Fahrradladen Balance GmbH

Emma Geisler

a month ago

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I'm very satisfied with the service at this bike shop. They really take their time to advise me and address all my questions and concerns. I felt well taken care of from the very beginning, with friendly and competent service. What I particularly appreciated was that they even took the time to observe me while I was riding outside to check that everything was properly adjusted. This personalized and honest advice made me feel very comfortable. This is exactly the kind of service you want – thank you!

M B

a month ago

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I don't know much about bikes myself, but I felt really comfortable here from the start. The advice was incredibly friendly, patient, and easy to understand. I could ask all my questions, and everything was explained to me calmly without making me feel like I was being silly. You can just tell that they have the knowledge and passion behind it. I'll definitely be back and can absolutely recommend this shop!

Mir Sch

Edited 2 months ago

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1 star vs. 5 stars – it depends on who's there. Balance lost me as a customer years ago when it came to annual inspections and bike purchases. I only buy accessories now, and even then, reluctantly: Problem: Sexism. Overly condescending sexism. When I accompanied a friend, I learned how the same people who treated me like a child treat men. Respectfully, as equals. Before that, I thought the Balance employees might just be socially awkward and accepted it. It's simply exhausting and unbearable that you can't even buy a lock without being lectured on unsolicited matters for 10 minutes. Instead of being asked if and what kind of advice you need. Especially since these people love the sound of their own voices so much that they can't even listen. But first, the exceptional employee, 5 stars: There's a truly wonderful person at Balance who always asks specifically if and how she can help. If she had been there today, my visit would have gone something like this: "Do you need advice on locks?" "No, thank you. A good friend of mine has been working with all kinds of locks as a hobby for 20 years and has opened more locks than you'll ever sell. It's handy if you ever lose your key!" "Interesting! I see you bought a new bike, unfortunately not from us, but do you need any help adjusting it?" "No, thank you. A friend of mine is a bicycle mechanic and is helping me." "Okay. Then a lock and reflectors?" A very pleasant person, respectful, who meets customers exactly where they are. 5 stars. Unfortunately, she wasn't there today. ... The Standard, 1 star: Instead, I had to listen to an endless and unsolicited litany about everything the person serving me was convinced they had to force on me. "I have to tell you about your bicycle that..." No, you don't. You didn't sell me the bike. "But these bikes reach speeds well over 25 km/h, and these bikes aren't properly constructed; it's dangerous." I ride a motorcycle; I know how dangerous even 20 km/h can be. (Plus: You're making claims about another dealer that you couldn't possibly know. Brave. Plus: This is a pedelec. The motor cuts out at 25 km/h. You have no clue. Unbelievable.) "But WE are a specialist dealer; I have to tell you this." No, you don't. "You don't have to buy this lock; the security standard is unnecessary!" "Maybe so, but for €20 more I have a lock that my insurance company definitely can't refuse to pay out on in case of theft." "Oh, but you can't assume that this lock can always prevent theft; it's only ever a preventative measure!" (WHAT did I just say verbatim?!? UGH!) "You should really get a lock with a larger opening!" "It's sufficient for my needs!" "But lampposts!" (I use my e-bike to commute between home and the office. It's parked in the basement or office 99% of the time. The lock is mainly for theft insurance. Just ask people. Good grief! I'm perfectly capable of planning and thinking for myself. Exhausting. Just exhausting.) The person only stopped when I pointed out that my genitals in no way prevent me from understanding technical concepts. They replied: "YES, I CAN'T KNOW THAT!" (Seriously?) Then there was peace and quiet, and I could finally buy the lock and reflectors. Unbelievable.

Wulf Erdmann

4 months ago

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I recently picked up my new gravel bike from Balance. This followed an in-depth consultation at their store. They took a lot of time to figure out which bike and components would best suit me. The result was the Cube Nuroad SLX in size L. Since picking it up in the fall, I've been using the bike, albeit only on weekends, as a recreational vehicle. My initial impression: it's a fantastic bike and a lot of fun. It's my first gravel bike, so the consultation was crucial. Today I can say: it was a great decision based on expert advice. I can wholeheartedly and confidently recommend Balance.

Jürgen Zöllner

6 months ago

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Great service. I needed two screws for the bottle cage on my carbon e-bike. The employee took a lot of time until we found the right length. And it was free, too.

Dominik Langer

6 months ago

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Excellent service, friendly staff, and expert advice! I came into the shop with a flat tire and wanted to schedule another appointment for a service. Once it was clear that it was a child's/youth bike, both jobs were completed the same day. Of course, a little luck was involved, but the staff were consistently solution-oriented and always tried their best to find an appointment at short notice. Thank you!

Pooya J

a year ago

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Lovely behavior, vast broad of available options such as equipments or bikes. Overall loved the service and the vibes.

Irati Issa

2 years ago

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I cannot recommend the whole team at Balance and especially Stephan, also from Le Canard Rahmenbau enough. I usually really don't like bike shops for their staff and patrons feel rude to me and I always feel like I'm annoying them. This has been the exception, from the first time I got in contact with Stephan, and when I got into the shop. I got a full custom bike down to all my specs. Stephan was as excited about this as I was (towards the end my excitement might have surpassed his though 😍). He made sure - in the most comfortable way - to keep me in the loop about the build process. If there were any things we needed to clear up, it always was a breeze to do so. And of course I wouldn't leave their shop without everything set up and fitting me perfectly. They're also kind of a collective there and not your usual run of the mill hierarchical org <3

Alexander

5 years ago

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Amazing bikes! Great customer service! Thank you!

Mhg M

6 years ago

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During my cycling holiday the derailleur of my bike was severely damaged due to a crash. Although the workshop was overloaded with work and did not really have time for me, one of the employees took the time to help me. Due to the workload of the workshop and the severity of the damage the employee was not able to completely fix the problem, but he managed fix it such that I was able to make it home on my bicycle. For this wonderful service I am very grateful. Thanks!