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| - Six stars for merchandise. Minus at least two stars for service.
This store is absolutely the best bike store I've ever been to in North America. That is, if you count standing outside, then going inside and being shooed back outside, as having "been to" a bike store.
The store itself is packed, and I do mean PACKED, with classic Italian bike parts like you wouldn't believe (there is only a single small pathway leading lengthwise through the store) . Phenomenal vintage frames, rims, saddles, grupos, you name it. Jon somehow knows the precise location of each screw, cable, and cog in his store. If he doesn't have exactly what you're looking for, he has five other possible very close substitutions. However, you are absolutely, positively, NOT to walk around or look around the store. You are to stand at the counter and not touch anything. If you do not know this unwritten law, you will be made very familiar with it in a very abrupt, Eastern Bloc fashion.
The plus side of all his knowledge is that you can find anything you need. Minus side is that A) he doesn't exactly 'teach' you anything, more scolds you with information and B) he knows exactly how much everything is worth. Whereas you can luck out in some bike shops or with some craigslist sellers not knowing what they have, Jon prices you exactly what it's worth on the market. If you're lucky, he'll give you 5% off if you buy two of something and you hold your ground like the Polish-trained-babka you are.
Furthermore, Jon is very fond of sending you away and telling you to come or call back later, no matter what the store hours are or if he's free or busy. If he doesn't feel like looking for something for you, he will tell you that you can come back the next day. I also saw him tell a guy with a flat tire on his bike that he should bring back the bike in three hours and then he would repair it by tomorrow. Very curious modus operandi. He himself is a character even beyond his personality. I would say he is in his late 60s, Tour-De-France build (extremely lean), and wears old school wool cycling jerseys and a cap. Rumor has it that he raced in the old country.
At this point I should mention that I am the spawn of two Eastern Europeans. I have spent A LOT of time in the Eastern Bloc and I know what 'service' there means. I know I have to shut down all of my American expectations for niceties, efficiency, and comfort. Even so, Jon was a lot to handle. Everything is 100% on his terms and he knows we'll take the abuse because we're bike junkies and he's got the dope.
I would avoid going here unless you want to see the most amazing bicycle shop you're ever seen in your life, you're looking for specialty items, or you don't have the means to pay for your dominatrix anymore and you need to be punished by a stranger. As a bike enthusiast, builder, and glutton for punishment, I'll be coming back for more.
[my last visit to the store was in 2011 and that's what this review is based off of - it left a huge impression - bummer to hear that it's closed]
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