Spokesman Cycles

Walked in — and they did not seem interested in selling me a bike. Why? I couldn’t tell you but we just walked out. Guys — figure it out. I went somewhere else and spent over $ 500.

The staff aren’t always the friendliest or most helpful, but they get the job done. If you can get over the aloof attitude, it isn’t a bad place.

Unhelpful and rude.
Let me start by saying that I work in the area and I would normally go to my local bike shop instead. These were convenience visits. I am predominantly a mountain biker but I use a road bike for training purposes. Went here twice a few months apart figuring I’d give them the benifit of the doubt, unfortunately they failed. I should have known that, given the hipster nature of this neighborhood, I wasn’t going to find anything much other than fixies and messenger bikes.
The first visit I was going there to get some Stan’s NoTube sealant and to browse their general selection of gear and bikes. The store in general is small, cluttered and dirty. Their stock of items looks as though it has been sitting on the shelfs untouched for months. Sun faded and dusty. They had no sealant stocked and was told they didn’t know when more was coming. I asked if they carried any shock pumps, was told no… that’s it. No request to order one for me or recommendation as to another LBS to check out. Walked out unsatisfied
Second visit I went to check out what they had in terms of apparel. More specifically, Lycra shorts. Again, cluttered and just unkempt. One employee seemed to be building up a BMX bike in the middle of the floor. On an already cluttered and small sales floor that’s pretty stupid personally. The Lycra shorts were behind him on a rack and I was directed by another employee to «step over» the bike that was being built in order to get to them. They had about 7 – 8 pairs of shorts, mostly women’s. When I asked about the men’s and a specific size he said «They might be up there.» Simply pointing to the top most rack but offering no assistance to help me look. After stepping back over the half built bike and nearly tripping in the process I walked out again… disappointed in the complete lack of desire to make your business money.
In hindsight I should have tripped on the bike. Then I would be a prototypical american, sued, bought the business, and turn it into a proper LBS that would cater to all disciplines of cycling. Not just the Ugz and flannel wearing youth culture of LIC. And yes I am not the biggest fan of LIC
DON’T GO HERE

The less-​than-​stellar reviews initially turned me off this store abut I decided to take my chances since the store was close and all I needed was a tune up. I had no issues whatsoever. I dropped off my bike and though they said it would take 2 – 3 days, I ended up getting it back the very next day. They called me before finishing it to suggest installing a new chain and it was completed shortly after. It was clean and in good shape, working flawlessly. Everyone was friendly enough and got the job done.
On a bike ride with my girlfriend a little later, we noticed her tires needed some air so we pulled up to the store and used their free air-​pump with, again, no issues.

I wanted to give 0 stars but thats not an option. I took my cheap bile here to have the cassette changed which i was told would cost me $ 29. I was also told I need to replace the chain and it would cost me $ 17. Plus labor. I found the price reasonable so I also asked since im already paying for thr labor for that, if they could change my brake pads. The brake pads they gave me cost $ 20 for a set of 4. That is $ 66 plus the $ 10 labor I was told i would be charged, $ 76. Some how they managed to charge me $ 116 and when asked why, he changed the price of everything. I live across the street and trust me when i say i will never go here again. Not only that I recommend anyone who needs any work done on their bikes to head to Astoria, Corona or Greenpoint. Avoid these hustlers who take advantage of people. I hope they close down and i encourage anyone who has been ripped off by these dudes to follow my lead and contact the BBB.

I recently purchased a new bike from this place as an impulse buy (yea — I really need to work on that) and I didn’t read Unilocal reviews first. The experience didn’t go that smoothly, but in the end they did OK. I’d give them 3.5 stars if that were possible.
I decided to get a bike on a Friday around 4−5pm. I don’t know bikes so I went with what was suggested (I was in the $ 1000 range for just the bike). They charged just below MSRP for it. I added a few extras (locking quick release hubs, lock, pedal straps, aux handlebar brakes, iPhone attachment) to round it out to $ 1300. To my surprise, they had it ready for me in less than 2 hours (before they closed) and I got to ride it that evening (except for the iPhone attachment, to which the guy brought over the wrong one from their other store). I was impressed.
I used it briefly that night and then a longer ride the next morning. There was a problem with one of the derailleurs that required them to make an adjustment (or repair) so I took it back after my ride that Sat morning. The guy said they could get it back to me Sunday. He wouldn’t be in the store but he’d pass the message on to the Sunday salesman.
On Sunday, I call first. The salesman had no idea and had to call me back (only took 10 minutes luckily). He said the bike was ready. Went to pick it up. First thing I noticed is that the white-​taped handle bars on my brand new machine had black grease hand prints on them. Ok, not happy but whatever. Then I go out for a ride. Handle bars are now off-​center and the dérailleur still doesn’t work at all. Effectively, nothing repaired, handle bars filthy and no longer properly aligned. Also — still no iPhone holder. I bring it right back and say, please try again. I should mention here that, at least on the phone, the two guys I spoke to were not pleasant. I felt like I was somehow being annoying or something (I really am polite and patient). Now, I am unimpressed and worried (this is when I checked out Unilocal BTW).
On Monday I called the original Salesman and told him I changed my mind and wanted a different bike (same model, but not defective). To his credit he said no problem but it would take him a few days.
Long story short, it took 4 days but I did get a new bike, it was a year newer model (a 2014 instead of 2013) which was nice — although it did have a different paint job so if you care a lot about stuff like that you may have been annoyed as I was given no indication). He didn’t put all the extras on (which annoyed me when I picked it up since I assumed we were good to go and expected them). He wanted me to try it out first, but it only took him an hour after my first ride to do all that.
So in the end I walked away with a nice bike in great working order. After doing some googling I found it to be a respectable brand (Cannondale). I’ve had better overall experiences shopping but he didn’t give me any trouble about my request for a different bike and it was a newer model so can’t complain there.
Their customer communication needs serious work and I do have concerns about their mechanic considering my initial experience. I guess I’ll see over time. Truth be told they are conveniently located to me and that accounts for a lot.

