Cycle Gear Stores

[the Ferret]

Well ours was 62.5 miles away. Drove up today. Wife wanted boots that were advertised at Revzilla. They didn't have them but could order them (so can we). I wanted a Hi Viz Mesh Jacket. They had one, but it was European zipper (pull on left like a ladies jacket). No thanks. I bought some off their Freeze out gear on sale and wife bought freeze out gloves. Store was new and clean and the guy was nice. But it's no Iron Pony.

[2017EX_imp]

I have done a little with Cycle Gear brick and mortar stores from time to time over the years. Generally I have found the best thing to do is call first and see if they have what you are looking for in stock to look at/try on. More often than not, I have found "they can order" what I was looking for, but dont have it in stock. The call first thing has saved me wasted time driving there and back.

These days, I buy almost all my gear from Revzilla.com . I have ordered and returned gear that did not fit or was not quite right for me once I had it in hand, numerous times with no hassle, including prepaid return shipping labels emailed to me. They ship for for free over $39.99, and give painless full refunds with no re-stocking fees. I have never seen any retailer that is as fast as they are in issuing a refund once they have a return in hand either. They will also price match other legitimate online retailers, provided they can go online and verify. I have gotten a painless price match a few times as well. I keep using them because customer service is the best I have ever experienced, and their "Gear Geeks" usually know their stuff as well.

The only thing I do not buy online is helmets, and there are several reasons. From what I have seen, most helmets carry a 5 year warranty, but then you have to read the warranty to see if it is 5 years from date of purchase, or 5 years from date of manufacture. I like Shoei, and their warranty is 5 years from date of purchase or 7 years from date of manufacture, whichever comes first. I think this is because most helmet brands are now made overseas. That adds a lengthy amount of time to ship by boat in a container before it gets to the U.S., then clear Customs, then ship to a dealer or a warehouse. After that, who knows how long it will sit on a dealer shelf, or in a warehouse. Online dealers have no way to tell the buyer what the date of manufacture is on for an online helmet purchase. So, in addition to wanting to check fit, and look for cosmetic defects, I also want to check the date of manufacture for a prospective helmet purchase at a brick and mortar store before plunking down the cash to buy it. From what I have seen, there is always a date of manufacture sticker on the energy absorbing Styrofoam liner, that is between the helmet shell and the soft textile liner. I recently found a brand new premium brand helmet offered for sale that had a 2013 date of manufacture, as a case in point. Granted, Revzilla would still do a full refund and prepaid return on a helmet for this or any other reason, but helmets are something I would rather get right the first time.

[motoWest_imp]

One advantage of having a Cycle Gear nearby is that they offer free returns of items ordered through their online store. As others have noted, they don't carry a lot great inventory in their stores (helmets, jackets, armor etc.) however pretty much all the top name-brands are available through their website.

When I ordered a Merlin jacket that ended up being too small, I simply returned it to the store and didn't have to pay return shipping. I've found this service indispensable given the high degree of variability in motorcycle gear sizing. And I suppose this business strategy works given that I now order through them instead of other online retailers!

[Obleo]

There is a cycle gear about 5 miles from me, make it handy to browse the store. I was in the market for a shoei r j platinum helmet that they had,but not in the color I wanted. I tried one on to determine the correct size. I intended to order it online, but as I was leaving the clerk responded that I was going to try a helmet on in store but not buy from them. I told him the price online and said that he would order the right color for me and dropped the sales tax. I agreed,the next day it arrived. He matched the online price and threw in some farkles. Couldn’t be more than satisfied. I think we should support the brick and mortar stores. Take note of the closing of Sears stores and numerous others.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Very nice story obleo, and agreed. Patronize local markets when reasonable, or else pay later.

[Gone in 60]

I like Cycle Gear stores. Nice guys, I don't typically buy their Bilt brand products, but for oil, consumables and such, they're handy!

[RLS_imp]

Here in Memphis, they have a nice and knowledgeable staff. They have great sales from time to time. I have purchased a couple of helmets from them (hard to find a 2XL) hi-viz jacket, several pairs of gloves, freeze out gear. It is my favorite place in Memphis, and the only place.

[TwoBrothersBusa_imp]

The Bilt house brand is cheap stuff and that's about all I can say on that. They have another tier up called Reax that is much nicer. I bought their summer mesh jacket and matching pants. Good stuff going on year two.

I've had good luck with an A'Stars one piece leather and a couple of Dainese two piece leather suits for the track.

[pw363_imp]

I've stopped at a few cycle gear stores in florida. Never bought anything but people were nice. I live about 1.5 hour ride from iron pony been going there for years. AS stated before I am spoiled by having this place so close to home its like going to disney world! Iron pony's tire section is bigger than any cycle gear store I've been in. I've got many bargains at iron pony and you can try everything on. As ferret said it's overwhelming at times.

[soulmachine_imp]

Cycle Gear is handy to have, if you are close enough to one. They will usually work with you on price, if you ask.

But Cycle Gear is definitely no Iron Pony....which is freaking awesome!!!