"I've had nothing but positive experiences purchasing from both Real Cyclist and Backcountry. I've only ordered cycling or hiking clothes from them, but they have all been shipped quickly and the products were as expected. I'm a real value shopper, so I look for quality goods on deep discount at various online retailers. This merchant fits the bill. I've had a few returns which went smoothly. I even called for a credit on items purchased which went down in price within the 30 days. I'm quite surprised to see so many negative reviews here, as this is definitely not my experience. Too bad the guy who spent six grand on bikes (and is obviously happy with those purchases) couldn't be satisfied with his shorts return. I'll still buy from Real Cyclist and Backcountry until I have a problem."

"I ordered a Zipp 101 wheel ($500+), which arrived with no rim tape, QR skewer or manual. I called that day and spoke to a CS person who told me the items would be shipped out. After a week went by and they did not arrive, I called again and spoke to another CS person, who told me the wheel "does not come with a skewer." Really?!? Pretty sure every other Zipp dealer on Earth sells them that way (unless RC is pulling them out so they can sell them separately). I then asked if I could purchase a front skewer only, and was told no (CSR: "I think they come in a set of three."). Three?!?

Way back when, before these guys bought Competitive Cyclist, they were OK to deal with. Now CC is probably going to go down the tubes with them. Buy from Western Bike Works instead. Far better service, and they price match any US dealer."

"This company bites when it comes to returns. They will not return emails or request for returns. I did finally get a chat session and got an RMA. I returned the item and they did not credit my credit card. I finally had to resort to disputing the charge to get the charges reversed. Pricing is decent and selection is good. Although their website says they, "ship wicked fast", it was nothing special. Still took about 7-10 days to get my orders."

"I purchased 4 Pinarello bikes (one over $6000.00) and another $3K in gear in the last six months. That's right; I purchased over 10K in six months. Guess what happened when I tried to return one pair of bib shorts with tags still on and a Capo jacket whose zipper broke on the 2nd ride.
They sent me the same box back with the same items with a note that I was too late to return or exchange the items in question. That's right. No Returns for me!
DO NOT BUT from Backcountry.com, Competitivecyclist.com, or Realcyclist.com. All are affiliated.
John Berry DVM"

"Absolutly horrid experience, unable to get a valid order status out of anyone - other than "it will ship today"

Contact on 9/14 - "will ship today"
Contact on 9/15 - "oh, there was an issue, will ship today"
Contact on 9/16 - "not sure why it didn't ship, but the order will ship on Monday"

To date, order is still not shipped, and will need to "contact the shipping department" "

"Will not support customer on warrantee issues...ordered a batch of Hutchinson pirahna CX tires...one had a defective bead, but wasn't discovered until after their 30 day return policy window. In my experience, most respectable companies would have honored a replacement, afterwall, it was effectively a $20 dollar tire (purchaced on sale). Why push away a customer over a $20 tire. They stand to lose more than I did if I take my business elsewhere. I prefer a company that stands behind the products they sell and supports the customer in regard to warrantee issues"

"Had originally ordered a pair of Sidi shoes from another online but had to cancel due to a backorder. Found the same pair at RealCyclist. Called them first and the phone was answered promptly and confirmed they had the shoes. Ordered and had them in 2 days. Their site does say 'ships wicked fast'!"

"What a helpful company. I was looking for size 13 wide cycling shoes and couldn't find any stores that had stock. Then I was on the Realcyclist.com website which has an online chat feature- well in just a few minutes I was able to find out what shoe they had in stock in my size and then ordered a pair of Shimano Road shoes. Great customer service. I was pleasantly surprised. I have to add that this happened after I ordered a pair of SIDI shoes from Extremesupply.com and 3 days later they send me an email saying that the shoes are discontinued and they don't have my size but oddly they say that they can order them from SIDI if I pay $80 more- Humm? if the shoes were discontinued, how can they order them? Sounds fishy to me so I say cancel the order and then happily I find Realcyclist.com and get a pair of Shimano shoes at an even better price."