Believe it or not this is what I was told today 5/21/08 by Eric Barras the manager of City Cycle in Stoneham. I had brought my bike to this local shop in hopes of establishing a long term relationship with a shop near my house. I dropped the bike off a week ago, discussed all the things that needed to be fixed with the bike tech' for about an hour. I even ordered a few performance parts for my beloved 10 yr. old Gary Fisher. The bike tech' told me he'd call me in a few days after he checked the bike in case I needed a few more parts, but if he didn't call the parts wouldn't be needed.

No-one called, so I assumed everything was going to be fixed and I could pick up the bike in a weeks time (or I would incur a "storage fee.") I accepted this and pre-paid a $80 deposit. I returned a week later and the bike hadn't been looked at all. Eric Barras walked in the bike for 45 seconds and told me I needed new shifters as well, but even though I was willing go ahead, I was informed it would be "too much work" for them to fix it and I should take my bike elsewhere. I wanted to pay for the repairs, but apparently City Cycle in Stoneham doesn't need the business of the average bike owner. The total bill would of been several $100, but I guess the work wasn't worth their time. I was refunded my deposit, lost a week of good riding and took my bike to "Revolution Bike" in downtown Boston where I was charged 1/2 as much and told the bike would be ready in 3 days. No problem.

The "tune-up special" @ City Cycle is $70, @ Revolution Bike it was $45. City Cycle is NOT a bike shop for the avid biker unless you want to pay thur the nose, and even then they may not deem your bike "worthy" 'to be fixed. Stay away from this shop, they will screw you. Boston Bikers Unite! -Adam Harvey