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2020 Cycle
Category: Shopping Sporting Goods Bikes Bikes [Edit]
2020 E Union St(between 20th Ave & 21st Ave)
Seattle, WA 98122
Neighborhood: Central District
(206) 568-3090
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 7 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
We are Issaquah's BIke Store - We like to say that because we have been in business serving Issaquah and the east-side cycling community for over 27… read more »
32 reviews for 2020 Cycle
Review Highlights
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"Alex (owner) is one of the nicest, most down to earth guys..." In 11 reviews -
"...also have a lot of single speed & fixed gear/track parts..." In 3 reviews -
"...where other shops would say you need this or that brand new." In 3 reviews
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Richard H.
Seattle, WA
3/28/2012
2020 is my neighborhood and was in there for the first time he other day. My 1981 Fuji touring bike had been receiving care from Recycled Cycles but it seemed repairs that involved adjustments to gears/derailleurs didn't "stick"; I'd have the same problem recurring 2 or 3 rides later. I also had a flat tire I wasn't in the mood to replace myself, so yesterday I took the bike to 2020.
I expected to leave it for several days or week; what I'm used to from Recycled Cycles or REI. Daniel was there and threw it up on the stand as I stood there and he started making adjustments. In about 10 or 15 minutes he had the gears shifting smoothly all the way through their range and he explained the sensitivity of my rear derailleur to "being smacked" and easily knocked out of adjustment, showing me its poor alignment and the particular part(s) that create this vulnerability. And he changed my flat tire.
I can't speak for how well this service will "stick" after several rides, but i was impressed with Daniel's obvious knowledge and his attitude and I learned good information about my bike and what not to do in those few minutes watching and listening to him. No one had ever explained what he did to me. Of course, I rarely, if ever, actually get to speak to the mechanic who does the work on my bike, regardless.
Daniel also said he could put a new derailleur on for very little money that will definitely perform more reliably but we were both disposed to see if the original part would perform up to spec after his adjustments.
I was very happy with Daniel's efforts and price. I know I was lucky that he was available as I walked in but he is disposed to just grab a job and do it, as he said and I observed. I also like the vibe of the shop and the qualify of music that's playing on their sound system. The shop feels like I'm visiting a buddy who does bike repairs and hanging out for a bit, even though I had never been in before. -
Review from charlie c.
Seattle, WA
8/12/2011
If you want a bike just like one you can see in the Tour, go somewhere else(with enough money to buy a used car).
If you want bike parts that work well or want to fix things on your craigslist used bike, there's probably no better place for you. Don't expect too much; this is a small shop with a focus on community and kindness. They're more than capable of working on your race rig or your commuter, but you should come here for the awesome editorial selection of parts(only parts with good value-to-performance and value-with-style ratio are offered new ) and dedication to making bikes unique and useful. -
Review from Nacirfa R.
Seattle, WA
11/14/2011
Came here with a vintage bike I bought not long ago and was very pleased with the service. The staff was friendly and and easy to talk to; I'm just getting into biking and definitely don't know a whole lot, but they were patient and helpful with all my questions. I came in looking to upgrade my pedals and also get some straps, and although they didn't have exactly what I was looking for they were able to place an order and had it in there in 2 days. They also switched my handlebars and brake cables for a decent price.......but when I went in to pick up my bike and asked if they could also put in some new brake pads I bought from them previously, the guy tried to add on an extra $15 for "labor", which was disappointing. I understand labor charges, but it's a super quick job and my bike was still on the rack. I was hoping that they would just go ahead and throw em on there out of good will, but oh well. I ended up borrowing the tool I needed from a friend and switched the pads in a few minutes, keeping the $15 of labor for myself.
Still, this is a great spot and I'm happy with my visit. They also have a bunch of cool accessories and a pretty nice used parts bin. I even got to sip on some tea while I waited for my new pedals to be put on. Not bad. -
Review from Charlie T.
Seattle, WA
4/19/2007
I am sick of walking into bike shops and being treated lowly because I do not look the part of a typical biker. It's so stupid.
I don't own a car so I bike everywhere and I am not interested in explaining this to someone who has already decided they are better than me because they are a bike kid to the max. Fuck that attitude.
Not the situation at 2020 Cycle.
My tire was stolen and I had heard good things of this place from a friend of mine. I put off going in for as long as I could because I just didn't want to deal with another bike natzi. But I was going though serious bike withdraw, I needed my bike fix. I broke down and went in.
