About Wallingford Bicycle Parts

Wallingford Bicycle Parts got it's start out of my frustration trying to find a Brooks saddle for my own use. I knew that this product had a following of enthusiastic users and I had been interested in trying a mail order business for quite a while. I also knew that a Brooks could help many of the cyclists that can't find that "just right" saddle to take the pain out of the pleasure of cycling. Response has been beyond my expectations and I am happy that I am able to provide this quality product to those that seek it. It is a pleasure to deal in a product that is traditional, natural, and not obsoleted annually by its manufacturer.

As WBP grew as a Brooks retailer it seemed a natural to add Carradice saddlebags to our product line. Carradice makes a unique, quality product and we soon realized that there was an unmet demand for other items in the Carradice luggage line. Tubus racks were added to the mix, too. In 2001 we started carrying the beautiful Berthoud bags and equipment from France. This all led to the realization that we are growing in the touring direction and we have since added Ortlieb bags, Jandd bags, and fine Schwalbe touring tires.

Wallingford is the Seattle neighborhood where we started. Had I started here in New Orleans I guess we would be Uptown Bicycle Parts or Carrollton Bicycle Parts given my imagination deficit.

We are in a small storefront in the Carrollton neighborhood of New Orleans. Carrollton is about six miles from downtown and the French Quarter. We are always glad to see the occasional enthusiast who stumbles in. If you are in New Orleans or you are going to be in town for a visit give us a call.

I have included excerpts from some of our e-mail correspondence with customers below

Thanks for your interest in BROOKS saddles and Wallingford Bicycle Parts!

Bill Laine, Prop.

Bill, Lizzy, Brent - June '08

"How often do you get, with the items you ordered, a personally-signed letter from the person who not only took your order over the phone, but took the time to help you pick just what you need? And how often is that person the proprietor or manager of the company from which you ordered? Now you have an idea of what sets Wallingford Bike apart, not only from other bike companies, but from online or mail-order companies in general. The personal touch I just described was, for me, icing on the cake. I also want to laud Bill and Diane for their extraordinary patience in helping me with me order. I have fairly unusual anatomy and my riding style is changing due to my advancing age and changing lifestyle. (Also, I must confess that I am, to say the least, locquacious over the telephone!) But Bill and Diane took the time to help me choose the best Brooks saddles for me."
	"Your service is absolutely the best I have ever encountered over the internet. Your catalog of quality bicycle parts and accessories is wonderful and your shipping is lightning fast! Thank you so much for this very positive buying experience. I will enjoy the gear received even more because of it. You can count me as another loyal customer for life."
"Holy smokes, Bill. That was the best response I've ever received from any company...ever! "
	"I wanted to take a moment to echo several of the positive customer comments I saw on your website. Your approach is straightforward and honest; your service is courteous and knowledgeable; and your delivery is prompt. I also applaud your use of recycleable plastics and wood shavings (instead of styrofoam peanuts). Oh, I almost forgot, your 6-month unconditional Brooks Saddle warranty is fantastic. I doubt I'll be exercising it, but it's nice to know it's there. I'm sure I'll be ordering more things from you in the future..."
(from Taiwan) "I have received the Swallow saddle. Everything is OK. Thanks for your quick and actual service."
	"I like what you're doing. Keep it up."
"Thanks for your fast service and the extra information on saddle care. It was unexpected and surprising in this day and age."
	"I received the parts and was able to resurrect an old saddle I thought was lost. Thanks again - you're a great resource.
"thanks for filling my order for the Conquest saddle so quickly. . . . your business is obviously a labor of love--that's wonderful to see.
	"My new Team Pro saddle arrived today in good order. Thank you for the prompt service and the courteous treatment. I will suggest Wallingford Bicycle Parts to anyone seeking a Brooks saddle."
"Bill, Thanks for the prompt and excellent service. The saddle arrived yesterday and is just as I expected. Thanks again. I'll order Proofide in the future. Don't go away!"
	"Still can't believe I ordered it on Sunday, and today I have it.....unbelieveable service! . . .My thanks once again for what has to the most professional and quickest mail order service I have ever dealt with!"
"Man, that's what I call quick service!!"
	"Thanks for the good service. Now, if all businesses would be as friendly, personally attentive and efficient as yours!"
"I've really enjoyed the comfort of both of these saddles (Conquests) and have been talking them up to anybody who will listen. I really appreciate your willingness to work with your customers. That is something that is all to rare nowadays."
	". . .thanks for the excellent service."
"I got my Conquest yesterday and it looks great! Just wanted to let you know it arrived and to say thanks again for the great service."
	"Will be telling my cycling buddies about these great saddles, and the best source."
"Thanks for the prompt service. As the song goes, "I'm back in the saddle again...".
	"Thanks for the genuine (customer) service.. Its enjoyable to do business in a relaxed manner."
"I really appreciate all of your great service."
	"Wow, that was fast. The saddle arrived today. Everything looks to be in order. I appreciate the quick service."
"Wow! I rode on my new saddle about 30 miles yesterday. The Brooks in its virgin, un- broken- in state is no more uncomfortable as my previous saddle. So, I know in a month or so, I will have a very comfortable saddle. And my bike is so beautiful now!"
	"Again I want to thank you for excellent service and an excellent product."
"Once again, thanks for the great service!"
	I was on a ride with a bike club and saw another cyclist had an unusual looking saddle with large copper rivets in it. I was curious to ask about it and was told it was a Brooks leather saddle. No pain, said the cyclist. Well, I got one. Popped it on my bike and took a ride. Wow! Nothing like it. And believe me, I have tried them all. It got to a point for me where I was beginning to think my physiology just wasn't right to be a cyclist. Every saddle I had ever ridden caused me pain, not matter how I adjusted it. I just assumed I'd have to lift up and flex every mile or so. Until I got my Brooks. And now I sit and pedal. No flexing because there's no pain. Even on the first ride. This saddle doesn't even need to be broken in for comfort. I liked it so much I got one for my mountain bike. And it rides just as good. So good, in fact, that I no longer need the suspension seatpost I had on it. The saddle itself absorbs enough of the road or trail shock by itself. So thanks. I am now one happy cyclist.
"I had my saddle just a few days after ordering, and the data included was very helpful. (* I wish the big name bike catalog houses were as customer service oriented as you!) It's been, at least, 25 years since I owned a Brooks saddle and I had forgotten how beautiful they are. Thanks again for all your help."
	"Any business that closes for Jazzfest is all right by me!"
"It was a nice experience doing business with you. Especially, your personal touch in the form of the letter and instructions of how to care for the saddle. To tell you the truth, I really did not believe in mail orders. I had a couple of bad experiences and heard so many others. Anyway, the BOBsters speak very highly of you and I could not order it through the LBS. Thus, I took the plunge and expected the worse. Well, things turned out beautifully. You can count on one more patron who will also spreading good words about your business."
	And finally. . . "I want to buy a Brooks B17 in Black. How do I go about doing it? Your on-line catalog leaves a lot to be desired. "

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