Steve Lacol

Review of David's World Cycle / Trek Sto...

Six stars for this crew. I write at length, read w...

Six stars for this crew. I write at length, read what you like. It's the same old story: The folks that sell you what you need and help you sort out what you NEED as opposed to what you think you WANT, rather than what they might like to sell you... win the game. I'm a 63-year old huffed-puffer who had to replace a Trek mountain bike, circa 2004, because I gave it to my knucklehead son, first year at UF. These guys had maintained that bike for me many years, although I didn't buy it there. Always fair, always reasonable on the price. They did the stuff I couldn't do, or didn't want to do (I've got, uh, a few motorcycles, and don't have the time or interest to mess with bicycles). So I need a new bike, tee up for a Trek Marlin 5 after reading reviews, go into the MacDill store, ride it after talking with the sales person who made sure it "fit" me. Rides good, looks good, what's not to like? I ask him: "should I buy up a hundred and a half or so for the "Marlin 6" or whatever? He runs down the differences: slight upscale on the Shimano rear set, it had an "Alivio" or some-such components, or maybe vice-versa. Either way, a little lighter. Minor up-market components on front forks, and a few bric-a-brac details. I asked him: "would you do it?" He said: "nah, the weight difference is a zip on a mountain bike, esp. if you're putting on a kickstand and some lights" (which is what I was doing). He said: "Skip a donut a week and lose a pound if that's important--save your money." I did buy the Bontrager speedo/odo, and a real kickstand that frame fits properly, which they installed and set up quickly & correctly. Like I said, they've maintained my old bike for several years: clean shop, mechanics that can answer questions ("what kind of fluid does the hydraulic discs use?") and gave me a shim for the front disc pads to avoid piston push when the front wheel is removed. I believe in buying local, supporting the folks in my neighborhood. I've bought bikes from "Dud Thames" (or "Flying Fish" or whatever) in the past. Also watched the various bike shops come and go (like that deadweight bike shop in the Barnes & Noble complex at Kennedy/Dale Mabry). This shop survives and thrives because they get it right, treat you right, and stand behind what they sell.