REI

REI, Biltmore Park, Asheville NC I love REI so this is not an unbiased review. Every store is a little different. This store has 2 levels with clothing and shoes on the upper floor and all the gear on the main floor. There’s always a good selection of anything you could possibly want for hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, and any other non redneck outdoor sport.

I recently purchased a bike from REI and thought when I picked it up I'd bring in my sons ride for a front shock and brake diagnosis. I ended up having ~$100 work done to my sons bike. Full disclosure....I have worked on bikes for over 40 years, but disk brakes and the different bleed kits still elude me, and I currently don't have space for tooling. Unfortunately, after the service, the brakes were still an issue. Additionally, I had installed a new chain but ended up removing too many links (I just needed a new pin to adjust the length). So...I brought the bike back in, discussed the issues, and thought I had agreed to addressing the brake, and a new chain pin ($2). When the bill was later emailed to me, in addition to the work I had agreed to and the $2 chain pin charge, it also had a charge of $20 for a chain installation! When I came in to pick up the bike and mentioned the chain installation charge, I was very emphatically denied by Joe, whom I believe is the manager. I was also told that I had discussed the installation, which was simply not true. I was a big fan of REI prior to this. I think REI is good, maybe even great, at what they do best, selling hiking and camping gear. I'd advise others, at least in the Asheville area, to consider using an actual bike shop, there are plenty. Most local shops are looking to gain long term customers, and will not pull this kind of petty nonsense. I will not use REI again for my cycling needs, but I'll try to overlook this incident for my other outdoor gear.

Went to the asheville nc store today. Everything went great. This location has a used gear buying program. Looked and found a pair of used hoka shoes (the toe on both shoes were peeling back) i could fix with shoe glue which I would've only worn them to work. my size for $44. Went to check out and was told only rei members were allowed to buy used gear. They said I could pay an extra $30 on top of the $44 for a lifetime membership which would be useless to me because I never shop there. No thanks to almost $80 tax and all for a pair of shoes that were used and damaged. What a stupid program just think of how much money they lose a year because you have to be a member to buy used items. I'll never shop rei again and tell everyone how stupid this program is.