The shop is well organized and the service is excellent but I had one big problem.

Customer Service

This is an email I sent to the Conte's Bicyle shop in Ghent, Norfolk on 21st Street in Norfolk:
I was in your shop on 6/19 having a chain readjusted on my bike when a tall man who I believe works at your store entered. He may have been the boss and he looked like a football player, with a beard. He was insulting to me. I was friendly but his answers were curt and sarcastic. I asked him if he had trouble with the cars and traffic in Norfolk and he said, "No, except when people park that way." He thought he was referring to me but I told him that that was an old man who had driven me there and that he was 80 years old and doesn't see well. I myself am disabled and don't own a car, just a bicycle. He said other demeaning things as if I was in his way. He never looked at me. I am 60 years old and where I come from elders are treated with respect, especially since I was a customer in his store. The employee who serviced my bike was extremely refined and had a respectful conversation with me and fixed my bike with enthusiasm. I was delighted with his work. I don't know what was bugging the other employee -- traffic, heat or family problems, but whatever it was I want no part of it. I was there to have my bike fixed, not to be humiliated.

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I have not received a response yet but it has only been yesterday that I entered the store. I believe that the person I had trouble with was the owner Paul Flannigan.

While Conte's in Richmond may be a great store, the Conte family has made a decision to expand, and customer service is nonexistent in the new stores.

In November 2008, I purchased a high end commuter bike from Conte's in Arlington, added in some gear, and handed over $1,500. "Would you like one or two bottle cages?" asked the sales person, in a generous, we take care of our customers tone.

Got home, checked my receipt and they charged me $7 for the cage. If I had seen the charge while at the store, I would have returned the bike immediately. What kind of store squeezes seven bucks from a customer spending over a thousand? Three months later, I still get on the bike and regret that I purchased from Conte's, when REI offers the same product with better customer service and attitude.

Customer Service

I can only attribute the store's nickel and dime attitude toward customer service to a need for capital in order to expand the franchise. I hope they fail.

Once a week is if they/I am lucky. This is a great store. It has everything you need. And if it doesn't they'll be glad to get it as soon as possible.

Customer Service

Unsurpassed. Like I said, their biggest concern is making cyclists happy, not "selling" them something. Josh is an incredibly good mechanic. Paul is a very knowledgable cyclist and can provide an excellent fit with the Specialized BG fit

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If you haven't been- go.