Testimonials
Hi Ben,
The BMC SLC01 ProMachine you built for me is amazing. Your attention to detail in every aspect designing and building my bike was not only evident when you sent me pictures during construction (while I was out of town), but even more so when I first saw it in person today (still have the grin on my face). When I took it out for a test spin at your shop, I could not believe I was capable of spinning such speeds so effortlessly.
The bike fits me perfectly in all respects - I did not believe I could be that comfortable on a road bike right from the start. Coming from a vintage road bike and recently putting many miles in on my older mountain bike, this bike is like a Ferrari.
I am in awe at the details you put into my bike (matching color to frame on handlebar tape, seat, tires/wheels, handlebar stem and many other places). The quality of components greatly exceeds what I originally was looking at on the major brands. Everything works with precision on my bike (brakes, hears, steering).
The most important part of my experience is the personal attention you gave me in understanding what I was looking for in achieving my road bike goals (riding centuries, being able to keep up with the
Western Howard County Cycling Club(s) bikers, etc.) You built the perfect bike for me to achieve these goals and enjoy for years to come as I transition from running as much as I do to cycling (I am 43 and running is starting to catch up to me sometimes).
When I first stopped by your shop, I was just researching what I would want in a road bike (I was about 20% into it - I at least knew I wanted something with decent components and probably carbon fiber ....) and when you gave me some sites to research and told me what you could build me, my decision to have you build me a bike became a no-brainer.
I very much appreciate your passion for building bikes. You have an extraordinary sense for fitting one to a bike (or I should say building a bike that fits a person perfectly.)
If Steve Ruckert (my former high school track and cross country coach) races a bike built by you, then I know I am in good hands (Mr. Ruckert is the one that most inspired me early on in life with respect to running, cycling and trying to live a healthy lifestyle.)
Ben - Thanks again for everything - see you at the Wednesday night Glenwood rides!
- Mark Haney
OK, so heres the deal.
I have this short course that I like to call my little time trial. When I dont have a lot of time at lunch, I race it. Rolling hills, a few really short steeps. Its just predictable, so its a good measure of my progress. Over the past 3 years, when I was at weight I set the impossible goal of doing it sub 30:00. Never did it. This year, once I lost the weight and built up the legs, I was shattering it left and right. Last PR was 2 weeks ago at 28:28. So I took the Star Spangled Slammer out on this quick little course just as a point of reference. Andnow let me preface this first by saying it was VERY windy out today, lots of head wind. So today, I did itand I had a few times when I took a few seconds to clip into the speedplays. OK, enough fooling around, 27:39. First try. I still need to figure out the gearing. I know every shift point on that course on my Kestrel. With this monster, I was struggling to figure out where I needed to be (Ill figure it out, theres just so many damn gears!). I do really like climbing with my hands on top of the bars. Thats a new position, but its really comfortable for climbing. And getting down in the drop pulls my upper body down enough that it satisfies my deep seated psychological need for an aero position.
Thanks again, this thing is a ROCKET!
Paul
My name is Brad T. and I am writing this letter in support of Mr. Ben Schaeffer. I am a Captain at American Airlines where I have been working for the past 20 years, and am currently flying the Boeing 737.
Mr. Schaeffer is, in a phrase, the Real Deal. His honesty is unimpeachable, his reliability superb and his integrity unsurpassed. My dealings with Ben have been as a customer of his Performance Bicycle shop and I could only wish that all businesses I dealt with operated with the same level of customer service. I know that if Ben makes a commitment to me, it will either be held or I will be kept informed of any changes in a timely fashion, which is all anyone can ask for as a customer - or in life.
Sincerely,
Brad T.
I have to thank Ben for building an awesome bike for me. I was not sure if I wanted to get a new bike just yet but after talking to Ben and telling him some of the problems that I was having with my old bike, I could see his passion for bikes and I was hooked. Ben took his time and was able to fit me properly to the right bike frame and the type of riding that I wanted to do. I was riding a 60cm road bike and I end up on a 55cm frame from Ben. What a difference! I bought the 60cm as my first bike and trusted the bike shop to put me on the right size bike, oh well. The new BMC bike is everything that I could have asked for and Ben did it within my budget. Bens shop was recommended to me and I am recommending Bens Performance Bikes (BPB) to my friends now (including my wife).