As soon as I walked in I was comfortable. Kids from the neighborhood were hanging out talking to the owner and he greeted me as I walked through the door. He offered the option of new or used tire, which is great. Recycling is awesome so I went with the used tire. I was able to ask him questions and was not treated like a stupid girl for not knowing the answer. The experience was so great that I have since shed my bike shop fears.
Supper friendly and helpful and I am only going to 2020 Cycle from here on. -
Review from k t.
Seattle, WA
8/21/2011
These guys have given my new-old 10-speed so much love this summer, I don't know what I'd do without them. Tune-ups are a bargain, repairs are quick, the store is stocked with parts and accessories you'll actually want on your bike--and the guys who work there are honest and unpretentious and the kind of dudes I generally try to befriend. Give 20/20 your bike business forever.
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Review from Alex K.
Seattle, WA
6/26/2010
First of all, I got a solid used bike there for a good price. Secondly, I must go in there whenever Alex isn't working, because the service I've gotten is pretty lackluster the couple times I've been there.
When I went in there first, I walked around for about 10 minutes checking out bikes, and the two workers in there pretty much ignored me. When I talked with them about stuff and various bikes I was interested in, I got pretty short answers to my questions. They were helpful to some degree, but just didn't show any interest in really helping me out.
So I got the bike, and it worked out pretty well. Next time I went in, I was looking for some parts and tools. Again, very little interaction with the workers there. Also, the selection of parts was pretty much slim pickins...I was looking for some new grips, a mirror, and a few other things, but their selection was small, to say the least.
I like the vibe in the place for the most part, but it would be really nice for them to have a bit more robust parts selection and people a bit more interested in helping customers out instead of just doing their work. -
Review from Garth B.
Seattle, WA
6/13/2011
It feels weird to write a review for this place, as I've been going here for years. 20/20 is comfortable in the way that I don't think twice about wearing my slippers on the walk up the street.
Alex knows how to pick his staff. Whether they've been here for ages, like Ben or Colin, or are brand new (sorry, I forgot your name, tall guy), they are all knowledgeable and friendly, with creative solutions to whatever nitpicky problems you walk in with.
The used parts bins are small and you have to get your hands greasy to find the gems, but they're in there. I tend to know what I am looking for, but I've seen Alex dig around on behalf of customers who don't, trying to find that perfect used something-or-other that he saw come in a few weeks ago.
New parts are fairly affordable if they're in stock and commonplace. That means a new cassette, a new brake, a new chain will all be priced the same as larger shinier stores. Niche items like chain tensioners or special order items that they have to call in are generally more than a little higher than at a larger store. They've cut me enough deals and treated me with such respect that it's worth the extra $10 every time I need such a part.
They share a bathroom with a radio station and host all-ages concerts here. I mean, come on! -
Review from Lorelei H.
Seattle, WA
1/3/2010
My brother recommended 2020 Cycle to me, and I'm so glad he did.
I walked in a few months ago *so scared* of being looked down on or snarked at for not being a bike expert, having been burned by Recycled Cycles' attitude. Not scared of someone making me feel sad, but scared of losing my s*** and punching someone in the face.
Fortunately, my apprehension was for naught!
This place is so chill, with open space inside and the door open and friends/employees/whoever coming in and out periodically. I ended up being helped by a guy...I wish I could remember his name.
While he was working on a bike, I started off asking about types of bikes, what I would be using one for, my budget, etc. It was cool because when we were talking about stuff, he would point things out on the bike he was working on. When someone he knew came into the shop, he said "Let's go out and look at her bike, it sounds like the kind you're looking for," so we did.
They don't have a lot of bikes for fix-up/sale there at a time, and so it may take a few times dropping by to find a good match. That's just how they roll...I didn't see any new bikes, which is nice anyway--why not salvage old ones?
Luckily, I somehow found one I loved and that fit me the day I went there. After informing the guy that I was in love with the bike frame, he started making the arrangements: they would fix it up--seat, wheels, handlebar grips (or whatever those are called), pedals, everything it needed since it was a pretty torn-up/naked frame. for me to reserve it and pick it up.
It was awesome because the experience was, on the one hand, totally no-pressure, but then clearly the guy wanted to help me and give me the information I needed/wanted. I wasn't made to feel stupid. And they worked with my budget! I said "around $400", and I think the total was $452.
YAY for 2020 Cycles! It's totally worth the distance from my place to come here. -
Review from Christopher X.
