Dan & his Dutch Bicycle Company are terrific.
I got my bike tuned up at DBC a few months ago with the help of a Groupon, and was very happy with the service. However, I ride my bike, Harley, every day, and I recently wore out her cable, housing, and chain. I knew I should go back to Dan & Co. because I had a good experience earlier, but it is much further away from my apartment than...certain other, larger bike establishments.
After getting a quote from a nearby shop that shall remain nameless, I called Dan to get his opinion. He was very warm and seemed concerned for what was best for me & Harley, versus what was best for the evil bike shops. He also mentioned a few things that made me ride my bike straight over to the buttcrack of Somerville the next day before work.
The highlights:
1. I received a LOANER bike! Still pumped about that one. No deposit required, other than my own bike.
2. My repair was completed within six hours, versus the three to four days the other shop had quoted.
3. I saved over 50% in price, one big reason being the elimination of unnecessarily replacing the fully-functioning rear hub.
4. My purchase of a new chain includes a free adjustment.
5. Upon my initial hesitation I expressed about riding Harley over with a frayed cable, Dan graciously offered to have his mechanic come pick the bike up at my house in a day or two.
6. My work schedule was a bit crazy. Dan offered to meet me at the shop whenever was convenient for me, whether that would be 7 am or pm. He volunteered willingly, and truly sounded like he'd be glad to do it.
7. That being said, when I did go over on a break from work, he really respected the time-sensitivity of my visit to the shop.
8. Did I mention I got to ride a loaner bike?!
Pros: LOANER bike while you wait for repair!
Cons: You don't get to pick the loaner bike.
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