Thanks again,Keith O.
Just had my first long ride on the Niner that Ben built for me and the bike blew my, very high expectations, out of the water. It did everything I wanted and did it better than I could have ever expected. Most of my riding will be local to Maryland and I will be riding with a bunch of full suspension guys. I don't like full suspension so I did a bunch of research and decided to go with a 29'er, for the softer ride. Did a bunch of research of 29'ers and decided to go with a Niner frame. Well I have been out of biking for about ten years so I didn't know exactly what I wanted or what to do next so I did a bunch more research and ended up calling Ben's Performance Bicycle's. His concept of a Studio bike shop is exactly what I got. We had a few phone calls going over details and then I went out to his shop, discussed my budget and he took it from there. I got more bike for the money, than I could have done on my own and he nailed where to spend and where to save, dead on. He did exactly what he said he would do and his energy and enthusiasm are contagious. I give Ben and his shop the highest recommendation.
Thank you,
Matt
Hi Ben,
I can't say enough about your customer friendly service. Thank you so much for helping me and my friends out today during our ride. Not only did you fix the broken cleat which helped us get back home, but you went above and beyond and serviced our pedals which needed lube. That above and beyond service is hard to find!!
Thank you!
Tara
Hello,
I am extremely happy with my purchase of a BMC Pro Machine from Ben's Performance Bicycle. I dealt with the owner of the shop, Ben, whose expertise and enthusiasm was far and beyound any other dealer I've dealt with. Not only did Ben build the bike, but he took me out for a ride in the hilly roads of Howard County to ensure a good fit and thatvthe machine was working properly.
Ben take's pride in his service and his enthusiasm is contagious.
I would highly recommend Ben to any road enthusiast.
Thanks Ben
Ed
My name is Steve Ruckert. I have been involved in athletics for over 50 years. During that time I have competed in high school football, college football, road and track running, triathlons and duathlons. Some of my accomplishments include a 4:21 track mile at age 42 along with a 14:57 5K at the same age. While competing in triathlons, I won the Columbia and WyomingValley Triathlons. At age 36, I was the winner of the Central Park Duathlon, finishing ahead of the up and coming Duathlete, soon to become one of the Worlds best, Kenny Souza. At the age of 58, I won my first age group National Duathlon Title and 2 years later won Nationals and Worlds.
Currently, I am sponsored by Bens Performance Bike Shop while riding a BMC Time Machine that was custom built by Ben, which I rode to the National and World Duathlon titles. Ben has sponsored me this past year and has provided a tremendous level of support for my racing. The bike that he built for me has made a huge difference. I look forward to continued support from Ben and his shop as I try to defend my National and World Titles in 2010.
-Steve Ruckert
Just got my bike from Ben at Ben's Performance Bikes. Not only was it packaged (for the long haul from U.S.A to western Australia) with obvious care, with protectors on wheels, forks and dropouts there were extras in there which must have swallowed up all the money I paid for postage! Extra cables, new bottle, chain rings etc etc) These guys go the extra yard, not just to sell their gear, but to make sure you smile when the financial transaction has finished and the service begins. If only all transactions could be so easy and agreeable. I buy a lot(my wife only knows the half of it) of things from the states for my two loves of guitars and amps, and cycling, and these guys have really stood out head and shoulders above the rest of the international sellers I have dealt with in the last 8-9 years, from the great communication to the fast and fair postage to the value for money.
Thanks so much Ben and co,
Regards,
Morrison.
