Performance Bicycle

Comparing my 2 times shopping here:
In December of 2013, when my husband and I wanted to purchase a new bike for our daughter for Christmas, a friend recommended that we go to Performance Bike, and told us about the awesome program they have where if you buy your kid a bike, then they eventually grow out of it, you can go back and get 20% off your purchase of another new bike. So we checked them out — they’re very nice, quality bikes, but we were a little surprised at the price. However, the employee spent a lot of time working with us to decide on size, type, etc, which we really appreciated. Plus the employee had also raved to us how they would keep all our info in their computer system so it would be nice and easy to get our discount next time we bought a bike for our daughter there.
Because of the higher prices at Performance, we also went and checked out Toys R Us bikes. They had many that were less expensive than Performance, and were fine bikes, but could tell they weren’t the same quality as Performance. So we thought about it, and were hoping to chat with a ToysRUs employee about bikes there, but with it being the Christmas season, crazy crowded, and just seasonal employees, we got frustrated and decided that Performance was more expensive, but worth it, especially with the 20% off we would get next time. Not to mention that we’ve both worked in customer service and so truly appreciate good service, and wanted to reward Performance with our business. So we left ToysRUs and went back to Performance and bought the bike that was about $ 75 more than the one at ToysRUs, which meant we spent about $ 200 on a kid bike!
We were so happy with the service there, and the quality of the bike, that ever since, we’ve raved to our friends and always recommended they shop there for their kids’ bikes.
Fast forward to April 27, 2016:
Our daughter was ready for a new bike, so for her birthday the next day, we were going to surprise her with a new one from Performance. My husband went in to the store and found a great bike. Again, it was going to be more expensive than ToysRUs (even with our promised 20% off, we were still happy to pay $ 40 more than we would at ToysRUs!). My husband talked to the cashier, and even though the employee in 2013 had created our profile in the computer, apparently that person had failed to put our actual $ 200 bike purchase in the computer as well, so they would not give us the discount. So my husband came home to look for the receipt, which I’m pretty sure we do have somewhere, but of course couldn’t find it. We tried to pull up old bank statements, but that didn’t work either. So instead, we sneakily put my daughter’s old bike into my car and I drove to Performance. I let them know what happened, but the employee, Ed, wouldn’t budge. So I let him know that I had the actual bike in my car that he could look at for proof, and also pics from Facebook showing it under our Christmas tree in December 2013. He said he just couldn’t do it because his DM would get mad at him. I asked him to look in the system again, under my name and under my husband’s. There was only the one profile for us, and for some reason that profile lists that we did purchase in December 2013, however they don’t list a kid’s bike –it lists that I bought «bike wheels» for over $ 1000! I told him that the purchase was or accurate, and that we had NEVER bought $ 1000 bike wheels. My husband and i will more than likely never own any bike with wheels that cost over $ 100, much less $ 1000!!! We just aren’t that into biking. Anyway, he suggested that it was probably a mistake, that an employee had mistakenly put that purchase under our profile instead of the correct person’s…so I pointed out that by that logic, our $ 200 purchase could be under someone else’s profile. He agreed! But wasn’t able to be flexible. At that point I told him that we were willing to go buy a cheaper bike elsewhere, but would really like to pay more for the Performance bike if they would give us the discount, about $ 40 off. Remember, this is the place that also sells bike wheels for $ 1014. But he wouldn’t budge. I told him that I was really disappointed, and had sent many friends there over that past 2 ½ years, but that I was going to take my business elsewhere. And he was okay with that. I am still shocked! I couldn’t believe that I had felt so loyal to the company after only one purchase with them, and to go in next time 100% set on purchasing a bike there, and have it not matter at all. He acted like he didn’t care if I left. So I did!
I find it sad that the DM has given the employees so little power that they aren’t able to apply a deserved discount. They are the ones who raved about their awesome computer system that would keep track of all our info!
Based on this experience on April 27^th, 2016, I won’t be shopping at Performance again, or recommending them to friends… I’ll share this story with them though.

