Review Date
October 14, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Customer Service Rating
 4 of 5

Technical Expertise Rating
 5 of 5

I visit this shop:
Every few months

Reviewed by: Ecogeek ,  Cross Country Rider

Shop Summary:
Great store. Like their ethics. Like their prices. Like their service. Like their staff. Surprisingly decent selection of stuff for a bricks and mortar store. Good for small parts like bolts, cable ends, rim tape, and accessories generally. Knowledgable and friendly techs. STUPID (verging on insane) policy of refusing to sell anything to non-members. Have to pay for the car park.

Customer Service:
V good for advice. Good for returns. Not amazing, but about what you'd hope for. Definitely far and away better service than other local bike shops.

Other Comments:
Did I mention the STTTUUUUUUPPPPIIIIDDD policy of not wanting to sell anything to non-members? I'm a member, but I remember when I wasn't. What an absolute CROCK. To become a member, you have to pay them and give up your privacy. In return you get....NOTHING absolutely NOOOOOTTTTHIING - exept an opportunity to PAY THEM when you buy stuff. Now I'm a member, I should really be even more upset about a policy that prevents people giving their money to a co-op of which I'm a member.
Really, I should knock at least two stars off for this madness, but I like the store enough that I'll overlook it for the rating in this review. This is really a 4 overall as the inventory and prices cannot touch a lot of web stores - except for small parts that aren't cost effective to order online due to shipping costs. However, the environmental stance gets a bonus 1* setting MEC apart from all other bike retailers and deserving top rating on its own.

Review Date
November 14, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Customer Service Rating
 4 of 5

Technical Expertise Rating
 3 of 5

I visit this shop:
Once a month

Reviewed by: dmitch123 ,  Cross Country Rider

Shop Summary:
Cheap prices for what they have, as long as they have it. Like someone else said, for tubes or tires, they're a good deal; other small parts / tools, not so bad, bike lights they're definitely worth a look.

They have a smallish selection of components; reasonable for pedals, they have a few derallieurs, cassettes, but no frames / bikes / wheels / large parts.

Good for clothing, they sell the "default" cycling jacket around here, good selection of winter gear. Some shoes/helmets, as long as you're not super picky definitely worth a look.

Customer Service:
It's not a bike shop, it's an outdoor gear shop that sells bike stuff -- so don't expect them to service your fork.. But for the the things you need everyday and can replace yourself (tires/tubes, brake pads, etc) they have the best prices in town.

Other Comments:
Clothing selection is definitely worth going for, as long as you don't want a particular team uniform..

Review Date
July 31, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Customer Service Rating
 5 of 5

Technical Expertise Rating
 5 of 5

I visit this shop:
Once a week

Reviewed by: garbagemanlande ,  Weekend Warrior

Shop Summary:
MEC sells everything including the most basic bike parts. Prices are always lower than anywhere else and the return policy is 2nd to NONE! Keep up the good work MEC.

Tires and tubes are cheap.

Customer Service:
Customer service is always 1st rate and I have never had a problem at MEC with the service in 11 years. From Vancouver to Calgary. No question asked guarantees on products. If your shorts seams are coming undone, just bring them back in 5 years later and they will sew them up for yah!

Other Comments:
I had a fleece once that I bought in 96' and they fixed the zipper for no cost 8 years later! Now that is something that you don't see everyday!

Review Date
April 22, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Customer Service Rating
 5 of 5

Technical Expertise Rating
 5 of 5

I visit this shop:
Once a month

Visitors rate this review
2.50 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: HarrySkinner ,  Cross Country Rider

Shop Summary:
Mountain Equipment Co-op, most people think hiking and camping gear when they hear their name. But did you know they have a huge section of bike parts, bike clothing and tons of bike gear. And to top it off their prices are great. You need to become a member for just $5, but you will get your money back the first time you go shopping. You can also shop online, and check and see what they have even before you head down to the store. Which I suggest you do often as they are add new products all the time.

Customer Service:
Great customer service and everyone in the store loves to help you find what you need. The staff is very knowledgable with all their products and if they don't know, they will find someone who does.

Other Comments:
They may not sell bikes and all the bike parts you may need. But the huge sellection they do have will keep you coming back for more. I have spent a hundred dollars in the store, that would have cost me twice that at any bike shop in town.