Red Kite Cycles

$Dave$

Hi all,

I'm new to mountain biking and everywhere I look seems to mention the importance of a good LBS. I'm from Solihull and there doesn't seem to be much around here, I have though found a place called Red Kite Cycles in Shirley. So I was wondering if anyone had used them, how they found them and if they had any more recommendations in the area?

Cheers Dave.

bails87

I live down the road from them. They're focussed more on road stuff I think, other than that....
They're expensive
I've overheard them plainly lying to gullible/unknowing customers
And just the other day the mechanic had a go at me for asking if I could buy a rather expensive saddle. He could have politely said "sorry, I'm the only one in the shop and I can't leave downstairs unattended. I can take your phone number and get someone to call you when the others are in." But instead it was "look, I'm the mechanic, I don't go upstairs, I can't leave the downstairs unattended, if we've got it it's out, so don't bother speaking to me about it alright". :roll:

Try Cult cycles in Earlswood, much friendlier, more MTBs. A bit out of the way though, especially if you haven't got a car.

Or halfords (seriously) on the retail park on Marshall Lake road. I got my Boardman from there and have been consistently impressed with their service.

Mark_K

bails87 wrote:

I live down the road from them. They're focussed more on road stuff I think, other than that....
They're expensive
I've overheard them plainly lying to gullible/unknowing customers
And just the other day the mechanic had a go at me for asking if I could buy a rather expensive saddle. He could have politely said "sorry, I'm the only one in the shop and I can't leave downstairs unattended. I can take your phone number and get someone to call you when the others are in." But instead it was "look, I'm the mechanic, I don't go upstairs, I can't leave the downstairs unattended, if we've got it it's out, so don't bother speaking to me about it alright". :roll:

Try Cult cycles in Earlswood, much friendlier, more MTBs. A bit out of the way though, especially if you haven't got a car.

Or halfords (seriously) on the retail park on Marshall Lake road. I got my Boardman from there and have been consistently impressed with their service.

WOW good on you for not punching his lights out cos i think thats what i'd have done :evil:

$Dave$

Yeah, I think I'd have lost it with that service. Though i'm not surprised you've said that as I went down yesterday after posting this to give it a look and I can't say I was overly impressed. Just got the general impression that they'd rather of not had me there. Now I may have asked a few stupid questions being new to this, but 1. I don't think they were unreasonable questions, 2. even if they were as an independent bike shop I'd have expected a bit of guidance rather than complete disinterest.

That said I don't want to tar all the staff with the same brush, there was one younger lad who made more of an effort. Still don't think I'll be heading back in anything but an emergency though and as I've got a car I'll give Cult cycles a go.

Does make you wonder though as a new biker who's bound to be spending a hell of lot of money on my new hobby soon enough you'd of thought i'd have been exactly the sort of person they should be making an effort with.

slowslowslow

If you are going to travel you could try the city centre. I have used the Evans cycles there. always had good advice and service. a friend of mine uses the Bike Hut in digbeth that he reckons is pretty good for service.

Not been there but I agree that you should steer well clear if you got that response. Not a way to nurture confidence and have you coming back for more.......

dr_lobo

Red Kite:...better living through cycling...

Hi, I am the new owner of Red Kite Cycles - I have been here since the end of last summer. I think we're an improving bike business that is staffed by people who love cycling, bikes and cyclists. We cater for all sorts from commuter and leisure riders through to the sports end of road and MTB. Our website outlines our emerging approach and our super stock range.

I am sorry if any customer has had a bad experience in the past but today if you're ever not happy with anything in the shop you can always speak to me.

IT66T

Hi dr-lobo ,

I'm pretty sure that members on here will spread the word now you've taken over the bike shop and hopefully their will be a better influence made by you to all future customers and given time we will be hearing members praising you for your services regardless of how big or small any purchases from you maybe .

benpinnick

dr_lobo wrote:

Red Kite:...better living through cycling...

Is that actually your slogan?

Stu Coops

Firstly give ya mechanic a kick in the nuts, attitude like his will put you out of business pretty quickly as the MTB/Road world is a small one now we have the worldwide wonder web and the very fact that 99% of people on here give good solid advice to newbies they do listen and vote with there feet.

By the way this is advice not criticism but I mean't what I said about ya mechanic..

chrisga

If you're in Shirley and have transport you could do worse than pop over to Mike Vaughan cycles in kenilworth. Only ever had great advice in there and ended up buying a couple of bikes. Have sent loads of friends over there too and they have also had great service and ended up buying bikes too! MTB's are generally downstairs and road bikes more upstairs. Only ever so slight niggles is they seem to specialise in urr specialized and trek and not much else so may not be the place if you are after something boutique but other than that could not fault them

edit - just seen this was an old thread resurrected..... doh

IT66T

Yep dr lobo resurrected it and then i put my comment on lol .

Terry R

You know...it used to be an ugly duck but this shop has definitely become a swan...maybe Red Kite was a shambles but things have changed there for the better.

Prices are competitive, staff (including the bike mechanic with nuts intact) are friendly, the owner, Adrian, he's a good chap - good advice given and looks at getting the best deal for you within your budget... no nonsense, no con

After loads of advice and consideration of all the options I've come away with an Italia RC Condor (Carbon forks and seat stay, seat post), excellent Campag Athena 11 Group set, Askium Mavic wheels inc. tyres, ....colour, design, weight, build and personal fitting....all part of the service - Free re-tune after 6 weeks and they even upgraded the seat when the one I had started to shred....no questions, no extra charge...and all for a very competitive price.

So go to Kenilworth if you feel the need... but - why go to Kenilworth? Red Kite Revamped deserves respect.

cooldad

Mmmmm
Old thread resurrection.
First post.
Banging on about wonderfullness.
Bought a road bike.
Posted in MTB.

Could it be? Or am I a cynic?

The Rookie

I'm with you CD - if it looks like a fish and sticks like a fish, odds on it's a fish...

Not that I'd go to Mike Vaughan as that place could have been written about in the first post on here!

97th choice

Holy obviousness. 1 out of 10

Bishbosh10

As much as 1? Very generous!