still more with the bike

about a week and a half ago (Sept. 8) I went to the Fall Brooklyn Bike Jumble, think flea market, but all for bike stuff. While it was a lot of bike parts for folks who want to build their own frankenbike, there were new bikes and accessories. I picked up a kryptonite multi lock (my words, it's a u-lock with cord) on sale from zen bikes. John, the owner, tossed in a reflective slap bracelet for my pants leg.

I am all about cheap thrills and the bracelet definitely meets that criteria. there was more unfortunately, my would-be bike was there. something i didn't find out until i went back to bicycle roots. but that's a different story.

the experience was definitely worth the trek. the day turned out to be nice, after the tornado had touched down on the other side of brooklyn.

i think my yelp review encapsulates my feelings about R&A Cycles, so I'm just going to plagiarize myself. it was on the way from the jumble to bicycle roots so i figured i'd stop in and check them out:

They didn't completely ignore me. Having experienced ruder, I can't in all honesty say they are *the* rudest. But in a city, even a borough, with so much competition, why give [my] money to a place that clearly doesn't care about its customers?

They didnt really seem to care if I shopped or didnt. Plus, when I asked for a test ride, they agreed, but, when i requested one, said they don't offer helmets for that. (Hello, you are already holding onto my credit card, it's not like you can't charge me for anything if something happens.) All I want to do is bike in safety. Is taht really too much to ask? Considering the way my request was denied, R&A seems to think so.

so i left. there had been a pretty brown 3 speed schwinn for a little less than the globe, but i took into considerationi the physical effort of getting there + the expected annoyance (especially based on fellow yelpers' reviews) it just din't seem wort it.

and then back at bicycle roots....(to be continued)