Following is the inaugural entry in our new Customer Testimonial feature from our UIC store customer Andrew K.
"My stumbling across Rapid Transit came about following the inevitable commuting accident, which left my trusty steed -- Wilier racing bike -- bent, snapped, and crushed in the middle of the road. Resurrecting any of her was very doubtful of, especially as (like a Ferrari driver who can't even check his own oil) I had no idea how to do a rebuild.
Following a crutch-enabled stumble to Rapid Transit, I met Jay and the guys. Amongst a fellow bunch of bike-loving Pilsenite commuters we devised a plan to rebuild what turned out to be all of the bike (barring my beloved Campagnolo gear shifters and brakes, seat and pedal arms). They entertained my ideas, helped to put a bike on the road with a similar performance to the wrecked beauty that had been assembled in the Italian Alps by Wilier.
Over the course of 3-4 months, whilst awaiting the insurance payment, the guys gradually added part after part, including new frame, forks, wheels, drive chain, bottom bracket, handlebars, brakes, and cables. Fortunately, being a University employee, I received 15% off, which allowed me to keep the spec' of the bike nice and high. The finished product is a unique build/resurrection that has been a lot of fun to commute 20 miles a day on, and put me in the top half of the field at the US national triathlon trials this summer, even amongst a field predominantly comprised of tailored tri-bikes. Next year, with a little more tweaking of the gears, I expect Rapid Transit to help me ride into team U.S.A.
The guys are easy going, get onto the job quickly, take on crazy requests, and, especially with the University discount, leave you with enough money to get that component that's next up in the range, that you would otherwise not be able to afford. I advise anyone to get their bikes rebuilt, fixed or pimped at Rapid."
Thanks, Andrew!
(photography by Jay Madden)
