La Dolce Velo
San Jose, CA 95117 (408) 244-8356
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sat 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
18 Reviews for La Dolce Velo
In March this year I had a pretty nasty accident while out on a training ride - split my forks in half, mangled my front wheel, and banged up the headset, handlebars, and front chainring. I'd never heard of Rob or his shop, but a number of folks that I respect swore by his service and repair work, so I took my bike in.
Rob was fantastic - he listened to what had happened, understood what my goals (and budget!) were for the repairs, and did a phenomenal job! I got my bike back and am as happy as can be with his work - in fact, it's better than when I took it in! All that at a very reasonable cost. Most of all, I appreciated Rob's honesty - when there were parts that were scuffed/scratched but didn't need to be replaced (because they're still completely functional) he let me know they were OK and didn't just do additional work unnecessarily.
All in all, excellent service with real know-how. Thanks La Dolce Velo!
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They are undeniably very nice people, but I'm reviewing their business, not them.
I'm a very disappointed customer that is stuck with a bike that doesn't fit due to what I feel has been a bad fitting.
I bought a bike from them about 6 months ago when I knew nothing about road bikes.
I thought I was fitted well.
When people saw me riding the bike and said, "that bike looks too small for you," I ignored them because the bike 'experts' whom I bought the bike from told me the bike fit me.
I then began hearing a lot of stories from other people that had issues with the store's fittings and mechanical issues (wrong sized tubes in tires, cranks falling off, constant flats, derailleurs falling off, poor fittings, just to name a few). However, I dismissed them. Besides, maybe these stories were heresay or urban legends, right?
After riding for some time, I started feeling uncomfortably cramped and felt pain in my knee when I rode.
I went for a proper professional fitting elsewhere (where they use a proven scientific fitting method as opposed to just sticking me on a trainer and eyeballing the fit while using a protractor like the one I used in elementary school) and learned that the bike is in fact too small for me. Damn all those people - there were MANY- that told me the bike was too small. They were right!
When I told the shop that I was not happy with the bike and it was too small for me, I was presented with the following options:
"1) If you want a bigger (non-650) bike, I will take your frame, fork, and wheelset back from you and apply the cost you paid towards new ones from us. We can then move all of your components to another frame/wheelset.
2) If you want a completely different set up, I will buy everything back from you and apply those costs towards a new build for you."
Now, wait a second. According to them, the small bike fit me...so why now will a bigger bike fit me? Interesting. If I had confidence it their fittings, I would have probably considered one of the options. However, why would I want another bike of which I'd be wary of the fitting?
My response was, "Many thanks for the proposed options. However, I've decided to go in another direction."
So, this then leaves me trying to sell the bike.
I ask the shop if they'll buy it back from me. Seeing that they have such success selling this particular type of bike, naturally I assume they'll be able to sell it better than I could. My email read:
"Any chance you'd be interested in buying back my bike? I'd consider best offer."
Their response: "I had offered that previously for a full credit towards another bike. That offer still stands."
HAHAHAHAHA! OF COURSE IT DOES.
Forget it. I don't want a bike from them. I want a bike that fits me. And I would have liked for them to give me some of my money back. They obviously don't have an issue with the bike, because they'd have taken it back provided I exchanged it for another one from them on their terms.
I should also mention that this bike was not my only purchase from this store. I had spent at least $7,000 there over the course of 5 months, so this is not a case of buying a single item and being a difficult customer. For the sake of good will and customer service, I would have expected them to at least buy the bike back for half of what I paid for it.
Don't even get me started on how they put brakes which they are not authorized to be selling (and which were probably used) on my boyfriends bike.
Got an issue with this review? Bring it. Seriously.
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Great shop, great service!!!
After speaking with Rob prior to figuring out where to get my new road bike, I decided that La Dolce Velo was the place.
They were one of the few shops that sold the brand of bike I was looking for, which was Look. I had gone to several shops that did and La Dolce Velo was the one that stood out.
The fit was perfect, the parts were everything I wanted, and it came together very quickly and very well.
This is a great shop with great personal service. Rob is a very knowledgeable person and his interests in cycling and knowledge of cycling is what makes him great at everything he does for his customers.
Fantastic bike shop, Rob, Jacquie and Charlie are great, I don't know where I would be without them. I hang out at the store a bit now, but all events in the review were when I was an infrequent customer.
I walked into La Dolce Velo for the first time when I noticed it riding my bike on Stevens Creek. I was doing some wheel building at the time and wanted to know about ordering a set of spokes. Most stores think that is a funny question and quote triple what a set would normally cost. Rob didn't even blink and gave me a good price quote. Then I knew this store was different.
I am a big guy, 6'4" 210lbs and for the longest time I have always ripped spokes off of wheels. The sound of a spoke popping was a common and frustrating experience. Because I use my bike to commute I needed a more reliable set of wheels. I came into the store and asked Rob if he had something that would fit the bill. I also reminded him that I was a student on a budget. He recommended the set of wheels (in my budget) that I ride on to this day.
When one of the spokes broke on the front wheel (the only spoke to break on the set) I brought it in. He had to order a new spoke because it was not in stock, but while it was in route, he gave me a loaner wheel so I could keep on riding. To date that wheel set has been as sturdy, reliable and light as I needed it to be. It even survived a collision with a car at speed.