Seattle, WA
7/2/2007
I really like this shop. They try and find old bikes and restore them to useful service and sell them to people. Staff is more than friendly and helpful, and will try and get the right bike for you if they can. They also have a lot of single speed & fixed gear/track parts that a lot of larger shops don't even carry. This is what a neighborhood bike shop should be.
only drawback really is that it's small so selection is limited, but again I've been able to find things here that other places in town don't have. -
Review from Scot H.
Seattle, WA
7/23/2011
Here comes yet another shining review of 20/20, and they earned it. I've been in twice since last week; once to get a tune up on my cherished commuter, and once to purchase a new lock. Without boring you too much, these guys did three things that will keep me coming back. 1. They did exactly what they promised to do, in the time they promised to do it. 2. They were completely honest and thoughtful in their recommendations and advice. 3. They made me feel completely welcome. Simple things, yes, but it's amazing how many businesses can't get these three things right.
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Review from Brian T.
10/20/2010
20/20 Cycle was the only shop I could find in the area that would both box and ship a bike. I was leaving town and needed to get my bike shipped out to Colorado. This was also problematic for me as I don't have a car and was hitching a ride with a friend.
Alex (owner) was very friendly and told me he would help out however he could. His charge for boxing was less than $50, where other shops quoted me at $75 and above. They only sell used bikes there though, so they don't have bike boxes on hand. I had to go find another bike shop to get a box from.
Friendly service at a bike shop. Sad to say that's surprising these days.
They only get docked a star for limited selection. -
Review from Nick G.
Seattle, WA
3/30/2010
This place is the shit.
Its rustic, chill, and most of all - the owner Alex is super helpful. I had no (still have little) idea how to build a bike, and this guy offered to help me out and set me up with the parts I didn't have.
I'm not into expensive racing or pretentious attitudes when it comes to cycling, and this spot worked out well. Lots of parts, frames, and expertise to help get you on your way.
Parts are constantly coming and going, so there's a good chance you'll find a quality/unique addition to your ride. -
Review from Andrea J.
7/6/2008
This place might be the right shop to get your bike serviced, buy parts, etc, but their selection is not so great as they had only one bike that would fit me.
Despite this, the guy helping me was very friendly and a little funny. He gave me good advice, and it didn't seem at all like he was just trying to sell me any bike, but was concerned with fit and my needs in a bike.
Maybe they were just cleared out of bikes the day I went... -
Review from Gwen C.
3/7/2010
Friend of mine had this awesome bag light. Said he got it at Velo. No way in hell, but i remembered this place isn't far from campus.
Amble up to 2020. Well, up then down. Did not have high expectations. I was wrong, people, so wrong.
Bike shops in Seattle can be good (Speedy Reedy!), gearheady and good (R&E), bad (Velo), and...there's a lot of middle ground, a lot of "we don't do *that*", and some serious unfortunate pretense.
Yeah, not here. Talked shop about classic Bridgestones with the mechanic when i asked about getting some new cranks, sat on the couch a bit, and enjoyed the fantastic music. Prices are reasonable and the people gentle and friendly. On a return trip, ran into Alex, the owner, who exemplifies how to run a little local business.
And frankly, the "hi!" you get coming in the door, Bailee, is *very* Seattle. It's just Old Seattle in the best possible way. Oh and it's on the bus line that goes to school. Oh, and i watched them be *wonderful* with a cycling newbie. I've been riding bikes since i was a little terror, but not everyone has, and that makes me happy to see such responsive, friendly service. -
Review from bailee. ..
Seattle, WA
6/12/2008
Just even talking about this place makes me happy. I am not a performance rider, but I take pride in the the parts my bike has (and, because I am shallow, I like how it looks). Cannot emphasize enough how welcoming, awesome, and accommodating this staff has been to me in the year I've been going here.
The "hi" you get when you walk in the door is so anti-Seattle, in the best way possible. -
Review from Raz B.
Seattle, WA
4/28/2009
Alex (owner) is one of the nicest, most down to earth guys ever. When I shredded a front rim, he took the time not just to build me a new wheel but to actually help me lace and build it myself. It took longer than if he had done it, but the experience was so worth it and I now love building wheels.
The bike selection is not enormous, but the prices for used bikes are good and if you are willing to visit often enough you will eventually find what you are looking for. This shop is not very big, so they do not stock an enormous amount of gear, but what they have tends to be the most practical best value stuff for your money. -
Review from jasmine r.
Seattle, WA
3/13/2008
2020 is pretty damn awesome, I have to agree.
The owner on first encounter was friendly and very attentive to helping me out in what I was looking for.
