Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some frequent (and not so frequent) questions concerning our services:

1. What, other than the convenience of your service, is different or better than the service my local bike shop provides?
   
2. Your price for services doesn't include parts. What pricing can I expect on any needed parts?
   
3. Can I get my bike serviced the same day I request it?
   
4. Does BayAreaRider.com provide mobile or on-site repairs/maintenance?
   
5. Why is my invoice amount greater than the published price for a Tune-Up service?
   
6. I need my bike back in top condition quickly, what kind of turn-around can I expect?
   
7. My brakes squeal or otherwise make noise when I applied them during a quick test ride. Will this noise go away?

1. What, other than the convenience of your service, is different or better than the service my local bike shop provides?

   Obviously, our primary value is extreme convenience since you won't have to waste time transporting your bike to the local shop, waiting a few days, and then going back to pick it up. But, beyond our key value proposition, we will always get your bike back to you quicker and with a higher degree of quality and attention to detail. Local bike shops are great. And, those of you who are like "kids in a candy store" can attest, they are often enjoyable places to visit when you have the time. However, because we don't have the high level of overhead that a store-front bike shop obviously has, we can spend more time and focus more attention on your bike and your specific preferences and desires. 

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2. Your price for services doesn't include parts. What pricing can I expect on any needed parts?

   Our pricing on parts is extremely competitive with most local Bay Area bicycle shops. On average, our pricing on parts will be at or below market prices. However, if we are out of inventory on an item and you need your bike right away, we may be forced to source the part(s) from a premium priced bike shop or dealer due to availability or expediency. In any case, we generally consult with you prior making sourcing decisions.

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3. Can I get my bike serviced the same day I request it?

   Yes, of course. However, an additional fee of  $25.00/bike will be applied to the invoice to cover expedite costs.

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4. Does BayAreaRider.com provide mobile or on-site repairs/maintenance?

   Yes, we do. While this type of service delivery model isn't our focus, we are certainly capable of performing this type of service. There are caveats however: we only provide this type of service when we are already dispatched for pick-ups or deliveries. Consequently, if we aren't out on the road picking up or delivering bikes, we may not be able to accommodate your request; Additionally, our transport vehicles are not sufficiently stocked with parts and accessories, which means unless we dispatch with the correct parts, we could only provide tune-up or maintenance services that do not require parts.

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5. Why is my invoice amount greater than the published price for a Tune-Up service?

   Generally, we attempt to perform a tune-up using all of your existing cables and small parts. However, in some cases, cable wire or housings may be too damaged to re-use or we may find that a particular small part is damaged beyond salvage. These smaller parts are usually replaced during the course of the service and your invoice will reflect the replacement of such parts.

   In the case of more expensive items, we will typically contact you to advise you of the needed replacement parts or services prior to performing the work. You may decide to re-use, replace, or decline the repairs at your sole discretion.  

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6. I need my bike back in top condition quickly. What kind of turn-around can I expect?

   Short of paying an expedite fee, it is entirely possible for us to pick-up your bike one day and return it the very next day at no extra charge. This sort of turn-around is not always possible, but is not uncommon, especially if we are delivering bikes in or near your delivery area on the delivery date requested.

   If you really need your bike back quickly for an event, race, or just an important ride, we will make every effort to accommodate you. We ride, too. So we know how important having your bike back is. Unlike your typical bike shop, our business model provides a much better level of service and customer relationship. 

   The bottom line is we'll get your bike back to you faster than a typical bike shop -- we guarantee it. If you can get your local shop to guarantee a 24-hour turn around, we'll beat it!

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7. My brakes squeal or otherwise make noise when I applied them during a quick test ride. Will this noise go away?

   Yes. In most cases, this noise is caused by the re-alignment of the brake pads and/or the products we use to clean rims and tires. It will usually go away after your first longer duration ride. If the problem persists after a reasonably significant ride, please contact us immediately. We'll arrange a time and place to meet you and correct the problem -- at your convenience, not ours.

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If you have a question not answered above, please shoot us an email or submit a Service Request with your specific question in the comments section.