When I had a collision with a car, my bike got pretty well destroyed. My frame and fork became wall art and I needed replacements. I went to Rob and he gave me plenty of new options and their individual pros and cons. With that information I ended up with a bike that satisfies my needs far better than my previous ride. It was built from the ground up and it fits like a glove. I am an odd size, but there was no problem getting me fitted.
I have also bought good accessories there, a rear rack with detachable bag and some lights. If you know what you want or you know what you're going to be doing with it, Rob will let you know what is out there that fits your needs and get it for you. This shop really goes the extra mile for their customers. I have yet to go to a shop just like it.
I would not trust your bike with these people. I have heard so many bad things about them. They don't know how to fit people for their bikes. Be aware also, that a friend of mine took her bike in and they supposedly tightened the crank and everything else that was loose and her crank fell and the bottom bracket was loose nearly almost killing her on a ride. She could have been seriously injured. They obviously only care about making money and selling people the wrong size of bikes. DO NOT TRUST their work. Go somewhere established and backed by Greg Lemond like Palo Alto Bicycles or to Bicycle Outfitters.
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It is hard to find a local bike shop that you can trust, has fantastic service, offers great products and has such experienced owners with wonderful attitudes. Rob and Jacquie have brought it all together at La Dolce Velo. They both are extremely experienced with fitting, coaching and recommending the right bike and components to meet your biking needs where it is road or triathlon. And also offer great pricing. I highly recommend stopping by their shop to experience it for youself.
A real cyclist's shop. Worth the long drive. More expert knowledge in this little shop than all the other bike stores in San Jose combined! No attitude--like the downtown shops. No clueless teenagers--like the mall shops. Just trustworthy advice from guy who's been there. The speed crazed race-monkey will find Dolce Velo is their source for obscure parts. (Rob--thanks for rushing my repair so I could make it to the stating line.) And, newbies who just want to find the joy of cycling will also be right at home here.
The in-store cappuccino machine is a nice addition. Kona coffee only, please.
I was new to biking when I first met Rob and Jaquie. I had just bought a bike from a co-worker and she recommended I take my bike to La Dolce Velo for a fitting. They were so kind and helpful. The not only fitted me, they explained some of the working of my bike that I didn't know. The store has a friendly atmosphere, and I espeically like that it is family owned. I will only take my bike there from now on!
Very knowledgable, great place to go for all your bike needs. Rob has answers to almost everything! Good prices as well with the best customer service.
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Had a great time speaking with Rob when I came to pick up my bike after getting a tune-up last week. The bike now rides and looks great after the service. I also now finally feel like I have a shop that I feel comfortable going to when I have questions or need to find the appropriate parts for my specific needs and budget. I really appreciate the atmosphere of a small shop with owners that obviously enjoy what they do and take the time to talk with their customers.
I have been with Rob since he was working out of his garage. I'd have to agree with one of the other reviews - cozy shop and a HUGE HEART for everyone.
My first experience was I had messed up my wheel and I was afraid I had ruined it. Rob took a look at it and straightened it for me. I was impressed.
This passed summer he tuned my bike up, adjusted it for me, and cleaned it up. I've always been impressed with Rob & Jacquie.
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I was so excited picking up my pink bike from La Dolce Velo, Rob even added a adorable basket when I requested. The bike and basket was at a good price, I also receive many compliments. The shop also has really cool clothing- I recommend- 5 stars !
I purchased my custom bike from La Dolce Velo and my roommate liked it so much he bought a custom bike from them too. Prices are reasonable for already built bikes and the selection is good. If you are like me and want a bike built totally custom just for you, Rob provides excellent custom build and fitting. I have been going to Rob and Jacquie for my cycling needs since my first race which is indeed before the store even opened but I am impressed with the store and always have been very satisfied with the service so I highly recommend La Dolce Velo.
Great service by knowledgeable people -- these guys (and gals) walk the talk! They support everyone, young and old, casual and road-warrior-serious-bad-ass bikers too. Triathlon specialists.
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As other yelpers had mentioned, Rob and Jacquie are sweet and customer service oriented people. The bike shop is a truly boutique shop and they are willing to find unique and different items for you. They are one of the few bike shops to give free fittings. If you need the special attention, give them a call and make an appt and head on over!
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After getting my bike, I took it to Rob (the owner) to help me 'fit' the bike to my size and style of riding. No other bike shop that I know of, uses a plumb bob, and some kind of angle protractor to make sure that all measurements an fit were just right. And, he made sure that all adjustments were made before I was told the bike was good to go.
Also, his knowledge on biking, training habits, trails, and workouts has been so helpful. I look forward to making one of his FREE Thursday night spinning classes too!
I highly recommend this shop to anyone looking to get started into cycling because of the vast knowledge that Rob has and is willing to share. Much better than the teenage bike mechs you will find at the large chains.
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Who said personal service was dead?
Not here
I would give them more stars but YELP stops at 5!
Rob and Jacquie have opened this shop with one thing in mind: Customer Service and COMPLETE Satisfaction.
I was first introduced to them from TNT and they have been god sent! Let me count the ways:
1. Put me on my first bike in over 15 years.. yes 15
2. Built me my second bike after the first one was hit by a car
3. Rebuilt the first bike
3. Outfitted me when the weather got cold
4. Introduced me to Spandex. I don't know if this was a blessing...
I am sure this list will continue to grow as I continue to visit their store, but my main reason for adoring this shop is how you don't feel pressured to buy anything you don't want to. Rob has spent countless hours with me and always with a smile. I will continue to go here and don't feel the need to go anywhere else. Stop by and you will see what I mean.
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