I wish this was the same Spokesman Cycles that exists in Santa Cruz, CA.
I broke a spoke on the way to work this morning. After work I found the closest bike shop that could possibly remedy the situation so I could ride home to Lefferts Garden. I stopped into Spokesman and was paid no attention until they were done with a couple customers (not a huge deal). Once he was finished he asked what he could help me with. I told him I had broken a spoke and without any further questions he asked when I would like to pick it up. (A broken spoke is NOT a big deal and takes 20 minutes to fix with the right equipment).
He said I’d have to take a good spoke off of the wheel so he could measure it. I asked if he could measure the broken spoke and said that wouldn’t work (it absolutely would as it broke right at the hub). I then said «Aren’t there spoke length calculators?» with which he answered «Yes» to and then stared at me blankly with no further comment. I told him I’d go elsewhere and took the my bike to Greenpoint Bikes. I told them the problem and asked if they could fix it. The dude at the counter (super nice guy) said no problem and had me out the door in 20 minutes and charged me 20.00.
Spokesman Cycles has a lazy staff. Do yourself a favor and go over the the Pulaski Bridge to Greenpoint Bikes. They care about bikes and they care about their customers.

I’ve used Spokesman many times the last five or six years for small items. Last summer, I did a tune up on my 20-​year-​old Diamondback, and bought a new seat and new zippered storage bag for under the seat (Topeka).
This weekend, the zipper on the bag broke. I went in on Sunday and showed the broken bag to a fellow named Mike. We agreed it was well past warranty, and so technically wasn’t Spokesman’s responsibility, but he also agreed that the zipper should’ve lasted more than a year.
Bottom line: Mike asked for my phone and said he’d talk it over with his boss and call me the next day. He kept his word, called back and swapped out the bag for me, without charge. Classy, and the kind of customer service that deserves a shoutout here.

Stay away from this shop. I bought a $ 2000 bike from this shop and they are not standing behind their promise regarding the bike’s warranty/​maintenance that they promise you at the time of purchase. Find another shop.

I purchased a Blinder Bike Light for $ 35 (on the pricey side for an accessory!) — the plastic piece that attaches it to the handlebar broke off within a month and they did not let me return it, claiming that it wasn’t «defective» and that I was responsible for breaking it. Very rude and poor customer service. For bike service in LIC I will only go to LIC Bicycles now.

Sometimes I choose to shop at a place because of their customer service — to know that my patronage will be met enthusiastically and that I will walk out with more than just a product, but also a renewed relish of human fraternity.
Sometimes I choose to shop at a place because of their cost-​savings — to consider my budgetary concerns and take pride in the prudent sensibilities necessitated from adulthood.
But sometimes, even in the absence of the above mentioned qualities, I choose to shop at a place because of the child-​like impulse to buy a bell for my bike because my friends have one and I don’t want to be the only one without a bell and the shop happens to be right near a major bike lane.
I wouldn’t shop at this place otherwise. BRRNG! BRRNG!

I’m a prospective bike buyer who moved to the neighborhood recently. Buying a bike has been on my list of things to do since i moved in dec 2012. the area is perfect for it, and my home is just far enough away from the shops on vernon that a bike would be really convenient.
My last bike was stolen a several months ago and I’m still a novice biker. I showed up at this store, expecting to walk out with a bike. I tried talking to the salesperson, telling him that I’m interested in casual riding and a low price point. I’m thinking about a cruiser bike. He offered to show my some hybrid bikes instead. Fair enough, I suppose.
However, all the bikes he showed more pricey than what I was willing to spend. I kept asking questions about buying advice, e.g. how to size, what to look for in a bike, and he didn’t give helpful answers. His demeanor seemed like i was annoying him by trying to find out information. He was the only person in the store on a weekend where there were a several people to attend to. Someone walked who needed a previous repair redone and he basically brushed them off. The customers asked to speak with a specific person who wasn’t around. The salesman told them to leave the bike and come back later.
All in all, I wasn’t impressed with the attitude of the salesperson nor with the bikes/​value I saw. As a new biker looking for guidance and reasonably priced entry-​level bikes I didn’t feel like my needs were being catered to. I understand the young man working there probably had a lot going on since he’s the only one in a busy store, but why would the owner leave a single person in the store on a busy weekend?
I heard of another store by the bridge that has good reviews on Unilocal that i will be checking out instead.

