Track N Trail/Narang Cycles (
location)
City: Mumbai (Ghatkopar East)
Shop outlet: Repair cabin/room inside TrackNTrail shop
Experience Summary: Good
I purchased my Cannondale from this Track N Trail outlet so went back to them for some minor repairs when I first met Abdul Kalam (+91 82910 37059). While the main shop(s) are focused on sales only, they have let out a small room to Abdul who's an excellent cycle mechanic and has setup his shop in that cabin. The fact that some of the cycling whatsapp groups of Mumbai recommended his name is something that bolstered confidence in his work so when my wife's hybrid required a full service, I took it to him end of last year.
Servicing is of two sorts - a general service and a full strip-down service. We opted for the later as this was the first service post purchasing the pre-owned cycle. Work was done with no major complaints; Abdul will share pictures of the work done on request.
However the fact that Abdul supports the work of two shops plus direct (past) cycle customers determines the servicing duration. If you hand your cycle on weekdays and if his load is less, you'll get your cycle the same day. Else it might take more than a day or even two days. Which is what happened with us as I gave the cycle to him over the weekend and got it on Monday only. The cycle shop owners stay away from the servicing aspect and one only has to deal with Abdul directly. Even for any parts replacement (which goes directly to the shop's wares), Abdul is the guy to talk to and figure out what is needed.
Net cost:
Servicing: ~1500 + other repairs
New chain: 800
Total: ~3000 (don't remember the full details of the work done)
I would recommend Abdul with a caveat that you go with him with clarity on what you need to get done. About mid June, I took my hybrid for a general servicing (after ~1 year of usage) - Abdul came back saying the chain needed repair (referenced to the chain wear indicator tool). When I argued it's less than a year of ownership with proper maintenance over the year, he doubled down saying no, the chain is still good and he was just suggesting a replacement might be on the cards.
Apart from that one (over-selling) aspect, Abdul's work been good for both the cycles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capt. M S Sriram (
no website / mob: +91 98866 97151)
City: Bangalore
Shop outlet: Bicycle service@doorstep
Experience Summary: Very good
It had been over a year of heavy usage of my hybrid with quite visible (and audible) servicing requirements. Plus on a recent trip, I had dropped the cycle (on drivetrain side) which had it's own possible repair requirement. I had been asking for suggestions for servicing outlets across (south) Bangalore when fellow cyclist bhpian @narayanang76 recommended Sriram. A one man army who offers servicing at your doorstep with two servicing plans - basic servicing for ~2k and strip down servicing for ~3.2k, with replacement of parts costs being additional.
I took up his suggestion and set up an appointment with Sriram. On his request I shared pics of my cycle especially the core components basis which Sriram suggested the second servicing plan. A few days later he landed up at my place and set up his shop and got to work. Apart from the servicing, he was able to point out my rear derailleur was slightly bent (probably due to the fall) however there was no permanent damage. Post the work done, Sriram was able to highlight a few important points (e.g. fork steerer had signs of early rusting, headset bearing were dry/no grease) with pictures and suggestive actions.
As for the work done, no complaints except for one - he tightened the (new) brake pads hard (while mildly touching the tire) and advised to let the pads lose some of the initial shine. A day later while doing a long ride, I realized after ~80 kms of riding that the brakes were still rubbing hard against the wheel; and then only loosened the grip. Still that fault was partly with me too (for not checking before the ride).
Net cost:
Servicing: 3250
Rear brake pads: 200
Bearings replacement/greasing: 150
Gear alignment (on wife's hybrid): 125
Total: 3725 /-
I'd recommend Sriram for sure, except for the fact that he's a bit expensive (compared to my past experiences at other places). Not aware of the full servicing costs at other options in Bangalore so I guess others can chip in.
Random Trivia: Sriram's mobile number is of the series 9886... - a very popular series of Hutch network introduced back in 2004. That's quite a long time to hold on to that number I must say!