Ben--
Even though you completed my bike (in record time) about 6 weeks ago, I was finally able to ride it today (work and school will do that to you). WOW! The bike is AWESOME now!! It's so lite and shifts like a dream; even hills are easier! The bike is now a pleasure to ride. No more grinding/clicking gears! As an added plus, I think even my new seat is going to work-out. ;}
Thanks again for all your advice, help, and hard work. You did an incredible job on my bike. HoCo is lucky to have you. Thank you for all your support.
Cynthia
Ben, I just want to thank you again for all of your attention to details during and after the purchase of my bike.
How often do you get the owner of a shop (car, motorcycle, bikes...) to come out on the road to test drive a product with you? Well, I had never seen that until Ben built my BMC Pro Machine SLC01 and I went out to get fitted on it. Ben did a fantastic job sizing the bike and adjusting it for me. A minute or two into the ride he noticed that the stem was too long by 10mm.... A couple of days later he got the new stem. At the same time I brought in a new set of pedals/cleats and he installed everything in a flash and the cleats are even better adjusted that the old ones I had been riding for years. The bike is fantastic! I highly recommend Ben for his expertise, tremendous attention to details and customer service. Couldn't have asked for a smoother experience. And Ben even helped me out when my wife lost her wedding ring... but that's another story.
Alain S.
I have some very high praise for the Niner Air 9 that Ben built for me. Riding it in the woods on a tight, twisty trail is about as close as you can come (in the Summer) to skiing power through the trees in Colorado. I choose to go with Niner's better aluminum hard tail and it was the right decision. The bike is lighter, stiffer, and very responsive. Roots and small rocks don't throw you off your line. And all the components Ben selected work flawlessly. It shifts and brakes the way you want it to - i.e without thinking about it. The bike is a beauty to look at (with the possible exception of the black rims and spokes) and a beauty to ride. I would recommend the hardware and the builder to anyone. Best of all, I gave Ben the go-ahead on Monday night and picked up the bike Friday evening.
Regards,Gary H.
I'd like to recommend Ben's Performance Bikes for anyone who expects to get the best service, support, and setup of their bike, whether its a Cross Bike, Mountain Bike, Road Bike, TT Bike, Track Bike. Riding at a local, National, International amateur or Pro level I haven't seen any better attention to detail and eye for the right equipment than what Ben provides -- he makes it happen. Creating a performance bike for Ben, is similar to a famous artist painting an classic piece of Art -- both are passionate about their work, and it shows in the end result.
Blair Saunders
Former Canadian National Team member, Canadian Champion
Attention Ladies!
Ben's Performance Bicycle Shop is hands down, one of the best high-performance, female-friendly bike shops in the country. I have been riding and racing bikes for 13 years and have dealt with shops all over the US. As a female rider, it can be challenging to get not only good, trustworthy service but also the respect anybody would want as a biking enthusiast and loyal customer. From the get-go, Ben was super friendly and passionate about helping me build and fit a BMC to my riding style. His unprecedented service and small custom shop is the only way to truly find a bike that is best suited for you (see me on my new super slick Pro Machine for example). It's well worth the drive out there (I came from Baltimore).
Side note: Any women who are serious (or want to be) about riding and are looking for other gals to ride
with, contact the shop. I am always looking for gal-pals to ride with in a non-competitive, supportive
environment.
Natalie D.
Ben,
Great job on the upgrade to my Pinarello. The wheels are smooth and fast and she shifts like a dream. This "Ferrari" is still powered by Fiat, but I sure feel fast! It has helped redefine fun on 2 wheels. Look forward to a continuing relationship.
Thanks,
Larry
Ben:
Happy Monday! I am one of the guys who visited you on Sunday. I am the guy who was wearing black, currently on the 1997 Bianchi.
It was great to meet you, finally...I had stopped past your store a number of times (early on the weekends). After meeting you, Dave (theother rider) and I were talking afterward; I said to him that a person cannot fake passion. You are clearly passionate about building bikes, and your approach came across clearly. We were both energized by our visit to your store (and 60 miles in on a hot day, we needed it!).
As a result of passing your store previously, I had done some research into BMC bikes. The guys at <REDACTED> have a good YouTube review of a few models. However, they were out of reach, based on the pricing I was seeing online.
