This is a review of the bike shop only. I'm a bike messenger. I try to do all my repairs myself, but sometimes it's not possible. If something goes wrong and I'm downtown I bring my bike to Brent every time. He understands that we don't have a lot of time (or money) so he always tries to get it done ASAP at the cheapest price possible. He doesn't always try to sell the most expensive part possible, in fact quite the opposite. I have been there numerous times when he has sold me a used part he just happened to have lying around.
Last week I needed a bottom bracket. I was prepared to do it myself but i would have had to remove the cranks just to know the right size. Brent offered to install it for $5 labour within an hour. 20 minutes later it was done at a total cost of under $25. And I'm sure this will last a long time. His repairs are always solid.
My friend once went in and found his manner to be a bit gruff, but I think he forgot about that after seeing the quality of the work and the price.