testimonials

After reading the article 'Winning women' in the 'news' section of Australian Cyclist - Mar/Apr 2009 about Gary Donovan, who runs the bicycle specialist store Totally Spoked in Ipswich, Queensland and his achievement of being a Female Friendly accredited business, I felt I had to write and let you know of his continued outstanding customer service.

Whilst residing in Ipswich, I recently bought a Polar Cycling Computer from Gary, and as I was in the process of getting ready to move back to Victoria, did not check the contents of the box containing the computer until I had arrived back in Victoria. On checking the box, I found that the bike mount was missing and the issue was resolved without delay.

I cannot speak highly enough of Gary's customer service and felt that he deserved recognition of this.

— Cristian Wallbridge, Geelong, Victoria

It has been a week since I picked up the new Bianchi Via Nirone that was purchased from Totally Spoked. The performance, comfort and enjoy ability comparison to my superseded bike is not measurable. The selection of my bike was made up of hundreds of hours of research and it came down to three bike options from three different shops. What swayed me to my Bianchi from Totally Spoked was walking into the three shops talking to the staff about the bikes and taking into consideration the bike and support from the shops in the future. Bikes are expensive and when you outlay some dosh you want a bike that is going to be suitable and supported. What I found at the other shops I was sold to by sales people with poor product knowledge and a lack of questions about my requirements, pushing me towards a bike they wish to sell not what I wish to buy.

Gary came across with the pros's and also the cons of each bike and his AIS fitting knowledge was magic in setting up my bike which has improved the ride-ability radically.

I can without reservation, recommend a rider to outlay their hard earned money to Totally Spoked to get a total package not just a bike.

— Simon

Like most cycling enthusiasts my bike (purchased from totally spoked) is my pride and joy, and therefore I only leave it in the hands of people I trust. Gary and his team have helped me find my ideal bike, helped me to keep it running smoothly and also helped me to further my own knowledge of bikes and cycling in the process. Whether it be deciding on what colour gloves best match your bike or whether you should buy a full carbon Specialized or Bianchi, nothing is too much trouble for the totally spoked crew.

— Travis

When I bought my bike from another local bike shop, I thought I received good service. They ordered in my bike, built it and then sat me on it. "Perfect" they said - and I must admit, I did not know much about bikes so I took their word for it. No adjustments were made, no measurements were taken. Not long after buying this bike, I discovered totally spoked, and began joining the groups rides organised by its owner Gary. Not only did I meet a friendly group of cyclists, but I began to learn a lot about bikes. This is when I realised that I had had the wool pulled over my eyes by the guys at the other shop. My bike had not been set up properly for my size and body measurements and as a consequence, I was getting sore knees when I did 'hard rides' with the more hard-core cyclists of the group. When I mentioned this to Gary, he was quick to invite me to bring in my bike so he could look at my position, take my measurements and make any adjustments that might be needed. I did, and Gary spent a good hour with me, examining my riding technique, taking my measurements and making much needed adjustments - and he did all of this in HIS time, with a smile on his face and a friendly laugh in his voice. When I left the shop and rode home I already felt a huge difference in my riding. The only way I can describe it is that I felt 'free-er' and 'smoother' in my technique - it felt like I was now sprinting along with ease, rather than simply jogging along at a weary pace!

— Megan

Thanks again for looking after me. The Bianchi is absolutely perfect. Your advice and assistance made the experience of buying and upgrading and absolute pleasure. Thanks again matey, and I will see you at the shop sometime no doubt.

— Peter

I had a good long ride this morning and the bike runs very well - the best service to date! A great service on the Giant so if you could pass my thanks to the guys. well done!!

— Anthony

"I just wanted to pass on my appreciation to you regarding the time you spent with me yesterday for a bike fit. As a beginner to cycling it was nice to speak with someone who didn't make me feel intimidated by terminology or make me feel that I needed to purchase items that were not really necessary. I've visisted several bike shops in SE QLD over the past several months and certainly felt the most welcome at totally spoked. Not to mention that the shop is very neat, tidy, clean and modern......certainly a bonus for a female who likes to shop! I look forward to returning to the shop in the near future to purchase one of your lovely pink cycling jerseys and matching nicks in preparation of joining your Tuesday and saturday rides!"

— Melissa