Arai 'Ride before you buy' Helmets at Cycletreads?

[Chris.k]

When looking for a helmet I've tried on a few but the most comfortable one I've tried so far was a high-vis "ride before you buy" helmet at cycletreads.
I asked the guys there what it was but none of them knew.
I found this page on the Arai website (http://www.araihelmet-europe.com/2010/collection/try-an-arai-helmet-before-you-buy/) which says that they have "full sets of Arai Quantum and/or Arai RX-7 GP helmets available for test rides"
I know it'a not an RX-7 GP so I'm guessing it was a Quantum?
It's the same as the one in the large pic on the page I linked.
Anyway, is the Quantum the same as the Arai RX-Q helmet seen here? (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/arai-rx-q-solid-helmet)
I don't really want to get it from Cycletreads as the guys were supremely unhelpful when I was there and I like to take my money where the service is good so will most likely ask cyclespot to get one for me unless you guys know anywhere on the shore or close that would have a decent stock of these?
Cheers.

[steve_t]

You don't consider the fact that they allow you to "ride before you buy" good service? The brand of helmet and size that fits your head the best and the only dealer that does so in Auckland?

[Chris.k]

No. I don't.
You trolling or what?
Ok let me back that up with some context.
I was in there looking at helmets for ages while the employees gas bagged like bored housewives with some fat old cunts.
So I tried on a few of various brands and sizes to see what felt and fit the best. The ride before you buy ones were the most comfortable so I gave up waiting for them to finish their pillow talk with their boyfriends and asked one of them to tell me what model the 'ride before you buy' helmets were. He said .. 'uhhh I don't know eh. ummm i'll ask [name], hang on...' and he walks off only to enter into another conversation about which lotion relieves fat old man thigh chaffing the best with another fat old man.
So I give up on that fool and walk around until I find another young guy who looks like he might work there (nobody came over to offer help the entire time I was in the store) so I grab him and ask the same question. He comes over and has a look at them .. 'ummm I'm not sure .. I think it's this one' and he picks up a completely different helmet, different shell shape, different vents.. completely different. I try it on and it feels completely different (funny that) and I say 'I don't think this is it, it's really different' to which he responds 'I think it's the new version maybe or something? I don't really know eh'
So I say 'ahh yeah, thanks heaps mate' and I walk out. Never to return to cycletreads.
I walk into cyclespot and walk back to the accessories area and bam, a super helpful dude takes me through everything and doesn't mind spending time getting me different sized stuff from out back, writing down models, sizes and prices. You know, how you should expect to be treated by a retailer when you're in there trying to throw your money at them.
So no, I don't think that cycletreads have good service just because they have trial helmets on the shelf. I'm sure anyone can get the same thing in for me to try on and I'll certainly be asking anyone but cycletreads to do so for me.

[Berries]

Make sure you post when you start looking to buy a bike. It should make for an interesting thread.

[Chris.k]

You guys work at cycletreads? You got the useless time wasting down, fit right in with the team. Should post your CV, never know your luck ;)

Seriously though, what do you want me to say? I'm just telling you the truth, that's how I was treated as a potential customer by the store staff. That's pretty poor treatment and definitely not what I'd call 'good service'.

But that's not the point of the thread, I asked a question about a helmet, anyone know the answer?

I might just have to stick to lurking, posting doesn't seem to do much good here :(

[Marmoot]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3J0zNkhfkpM#!

[Chris.k]

Yeah I've watched that and he says that the RX-Q is NOT a replacement for the Quantum but the RX-Q doesn't seem to exist on EU sites or in NZ and the new Quantum doesn't seem to exist on any US sites?

[wasiler]

never mind deleted

[nzspokes]

I'm sure anyone can get the same thing in for me to try on and I'll certainly be asking anyone but cycletreads to do so for me.

LOL. :weird:

Well weve spent about 3k there in the past 2 months. All great service. Maybe the fat cunts were actually spending money. <_<

[Owl]

Yeah I've watched that and he says that the RX-Q is NOT a replacement for the Quantum but the RX-Q doesn't seem to exist on EU sites or in NZ and the new Quantum doesn't seem to exist on any US sites?

