Guys, chill out on the member sales pitch. I use you as a last resort, I don't need an aggro sales pitch from a guy with a man bun when I make a random purchase.
Store has a great variety, but bike service gets pricey:
My nephew wiped out on my Mt Bike, bent the back rim & derailleur, so I took it to REI.
Parts, I was charged...
$84.80 - for 1 rim & a derailler (i found rims online for under $30 & derailleurs for under $20)
Timing, the job took them 7 DAYS. (I got the bike back on day 10 when I called, since they tried calling me on a day my voicemail inbox happened to be full)
Labor, I was charged...
$27 - for switching the tube & tire from my old rim to the new
$5 - for doing rim tape
$20 - for installing the derailleurs
a last minute addition, they switched out my rear brake pads ...
$7 - pads
$5 - pad install
..for a grand total of $148, 7 days to complete.
Ouch. I could've done some of this myself. I may try
Riverbend Cycles service, which is just around the corner.
****Update 12/21/17
I've tried Riverbend Cycles several times now, and WOW!!
I highly recommend! I'll never use REI bike service again.
This REI has a lot of stuff. I end up a lot of times impulse buying things that I didn't know existed. Their displays are great.
Called ahead for a hold and when I picked it up 2 days later, the team member retrieved it with no problem. Friendly, efficient, knowledgeable staff.
Store has a great variety, but bike service gets pricey:
My nephew wiped out on my Mt Bike, bent the back rim & derailleur, so I took it to REI.
Parts, I was charged...
$84.80 - for 1 rim & a derailler (i found rims online for under $30 & derailleurs for under $20)
Timing, the job took them 7 DAYS. (I got the bike back on day 10 when I called, since they tried calling me on a day my voicemail inbox happened to be full)
Labor, I was charged...
$27 - for switching the tube & tire from my old rim to the new
$5 - for doing rim tape
$20 - for installing the derailleurs
a last minute addition, they switched out my rear brake pads ...
$7 - pads
$5 - pad install
..for a grand total of $148, 7 days to complete.
Ouch. I could've done some of this myself. I may try
Riverbend Cycles service, which is just around the corner.
The people here are the best they are always willing to help. The prices are a little high but prices are always high for these sort of things. They have good perks for members and often have special sales.
Needed to return a tent that I used once. Easy process, as always! Helpful staff here, too.
I love this store. Great helpful staff. Been a member since shopping the original REI store on s hiking trip in the Northwest. Prices are high, but the member rebates and various events make up for that.
High quality outdoors gear, and good selection too. My wife and I have gotten a significant portion of our camping gear here. If you like the outdoors, it's worth becoming a member - you earn dividends back on all purchases (basically a delayed-action discount), and get access to better deals. Pays for itself quickly with even a few purchases.
I came here to buy some hiking boots as I've wanted to start hiking but I have a tendency to roll my ankles! I explained what I was looking for and Jody (Jodi? Sorry, I'm not sure of the spelling!) went through the pros and cons of various boots according to my needs. She then explained how to properly fit a hiking boot and gave me plenty of individual attention, making sure I was satisfied without ever being pushy or condescending! I'll be shopping here for as long as I'm hiking!
I'm a big fan of this particular REI. Its location makes for easy parking and everyone that works for looks happy, and they're helpful. Stock and prices are always reasonable.
Very helpful and friendly staff. Store is well laid out and was practically empty when I visited which is unusual for REI. Love REI branded products and their commitment to outdoor education and conservation.
I love REI so much that I try to stop there every time I am n the area. If you have never been then it is a must. If you had a bad experience, which I can't imagine, give them another chance. Out doors and more, you won't be disappointed. They even give you a kick back if you sign up for their loyalty program.
Always helpful staff and great selection on backpacking, biking, and general outdoor equipment. Good sales if patient.
The five stars is for the bike shop only. Rest of the store seems ok. But Eric and the guys on the bike shop know what their doing and will go the extra mile for the customer. Hard to find service in a shop like this.