I walked into A J Barnes Bike Shop about 3 years with an old bike that I had bought from a police auction. I needed new rims and tires, new brakes a new chain and new gears. I was terrified of the costs I was about to incur but braced myself for the shock. I was amazed. The guys here saw that I was willing to learn and even help repair my old red bike and so they put me to work. We replaced my tires with thin road tires. The guys here showed me how to use steel wool to remove the rust from the wheels and spokes - I didn't need new ones. We cleaned and oiled my gears, changed my break wires, adjusted the breaks, and replaced my shifter with a new set that someone had discarded.
The cost:
New tires - A couple of bucks.
Break cords - A few dollars.
New gear shifter - $40
Valuable knowledge and hard to find help - Priceless!
Not only did I get a great deal but I was treated right!
Two years later I went back - my gears wouldn't shift. I walked in and the guys looked at me, "Jesyka! Hey girl, how are ya? Are you still riding?" I couldn't believe that after 2 years they remembered my name! Talk about customer service!
The shop is not that big. It's located in a little shopping center just north of Briarcliff on the west side of Tamiami Trail. The bikes are average prices for new and specialty bikes - priced more for the serious riders that are really looking to invest.
They carry bikes shoes, shorts, and shirts. Helmets and gloves and your normal bike accessories: brakes, handle bars, seats, cushions, reflectors, backpacks, etc. All are very reasonably priced.
I would recommend A J Barnes to all bicycle enthusiasts, whether you live in the area or just passing through. They'll take great care of you!
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