Toga Bike Shop

05/22/2008 Posted by themapples1

I went into Toga to look at their large selection of road chotchkies. They have a good selection of clothes.... Once I was done I asked them where Signature Cycles was. They said that they never heard of it. Now, never mind you that Signature is one of the true meccas of luxury cycling in the US and has been written up n Bicycling magazine and the NYTimes.... In anycase, I called Signature who happened to be across the street. I realize that there is such a thing as competition (though most would argue that the Signature clientele is a few notches above Toga's) but it was insulting to get the response that I did. What did they think that I was too dumb to walk outside and see it across the street....

Pros: good selection

Cons: overpriced across the board

09/19/2007 Posted by bxbrian

I went to this store on two separate occasions: though there was always a staff member eager to help you as you came in the door, once you identified yourself as a newbie you got significantly subpar service. Finding basic gear proved difficult--I went for a replacement tire and was told that they had only two types to choose from, with the least expensive being $20 for a standard size. I bought one at Metro Bicycles on 46th for $11. I'd really advise the average rider from going here unless you're looking to replace basic parts. The help is snobbish compared to other bike shops around Manhattan, and their prices are a bit steep comparatively speaking.

Pros: Attentive Staff, Size, Selection

Cons: Snobbish, Not Helpful

09/18/2006 Posted by nycer1998

I visited Toga because of the great reviews here - but my experience was infuriating. On my first visit, they recommended that I try a specific bike, but said they'd need to order and build it for me, and to come back on Saturday morning for a test ride. When I arrived on Saturday morning, they guy at the counter told me they'd just sold the bike to another customer. That was it - no apologies, no offers to make it right - just a dismissive attitude. When I said I'd come in on Saturday just as directed, and asked what had happened, the employee said that I hadn't put a deposit down. I told him that I hadn't been told that was an option, and that I certainly would have put a deposit down had I known. His reply? Just a condescending look and the comment - "Smile, it's not that bad." As a woman just starting to spend real money on my bike gear, I'm looking for a lot more respect from a bike shop staff - and I'll never give Toga Bike a dime. Looking for better customer service? Go to Bicycle Habitat downtown -- great prices and friendly, helpful staff.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

07/30/2006 Posted by mboydb

The first turnoff was employees smoking outside. At a bike shop claiming to have former racers as employees? Come on. The next turn off was the "heavy" dude working inside that claimed to be such a smooth rider through the City for some reason that I can't even remember. Next he went on a 10 minute tirade about gel seats and ED when all I really wanted were some answers to basic questions. I'll be skipping TOGA bikes next time I go shopping. Guy at the register was nice.

06/22/2006 Posted by bosco95

I just finished buying my first new bike in 12 years at Toga , I had been shopping around for quite some time and experienced what can only be described as Boy's club mentality at every shop I had been to. I walked into Toga on Saturday and I was admitedly nervous about all the people mulling around and asking questions of the Sales staff. They were very busy but they seemed to take it in Stride. I took a walk around the neatly arranged store and was greeted with a Hello and How are you by at least 4 different people who were involved with customers at the time. One of the salesmen "Hobie" was tending to a customer and he very calmly acknowledged my admiring the bikes hanging up on the ceiling and asked if I was being helped. I replied no and he then said that he'll be right with me rather than avoiding eye contact like in other shops I had been to. After about 5 minutes he came to me with a warm smile and started to ask me why I needed a bike, sounds silly but he was geniuinely interested in what I had to say and waited through my condensed version of my life story and we came to a conclusion as to what kind of bike best suited my needs. He brought out two bikes for me to test ride, telling me to really zone into what I felt on either bike while I was testing it. The first bike was a Giant Cypress (I think) , the second bike was a Specialized Sirrus (the bike I bought). I reported back to him what I felt on each bike and he disected the info like a mad scientist of bikes, and we both agreed the Sirrus was the bike for me. He then recommended I buy a bicycle computer with cadence, He told me it was the only way I would ever learn how to use the gears and enjoy the bike. He gave me a quick lesson on how I should be pedaling and after a helmet ,some shorts , a water bottle I was on my way. Big Love and gratitude goes out to Hobie and the people at Toga bikes for treating me like a Pro.

Pros: Great atmosphere, Not intimidating, great music playing.

Cons: Need Hobie clones !

06/19/2006 Posted by hiep

Extremely expensive, average products and rude service! they think they are better than new yorkers.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

06/07/2006 Posted by whoadude

the staff is incredibly friendly, helpful, and lack attitude. they didn't give me a hassle when i wanted to test ride some bikes. they take care of their customers really well. when they're busy, they're BUSY so if you're looking for exceptionally attentive service, try going on a weekday during non-rush hours.

Pros: lifetime service, friendly, laid back

Cons: not the cheapest plac

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

06/28/2004 Posted by billyz

Excellent service, knowledgeable staff. I visited this shop thinking i wanted one thing, but after explaining my needs to them, i realized i needed something entirely different. I was not ready to purchase until i shopped around. Once i did, i found the same bike for $100 cheaper, but the service was horrible. I go back to Toga, they beat the price but knock off another $20...

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

02/12/2004 Posted by trigal

Well it happened, I bought another bike from these guys. My friend has been trying to get me to Mountain Bike for years and I finally tried it on one of Toga's Demo mountain bikes. They measured me and told me I was a small and then proceeded to bring me a Specialized "Epic" mountain bike in bright green. I used it for the weekend for $100 and I was told that I can then use the $100 as credit towards a Specialized bike purchase. The bike was awesome ! It had a shock in the front and back and I was told by my salesman John that it would really aid me since I was a beginner to have Shocks on the back too. My friend and I went riding down in a park called "Hartchorne" in NJ. It was so much fun, even if I did fall twice. I think it's going to be the start of a new sport for me. John had also recommended the park to ride in and gave me directions too. I think he mentioned he lived near it. Well the weekend was over and I was hooked. I went to return the bike and John couldn't help me at the time but he introduced me to another salesman named Mike who showed me the exact bike I had road and it was on sale! That was it , I had to have it. They prepped it out and outfitted me with a wireless computer and bottle cages . The $100 I had used to rent the demo was also placed towards my purchase. Mike set my seat height and even swapped my stem for a slightly shorter one due to my shorts arms. I love this Bike ! Heck I love Mountain Biking ! Heck I'm a female Mountain Biker !!!! WOO HOO! Go see these guys , that's two good experiences and counting !

Pros: Good guys !

Cons: Some have girlfriends and others have wives!! J/K

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful