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03/6/12 Bike Service

Hi Raenier, Just wanted to say thanks again for fixing up Gens bike. I dont think I have ever seen her so excited with anything we have ever given her! She absoliutely loves it. It may as well have been a brand new bike as far as she is concerned. Its a nice thing to see a 3 1/2 yo with a non stop smile! You did such a good job in cleaning it as well.

Regards Pete


24/4/12 Road Bike Fitting

Easily the best and most comprehensive bike fit that I've done. I'd give it a five out of five. From my point of view, all of it was valuable. My riding has improved remarkably. In fact my body shape has changed as a result of bike fit causing me to use muscles properly. I can hardly recognise my own legs. My average speeds have gone up by around 10kmph. I'd recommend it to everyone. It's an excellent service and really vital. Like a lot of things, you don't realise how much you need it until you've done it.

All the best John


02/4/12 New Bike Fitting

Hi Raenier,

Took the FX out for a short 12K ride yesterday to get a feel for it and particularly the saddle, phoned when I got back but you weren't in the shop.I cannot believe the absence of pain and discomfort. No sore shoulders or neck, no sore wrists, and especially, no sense of anything in the seat other than sitting on my sit bones. I am totally thrilled with the bike, but the saddle is a whole new universe. I realise I've never known how it "should" feel to sit on a bike and just enjoy the ride without extreme pain, gritting my teeth every inch of the way and believing (after a number of different seats, "expert" conversations and bike fits) that it was just part of the price I had to pay for riding.I can't thank you enough for your listening, your understanding, your knowledge, your patience and your perseverance. You've completely changed my beliefs about me and riding, and therefore changed my world somewhat, and I truly thank you.
Warm regards,

Di


22/3/11 Road Master Workshop Class

Hey Raenier,

Just wanted to reply and say thanks so much for the awesome class yesterday! My buddy Randall and I were really happy to ride home on our like-new machines… must have been 100% easier than the ride towards you earlier in the day!

Thanks again,

-Jon


21/3/11 Road Master Workshop Class

Hey Raenier,

Just a quick note of thanks for an excellent course yesterday. I learnt heaps of things and am now more confident in working on all aspects of the bike, that don't require specialist tools and/or knowledge.

Your relaxed style and the way you didn't make us feel stupid was much appreciated.

I will definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants to do some maintenance themselves.

Regards & Thanks
Matt

 


31/1/11 Road Master Workshop Class

Hi Raenier,

Thanks for running such a great workshop.  I totally enjoyed it yesterday and it exceeded my expectations. Considering that it included servicing of my bike it was an excellent value too.

I am even thinking of doing it again in a few months with my other bike to consolidate my newly acquired skills.

Cheers,
Robert

 


22/8/10 Advanced Maintenance Class

My view of your business is one of a very professional store and I will continue to recommend you and particularly your course to others.

In fact Kirstin has written an article for publication in MBTC "Spokenotes" to this end.

Thanks for an excellent course. Cheers, Kevin


4/5/10 Womens Introductory Class

Hello StephenI wanted to send you a big Thank You for your time, expertise and knowledge conveyed to our group last night at the Women’s Information session on Bikes.
I found your topics interesting, informative and hands on. I learned a lot that I didn’t know about bikes and hope I can remember the important things in maintaining my bike. Your knowledge about bikes is excellent.

Once again, many thanks.  It was well worth attending.

Happy cycling
Colleen F


25/4/10 from the Road Master Class

The whole course was invaluable. Being able to strip my bike and reassemble it was great. I found parts I never new existed. Learnt alot about servicing my bike and the importance of having the most appropriate setup.

Although I have performed the advanced class I may perform this again and it is alot to take into account. Can't speak more highly about the level of attention provided. IT WAS FANTASTIC.

Garry L


7/4/10

Steve, Ranier and Jess,

Thanks again folks for the repair and service on the fantastic Teschner.

