Bike SA whinge and suggestion...
I don't want to whinge too much as I do appreciate the concept of Bike SA, but I popped in there twice on this trip down here and both times was greeted with cold indifference. The first time was to see about bike path maps and the second about borrowing a spoke key. The first time I got the maps, albeit grudgingly, and the second was told no way would they lend me any tools nor help me in any way. I did end up at the Melbourne St. bike store in North Adelaide to borrow the spoke key from the heaps nice and generous owner - a couple of quick turns of the key and my wheel was straight. Yes, I know I should have brought my own, but it is the one tool I left at home - so small and useful too - my bad!
Again, not to whinge, but I had hoped the Bike SA people would have been a little more helpful and friendly to a visitor from out of town. I do understand that they don't want people doing major fixes on their bikes there, fair enough, but it got me thinking that would be great to see them with something like this "Bike Kitchen" I saw at the University of Victoria In Victoria, BC, Canada - a great idea and something for any Uni or community bike organization like Bike SA.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Matt Jones on -
Not sure its just reserved for "out of towners", I also got the feedback of "Well that wasn't exactly service with a smile" from the boss when she picked up my Grand Slam jersey.
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Permalink Reply by Scott Swinfield on -
I got the same treatment picking up my jersey.
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Permalink Reply by Phil Crick on -
yep me too - a bit gruff
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Permalink Reply by heather on -
In Brisbane, QLD, at Southbank on the Clem Jones Promenade (a shared path) is an installation about the size of 2 bicycle parking. Includes some basic tools that are chained in place. Don't know about a spoke key. Thanks for reminding me that it is something I plan to request, as part of my learning from a sport (cycling) scholarship to attend conferences interstate.
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Permalink Reply by Roger ... on -
In SA we have Bike SA and BiSA.
if you go to the community Bike Institute (BISA) workshop on a Sat morning before 11.00am they have got spoke keys 2nd hand parts .. and even a workshop grade Park truing stand for community use ... (free)
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Permalink Reply by Gus K on -
Yep, http://adlbicycleworkshop.posterous.com/ or via the group here on Adel Cyc http://www.adelaidecyclists.com/group/bikecoop
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Permalink Reply by Frank on
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Bike SA is full of clapped out kona bikes and the service is the same, I have send many people over to hire bikes but no more and I am glad somebody else had the balls to say it how it is! BRAVO!
Not sure if they are volunteers or what but they are grumpy as hell!
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Permalink Reply by Virginia Riches on -
Maybe you caught them on a bad day? Every time I've been in there they've been lovely, even if they've been really busy. Usually they have time for a quick chat and there's always a smile and wishes of good luck on future rides. No complaints here :)
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Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on -
I visited them to buy some maps (Kidman and Mawson trail).
I assumed it was run by volunteers of the three people there only one could speak English well enough to understand my request.
she appeared to have forgotten her "happy pill" that day.
I know people in the compliance section of the tax office that are more pleasant.
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