Think you'll find the Quantum is another name for the RX-Q, but called the Quantum here. The RX-Q is just not a replacement for the older Quantum II which was available elsewhere, not here.

That is my understanding anyway.

[FJRider]

It doesn't matter what the name of it is. Being sold in NZ ... it will have met all the required safety standards. Arai have a good name. And ... you said it was comfortable (A top selling point in itself). Unless it was cheaper elsewhere ... you should have bought it.

If you google'd the name and got no concise answer ... why do you expect us to have the answers ... ???

But ... as the staff there didn't make you feel special ... you have every right to take your money and custom somewhere else.

Not that many on here will actually care ... but thank you for sharing your thoughts ...

[Owl]

Not that many on here will actually care ...

I care!:whistle:

[Maha]

It doesn't matter what the name of it is. Being sold in NZ ... it will have met all the required safety standards. Arai have a good name. And ... you said it was comfortable (A top selling point in itself). Unless it was cheaper elsewhere ... you should have bought it.

If you google'd the name and got no concise answer ... why do you expect us to have the answers ... ???

But ... as the staff there didn't make you feel special ... you have every right to take your money and custom somewhere else.

Not that many on here will actually care ... but thank you for sharing your thoughts ...

He must work at Cyclespot....

''I was in there looking at helmets for ages while the employees gas bagged like bored housewives with some fat old cunts. Never to return to cycletreads''.

''I walk into cyclespot and walk back to the accessories area and bam, a super helpful dude takes me through everything and doesn't mind spending time getting me different sized stuff from out back, writing down models, sizes and prices. You know, how you should expect to be treated by a retailer when you're in there trying to throw your money at them''.

[p.dath]

I've always had a good experience at both Cylcetreads and Cyclespot. Cycletreads have tended to be a bit cheaper in the past, and have about a million accessories, so I tend to buy most things from them.

It does probably help though that they know I am a serious shopper.

[Idubbs]

As a retailer for the last 30 odd years you get to know customers intentions judging from their body english.......

I'm thinking that if Phil was on the retail floor at the time you wouldn't have had that experience. Or the other senior staff members for that matter. I know they employ casuals especially during weekends and it may have been someone less well trained that you tried to extract information from.... All in all, I think they provide a great service.

[Marmoot]

Yeah I've watched that and he says that the RX-Q is NOT a replacement for the Quantum but the RX-Q doesn't seem to exist on EU sites or in NZ and the new Quantum doesn't seem to exist on any US sites?

He said in the beginning that RX-Q is not a replacement for Quantum (meaning that you should buy it even if you already have Quantum because it is better. How is it better? Don't ask. Buy! Try it yourself! yadda yadda marketing blah blah).

He also said towards the end of the video that Quantum is going. So, I guess it is a replacement (more like renaming), only better (who knows what....).

I don't really care. I use RX7 because it looks nicer.

Oh, and I got good services from Cycletreads, and even now they are still acceptable/bearable. But I do notice the service quality has been deteriorating quite significantly over the past few years.
Tips to any Cycletreads guys here: when giving discount to customer, please try not to send invoice for "outstanding amount" equaling the discount a few weeks after.

[Geeen]

It will be either a Quantum or RX-7GP

these are the available Arais in NZ
http://www.dold.co.nz/products/Arai.aspx#Full%20Face

[Chris.k]

Great, cheers. It will definitely be the quantum then. I tried on an RX-7 GP and it felt hard and nowhere near as comfortable as the Quantum.
Sweet, now I know what to ask for. Cheers.

[Hobbyhorse]

I bought all of my gear from Cycletreads when I returned to motorcycling some 6 months ago and had a very good experience with the guys there, however when I went in recently to look at upgrading my helmet the experience was very poor. I was told by the girl that the helmet I had was too big and on pointing out that it had been their sales people who had sold it to me and I bought it on their recommendation she was not remotely interested.I was given several helmets to try on but was unable to get my glasses on under the helmets at which time she just gave up on me and told me to get a new pair of glasses with smaller frames or to wear contacts .... end of story.... and made me feel that I should not have come in and bothered them.