So, you can imagine my thrill when we got to talking about the BMC RaceMaster, and the frameset price you mentioned. I was online last night and this morning reading up on the bike (again), and I am stoked by the potential.
You mentioned the possibility of my testing one. Based on the specs I see online, I think I wold fit a 54 (That's based on my current bike...I ride a 55 now, and the BMC top tube of a 54 is at 55.5...make sense?). If we could set that up, that would be fantastic!
I am looking forward to visiting again, and hopefully getting on a bike that will suit me. I have been looking for about six months now, and you are the first person in a bike store that seemed willing to spend time with me. it means a lot!
Talk soon!
-Ray W.
I would also like to give a thumbs up to Ben. I made the plunge and purchased a new bike from BPB. You would think that all the components on a new bike would be in tip top working order. Unfortunately, the front derailleur was not. Ben ended up putting on new cables, chain and upgraded the derailleur to make sure the bike rode like a new bike should.
He's encouraged me to bring it in whenever I feel necessary...
something other shops have not done. I know I will be more attentive to the needs of my new bike because of Ben's attitude.
Bonnie C.
To All,
I have always used Ben and would never use anyone else! He is always there for Ted and I whenever we have a problem with our bikes.
When I bought my new bike which was much lighter then my old one and the gears were different, I was a bit nervous. Ben when riding with me my first time out! I don't know any other bike store that would do that!
Ann K.
Ben--
Thanks for fixing my bike in record time! I can't believe you got that all done in just a couple of days---at other shops it would take about a month for them to even look at it.
After taking it to another shop TWICE and still having the same problem, you found the issue right away. The bike is now nice & clean, and rides great! You did a great job on fixing the gears; it's even easier to go up the hills.
Ben's Performance Bikes is definitely now my go-to place for my bike and bike needs. Now if we can only find a seat that works for me!! :)
Thanks again for all your help/advice and giving me the HoCo Discount. You Rock!!
Cynthia K.
PS-- Thanks Mike for being so kind and helping me get the bike to Ben.
Ben,
I just had my first ride with my bike after you took care of my issues. Wow, what a difference! I think the bike rides better than when it was new.
A little background... I had a tune-up at Princeton Sports early this year and have had problems with my bike ever since. After a few flat's, they realized that they had over tightened my rear rim and had cracked it. I took it in several times to have the brakes adjusted and within 2 rides of each visit, the rub was back. After explaining that a lot of items normally performed during a tune-up were missed; the manager at Princeton issued me store credit for the tune-up and the chain that had gone bad after only about 400 miles. So the story didn't have that bad of an ending with them. I usually have good service there, I guess I just had one mechanic that goofed.
After this past weekends ride, I had a very loud squeeking noise. It took Ben about 2 minutes to diagnose everything. Ben went out of his way in order for me to be able to ride on Wednesday. My wife had to work late and I had to watch my son, I missed the Wednesday ride; but the bike was ready. I rode about 28 miles today and climbed hills so much easier and was constantly on my brakes to keep from running into the person in front of me. It's like putting on Superman's cape. Thank you Ben, keep up the good work.
Thanks!
Dave
If you have a high-end bike and want the most out of it, Ben is the person you want to work on it. I took my bike in for what was supposed to be a "simple" power meter installation. But, Ben, with his incredible attention to detail, found a number of things that needed to be addressed, some of which I knew the bike needed and some which I did not. And, in spite of his busy schedule, Ben found a way to get the work done quickly and would not cut any corners to get it done. And, when he found he needed an odd-sized part to finish the job, he took it off of his own bike. In the end, when I left with the bike, it was working at its best and all for a very good price.
Tim B.
Hi Ben,
I wanted to thank you for your help in purchasing a new mountain bike. I had all but given up my search to upgrade when I stopped into your shop. You restored my faith in the industry, as has Jamis. My Dakota Sport has exceeded my expectations in every way! I was so glad to find a bike with quality components and craftsmanship, great geometry, and a reasonable price! While everyone else is over charging for low end bikes Jamis is doing it RIGHT! It was a great experience and a pleasure dealing with you and I'LL BE BACK!!
