Bike repair in South Minneapolis (Richfield)

[carbonel]

In my garage, I have an old Schwinn bike. It was a fine bike once upon a time, even though it's decidedly retro now. But I assume it needs a major overhaul to get it going again.

Any recommendations as to where to take it?

The first thing that came up when I googled was Velofix, which is both near me and comes to your place in their van to do the work. But I suspect that 30-year-old bikes are not their jam, and almost the first word in the video that describes their services was "premium." I'm guessing they would sneer at my poor old bike.

I hear the name Erik's a lot, but I've also heard people warning others off about them. I went there once long ago and got a very hard sell for a type of seat I didn't want. That was just one salesperson, of course, but it does make me a bit wary.

I'd appreciate personal recommendations so I don't have to rely on just a web search.

ETA (6/27): Now on the waiting list at Farmstead Bike Shop, so will probably get a call around mid-July to bring it in. Thanks for all the suggestions!

Comments

[quadong]

You've probably seen my rant about Erik's. If not, I'll share if you want.

I don't know Velofix, but I've never gotten shade for my fairly crappy bikes when I bring them in various places that have new shiny expensive bikes for sale. Also, bikes *ought* to last 30 years if they aren't being ridden through the snow and salt every winter, so I hope it doesn't win any prizes for being the oldest they've ever seen.

[dreamshark]

I have ABSOLUTELY gotten shade for my old crappy bikes. Most recently at Alt Bike (formerly my favorite bike shop) and before that at Freewheel on the West Bank after they converted their business model from shaggy hippie coop to serving upscale competitive bikers.

[carbonel]

I don't remember your rant about Erik's specifically, but that might be partly why I have a negative feel for the place.

Sure, please share.

[quadong]

In short, they refuse service if you don't give up all your personal information, even if the service takes 3 minutes (changing a flat tire in one case) and you're willing to stand there while they do it. This has happened two out of the two times I've gone into an Erik's, and in neither case did the employee bend one iota. The first time they *unrepaired* my brakes after I refused to give them my name.

[carbonel]

How very annoying. I would be tempted to flat-out lie.

[quadong]

I have decided that that would be playing into their game. Even though they wouldn't be able to spam me, it would be saying that I accept that their demands are legitimate, and *I'm* the bad guy. Instead, I take my business elsewhere.