The bike performed admirably at Port Macquarie – fast and no gear failure whatsoever and again passed plenty of time-trial CervelosMy bike leg, unfortunately was slow after a good first lap. The old cramps in the quads got really bad for the last 90km. I couldn’t get down on my tri bars so rode into wind a fair bit in a more upright position than I wanted. Maybe I’m just not fit enough but anyway finished 15 out of 27 in age group in 14hrs 10 mins.

Try not to give you any more repair work only servicing.

Cheers

Tony


Dear Steve

Thanks for the informative and enjoyable workshop that I recently attended, I have since serviced my bike, cleaned and checked it over, used the bike stand purchased from you and other maintance equipment. Most of the information presented on the night has proved very useful.
Many thanks

Claire L


21 November 2008

Corporate Workshop

Please accept my thanks for organising the bike maintenance system at VicRoads today and please pass on our thanks to Steve and Oliver who did awonderful job. The seminar was very informative and professionally presented and it was beneficial for new and seasoned cyclists alike. The feedback that I have received from my colleagues at the seminar was universally positive.

Steve from VicRoad


18 November 2008
Clare B

I picked up my Trek FX7.5 last Wednesday night and I am really really happy with it! Great bike and perfect for me and the riding I do. 

I just wanted to give you a little bit of feedback; I didn’t want to buy the bike form your shop as it isn’t very conveniently located for me. However, I was so thrilled to meet someone who was prepared to talk to me at a decent level and actually “sell” me the bicycle that the location didn’t seem so important in the end. My partner is also going to ride the new bike (first time tonight) and if we decide to get another one, we will definitely come to you.


11 November 2008
Christine R

Stephen's enthusiasm, combined with his ability to effectively explain and demonstrate, ensured that all aspects were valuable.  It was especially good to be in a small group all seeking similar information, and being able to use our own bikes helped build confidence.


14 April 2008
Luke S

Dear Gran Prix Bicycles,

I just wanted to let you know how overwhelming pleased I am with the high quality service you performed on my bike. It glides like it was a brand new bike! Furthermore, I am particularly happy with the cost. There are plenty of bike stores out there who would quite easily have taken my money for an inferior quality job, plus advised of unnecessary replacement of chain/cassette etc.In general, I find that the customer service from your staff is of an exceptionally high standard. I always find that I leave the store well informed and often learn new things that contribute enormously to my enthusiasm for riding.

Please pass my gratitude on to all of your staff.

Sincerely,

Luke S


9 April 2008
Jeff W

Hi guys,

Thanks for your Newsletter. You have obviously gone to a lot of effort to offer recipients with informative info and links.
As  a web designer, I congratulate you on your Newsletter. I only wish my clients were as passionate about their product as you guys are of yours!

It was a pleasure buying a bike from you and even greater one to know I bought a bike from people who take the business seriously!

Regards,
Jeff


18 February 2008
Ian D

Stephen

I would like to thank you again for the course and the very pleasurable ride I had on the Sunday after you attended to the chain, cluster and brakes; reminded me of how the bike felt when I first bought it.

Terrific.

Best regards
Ian


8 October 2007 – Corporate Workshop
Nicole L

Dear Stephen,

Many thanks for your fantastic presentation this morning. You managed to cover a huge amount in the short time allocated, and I'm sure many of us will be able to use these skills. The level of detail was spot on, too.

Hope to see you out Around the Bay!


Best Regards,

Nicole - Exxon Mobil


21 September 2007
Lex R

Stephen,
Want a customer endorsement? - you have it!
After about 100 hours familiarisation/fun/satisfaction with my Trek 7200 Hybrid (from Gran Prix Sept 2006) you recommended my next step up was add Shimano MT40 shoes and half toe-clips (without straps)- fantastic!
About 200 hours later, you suggested Shimano A530 pedals & cleats to suit existing MT40 shoes- ONE DAY later I say "better than fantastic"
Transition to clipless has been natural, effortless, painless, & comfortable.
I have no hesitation in recommending the same graduation path to other customers that you recommended to me - enjoy&get to know the bike/add decent multi-purpose shoes & toe-clips/clock up miles/step up to clipless/enjoy the bike more! Thanks again.