Thank you so very much!
Kirk C.
BTW: Looking at the Dakar XCT 3 sweeeet!
Ben,
I just got out today, finally, for a ride after you overhauled the drive train ...movement felt like a hot knife through
melted butter.
Thanks,
Andy (yellow IF your took care of last week)
Hey Ben,
I just wanted to Thank you again for that incredible Bmc bike build, I am extremely happy about everything to do with the purchase of this bike,right down to the surprise Zipp carbon water bottle holders. You really exceeded every expectation of what I was going to receive in a blind purchase. You are truely a man of your word and I would highly recommend you and your shop to anybody looking to be led in the right direction.
Your friend,
Anthony
From: William B
To: mabra-uscf@googlegroups.com
Sent: Thu, 19 Mar 2009 7:54 pm
Subject: Re: Looking for a bike to donate - Thank you All
MABRA,
First of all let me say thanks to those that offered to help. It's nice to know our community is so willing to get involved.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ben from Ben's Performance Bikes (BPB) in Howard County for the donation of a brand new Jamis Citizen bicycle. Ben really went all out and set the bike up perfectly. The gentlemen who needed this bike is thankful beyond belief.
I had the pleasure of visiting Ben's shop when I picked up the bicycle and was very impressed with the selection of top notch racing bikes. It's not often that I walk in a bike shop and see not just one cyclocross bike, but more than a few outfitted with Easton deep dish tubular wheels and color matched carbon accessories (too bad it will end up getting dirty). Turn the corner and see top of the line Jamis carbon fiber bikes, BMC and Time, I thought I was in a pro-tour mechanics garage. Oh yea, he carries the full line of bicycles for babies on up to the most picky of MABRA racers. Ben has a history with car and motorcycle racing. He brings this excitement for racing sports to his bicycle shop. Please visit his website and shop when you get a chance and see what he has to offer.
--
Link to original request: http://tinyurl.com/dk47jz
Ben,
Here are a few pictures I took of Larry with the bike. He was ecstatic and elated. It fits him well and he is set for years. Thanks again for your generosity!
Bill
A guy just posted this up on the thread that I started about your shop on the MORE site:
"i went by ben's yesterday to pick up some new tires for my 29er single speed. yes they actually stock some 29er tires. i recommend stopping by if you can. ben seemed like a real nice guy, and the shop is really nice. they have lots of high end brands like niner, pivot, look, and bmc, but they also carry jamis and raleigh as well. his prices are good too. i e-mailed him through the website, and i got a response almost imediately. my only minor complaint is that the website says they open at 9, but they don't really open until 10."
I didn't know that you had Pivot. Angela is interested in a full suspension Pivot and so are a couple of her friends. I'll let them know that you have that line.
-Scott
Ben-
I wanted to take the time to put into writing words of gratitude. I cannot thank you enough for your hurculean efforts in resolving my Supernova headset/tube problem. As I've said before, I was a Jamis customer, though not your Jamis customer, and you helped me anyway. I tried everything I knew to address the issue with the original seller and Jamis (i.e. letter sent to Jamis' Product Manager), without success. Honestly, I thought I was going to have to scrap the bike frame and invest in another in order to continue racing. This would have turned me off to the Jamis brand forever.
Some thanks are due also to Jamis for finally stepping up and addressing the problem I had with the bike. I'm not sure who (or at what level) finally determined that "customer satisfaction is our business", but I thank them for getting me a new frame with what appears to be the fix for the root cause of the original problem. I look forward to racing this bike in the fall season of cyclocross and many seasons to come. The bike gets attention at every race due to its great looks and now I hope it can get attention too for its quality and durability.
Thanks again for a job well done. Thanks also for the cool details you added in the rebuild process. I now think of Ben's Performance Bicycles as "my bike shop".
Sincerely,
Barry H
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