The first time I went to CWS I had an excellent experience. There was a short read-haired guy with a pony tail who went out of his way to help me pick the right helmet. I was so impressed that for my next shopping I went straight there. This time I had someone else help me, and while they weren't as dedicated, the level of service wasn't too bad.
Then after a year or so I went there again and it seemed like a whole different place. The front of the store was packed with bikes (some of them surprisingly expensive). The staff wasn't really too nice, but not outright rude either. It's not my favorite store and it wouldn't be my first choice to go shopping for gear (or other stuff).
My experiences seem to be the opposite of most in this thread. I've been treated great every time I shop at cycleworld superstore and have always gotten great service and a great deal which is why I go back to them again and again over the past few years. I have been to GP bikes three times and every time I was treated like crap, given crappy service, and walked-out without buying anything because of it.
I can't agree with you that GP bikes' employees treat people like crap. I've been there three times and its probably the most welcoming place out there. Cycleworld had ridiculously expensive bikes "on sale". I picked up my new bike at Motorsports Pickering for as much as an older model CWS had which already ate 8,000 MILES on the road. Its kind of a rip off.
PS. Jim's high voice makes sense now.
I've only shopped there once this past weekend where I went and bought some motorcycle boots for my safety course. Everyone there seemed very welcoming, even though it was 15 minutes before closing time,they were still very patient with my lack of experience and knowledge concerning boot type and fit. They are a bit pricier relative to other competitors, but the convenience of the location and longer hours made up for it. It's surprising to see so many negative reviews, but I am only sharing my 1 experience with them.