Lex


21 September 2007
Angelo C

Dear Steve,
On behalf of Andrew, John, Mark (and myself) I want to pass on our sincere thanks and appreciation for the time you spent with us yesterday evening. We apologise for going over time, however its not often we get that kind of opportunity. I'm sure our level of maintenance and pride in our bikes will now step up to a new level.

We all learned something new and above all we all enjoyed the session and appreciated your tips and wealth of experience. (Although I think building and truing wheels will still be a challenge for us novices….. Any way gotta start somewhere !!!)

I will certainly recommend GP to any one who has an interest in this area. (Just wish you had a store on our side of town).

Kind Regards,
Angelo


23 July 2007
Wendy R

Hi guys. Just wanted to thank you for the beginner's ride today. Had a great time, and the girls are keen to do a mtb day once a month as a result. Good speed, wonderful explanations and encouragement, and gorgeous day for it. Looking forward to the skills park next time.


27 March 2007
Bronwyn K

Which aspects were MOST valuable?

Hands on - removing the back & front tyres, how to change the tube.  How to clean your bike & oil/grease.  Finding out what needs to be done regularly & how to do it eg clean, oil moving parts, identifying tools.

Have you any other suggestions of general improvements for Gran Prix?:

The course was very good - enjoyed getting my hands dirty.  Alot of information to absorb.  It was good to ask expectations upfront & check at the end of the session if there were further questions.


26 March 2007
Municipal Association of Victoria

Everyone got a lot from the course. The lads worked well together, providing alternative explanations or additional detail where required. The content was for the most part appropriately pitched. Although in the second half some people found some of the content a little technical – such as changing bearings, when they would probably take their bike to the shop. Perhaps this time could have been used for more ‘hands-on’ individual practice in changing a tire, which seems to be a pretty key skill for the people that were there. People especially appreciated the advice about their bikes, fitting and riding style, not to mention spotting the very dangerous problems!

Thanks again. We currently have 5 people regularly riding to work! Which is pretty good considering we have a staff body of 30.

Warm regards,
Ben Morris (Policy Adviser - Energy and Waste)
Municipal Association of Victoria


15 November 2006
Greg T 

Basically everything was valuable. Also realizing the importance of weekly and monthly maintenance, and ease with which this can be carried out.  I think it was pitched at the right level for us novices in bike maintenance

5 October 2006
Re: Ride to Work Day™ 2006
Eliza Ryan
Event Manager
Bicycle Victoria
 
Dear Kay & Stephen, On behalf of the Ride to Work Day™ team at Bicycle Victoria, we wish to express our sincere thanks to Gran Prix Bicycles for your support and commitment to Ride to Work Day and assisting in making the event a huge success! Many thanks for your positive vibes and efforts!

 
30 October 2006
Myles H
 
Hi Steve and Raenier,

Congratulations on the award. Highly deserved as you guys put soooo much effort into cycling and all of you have so much passion for the sport as well as being the best mechanics around. Well done!

22 October 2006
Ron B
 
To Stephen and the team, Thank you so much for the TREK bike I won earlier this evening. My 15 year old daughter is looking forward to many kilometres of riding with it.
 

22 October 2006
GOOD ON YA GUYS!!
Dave W
 
Heard you won a Bicycle Achievement Award for Contribution to Cycling!!
Congratulations! Well deserved..
You've certainly contributed to MY cycling!! By the Way - LOVED the Around the Bay and so did "Cowgirl KD", my trusty Canadian Norco  - right down to her borrowed back wheel!!  
Thanks, Guys..

August 2006
Betty S from Workshop 4 Women Class
 
'Getting hands dirty' and actually having a go at taking tyres on & off, and taking tubes in & out of a bike.  I feel a LOT more confident now about being able to do this by myself! I've previoulsy done a free workshop at another bike store, where we watched someone else do it, and I didn't feel as if I learnt much except for theory.

Tue May 30
Justine M from Workshop 4 Women Class
 
"...It was a good all round course for a beginner.... Steve was absolutely fantastic, was so patient answering questions and explaining everything in simple terms to beginners..."

