Conte's Bicycles and Fitness Equipment

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The owner Paul Flanningan is very cruel and cut throat upon my multiple visits. I don't know which is less hurt full the racial slurs or financial status insults. The bike mechanic Nathan is okay though, but everything is definitely over priced but I understand that they have to make a profit.

This is an email I sent to Conte's in Norfolk on 21st Street in Ghent:



I was in your shop on 6/19 having a chain readjusted on my bike when a tall man who I believe works at your store entered. He may have been the boss and he looked like a football player, with a beard. He was insulting to me. I was friendly but his answers were curt and sarcastic. I asked him if he had trouble with the cars and traffic in Norfolk and he said, "No, except when people park that way." He thought he was referring to me but I told him that that was an old man who had driven me there and that he was 80 years old and doesn't see well. I myself am disabled and don't own a car, just a bicycle. He said other demeaning things as if I was in his way. He never looked at me. I am 60 years old and where I come from elders are treated with respect, especially since I was a customer in his store. The employee who serviced my bike was extremely refined and had a respectful conversation with me and fixed my bike with enthusiasm. I was delighted with his work. I don't know what was bugging the other employee -- traffic, heat or family problems, but whatever it was I want no part of it. I was there to have my bike fixed, not to be humiliated.

Have to agree with Alnamvet's post....way over priced on virtually everything; not very friendly, and staff have an air of dismissiveness. Do not recommend; go to the web for great deals, or East Coast Cycles for a friendlier and more customer service oriented atmosphere. Oh, and they (ECC) will deal.

Go elsewhere; in the last 4 visits to the shop, while looking to purchase a part, the shop was empty, save for somepone's girlfriend sitting at the counter; I have yet to see the shop busy with customers, or a staff member really interested in discussing the reason why virtually every accessory, part, and in some cases, bikes/frames are well over 25% the MSRP. In a world where steep discount internet stores, who deliver value priced bikes and associated accessories, with the typical free shipping and no sales tax, it is a wonder why many in my cycling group forego supporting the LBS's (Local Bike Shop). To be sure, in a pinch, when one HAS to buy a emergency item, such as a a new tire (assuming one hasn't stocked up on the excellent tire deals on the web), then the LBS becomes a necessary evil. Coming from NYC, and having done bike messenger work back in the 60's, I have grown accustomed to customer service, and the willingness to make a deal. With thisd particular store, if they were even inclined to offer a discount, the discount will certainly come from an inflated over the MSRP price, which in effect, becomes no discount.



I am sorry to say that since this shop moved from Colley Avenue to this "upscale" and overpriced piece of real estate location, the service and enthusiasm, as well as inflated prices leaves me with no choice but to never recommend this bike store.

This shop is tucked away in the Palace Shops across from Baker's Crust; but is definitely worth visiting. They have a great selection and a really great bike mechanic. The place to come for advice on biking in Norfolk.