Monday, September 23, 2013

Sid's Bike Shop - Murray Hill

I walk past this place a good deal...sometimes it is dead, other times busier.

Oh, wow--once again we have reviews really all over the place! I have the feeling that this may partly be due to something about Sid's and also something to do with the nature of bike owners, most of whom I have known to be extremely fussy and very sensitive when it comes to dealing with bike stores.

But make up your own mind what is going on here

Sid's Bike Shop

3.5 star rating
53 reviews Rating Details
Categories: Bike Rentals, Bikes  [Edit]
235 E 34th St
(between Tunnel Exit St & 2nd Ave)
New York, NY 10016
Neighborhoods: Midtown East, Murray Hill, Kips Bay
(212) 213-8360
Nearest Transit Station:
33 St.
Grand Central - 42 St.
28 St.
Hours:
Mon-Wed 10 am - 7 pm
Thu-Fri 10 am - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Good for Kids:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   What's this?

  • "Sid's thank you for making the sport of cycling so much more fun." In 7 reviews
  • "Make sure you stop by and ask for John and Delissa." In 2 reviews
  • "i know ride my bike all over NYC and couldn't be happier." In 7 reviews
Rating Distribution | Trend
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53 reviews in English

  • Review from

    • 8 friends
    • 60 reviews
    Livingston, NJ
    7/28/2013
    After watching Tour de France for three weeks straight, I caught the riding bug and felt like I could tackle the French Alps and the Pyrenees (Ok not really) Needless to say I was in the market for a new road bike.

    After weeks of researching I narrowed my bike search down to a Cannondale Supersix 105 versus Caad10 Ultegra, lots of deals going on for this brand in NYC right now. I called Sids Bikes not knowing what to expect and was greeted by an awesome sales rep and bike tech Delissa. Delissa was very professional, knew the products, very patient...took the time to make sure they had the inventory and setup a test ride for me. She mentioned that the Caad10 was in a box and needed to be put together and wasn't sure if they would have it by end of day for the test ride. At this point I was so stoked just knowing they had both bikes in inventory that day. None of the LBS in my area had the bikes my size. Three stars for Sids just for that alone.

    Here is when the day got even better...Sids delivered big time by having the Caad10 Ultegra setup AND delivered from another shop in time for my test ride. (Side note both bikes were totally Amazing!) My choice was quite clear and bought the Supersix, a cush carbon ride over the alloy Caad10.

    Best part of the day...Sids gave me a fantastic deal on the bike and could not be happier. No fuss or pushiness. Transaction done, shake hands, done deal. I can't wait to ride the bike.

    Thank you Sid's for an awesome bike. Thank you Delissa for top notch service. Highly recommended bike shop when purchasing a new bike.
  • Review from

    • 13 friends
    • 19 reviews
    New York, NY
    8/20/2013
    This is my neighborhood shop, so as default i keep coming back.
    But goodness, what is going on with customer service?
    The rookie employees are the ones who offer any, and if it weren't for them this place would get no stars.

    - The seasoned employees act as though they're to good to answer questions.
    - Your immediately characterized walking into this shop, with money or not.
    - The crazy is that even after your showing signs of making a purchase they lack the decency of politeness.

    On this particular visit i was brought over to the cashier to finalize my purchase, he struggled to acknowledge me, and had me wait... for about 10 minutes (with no customers around) while on the phone.
    Not until another cashier, ringing up someone else, charged my items did i receive any assistance.

    Not the first time in this place, and not the first time I was met with complete rudeness.
    This place never fails to disappoint me. This is my EmergencyGoToDefaultThere Is NoOtherChoiceCloseBy place to go to.

    And to think that I was considering Purchasing a 1800$ Bicycle this time around.
    Time doesn't make this place better.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    7/17/2013
    I've only had 2 interactions with this shop thus far, both times with a female employee who was pretty rude to me. The first time she told me they wouldn't help me out with my request because they don't "do that"...after being put on hold, she came back and said, "nevermind, i guess we do." Fine...no problem.

    The second interaction, I stopped in and said, "Hi, I called last week and..." and she shot back, "you and about a thousand other people..." After catching me off-guard, I explained that I've already hired them to work on my bike, etc. Upon realizing this she got nicer.

    I'm new to cycling in the city and this shop is really conveniently located in my neighborhood so I'm hoping my impression of them changes, because at the moment they're really bumming me out.

    Thanks for treating a new customer like an idiot.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    6/27/2013
    I bought a bike here in april and they did a bad job of building it, so the handlebars slipped down and locked the front brake while I was going down a hill. I went over the handlebars and was knocked unconscious, even with a helmet on. My shoulder was sore for three weeks, and my sunglasses got completely destroyed.

    After this, they were rude to me and lied about "waiting on parts" for three weeks before returning the bike without replacing the wheel they had promised to replace, and set up the brakes so poorly that the front one was dragging on the wheel as I rode home from the shop.

    Terrible quality work, terrible service.

    Buyer beware.
  • Review from

    Manhattan, NY
    9/20/2012 1 check-in here
    The staff at Sid's are very nice and informative.  Very patient, especially when you're trying to figure out what the best deal is for you.  I'd really recommend Sids, both the 34th street and the 19th street shops.

    Bought a pair of Bike Shorts here, they fit nicely and they even threw in a water bottle with it!
  • Review from

    Elmhurst, NY
    7/25/2012
    I am reviewing Sid's based solely on the services I received. I have never bought a bike here, but I must say that the service was impeccable.

    One of the rarity about Sid's is that it actually stocks bikes my size and I ride the smallest bikes. That's why when I called them up to ask about it, and they told me they had everything I was looking for, I got super excited. You should have heard my voice: high pitched, and full of excitement, as if I was about to meet Justin Bieber or something (in reality, I'm not a Bieber fan, but you get my point).

    When I walked into the shop, I was greeted by a salesperson named Dan. I told him what I was looking for, and it turns out that he was the guy who I was talking on the phone with earlier. Wow, I can't believe he remembered!  He totally remembered all the bikes I was asking about, and told me that I can test ride anything I wanted.

    The first bike he let me test ride was a 44 cm Cannondale Synapse. This has got to be one of the only bike shops that sells these. Size 44 is hard to come by, so I'm quite impressed, especially for a Cannondale. I'm also impressed at how they tuned it up for me just for me to try out. I have never gone to a bike shop that has done this. After test riding the Cannondale, he pulled out the Specialized Ruby size 48 to let me test ride because I told him I didn't know what size I was.

    When I came back from test riding, I told him that I preferred the Specialized but I was unsure of the bike size. With the size 48, my back was hurting, so he told me to get on the bike so he can see how my posture was. When he couldn't tell, he asked for another pair of eyes, Dave, and when he couldn't tell, he told me to get onto the trainer. This is the first bike shop that has offered this type of service to me. People are lazy and many would want to avoid this if all possible, so I was quite taken aback that they were offering it to me.

    Dan set the larger bike up on the trainer, and both Dan and Dave observed me while I pedaled. After pedaling for a bit, Dan switched the larger bike out of the trainer and put the smaller one in. After looking at me ride on the smaller bike, both of them told me with confidence that the smaller bike would suit me better. I was less outstretched, and my shoulders were properly aligned. Further, they showed me how I should be riding, and where my arms and elbows should be positioned and bent. Unfortunately, I did not look awesome on the bike, because of my flexibility issues, but they told me that the smaller bike was definitely my size.

    Even after all this service that was provided to me, Dan was not pushy at all. He did not try to sell me a particular bike, even though he told me that he's all about Specialized. Heck, he didn't even try and force me to buy the 44 Specialized, even after confirming that it was my size, and that it was the comfiest fit. All he told me was to choose the bike that was the most comfortable to me. I really respect that. And he answered all of my questions and addressed all of my concerns.

    I really would like to purchase a bike here, but prices are higher here, and hence the 4 stars and not 5. Shop around, and you'll definitely know which places offer the best prices. I do like Sid's however, because of the phenomenal treatment I've received. I guess I was really lucky to come across Dan. Like all bike shops, customer service can be a hit or a miss. You definitely want to find someone higher up on the management chain to help you out.

    After coming to Sid's, I have finally confirmed my size and can purchase the right bike with confidence. Thanks Sid's for the awesome service!
  • Review from

    Manhattan, NY
    8/13/2012 2 check-ins here
    The staff at Sid's is out of this world.  In both locations, but especially the one on 34th street.  Awesome shout out's to John and Delissa for being awesome over there.  Seriously!