2020 is definitely going an extra 2miles out of the way for me. -
Review from Cully W.
Seattle, WA
12/15/2009
What an amazing Bike Shop. Sure, they play GREAT music, are super friendly, and know their bikes backwards and forwards, but there aren't many other places in Seattle where you can walk in and have your bike fixed while you wait. They are also super cheap. I honestly don't know how they stay in business, I sure hope they do.
You can always go to a giant bike shop and leave your bike there for 3 days while they do sub-par work. But why bother when you can roll into 2020 and relax on the couch while your bike is repaired right in front of you. Usually, these guys will show you what they are doing and teach you a little bike maintenance while they're at it.
2020 rocks! -
Review from Aaron W.
Seattle, WA
4/25/2011
I always tell everyone that this is the best bike shop in the city, hands down. When I first moved here I bought a vintage ten speed that I wanted to convert to a fixed gear but I had no idea how to do it. Alex (owner) not only told me what I'd need and how to do it, he did it by laying it out and asking me questions so that I'd actually learn about my bike and I'd know exactly what changes I was making and why. I didn't even buy anything that visit!! Later I went back regularly and got to know everyone that works there. One time I broke a spindle and brought it in right at closing time. Alex not only fixed it for me right then and there, he only charged me $20 cash and he gave me a beer to drink while I waited! Between their awesome staff, their attitude of just wanting to get everyone on bikes no matter the type of rider and their knowledge this is the place to go.
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Review from Laura P.
Seattle, WA
4/16/2009
I had a great experience at 2020. I traded in my old bike and got a great deal on a used frame with brand new tires. The people there really care about getting you the perfect bike, not just selling you anything and they'll have your bike done in a jiffy. I highly recommend getting your bike fix here!
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Review from Kimberley D.
Seattle, WA
8/7/2007
Browsing here feels more comfortable than some of the other bike shops I've visited because you're treated more like a neighbor than a number. It's small and filled with zines and flyers for local shows, community projects, etc. Worth a trip to the CD, and if you're hungry/thirsty you can roll nextdoor for beer and a snack at central cinema's cafe.
Listed in: Central District fun and…
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Review from Mike K.
Seattle, WA
2/5/2011
I took my bide to 20/20 because of an issue with the rear derailleur ... I was asked to leave the bike with them a couple of days (and later charged fifty bucks) for a repair I've since done at other bike shops in an hour or two for way less money ... worse, I was in a hurry when I picked it and didn't test the bike, only to discover at the start of a ride days later that the derailleur was 'fixed', but I now couldn't shift into my (front) large ring ... Fifty bucks and a bunch of time wasted for ... nothing.
20/20 is more of a brand or experiment than a credible provider of bicycle maintenance and repair ... I literally bet my life on my bike working as it should, and it's no joke to me that these folks do such poor work. Stay away. -
Review from John L.
Long Beach, CA
12/18/2008
Pros:
1. Recycled bikes - Admittedly, I'm anti-new bike. There are so many nice bikes made of steel that have been built over the decades (even centuries) that will last longer than we'll ever ride them. Why buy new?
2. Used parts - Of course they have used parts too and sometimes their selection is better than Recycled Cycles. They have a back room of parts that I'm guessing is just a holding space.
3. Uncommon parts - I've found larger shops may not carry certain single-speed or other unique parts. I try to check what 2020 has in stock if I can't seem to find it elsewhere.
4. Local - I'm a big fan of local bike shops, especially owned by someone who knows what he's doing and is not just a business for him.
5. Fun to browse - They usually have some beautiful rebuilt bikes. Always fun to browse.
6. Alex and atmosphere - I can't speak for his other staff, but my interactions with him have always been productive. Talk to him directly if you want to ensure good service. The atmosphere is more cafe, than bike shop.
Cons:
1. Local - On the flip side, they're small and local. I was charged for quick little 5 minute things like loosening a stuck part, that REI probably would've done for free if I asked. Can't blame them though. I'd do the same.
2. Bike and parts selection - If you're looking for variety, this may not be your place. Though they have a decent selection for being such small sq footage, it might be tough to find something that's just your size and style.
Come here if you want to support local shops, have a heart for rebuilt bikes, have a technical repair/rebuild question, or want to be inspired on your next project. -
Review from Alex M.
8/31/2010
I came here for a show a long time ago and really dug it but then I finally brought my bike in for a couple fixes and REALLY liked it. They said it might take a day to fix my bike up but called me back in a matter of hours, charged me less than they originally thought and then made a really good suggestion on a polish for my saddle. Also, unlike a lot of bike shops these folks didn't strike me as pretentious jerks. Always a plus.
