just too many different set ups. Asking a customer what specific make/model WILL determine the required cable lengths, which is exactly what you asked me. So I assumed you knew, you being the "professional" and all. Again, why bother asking such a question then?
I stated the housing OD had to be 4mm from the beginning and you measured it after you cut it but I guess that's my fault too! Geez
Also, you did say "That's what you're getting." I could never misinterpret such words! You think by posting on here and denying such comments, people will think I misunderstood what you CLEARLY said to me? So no thanks on the invite to come back. Sorry dude, you really have no business dealing with people and you definitely do not represent the shop well.
Good luck,
Mike
I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who experienced such pompous, douchebaggery. I hope to the powers above that this places gets what's going to them.
I repeat, to anybody reading this article and comments. Do NOT go to Cyclemotive. Bring your business to a place that will treat you like a human being.
Everybody works hard for their money. You do not deserve to be spoken to like you're a pathetic idiot.
It is supposed to be reviews from clients here, not answers from the shops.
They get a new set of 'mechanics' every spring. Just pull them in from Queen Street, so they can pay them minimum wage and replace'em as things start slowing down. Know cause talked to one of them.
Bunch of phonies out there. Steer clear and avoid at all cost.