I went to Motomail instead and Justin spent the best part of an hour with me and I walked out with a properly fitting, glasses compatible helmet.

I would be happy to go back to Cycletreads to purchase what I needed but would next time be careful as to which sales assistant I dealt with.

Rhys

[Maha]

I bought all of my gear from Cycletreads when I returned to motorcycling some 6 months ago and had a very good experience with the guys there, however when I went in recently to look at upgrading my helmet the experience was very poor. I was told by the girl that the helmet I had was too big and on pointing out that it had been their sales people who had sold it to me and I bought it on their recommendation she was not remotely interested.I was given several helmets to try on but was unable to get my glasses on under the helmets at which time she just gave up on me and told me to get a new pair of glasses with smaller frames or to wear contacts .... end of story.... and made me feel that I should not have come in and bothered them.

I went to Motomail instead and Justin spent the best part of an hour with me and I walked out with a properly fitting, glasses compatible helmet.

Rhys

Yes, at times it comes down to ''casual staff'' that don't really have a grip on what customer service is all about.
I have never had an issue with cycletreads, I did however, have a an issue with Motomail at one stage, but my faith in that store, was restored at my last visit...got me a real sales person that time.
I let Motomail know how displeased I was on thier handeling of a couple things..the finger was pointed in the direction of the saturday casual.

[BoristheBiter]

No. I don't.
You trolling or what?
Ok let me back that up with some context.
I was in there looking at helmets for ages while the employees gas bagged like bored housewives with some fat old cunts.
So I tried on a few of various brands and sizes to see what felt and fit the best. The ride before you buy ones were the most comfortable so I gave up waiting for them to finish their pillow talk with their boyfriends and asked one of them to tell me what model the 'ride before you buy' helmets were. He said .. 'uhhh I don't know eh. ummm i'll ask [name], hang on...' and he walks off only to enter into another conversation about which lotion relieves fat old man thigh chaffing the best with another fat old man.
So I give up on that fool and walk around until I find another young guy who looks like he might work there (nobody came over to offer help the entire time I was in the store) so I grab him and ask the same question. He comes over and has a look at them .. 'ummm I'm not sure .. I think it's this one' and he picks up a completely different helmet, different shell shape, different vents.. completely different. I try it on and it feels completely different (funny that) and I say 'I don't think this is it, it's really different' to which he responds 'I think it's the new version maybe or something? I don't really know eh'
So I say 'ahh yeah, thanks heaps mate' and I walk out. Never to return to cycletreads.
I walk into cyclespot and walk back to the accessories area and bam, a super helpful dude takes me through everything and doesn't mind spending time getting me different sized stuff from out back, writing down models, sizes and prices. You know, how you should expect to be treated by a retailer when you're in there trying to throw your money at them.
So no, I don't think that cycletreads have good service just because they have trial helmets on the shelf. I'm sure anyone can get the same thing in for me to try on and I'll certainly be asking anyone but cycletreads to do so for me.

So why didn't you buy a helmet from the great service you received from Cyclespot?

[Chris.k]

Because I wanted to try on more than a couple of brands/styles before forking out ~$800 - $1k for a single item.

[BoristheBiter]

Because I wanted to try on more than a couple of brands/styles before forking out ~$800 - $1k for a single item.

So you're going back to buy one right?

[Chris.k]

Yeah, that's the plan. Going to ask him if he can get me an Arai Quantum in. He said he can get me any brand I wanted so here's hoping he can get me one of these.
You want to know what I'm wearing right now, ya' know, while we're sharing?

[BoristheBiter]

Yeah, that's the plan. Going to ask him if he can get me an Arai Quantum in. He said he can get me any brand I wanted so here's hoping he can get me one of these.
You want to know what I'm wearing right now, ya' know, while we're sharing?