Great service! I bought some pedal that were on sale yesterday that were $ 30 off and i went back today to see if they could adjust my time trial bike. They took care of me and made the adjustments while i waited, plus they only charged me $ 10. What a deal!

I think that Performance Bikes overall is and OK retail chain. They offer pretty good deals on bikes and parts. My issue is with the Tacoma store. Ever since I first tried shopping there I have not had a very good vibe from the place. I have tried many times to go there for service or parts and 90% of the time I go somewhere else because the staff either doesn’t know what they are doing or they don’t have what I am looking for. I am an ex bike mechanic so I am very familiar with bikes and bike shops and on numerous occasions I have been in Tacoma Performance and have overheard sales staff or tech staff giving bogus information or just outright lying to their customers. I don’t know why this store has such a hard time finding good staff.

I needed a certain bike for my kid, which Performance Bike had. I didn’t know i called the Tacoma location (Tukwila is now closed). Anyway, I mentioned that it was to far to get too and Gary, went out of his way to bring the bike to the Seattle location so that I wouldn’t have to commute that far. If I was any closer, they would be my go to place for bike stuff. service like Gary’s is much admired. thanks again!

Back in San Diego, Performance Bikes are frowned upon bike shops but since I moved up here in Tacoma and in search for a friendly and knowledgable bike shop in the area without driving over an hour or so, really there isn’t a whole lot. This crew will work with you as far as first hand experience with their own products, and also most importantly saving your $$$ when you have coupons on top of their promotions.
The membership card is well worth the $ 30 especially when buying big dollar items, or if you’re a frequent flyer at the store. I like the selection online better due to more Higher End (quality) items which I wish they have handy in the store instead of ordering it online, shipped to you or to be picked up at the store location of your choice. I would’ve given it a 5 out of 5 if it wasn’t because of that inconvenience.

I was greeted right away. The repair guy was very informative. He even offered to lube my chains for free and told me basic maintenance tips which I didn’t know! Love it here.
I used to go to bike tech for years before and was never treated this well before. 5 stars hands down.

I have been a customer for 18 months now. My customer experience has only gotten better the more I shop here. On more than one occasion I have purchased new parts and had them installed immediately. The mechanics shop has gone above and beyond to keep my GT spinning at peak performance!

Jeff is awesome! He was greeting everyone came in and out of the store while working on my bike. He also adjusted a few more components that was loose or out of alignment that I was not aware of. Now my bike runs like new :).
Other staff in the store were also very helpful and knowledgeable about the products. Very positive atmosphere in the store.

Best customer service ever! They go above and beyond. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. I have been going there for 10 years and have nothing but praise for this store.

Love this place. Understand how others may have had an off experience, but riders are odd ducks. Give them a chance and they’ll surprise you. Two years ago I got into roadbikes. I bought my Schwinn Seneca 700c off Craigslist and brought it in to get an honest opinion about the condition. Free inspection, tightened a few things, tuned the gears, told me a few things to watch for… at no charge. That brought me back when a week later my stem plate broke loose and I was stranded. I had expected to shell out $ 80 for a new stem, but the Manager at the s. 38^th location, Jeff, did one better. He set me up with a new stem, tuned the gears (which I messed up trying my hand at it), adjusted the brakes, trued the back tire, fitted a new back tired… all said and done it came to $ 70. Thanks to my performance buyers club points it only cost me $ 30. Best way that situation could have gone. Jeff, you’re awesome sir!

Awesome service!!! The employees are super knowledgeable, and willing to help with anything! As a newer cyclist they were wonderful about teaching me what I needed to know and helping me find the right bike, but never talked down to me. I’ve been shopping around and Performance Bikes is definite the place to go!

I stopped in this store to buy my first bike — I didn’t know what I was looking for. When I walked in, nobody greeted me or said anything at all; they just looked up and then back down at what they were doing.
I spent about 15 minutes looking at bikes, even tried sitting on a couple, but still nobody ever offered help or said anything at ALL to me. I did find a bike that I liked — it was even half off — but ultimately decided that I didn’t want to spend a dime here, regardless of what a good deal it was. Even as I left the store and intentionally made eye contact with one of the employees, nobody said anything at all to me!
They missed out on an easy sale because they were just lazy and careless. How disappointing.