11th May 2006
Phil C
Riding home yesterday May 11th,  from work (Lonsdale St, City to Carnegie)
Rode from the City to home in record time, that being 38 minutes form the steps of my office block to my driveway in Carnegie.
As I was speeding down the Nepean Hwy, rode over the Glen Huntly Road turn off to head towards North Road.....Car pulls up alongside me, rolls his window down & shouts out....."Hey Pal, you must be doing about 50kms an hour down here!".
He was wrong of course, as I looked at my computer very quickly to see what speed I was really travelling at!
I shouted back..."Sorry...your wrong....I'm doing 54.8 Km per hour" with that he put his foot down and sped off...!!
How sweet it is!   

Sunday, 2 April 2006
Corporate Workshop - RACV BUG 
Katya Edwards
Club Member Relations Consultant
RACV City Club
 
Thank you for yesterday I found the seminar very informative, as did the others.
All feedback so far has been very positive.
 
______________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, 23 February 2006
Corporate Workshop - EPA 
Jamie M
EPA Victoria
 
Thanks heaps to you, Stephen for last night.  The feedback I've
had here is very positive and some people are interested in a more advanced
"hands on " workshop, so I'll be in touch.

Everyone thought it was really good and enjoyed themselves.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
February, 22nd 2006 Myles H
Thank you for going out of your way on a busy Saturday morning to assist me with my bike niggles. Your service is very much appreciated, especially Raenier getting every problem I told you about, fixed and just right.Even better, now I cant hold my excitement in over this, are the Cold Stops I got. I even get lock ups sometimes  Great brakes !! Once again thank you for always going above the call of duty. 
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Glenys S
 
Attended the Advanced Class "...Gaining a greater understanding of the bike and how it works.  The hands on experience of doing different tasks..."... "... Interested to see that you have a Workshop 4 Women Class...".
Sunday, January 08, 2006  Phill & Sue C Ride For Amy Gillett-Jan 6,2006 Happy Birthday ' Felt 90'.
It was on January 8, 2005 that I bought my first road/racing bike.
After obtaining various opinions I boldly went to see the experts...'Gran Prix Bicycles' in Sth. Caulfield.
And I can honestly say that I would not be enjoying my riding as much if it wasn't for the professionalism, expertise and backup of Stephen & Kay & Raenier of GPB.
Every time my wife Sue & I have had a problem we have taken our bikes into the shop & the guys have worked on them straight away to get us back on the road immediately.
 My Felt 90 has been the best thing that I have ridden for many years. Both Sue & I have just completed the Jayco 2006-Amy Gillett ride of 120 Km's around the Bellarine Peninsular (see photo's) In 28deg heat (I soon took the warmers off) we rode our way around the Peninsular. What a fantastic ride....the 'Felt90' out performed itself and never let me down. With many riders on the side of the road after 60 to 70km with chains broken, gears jammed, wheels buckled and so on...my little F90 rode all of them down.
The Bontrager road wheels that Raenier suggested & expertly fitted & left me in no doubt that I had probably ' free-wheeled'  at least 50km of the ride. Changing gears to attack many hill climbs only about 20km out up hills I had never experienced prior to this ride was an absolute dream! Every gear change was just so smooth & very efficient. I passed a guy that had just bought a $3000 Trek and as I went passed him (uphill) I asked if he needed any help as he looked quite angry & was rotating those pedals at a rate of knots. His reply was.."I just bought this 2 weeks ago and the Crank has gone. I am going to have to do the remainder of the ride using only 3 gears".
I of course being ultra competitive "Felt' sorry for him!
 
