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Cyclegear -

ScarySpikes said:
I went into the San Jose Location and was really disappointing. I told the guy who finally came to help me I wanted to do some research and that I wouldn't be purchasing until a later date. I told him I was looking for a full face helmet that was snell approved, and came in a light or high vis color scheme, and that I wanted to try scorpions R710, he showed me 1 helmet, the Shoei Qwest, and then went off to help another customer. I'm understanding that the store didn't stock the scorpion helmet, but the combination of that and him deciding so quickly that he wasn't interested in helping someone out if it didn't mean a sale was ridiculous.
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Hmm, maybe it's the San Jose location that sucks... I was ready to buy gear when I walked in, too, and asked the guy to look at some overpants. He said he'd be right back and left and didn't come back. I saw him talking to some of the other employees behind the counter so I just left.

I also found the Sedici boots I tried to be very painful. The zipper kept poking me right in the inside of my ankles. I ended up buying some A* boots on Revzilla for the same price (cheaper since there's no tax actually) that are extremely comfortable.
 
I need a new helmet - it's been far, far too long. I'm too escarred to buy online something to fit my dome so will be hitting up the local CG for a new one.
 
I am glad that cycle gear has gear that people can afford, much rather see them in gear then without.As far as customer service its hit or miss on their people, some are extra good and some so so but thats not a reason to just say they suck. I think some people are just hard to please all the time
 
Cycle Gear fills a niche and I am for one glad they are around. Are they the same shop they were in the 90s, nope. But time marches on people. We need a general, low cost, mass market store.
 
Cycle Gear said:
That helmet went through a bead breaker.

I want to make note that I have been watching this thread. We appreciate the support of our customers and hope the ones we've lost give us another shot. Things are changing in our stores and our company. While our entry-level brands will still be there, we're focusing on the premium brands too.
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My biggest gripe is the lack of mid-range gear. I'd bet a lot of people who are put off by entry level stuff, don't necessarily want to spend the coin on top-of-the-line stuff either.

CG is great because it's down the street from my house (hi Strigoi! :laughing), they always have oil and filters in stock, and it's the only store of its kind nearby. But if I need something that my local CG doesn't stock, it's cheaper and faster to just buy it online myself.
 
Compare a $80 helmet of today to those of 15 years ago. You couldn't get a full face for that back then. Yeah, their low end stuff ain't great, but it's better than nothing and it really is amazing what you can get for not much now days. The option simply didn't exist previously.
 
The only significant correlation to head injury is from not wearing a helmet (versus wearing a helmet). The rest is personal choice (my head is worth $$$) and dumb luck (my head landed on the grassy median, not the pavement...). Thus, some protection is better than no protection.

I don't shop at CG much, but CG exists for a consumer group much greater and more diverse than Barf, and if that group didn't like CG, they would shop elsewhere.

+1 :thumbsup for CG speaking up to defend themselves.
 
I dont understand the "well i dont want any of their gear but at least its better than nothing!" Great! Why do i care about newbs finding cheap gear? I dont want them out of business and they have some things ill buy, but that store has really declined over the years. I hope they are serious about changing.
 
ScarySpikes said:
I went into the San Jose Location and was really disappointing. I told the guy who finally came to help me I wanted to do some research and that I wouldn't be purchasing until a later date. I told him I was looking for a full face helmet that was snell approved, and came in a light or high vis color scheme, and that I wanted to try scorpions R710, he showed me 1 helmet, the Shoei Qwest, and then went off to help another customer. I'm understanding that the store didn't stock the scorpion helmet, but the combination of that and him deciding so quickly that he wasn't interested in helping someone out if it didn't mean a sale was ridiculous.
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The San Jose store is the one I shop at, admittedly on rare occasion, but that's just because I've accumulated all the stuff I need right now. In years past I've purchased a battery, saddlebags, boots, gloves and the usual service products there, and have been entirely happy with the service and products. I was last in there two months ago (To buy a helmet! But my head is too large (too much brain) for the sized CG carries.) and the staff were friendly and helpful. Maybe when you were there, there was a surplus of customers for the staff to help. Also, once I've been shown where to look for something, I don't want staff hanging around, I can take care of myself. Maybe your salesperson didn't want to seem pushy. I like Cycle Gear for what it is. You're assuming the sales staff works on commission; do you know if this is the case? Perhaps Cycle Gear could respond. From their actions, it does not seem to me this is the case.

HeatXfer said:
Dave Bertram is a BARF sponsor and promotes motorcycling & racing nation wide. I have never gone into A Cycle Gear and not bought something. I wish they were still in Richmond on McDonald instead of that wig store that's there now. Not a "Fan Boy", just a regular customer.
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Dave and I exchanged emails a few years ago as customer to business owner, I found him to be a stellar individual and very concerned with customer happiness. In fact, he interjected himself into an email back-and-forth I was having with a district representative (who was similarly very helpful and concerned).

Didn't Dave recently sell Cycle Gear? I only *kinda* recall reading something about this. Cycle Gear?

I'm unable to say anything bad about Cycle Gear and I've been a customer since the days of the first store on Monterrey Highway in San Jose.

