Bikechain

I could have every kind of help from the very kind staff. And also they have all kinds of tools for my need. This is a basecamp for cyclists.

The past 6+ years I’ve only had good experiences here. Dave is fantastic, he is helpful, knowledgeable and kind.

My most recent experience was however in sharp contrast to all those positive years.

I came in and Dave was away. Adrian whom I met for the first time was again just as helpful and eager to assist me, we were making good progress on all the work I needed to do on my bike, unfortunately at some point he had to leave so I was left with the only other employee.

She was only helpful in a begrudging sort of way and only when I approached her directly to ask questions on how to perform certain tasks. The way she would respond made me fee uncomfortable even asking for assistance so for much of the time I just stood there not knowing what to do.

What should have taken a fraction of the time took forever because she spent 98% of her time helping the other girls. Whenever I would ask for assistance she would reluctantly provide it with only half of her attention. At another point she was on her cell phone making a call while “helping me. ”and getting mad at me for not doing something quickly enough.

I also observed her being rude to others that came in. Although I noticed a pattern, the lack of manners was only directed at male cyclists. I would hear them ask simple questions and she would respond with sharpness and mild anger, this however, was never observed with any of the women that came in.

At another point I overheard her ridiculing a student (male) who had come in with some questions and had just left the building.

At another point I stepped out to use the washroom and when I came back and knocked, she looked through the glass and completely ignored me, knowing full well I was just inside, walking right past, another kind customer had to open the door for me.

But my biggest issue was her willingness to shrug off major potential safety issues on my bike and simply say “yeah it’s good enough” - when I suspected it was not safe.

I asked her to double check something because I had a suspicion it was not done right and it would have been unsafe for me to ride my bike home as it was wiggling and it didn’t seem safe.

“It’s good” she says.

I didn’t feel comfortable so luckily I was able to ask Adrian his opinion when he returned, and as suspected, he indicated it was not properly done and should not be wiggling. Just as I suspected…
He suggested I redo the work but unfortunately we were out of time.

I left feeling unsafe riding my bike. Although some tasks were completed thanks to Adrian’s help, I’m left with a bike which I am not comfortable riding because of these loose parts which need to be redone.

It’s frustrating so much time was wasted waiting for help, when the woman next to me was breezing right though their repairs because of Beth’s private lesson with her. I got so much resistance and felt awkward just asking for help after standing there waiting for so long.

This is supposed to be a positive space for EVERYONE. An inclusive spot where everyone feels a sense of commonality over bikes and anyone is welcomed.

I didn’t feel welcome this time. I’m sure neither did the other males I observed receiving the same treatment.

I hate typing this, but something needs to be done. I’ve observed this behaviour from her in years past but didn’t care to say anything because I was fortunate enough to have Dave’s help and therefore just avoided her having no need to communicate.

This place needs to be the great community spot it was meant to be. Everyone needs to receive the same equal treatment, attention and level of assistance.

Please change your attitude and make everyone fee welcome.

Quality bikes & Great value for money. My wife absolutely loves the bike I bought for her here

Great place. Everyone is welcome. Inclusive environment. The staff are patient and will spend time helping with diy repairs at very reasonable fees. Fun place to volunteer and learn new skills. Courses are offered throughout the year too.

I really enjoyed the DIY repair experience there. Amazing place with really encouraging and friendly staff!

I had a flat bike tire today and I called this place. I told them my bike had a flat tire and needed to be repaired and they said ok come back to me. I rode there for 25-30 minutes and didn't have much time as I was working with my bike. After going all this way, they said they couldn't because there was a long queue. It was really a joke, I went all the way and it's a big no-no.

Mildly hostile reception. Grudgingly helpful. I repaired my bike outside, because that seemed to be what they wanted. Good prices on parts though. Anyway, next time I'll go somewhere else.

The DIY build of bike is really helpful as bikers. The staffs are really helpful and supportive.

DIY hours/space is such a wonderful program! Staff and volunteers are so friendly and helpful. Thank you so much for helping me learn more about my bike.

I went there for DIY bike fix for the first time yesterday and I love the space everything was organized and welcoming! The DIY is the BEST! They will let you do the repair but also help you with all your bike issues and explain how to fix it using the correct tool.
Thank you to Beth and Dave for guiding and helping me!

* the only issue is they don't provide gloves so if you don't like getting your hands dirty bring gloves!:)

I really loved the service here as I booked an online appointment and my bike which might have been costed north of 100 dollars to fix elsewhwere was properly checked and fixed without a charge and just provided a small amount of donation. I was also recommended other places as there were no parts for other issues with my bike and to return for a DIY fix from Mon-Wed. Although I haven't used their DIY service, I was extremely happy with the single issue appointment. Highly recommended in the city.

Check their schedule! Presently on Thursdays and Fridays from 9-5 they repair your bike, and on MON-TUE-WED it is a DIY type of service and they help you. You can book an appointment on line. I love the DIY because you get to learn a bit. David and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The carry bike parts and see for a fee $ and the fee for service $ is at your discretion. I would come back here 100%. They installed the front basket.