    I've purchased five bikes from Sids -- each time, everyone on that staff has been incredibly helpful and patient throughout each purchase.

    Make sure you stop by and ask for John and Delissa!
  • Review from

    • 2 friends
    • 17 reviews
    New York, NY
    8/31/2012
    I had a flat tire in the neighborhood so I came in to have it fixed, although I had read Yelp reviews of the high prices here.  I was told the tire would be $35 so I said okay.  When it came time to pay, it was $61 with the additional costs of the inter tube plus labor.  I was expecting $35 plus tax.  The staff seemed nice enough and knew what they were doing, but I felt that weren't very clear with the pricing.  

    Looks like a wide selection of bikes and gear if you're looking for that.
  • Review from

    • 795 friends
    • 1260 reviews
    New York, NY
    6/14/2011
    Really disappointed in stopping here yesterday. Due to an impulse decision to purchase a bell, front and back lights that were much needed for my new bike. The sales people were all gathering around laughing and socializing and didn't even offer to help me until I stepped up to the cash register. The guy who did help me (didn't get his name) was really cold, and just pointed my friend outside to pump air in her tire. I asked him to show me some lights and he couldnt even give me a valid decision. I had to basically choose the second most expensive one just to feel less uncomfortable standing with him. When I asked if they could install it, he pointed at the guys in the back area, which were also standing around chit chatting. No smile whatsoever. I felt like I was bothering them more than helping them with a sale.

    The only good factor was they were able to install everything in less than 10 minutes. I browsed the bikes and they were definitely all out of my price range.

    I can't believe I spent 70 dollars on all this, but I guess I learned my lesson.
  • Review from

    • 2 friends
    • 2 reviews
    New York, NY
    8/7/2010
    Every staff member that I have interacted with, had a horrible attitude and were unhelpful.  Each time I went in there, they acted as if they were doing you a huge favor by listening to you.  I bought a $2,500.00 bike from them and the service I received afterwords was THE WORST.  This "shop" is not a real shop; it's more of a Wannabe Supply House and their prices are a lot higher than the local competition.  I will never go back to this place.  Tread Bike Shop, in Inwood is100 times better in all aspects and worth the trip, even from downtown.

    Worst Shop I've ever been to.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews
    New York, NY
    8/20/2010
    The staff at Sid's are amazing - they know absolutely everything about cycling, are really friendly, and never try to upsell you. You'll get exactly what you need for your skill level and aspirations, nothing more (expensive) and nothing less.

    Thanks, Sid's!
  • Review from

    • 34 friends
    • 101 reviews
    New York, NY
    4/2/2008
    Like with any bike shop, you have to let Sid's grow on you after awhile.  On my first visit many years back, I felt at once strong-armed and condescended to by the salesman who sold me my Van Dessel.  This was long before I ever realized that this would be par for the course at alot of bikeshops in the city.  (If you're a NYC cycling novice, just understand that every question you ask about bikes, nearly anywhere you go and no matter to whom, is going to be treated as the most idiotic one ever uttered in their presence.  Don't take it personally, it's just part of the culture).

    But when I walked out the door with my Superfly, I knew I had gotten more bike than I deserved to have, and probably for a better price than what I could find anywhere else.  The warranty is terribly generous and the more you come in, the nicer they are to you (even more so early on weekend mornings when many of them are clearly hung over).  That said, I haven't had an even remotely unpleasant experience with them in years, even when the service (under admittedly extraordinary circumstances) hasn't always been flawless.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 22 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    5/17/2013
    I order my bike last Friday (pink specialized expedition). I was told it would come this Wed-Fri. It came on Thurs and I was told it would be set-up in a day or two. I needed it for errands during the weekend so Dave told me to call back on Fri. I called back and asked if they could get it done earlier rather than later and not only were they able to set it up that day, despite being swamped, they did it by 4pm which is awesome because it lets me run errands this evening as well. The bike was cheaper than any other store I checked in (even Brooklyn) and the staff is super nice, especially Dave helped get my bike set up. Thanks Dave!
  • Review from

    • 1 friend
    • 11 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    Updated - 8/25/2011
    An update to my earlier review. My gear shifter was acting wonky after my visit the other day. I stopped in this morning and asked the same mechanic to take a look. He dropped what he was doing, put my bike on the rack, and had it fixed in minutes. No charge.

    I repeat, as good as it gets!

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