Lex
 
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hadn't looked at CG in a few yeas, but yeah, looks like there was a buyout:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/ho...s-Associates-Acquires-Cycle-Gear#.Va7nAJ5VhBc


W. Childs Associates Acquires Cycle Gear
January 08, 2015 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--J.W. Childs Associates, L.P., an established private equity firm specializing in leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations of middle-market growth companies, today announced it has acquired a majority interest in Cycle Gear, Inc., a leading provider of motorcycle apparel, parts and accessories, from Harvest Partners, LP. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.

“Having led GNC through dramatic growth as both a private equity-owned and public company, I'm excited and confident about Cycle Gear's potential.”

Concurrent with this transaction, William E. Watts, a Partner at J.W. Childs, will assume the role of Chairman of Cycle Gear. David Bertram, Cycle Gear's Founding Chairman, will retire from day-to-day executive management of the company but will remain on the Board of Directors. Peter Laughton, a long-time Director of Cycle Gear and industry veteran, will also remain on the Board. Tracy Wan, a seasoned specialty retail executive who joined Cycle Gear in 2009 as Chief Operating Officer, is being promoted to President and joining the Board of Directors. Tracy will assume executive leadership of the business...
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Is the whining not done yet??
 
I buy all my gear from cg. So far all built Its affordable And looks good. Recently bought my gf a Sedici leather jacket she loves it abd is super comfortable in it on these summer days, my built summer jacket and winter/waterproof jacket and over pants keep me riding almost all year long with a huge.smile.on my face.

I love cycle gear and can say I'm a fan . Real happy to have them around, and looking to buy a Sedici Helmet soon aswell
 
Round and round we go

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Cookie Monster said:
Hmm, maybe it's the San Jose location that sucks...
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Saying that the San Jose Cycle Gear sucks is far too flattering. These guys really are the Harbor Freight of motorcycle gear... except without Harbor Freight's stellar customer service. After my last experience there I'll never attempt to do business with them again and I'm now actively steering all of my riding buddies away, too.

Road Rider and Revzilla get my business...
 
vizcarmb said:
This is my unscientific review

Check out the bottom soles of each. Coincidence? I dont think so. Their newer boots are different but the soles are exactly the same.

http://www.cyclegear.com/SEDICI-Ultimo-Motorcycle-Boots

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/cortech-latigo-air-rr-boots

IMG_0062_zps7cb4933a.jpg


LatigoAirRRBlkPair_detail.jpg
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Hmm...could be manufactured in the same factory or contract factory is Cortech. Who knows until CG confirms (or denies) this.

EDIT: 7 factories in Pakistan make about 80% of the motorcycle gear (boots, jackets, gloves) for the majority of companies out there (Alpinestar, Dynastar, Firstgear, SIDI, Teknic, Fieldsheer, etc). There also some factories in India and China but the majority is from Pakistan. The big guys like Cortech, A* and the like have those factories make their boots with grade leather. Worth the extra cost? Perhaps. But Cycle Gear doesn't need have the high advertising/promotional budget. In addition, if they are dealing straight from the factories, they cut out some of the middle men (which has been mentioned before).
 
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I find Revzilla reviews far more informative about gear and accessories than any interaction I've ever had with any living breathing floor associate at Cycle Gear / (Insert your favorite generic moto store here).

If you go into Cycle Gear knowing exactly what you want more than likely you will be dissapointed. If you go into Cycle Gear not knowing exactly what you want more than likely you will leave a happy costumer. I buy oil and return purchased impulse buy doodads at Cycle Gear.

Road Rider costumer service isn't superior, but at least the store has a decent selection.

I would rather have gear and supplies shipped to my house than waste time and gas money.
 
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Cycle Gear said:
That helmet went through a bead breaker.

I want to make note that I have been watching this thread. We appreciate the support of our customers and hope the ones we've lost give us another shot. Things are changing in our stores and our company. While our entry-level brands will still be there, we're focusing on the premium brands too.
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Thanks for listening to us. I am excited to see what changes are in the pipe.

I have had my gripes about you guys when things started changing, but I really do go to your shop for specific things. You've sold me the majority of my helmets. That right there is invaluable.

Also you are open on Sundays and Mondays (the moto store weekend). They guy/gals in the SF store have always been friendly and helpful.

Not sure if this is everywhere, but can you all please start stocking the mini bottles of plexus again! :laughing:laughing
51cU-SsBJ8L._SL1000_.jpg
 
cdlabate said:
I find Revzilla reviews far more informative about gear and accessories than any interaction I've ever had with any living breathing floor associate at Cycle Gear / (Insert your favorite generic moto store here).

If you go into Cycle Gear knowing exactly what you want more than likely you will be dissapointed. If you go into Cycle Gear not knowing exactly what you want more than likely you will leave a happy costumer. I buy oil and return purchased impulse buy doodads at Cycle Gear.

Road Rider costumer service isn't superior, but at least the store has a decent selection.

I would rather have gear and supplies shipped to my house than waste time and gas money.
Click to expand...

Revzilla also has great videos for most of the products out there and their chat/CS is super good.
 
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:facepalm

I'll bet you can buy damn-near anything wholesale. What's your point?
 
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