Fraudulent Bikes

Last week my bike was stolen from my garage. Through tipsters I heard that a bike matching my exact description was at this store. I decided to make the trek and visited this shop. As I entered and looked around, I saw what looked like a stockpile of stolen bicycles from all around the city. Mismatched wheels (as if locked up ones couldnt be thieved too), cobbled together parts, and a staff who knew nothing. They didnt know the sizes of the bikes they had– they said said they had some for sale and could move them fast for the right price. IE: we are selling hot stuff and want to get it out of our sketch shop.
I was given a story that my bike had been sold 20-​minutes before I was in there. The tipsters of social media were correct that my bike had been there… or so it seemed.
Don’t shop here. They seem like they sell stolen bicycles. One of the workers when I was in there seemed to know nothing about bikes. When asking what they had, wandered around and said. Look around– might have something that could work for you. Also note this place has had a number of names in the past few years (according to my research). Likely for this reason.

Unsurprisingly, the name of the shop is not on the shop signage, but the shop has been there for a few years, so I figured I’d check it out. I wanted a re-​conditioned used bike for about $ 150 that I could ride for fun and a few miles to/​from work every day. I didn’t want anything fancy, just a sturdy bike that would not be tempting fodder for bike thieves.
I left with a 1986 5-​speed Schwinn, with big knobby tires, pretty much what I was looking for. I am satisfied with the bike I got, for the price I paid, since I didn’t pay much, but I wouldn’t buy from them again.
A few things to note. The policy is «No Returns», but there is also a 60-​day «Hey, it’s a USED bike» repair policy. I did have to take my bike back for a new inner-​tube (bad valve) and adjustment of the dérailleur. Since it was within the 60 day period, there was no charge, and they repaired it while I waited.
The shop is a bit claustrophobic, with one entrance and just enough room for a bike to be taken back to the repair area. Most of the space is taken up by the bikes for sale. There are also some displayed out on the sidewalk in nice weather. The folks who make the repairs work in the rear end of the showroom, and you can watch them work. (Which I’d strongly suggest.)
The repairmen do not take the bikes out on a test run after they finish the repairs. I found this out when I had ride back to the shop after the tube was replaced. (brake pads were rubbing on the rim.) I would not go there for repairs, other than if I got a flat and needed a quick tube replacement while out riding nearby.

I’m fairly certain this location has been a bike shop under other names in the past and they had less than reputable reviews. With a new name and positive reviews from one social media site, I concluded new folks are in and the bad business practices left with the previous owners/​employees.
Meet the new shop. Same as the old shop.
After having visited them today, I can tell you they have the perfect name for their store.
5:00pm Monday received message via social media to my initial inquiry «We have a couple X$ bikes that you might like can you come see them?»
5:30pm Monday received reply of «No just ask for the X$ bikes» after I asked «…anyone in particular to ask for?»
6:30pm Monday last message received, no indication bikes have been sold
7:00pm Monday — shop closes
10:00am Tuesday — shop opens
1:45pm Tuesday I arrive at shop, after an hour long mass transit trip, only to be told the bikes have been sold and the cheapest thing they have is 250%X$
If they ever decide to change their name (again), Bait and Switch would be an appropriate name.