I’ve been to performance bicycles in different cities and this is one of my favorite stores by far. Every time I go in the staff is friendly and knowledgable. Vince has taken extra time on several visits to teach me about bike maintenance, fix something on my bike, or just recommend rides. Great store and staff!

I just moved back to the area after being on the east coast for 11 years. I decided that I would get back to my biking «roots». I took my road bike, after basically not being used the entire time away, in to get a tune up. The employees greeted me and told me about their tune-​up and what is involved. I gave them my bike and began wandering the store to look at the 29ers. The same individual who helped me turn my bike in for tune-​up was very helpful in answering all my questions and even carried a conversation.
The best thing was this was very close to closing time, yet it seemed like they were not trying to push me out the door. Very unusual to have an employee treat you the same way at closing time as if I was the first customer in the morning.
The next day the mechanic, Gary, calls me to tell me about a part he needed to replace. At the same time he told everything he had done up to that point. He was very thorough and friendly.
The story changes when I pick up the bike the next day. The gentlemen rolled my bike to me, walked past me and handed my paperwork to the guy behind the front register, and began conversating with some guy who had walked in after me, seemed to be some old buddy/​acquaintance. I stood there waiting to be walked through what was done to my bike, or told that the guy at the register would take the payment, but nothing. Finally after 10 minutes, the guy at the register ask me if I had a question and that I could pay him.
Overall, the employees were helpful, but all it takes is one individual to spoil the entire bushel.

I would recommend this bike shop to anyone, the staff was very helpful and also knowledgeable, the shop has a great selection of bicycles as well and constantly has sales. The first time walking in and I walked out with a great road bike, satisfied with my purchase and service.

We’ve bought five bikes over the last year from Rich and his team. They did a great job of helping us select bikes perfect for our goals that were within our budget. They also helped do some custom configuration to make it more usable for my wife.
Great bikes and great service. We’ve also picked up some great gear from Performance as well.

The experience of buying a bike here was amazing. Everyone and I do mean everyone played a part in helping me find just the right and perfect fit bike for me. After several attempts, and 3 hrs of riding around the neighborhood, I finally made a purchase that I am really excited about. I can’t thank the staff enough for their patience and wisdom. For setting up my new bike so I can ride like the wind!

First time at this shop. Walked in, not that busy. They see me walk in, no acknowledgment. I saw 2 customers. I’m looking for my very first good new bike. I walk around the shop, looking and looking, no help. A female customer comes in … doesn’t even buy anything but they helped her. All customers are gone. Still no help. Finally after 20 minutes decide to walk out. Only when I was walking out is when some guy that was talking to the mechanic even ask me if I had questions. Felt like I bothered him from his little chat. I told him I’ve been around for 20 and all he did was nod his head and smiled. Totally bad customer service. Too bad, was looking forward to a new bike.

A nice bike shop that has a decent selection of bikes, accessories, and apparel. Their prices are average and when they have sales, they have some good prices. I like that they offer bike repair classes and have a lot of information on local bike clubs and riding. The only thing I would change would be the time it takes to get maintenance done on bikes. They are not any slower than other bike shops, but I am still waiting to find a shop in the area that actually takes pride in trying to help the customer quickly and make them feel like they are taking care of both them and their bike.

Smallish bike shop located near Costco and Tacoma Mall.
I’d been meaning to check this place out for some time, as it’s probably the second closest bike shop to home for me. Usually I’ll go to Bike Tech for all my needs and have been pretty happy with the service and selection there. Performance Bike is a much smaller store and so, of course, has a more limited selection of bikes and gear. The sales staff was alright; can’t speak for anything on the service end at this point. I did notice that they had a bunch of Schwinn bikes on display– which, according to my bike-​geek friends, are about the shittiest (and cheapest) bikes out there. They do carry some high-​end models as well, though.