Stemples Cycle Center

They have gotten something terribly wrong every time I've gone in. For instance, I went for an overpriced 2-week-long tune-up, and I'm not sure they cleaned or replaced any parts. When I got my bike back, the rear brake was obviously disconnected and no-one noticed until I brought it up (loudly) I thought I would give them a second chance, so I went in looking for a new wheel. The guy seemed to think I wanted a tire. These mistakes would be funny if they weren't dangerous.
Oct 26th, 2020

Apr 10th, 2020

This business has been permanently closed since August 2020. The former owner did not care to update this fact on his Google small business page. For bike repairs, I recommend J & R Cycle & Ski which is about 2 miles down the road , and has great service.
Apr 2nd, 2020

Mar 14th, 2020

I have never taken the time to write a negative review before, but this was so obnoxious I feel the need to warn others. Being new to the area we were excited to find our go-to local bike shop. We brought 2 of our bikes in for a simple tune ups, and some strange noises coming from my wife's Felt. When we walked in they were absolutely swamped, credit card machine was down, and floor was empty with people still walking in. It was by far the busiest I have ever seen a bike shop. The employees were very understandably a bit flustered. We waited, told them what we needed, and one of the employees told us it should be 1-2 weeks (in fairness, the ticket said 3 weeks, but I was hoping the verbal was accurate). We said okay, and left with our service tickets. Fast-forward 2 weeks, I began calling to check in to see if my Trek would be ready for my ride up to McHenry. When I called they assured me they would make every effort but that they were busy. I then called the Wednesday before my weekend ride and they told me it wouldn't be ready for Saturday. I decided to just come pick the bike up and do the work myself - no shade on Stemples...they were swamped - I get it. When I came into the shop I let the girl at the front know I was picking up my bike before the work was done and she said she would grab it for me. Then, who I am assuming is the owner, begins to YELL AND CUSS at me calling me a liar that nobody ever told me 1-2 weeks. I told him I was sure I heard that, but I wasn't upset I just simply needed my bike (1 of 2 at Stemples). He continued to call me a liar in front of other customers and told me they don't do business with liars. Against my better judgement I still left my wife's Felt there for the service. Worst experience as a customer I have had in any context. Unbelievable. Then, to make matters worse, my wife picked up her Felt and despite their claims NOTHING WAS FIXED. Furthermore, there was so much lube on the chain it was spraying onto the frame. They also lowered to seat to something akin to a BMX bike and when my wife told them it should be much higher (this is a drop-bar gravel/adventure bike), they said no, she was wrong that it was OK. Long story short, I really wanted to like this place but haven't had a good experience in 2 attempts to give them business. I went over to JR Cycles to pick up a couple things and strongly recommend anyone looking for a bike shop to go there instead.
Mar 12th, 2020