We had our moments though as Sue came to grief at the turn off at Point Lonsdale. Now remember readers we are riding to make everyone aware, especially car drivers that Amy died doing the thing she most loved....riding & competing at a very high level & representing her country but was tragically hit by a car & died. There is always one idiot. This guy sat at the lights, couldn't decide to take off left or right. I don't think he got his drivers license until that morning opening the Cornflakes' box at Breakfast time. He decided at last to turn left & drove straight into Sue & of course her bike. Sue came out of it OK, but her little bike didn't. I worked on it as best I could on the side of the road and with at least another 40Km to go, poor Sue had to keep going with some very noisy & out of aligned gears!
The biggest BUZZ that a novice like me could get was to latch on to a team of 'Drapak/Porsche' riders with about 12km to go.Coming into Geelong I & the Felt90 were still feeling quite pleased with ourselves & caught up to wheel the last team rider in their bunch.
As I pushed up to approx 3rd wheel a voice came from out of the bunch, looked at me in my Felt Jersey & Knicks and said..."Who are you"...I looked back at him and replied..."I'm from Team Felt". I gathered he didn't like that as he glared at me and said again.."You cant sit in that position Pal!" I quickly replied..."Well, if you had been going a bit faster you might have been able to keep up with me" With that I moved to the last wheel so as to not upset him any further! It felt great, Here was I on my Felt 90 in amongst one of the worlds most prolific teams, all with the same brand bike (that I don't like) and all with the same sponsored Team outfit and I brake up the bunch with my little red F90. I had not noticed that as we turned the corner for the last stretch home, I was doing about 48km per hr alongside the Pros'.
Sue had seen all of this, and laughed all the way home on her crippled bike. We look forward to next year, so if you are riding in 'Amy's Race' next year be sure to look for the little Red Rocket as I wave goodbye as we pass you!
 
Thanks again to Gran Prix Bicycles!!!
Sunday, January 08, 2006John RWell to my family, friends and bike shop advisor.Just in case you need a reminder the F70 Felt Bicycle, which has shimano105 27 Speed system fitted. Vittoria tyres and Tektro brakes is fantastic. My first ride was today with Andrew. My special thanks to you all. I have very bewildered with my fast & light riding machine and although I have said "the best way to go faster is get fitter" I must say at 56 I have elected to buy a new bike to keep up with you guys.To Stephen. Thank you for recommending the Felt. Great selection.Best wishes to all.
Saturday, December 24th, 2005Aaron and JanetJust wanted to thank you again for taking such good care of us and our Co-Motion.  Our tour is starting off well.  We are now in Torquay and head toward Lorne today on our way along the Great Ocean Road.Happy holidays to all and we appreciate all your support.  The bike is running well!!http://www.earthbytandem.com/
Tuesday, December 7th , 2005 Shin N Hi StephenBy stripping a bike, I got a very good idea on how bikes were made.You are just doing more than other bike shops do.  Thank you for your time and generosity.

Monday, November 28th, 2005  Paddy & Diane Hi StephenThanks again for the course last night. Very informative and enjoyable.All we have to do is take up the spanners and start work.Hope to see you soon.
Saturday, August 6th, 2005Dan CG'Day Steve,Just a quick thanks for the workshop last Wednesday. It wasextremely useful and look forward to getting stuck into the advanced class.Thanks again, 
Monday, April 19, 2005Raymond LI enjoyed the hands on approach in dismantling a bike and installing new parts and how to ensure that the bike was running smoothly especially when we installed a new cassette and chain. This took time but but if had not been done then the bike would not have run okay once out on the road. It was great that Stephen is giving a lot of his knowledge back to the public and is a good teacher in imparting his experiences to us. In actual fact other shops  should do the same. I shall have to go back and stock up on some tools

Friday, April 1st, 2005Corporate Workshop - Esso AustraliaEmma W
Esso Australia Pty Ltd
Stephen and Kay (apologies for the lateness of this reply), thankyou very much for the photos and for making the effort to come in to our office to
present to us. I have had very good feedback from the presentation, I think everybody learned something that they can apply to their own bicycles at
home. It was a very successful session all round. Many thanks again.

The following comments were abstracted  from BVNEWS February 2003 page 10 under LETTER Email sent to BV from Paula Allen, Hawthorn" Recently I attended a bike maintenance course by Gran Prix Bicycles and wanted to let you know that is was excellent. It was only $15 and covered all the things I should have been doing for my bike, but haven’t!  It was well presented (by Steve Hart) and informative and, since it was advertised in the Bicycle Victoria mag, wanted to let you know that I think it’s great. Thank you." .