Top of the line service. My bike derailer (back one) broke while transporting my bike from Atlanta, to NY for the Gran Fondo NY. I dropped it off on the day before the event, and as busy as they were, they never hesitated to tell me that they will take care of it. Not only did they fix it, but their long Saturday hours made it possible for me to tour the city. The bike was flawless and I was able to complete one of the toughest GRAN FONDO’s I have done to date.

Same knowledgeable people!

I went in to do a preliminary shopping round for a new bike on an under $ 700 budget. To some people that sounds ample but really even I know its pretty low. Spokesman was EXCELLENT, I worked with an employee named Hugo, he was super helpful, took the time to answer all my questions (and there were a ton of them) and work with me through all of my issues regarding what would be most suitable for my needs as a cyclist while staying in my budget. I cannot say enough good things about the service there.
I highly recommend this shop!

After spending a weekend taking my girlfriend bike shopping throughout the city, this shop had the best customer service and was a fantastic experience.
On Friday everyone was extremely nice and helpful, answered all of her questions, did not try to oversell, and gave her extremely good advice.
We returned Sunday due to our experience on Friday. The manager remembered her. After deciding which bike to purchase and choosing security devices the employees took the time to show her how the lock and pins worked and explained everything from the how the shifters operated to basic bike maintenance.
She is extremely happy with her bike and is looking forward to returning for further bike needs.
I do need to add that we were NOT very happy with the Spokesman in the city, they are like two different worlds.

I am all in favor of using the local shop and made a point to try them twice. Twice was enough, they won’t see me enough. They seem to know what they are doing but their lack of customer service is abysmal. I rented a bike for the day, which was actually very rusted, and when i returned it they tried to charge me by the hour while it was cheaper for the day. They did not apologize.
Each time I go I feel I am bothering them (may be because I am not buying the $ 1,200 bike). Even when you ask for advice you feel you are bothering them. I had better service at Bike Habitat. It’s further from my place but nice to be treated decently.

Refused to sell me new grips for my Trek because I, a middle aged woman, wouldn’t walk 5 miles in 100 degree weather. to get my other bike, a brompton, to show him.
Biked 20 minutes in 100 degree temps to get to LIC shop from Brooklyn on my day off to get new handlebar grips for my 12 year old Trek.
The guy begrudgingly asked what I wanted. I said the handlebars were making my finger numb and needed to fix this. I also casually mentioned that this doesn’t happen on my other bike, a brompton. His reply was that I had to bring in my other bike to compare to the Trek. I said I can’t ride 2 bikes. I was told that I was to walk home and fetch the other bike or he would not help me. I said it’s 100 degrees out, I’m 50 years old and it’s unreasonable to spend the next hour walking back to get my Brompton. His response was to get on the phone and talk to his friend about a 4^th of July party — ignoring me.
I was stunned and walked out.
Later I called Irving Place branch and asked to speak to a manager. I explained what happened and was rudely told that the salesperson was totally in the right. When I asked «How do you help people with worn out grips that only have one bike», he cut me off and replied, «ah, but you have two bikes, so you have to bring them both in. He was yelling at me about what a complicated, technical problem this was, etc, etc. I’ve been biking in NYC for over 30 years and if you think replacing a grip is complicated…
I feel it’s outrageous to refuse service to a middle aged woman during a heat wave because she’s can’t walk 5 miles to get her second bike. Just for new handlebar grips.
Don’t go to this shop just on principle, even if you can afford the high prices

Walked into Spokesman Cycles, my local bike shop, looking for a tire tube. The employee said that they didn’t have the exact size tube for my tire in stock, but I was told that a different size (in stock) would work.
When I asked whether I could return it if it didn’t work, the employee tersely replied, «Then don’t buy it!» So I didn’t and walked out.
It’s nice to know that they don’t stand behind their product or their recommendation and knowledge.

I’ve had a good experience every time I walked in this place. This shop is luxuriously spacious compared to most NYC bike shops, which is nice. They have a cool chick bike mechanic who seems to really know what she’s doing. When your bike needs service, they are honest and upfront about the pricing and fully explain what needs to be done and why. If you’re looking to buy a bike, in addition to new bikes they have a rather large selection of used bikes, which is rare. They also have a very good selection of accessories, including bags, computers, gloves, etc. This is nice because at most small NYC bike shops, they don’t have room to keep anything in stock so you have to special order everything. Not so at this place.
Cons: They don’t seem to have an awning or any sort of identifying sign. You just have to look for the store at Vernon Blvd & 50^th Ave with all the bicycles. Also, the pricing is not the cheapest in town. But many times the service is worth it.