REI

"Coming from Florida, this place was massive by comparison. Very friendly staff. The shopping area where the store is located is setup as a town so parking around the store is free street parking, but limited."

"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."

"I was so impressed by the help and support I received. Everyone was so helpful and kind! This was the best customer service I have received from an organization in a while. Thoroughly impressed! Great selection as well. Store is so clean and organized!"

"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."