rbjeepthing
Well-known member
I went to GP Bikes last week (May 10th 2012) to look at 2pc suits. When I first got there all their sales people were with customers so I had to wait which was not very long at all. I was greeted by a guy by the name of "Ya Ya" after trying a bunch of 1pc's and 2pc's I ended up deciding on a Alpinestars Carver 2pc as it seemed like a pretty good solution to my wants and needs and fit within my budget. The total time spent was almost 1.5hr's then came the time to check out. They told me the price was considerably higher then that of their website which I stated I was under the impression was the correct price. 30sec later "Ya Ya" cam back and said yup no problem our mistake we will honor the price from the web and I was on my way happy with the service and the price.
Come last Saturday I was excited to try the suit out so I went out for a spirited ride and the suit felt great. It was comfortable enough and breathed well. When I got home I removed the suit and hung it back on the hanger. I went to take pics to show some friends and noticed the leather sitting funny in the front so I had a closer look.
It appeared the seam on the inside had be sewn incorrectly, weird but no big deal I would just have to deal with it being asymmetrical. Then I thought to myself well lets check the rest of the suit over and that's when I became appalled. The front part of the zipper has started to come un-stiched, A seam on the right side of the jacket is coming un-stiched and a seam on the left side of the jacket has become un-stiched and lastly some of the liner is coming apart from the jacket! Disappointed to say the least as I expected better quality out of something that is supposed to save my *** possibly.
I contacted Alpinestars and they seemed more then willing to take it back so now all that mattered was how GP was going to deal with the situation.
Here are some of the pics of the issues:
Last night (May 16th 2012) I went in and was directed to the parts counter for the return. Again they were very busy but I'm a pretty understanding and calm customer so I waited. Initially I dealt with a younger girl though I didn't catch her name who was as helpful as she could be intill she got a gentleman by the name of Tom. Tom delt with the situation quickly and effectively and said it will not be a problem to exchange. I decided to not go with another Alpinestars suit since I wasn't sure if I could trust it which meant we had to start from scratch.
Tom spent 60min with me trying numerous different other manufacturers jackets and suits on intill I found a replacement. After seeing the issues with a so called good 2pc I decided maybe a pair of pants and a jacket was the way to go with maybe a 1pc down the road. I chose a Teknic jacket and a pair of Teknic pants. The jacket was in-stock however the pants were not. Tom offered to ship me a couple pairs of pants so I could keep the correct ones and send the incorrect ones back. I opted for him to just order them in and I would come back and try them on and take the right ones. We proceeded to the computer at the parts desk were he typed up the return and exchange. Tom noticed the reduction in the original suit purchased and gave the same percentage off the new Teknic items a bonus that was appreciated but not required! I took my jacket and was on my way extremely satisfied.
Today (May 17th 2012) I called to see if I could have them order me the Knox BP for the pocket in the jacket I purchased. Tom checked stock and then had a colleague call me back to let me know they found one in-stock and would put it aside for me so I could pick it up with the pants come Saturday.
So here I sit extremely satisfied with the outcome of a situation that could have gone south quickly. Having worked in retail for more then 15 years I know that sometimes you are bound by manufacturers policies. GP followed these policies but also gave me the benefit of the doubt because I feel they truly cared. Too often on the net we read bad reviews but I really cannot say enough good things about the people I dealt with directly during this whole process.
I can tell you I will not hesitate to make the 3-4 hour round trip back to GP Bikes next time I need gear. They also will likely get first crack at my business when a new bike purchase is in order.
New Jacket Pics (will add pants pics)
Sincerely A. C.
Come last Saturday I was excited to try the suit out so I went out for a spirited ride and the suit felt great. It was comfortable enough and breathed well. When I got home I removed the suit and hung it back on the hanger. I went to take pics to show some friends and noticed the leather sitting funny in the front so I had a closer look.
It appeared the seam on the inside had be sewn incorrectly, weird but no big deal I would just have to deal with it being asymmetrical. Then I thought to myself well lets check the rest of the suit over and that's when I became appalled. The front part of the zipper has started to come un-stiched, A seam on the right side of the jacket is coming un-stiched and a seam on the left side of the jacket has become un-stiched and lastly some of the liner is coming apart from the jacket! Disappointed to say the least as I expected better quality out of something that is supposed to save my *** possibly.
I contacted Alpinestars and they seemed more then willing to take it back so now all that mattered was how GP was going to deal with the situation.
Here are some of the pics of the issues:
Last night (May 16th 2012) I went in and was directed to the parts counter for the return. Again they were very busy but I'm a pretty understanding and calm customer so I waited. Initially I dealt with a younger girl though I didn't catch her name who was as helpful as she could be intill she got a gentleman by the name of Tom. Tom delt with the situation quickly and effectively and said it will not be a problem to exchange. I decided to not go with another Alpinestars suit since I wasn't sure if I could trust it which meant we had to start from scratch.
Tom spent 60min with me trying numerous different other manufacturers jackets and suits on intill I found a replacement. After seeing the issues with a so called good 2pc I decided maybe a pair of pants and a jacket was the way to go with maybe a 1pc down the road. I chose a Teknic jacket and a pair of Teknic pants. The jacket was in-stock however the pants were not. Tom offered to ship me a couple pairs of pants so I could keep the correct ones and send the incorrect ones back. I opted for him to just order them in and I would come back and try them on and take the right ones. We proceeded to the computer at the parts desk were he typed up the return and exchange. Tom noticed the reduction in the original suit purchased and gave the same percentage off the new Teknic items a bonus that was appreciated but not required! I took my jacket and was on my way extremely satisfied.
Today (May 17th 2012) I called to see if I could have them order me the Knox BP for the pocket in the jacket I purchased. Tom checked stock and then had a colleague call me back to let me know they found one in-stock and would put it aside for me so I could pick it up with the pants come Saturday.
So here I sit extremely satisfied with the outcome of a situation that could have gone south quickly. Having worked in retail for more then 15 years I know that sometimes you are bound by manufacturers policies. GP followed these policies but also gave me the benefit of the doubt because I feel they truly cared. Too often on the net we read bad reviews but I really cannot say enough good things about the people I dealt with directly during this whole process.
I can tell you I will not hesitate to make the 3-4 hour round trip back to GP Bikes next time I need gear. They also will likely get first crack at my business when a new bike purchase is in order.
New Jacket Pics (will add pants pics)
Sincerely A. C.
