I am compelled to share my experience with Montebello Bicycles and hope that this review might…read moreguide someone to make the best decision for themselves.
I have an "A-race" coming up and needed my bike to have a basic general tune-up. I brought the bike to "BIKE SHOP XYZ" with significantly high Yelp reviews in terms of quality and quantity. After reading the reviews very carefully, I felt comfortable bringing my bike there. Long story-short, 2 weeks later my bike was not at all repaired, mechanic could not complete the wiring/cabling, gave up, & contacted me to discuss picking up the bike. In fact, the bike was in worse condition than when I dropped it off.
~~~~~~IN COMES MONTEBELLO BICYCLES~~~~~~
After picking up my bike, I immediately went to MONTEBELLO BICYCLES due to my previous mechanic's recommendation (he moved away). Upon entering the store, I was politely greeted by Bea. Shortly after, I was introduced to Aldo (Bea informed me that he would be the main mechanic working on my bike). With much worry and some anxiety, I explained my situation that I needed the bike in short order, my bike was dysfunctional, and needed significant repair. They did not interrupt me at all because they were actively & PATIENTLY LISTENING to my entire situation (& it was a lengthy story).
The largest issue with my bike was the challenging cabling/wiring that my bike required. They were very careful not to make any promises. However, Aldo explained how he would approach repairing my bike by giving me about 4-5 technical scenarios. Aldo advised me that I could leave the bike and it might take ONE WEEK or more to complete. As mentioned earlier, he did not make me any promises, but based on our conversation, I felt comfortable leaving the bike with them.
Less than 12 hours later, I received a voicemail from MONTEBELLO BICYCLES that my bike is completed and ready for pickup!!!! The cabling/wiring was done PERFECTLY. It was re-wired to the same specifications as my previous mechanic's design (who has now moved, hence, my need for a new mechanic), but now with new cables/wires, parts, etc. They let me test ride the bike and afterwards, Aldo even made some very important adjustments (which would have impacts to aerodynamics and speed) which he gladly did both carefully and swiftly.
Both Bea and Aldo are very polite, conduct themselves like professionals, communicate well, are active/patient listeners, definitely have solid experience, exceptional/competitive/fair pricing, are HONEST, great character, have highly technical skills, and lastly go above and beyond what many would do for their customers. Trust me, if you are their customer, you are in good hands.
I also had an issue with rebuilding my wheel hub. They could have easily performed this service for me, but recommended I go to another local wheel specialist because they would have the parts in stock, hence, could service it faster, and I would have my bike faster than they could do it. I called the local wheel specialist and Bea was gracious enough to answer all the technical questions that the wheel specialist had for me. Bea & Aldo essentially gave away that business (rebuilding wheel hub service) to another company for my personal benefit and NOT theirs. They put me (the customer) above any profit they could have had doing the service themselves. They knew I needed my bike very soon and keeping the bike there would take precious time from ordering parts, etc. This is the HONESTY I mentioned above.
Just like when finding the doctor you trust, the reliable plumber, the dentist that you see annually, ALDO & BEA at MONTEBELLO BICYCLES are now my go-to bike mechanics for all my service needs.
Thank you so very much Aldo and Bea!!!! I greatly appreciate all you did for me in such short order (especially knowing how important I needed my bike back ASAP, but how very complicated the repair would be).
P.S.: They also do weekly bikes rides starting at their shop. If you are local and looking to make good friends, you might consider stopping by for this.
