16 years of loyalty gone in an instant. Too bad I can't give zero stars.

I've been a loyal customer of James Vincent Bikes since about 1996 and when I saw they had new management, I figured I'd give them a shot. Especially after reading their website where they state that their goal is "to maintain the legacy of James Vincent Bicycles through our commitment to customer support, knowledgeable staff, honesty and integrity."

Here's my story, please make your own conclusions. By the way, I dealt with the owner named George.

So my Englund Air inserts in my front shocks weren't holding air after I pumped them up, so I decided to take it to JV. I personally installed the components many years ago, but didn't feel like messing with them this time. When I took the bike in, I explained that the shocks weren't holding air, but I thought it was strange that both sides would fail at the same time. I also brought a new shock kit to install if these were totally shot. I was told that they would open up my shocks and diagnose the problem for $20 bucks and then they would call me before doing any work. Much to my surprise, I got a message the next day stating that my bike was ready to be picked up. When I went to pick up the bike, they said the shocks are fixed and that they replaced some springs. That was strange, since they never called to ask me to do any work. Supposedly both springs were broken and they happened to have some spare parts lying around and said they didn't use any of the parts that I brought them. When they told me I owed them $70 dollars, I was a bit shocked, but figured hey at least I have my bike back and I can ride again.

Now cut to two weeks later after the bike has sat around not being used. It's normal for the shocks to need air, so I went to pump them up. Guess what??? They didn't hold air. Same exact problem. I immediately started to wonder if my shock pump was bad, so along with my bike, I took my shock pump to James Vincent. I explained to George that the shocks still weren't holding air and wondered if it was my pump that was the problem. I then started to ask more questions about the work that I was told was done to the shocks. I asked what exactly was replaced and George told me that two small springs were broken. I then asked where the old broken springs were and George replied with "I wish the mechanic would have saved them, but he threw them out" Really??? I had a bag of old and new parts with my bike, they could have easily thrown them in there. I also stated that two springs would not cause my shocks to not hold air. This is when I really started to express my doubts. They then took my bike down stairs and came back up minutes later saying that they just put air in the shocks and they are fine. This really made me question things even more. I then kept saying that maybe my shock pump was the problem, but they were very reluctant to let me try my pump on the shocks. Eventually the mechanic took my pump and came back saying that indeed my shock pump was broken. This is when I knew things were a bit shady. There was nothing wrong with my shocks when I brought my bike in. It was my pump that was the problem. Again I started to question them about the work that they claimed was done to my shocks. I asked what the first thing the mechanic would have done when I dropped my bike off and explained that the shocks weren't holding air. I had to answer my own question for them. Obviously they would have tried putting air in the shocks and testing for leaks. Guess what?? There were not leaks, so if there were no leaks, why would you tear the shocks apart?? You wouldn't! So I paid $70 dollars for what?? For AIR!!! I expressed my concerns once again and asked if they could give me a good deal on a new shock pump. George was kind enough to knock $10 off a $60 pump. HAHAHA, are you kidding me?? You just took $70 bucks from me for air and that's how you treat me? Needles to say I didn't by the pump from JV, but I did get the exact pump on line for $30 with free shipping and not tax.

So what is the value of 16 years of loyalty?? Apparently it's $70 bucks.

This is a wonderful store. The people are always nice and pleasant. You are always greeted when you walk in. They know their stuff. They get you in and out quickly and are not expensive. No reason to go back when they have worked on something, you can count on their knowledge and expertise.

Huge selection of all types of bikes. They usually had what I was looking for in stock without having to order it. Prices are very competitive, and they have a nice selection of high end to low end stuff, so you can stick to your budget.

Customer Service

Staff were very helpful, and took plenty of time and effort to help me pick out my bike. I used to ride past this place on the way to work, and stopped by often for a quick tune up. Always left satisfied.