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Review from Chase W.
Seattle, WA
5/15/2010
2020 Cycle is my go to bike shop. I live close by and if there are any parts I need quick or good advice, this is the place I go. Everyone I have dealt with there (Colin, Alex, Garth) has been super nice and helpful. They are very knowledgeable and usually have what I am looking for.
The shop is a descent size and has a lot more open space than you would first think. They stock lots of used and affordable parts up to nice high end stuff. They also sell a good amount of used bikes inside. The atmosphere here is very relaxed and always has a good vibe. It is definitely a place where you can walk in and look around at all the parts and not be constantly questioned by a sales person. They also have all the tools you would need to work on a bike and gladly let you use them. This is a true community oriented bike shop and a great place to learn about bikes and how to work on them. This place is about as good as it gets! -
Review from Andrew S.
Seattle, WA
10/3/2008 2 photos
2020 is my favorite bike shop in seattle, hands down. Alex, the owner, is an amazing human being and really one of the most helpful bike store owners in Seattle. They don't provide the same sort of service you get at a larger shop in Seattle but ultimately they aim for a different area of the bike spectrum. I mean how many bike shops do you know of that actually double as a music venue for small bands? All of the workers are super nice people and I really like how they give you genuine answers on questions where other shops would say you need this or that brand new....2020 is always honest.
2020 doesn't carry a significant amount of products but they definitley cover all the basics and usually carry better quailty stuff then most bike shops so when you buy things there you know they will last. They just got a little bit of a makeover recently so if you haven't been by in awhile you should totally check out their new layout! -
Review from Maria L.
8/1/2009 3 photos
Cool shop with friendly, attentive staffers that specializes in making old bikes operational again. And they will not rip you off. I brought my old Japanese beach cruiser here to have its valves replaced (because its original valves could only be found in Asia or the British Isles and we had lost the little special attachment that hooks up to our air pump so I couldn't inflate the tires). Now that it has regular valves, I can inflate the tires using any old bike pump.
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Review from Jessica R.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2009
20/20 is a small local shop with friendly staffers. Gearheads will be disappointed in the lack of fancy stuff to waste your money on, but if you need someone to help you with your out-of-whack bike, this is your place. The staff (hooray for chick bike mechanics!!) are incredibly helpful and won't try to upsell you. They replaced one of my busted shifters with a no-frills model that cost $7.
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Review from Jami M.
Seattle, WA
6/24/2007
so, not only had i read the one other review here on yelp but i was told by several people at my work that this was the place to go. i don't know anything about bikes and have never ridden a road bike (but that's what i was in the market for) and Ben was super nice, answered all my questions and didn't make me feel dumb for my lack of bike knowledge. all the workers here seemed very knowledgeable and approachable. they're getting my money for being such a great shop.
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Review from ryan u.
Seattle, WA
6/27/2007
I stumbled in here while on my way to Central Cinema around the corner and wasn't quite sure what to make of it at first. My initial thought was that it was a 'business' in only the technical meaning of the word and was really just a storefront that somebody lived in and stored all of their stuff. I was acknowledged by that typical non-chalant hipster greeting, 'hey' which is always a good thing. The shop is mainly just a large workbench with a window and is an organizational catastrophe. I felt like I was walking into a degenerate bike geek's bedroom with parts just littering the space. Definitely has a more 'flea market' vibe to it than a 'showroom'. But there were a few old Campy parts in a case that obviously were set apart by their hallowed pedigree. Smart men. And it was by this that I realized that this place, in all it's squalor was truly a place of two-wheeled geekdom. When I put together my single-speed frankenstein bike, this is surely the place that I will go.
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Review from Lemmy K.
Seattle, WA
6/27/2007
2020 rocks. Friendly, helpful staff, no bike shop attitude. Did a bang up job of getting my repairs done quickly even though they were clearly slammed. Rock on.
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Review from Scott H.
Seattle, WA
10/24/2008
20/20 Cycle likes to run "a humanistic operation." They care about their customers, the environment, and the neighborhood. I stopped in for an adjustment to my bicycle. Alex communicated effectively and took 10 minutes to solve a problem that had bothered me (and my bike) for months. It feels great to support a bicycle shop that values interactions with their customers. I need work on my bike. However, I don't have the cash to get the work done today. For now, I'll recommend the shop to friends. When I need work done I'll definitely return to 20/20 cycles.