No need, pic's will do fine.

[tbs]

Speaking as the owner of a shop (not a motorcycle shop), and an employer of staff who, despite my best efforts, don't always treat my customers the way they should, I take great interest in any complaints about our service. It has happened before, that my staff expressed a distinct lack of interest in helping a customer out. The customer complained to me, and I thanked her for letting me know. We had a good chat, I think I gave her a healthy discount, so she was happy, and I gave the part time staff member responsible a rev-up, which improved things for a few months until she got lazy again. She no longer works for me.

Maybe before you drag the name Cycletreads through the mud on a public forum you should go and talk to the boss. He or she will most likely want to be told, and he or she may well offer you the service you were after in the first place at a snappier price than you would otherwise get.

What you have to remember is that staff can act one way when the boss around, and another entirely when he isn't. Employees haven't had to sign over their first-born to get the finance to run the business, so they don't have that vested interest in keeping you happy. The owner does.

Food for thought.

[G4L4XY]

Nearly every time I go to cycletreads I always get asked if I needed help, maybe I have noob written all over me or something, sometimes I find it annoying as I'm just there for a geez, but other times I have needed help.

Maybe your just big and scary looking :p

[f2dz]

Not to beat a dead horse, but I've had a similar experience with Cycletreads. Walked in, stood around looking at stuff for five minutes waiting for someone to help and no one did, so I left. Went to Motomail, instantly had three people ask if I needed help.

Motomail > Cycletreads

[Maha]

Not to beat a dead horse, but I've had a similar experience with Cycletreads. Walked in, stood around looking at stuff for five minutes waiting for someone to help and no one did, so I left. Went to Motomail, instantly had three people ask if I needed help.

Motomail > Cycletreads

Some people like that...no being pounced on I mean.
I normally walk into a gear shop to buy something I want, or have seen, and then want.
Only need to ask if I can't see said item...a relaxed education taught me that skill :eek:

almost 100% percent of people asked, when walking into a shop ''if they need help''...or '' Can I help you''...will say NO.
It is no way to greet people...most who work in retail will agree.

Standing in Mr Formby's internet Cafe' one day...
Chap walked in and asked ''can I use a computer''?
A nano second passed and the repliy was '' I don't know, can you''?
Now thats a greeting.

[Metal Doctor]

not sure what the new ones are like but i have 3 arai helmets, 2 road and 1 mx, my road lids are the rx7 quantum and the rx7 corsair. difference between them is the corsair has more vents and the lining is a cooler material, but the quantum is more comfy for everyday riding.

i looked for ages to find a good MX helmet tried loads on bought a couple of the interweb that didnt fit, in the end i waited for so long i got a perfect fitting arai for half price in cyclespot honda! Im no helmet snob but arai are the only helmets that i find comfy that fit me properly.

and whats the deal with new helmets these days?!!?! where has all the padding gone? they are about as comfy as gaffer taping a saucepan to your head!!

[Chris.k]

Hey, I'm not here to drag anyone's name through the mud.
I was asked why I thought their service was bad so I told my story. I never said "They're the worst store on earth, nobody should spend their money there, wah wah"
I'm sure Cycletreads is a great shop when the right staff are on. When I was at the shop, they must not have been on, bummer. The guy I finally got to talk to me said he had only been there a week or so. Perhaps they have no management there on weekends? Meh, not my problem and no skin off my nose, hence the decision to bugger off and spend my money elsewhere. If someone who is helpful and proactive can provide a one stop shop for all brands I'm after and give me competitive pricing and a discount for putting all my eggs in one basket then why the hell not?
Good suggestion to talk to the boss though. I know what staff can be like, I manage 3 teams, around 20 people all day every day for a job and it's almost impossible to make sure they're all
I was just pissed off because I'm extremely time poor right now and it's not every Saturday morning that I get the chance to get to the bike shops and that effort was a waste of my time on this occasion. Well not a complete waste since I now know what to ask for :D

[Maha]

You must be God like, I can't even manage myself.