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A Better Cycle
Category: Shopping Sporting Goods Bikes Bikes [Edit]
2324 SE Division StPortland, OR 97202
Neighborhoods: Southeast Portland, Clinton, Hosford-Abernathy
(503) 265-8595
- Hours:
Mon, Sat-Sun 10 am - 6 pm
Tue-Fri 10 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for A Better Cycle
Review Highlights
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"...cool with that and didn't make me feel silly for not really..." In 3 reviews -
"...parts bins as well as a nice selection of new parts as well." In 2 reviews -
"Nice people and great service." In 3 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Adam L.
Portland, OR
1/21/2012
Courteous and extremely thorough, at a more-than-reasonable price.
I brought my bike in because the gears were slipping and not engaging well, I was having trouble shifting, and my bike kept clicking on every pedal rotation, which was maddening.
One of the mechanics (Clinton) took a look on a Monday afternoon and gave me a really detailed quote. I dropped it off on a Thursday because they were backed up. Another mechanic worked overtime to get it ready for me to pickup that night and gave me a really detailed explanation of what he had done. He completely overhauled the rear hub--using a spare part he found, which really reduced the cost-- inspected/lubed the crankset and pedals, and replaced my shift cables. He even took a look at some things and made some fixes I hadn't even noticed (e.g. loose spokes) and gave me some tips on bike care and maintenance.
My bike is riding like a charm now. On my ride home I was even shifting gears back and forth just for the hell of it. All for a more-than-reasonable price--what I paid was the same as you would pay at other place for a "tuneup" where they might just lube your chain and pump up your tires.
Highly recommended. Even though this place isn't close to my house, I'll definitely be coming back. -
Review from Cole F.
Portland, OR
5/22/2012
rad neighborhood shop... nice folks who turned out my repair in less time than they quoted, for less money than they quoted. thanks guys!
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Review from Benjamin K.
Portland, OR
10/1/2011
Fantastic service. Just moved to the area, and saw that A Beter Cycle was just down division in my neighborhood. I went in to just get a new tube as well as a pump. I got in and told them what happened to my tire, and the dude helping me (I wish I had asked his name) switched it out while chatting about the neighborhood. I told him I was really new to being a daily commuter on my bike and didn't know a ton about bikes, he didn't make me feel lame for not knowing about parts and repairs.
As he was fixing the tube, another regular came in with a bike he had customized for the Oregon Manifest designer challenge, and we talked about his bike and bikes in general (all the while the employee continued to fix my bike).
Afterwards, I picked out a pump, but didn't have a bag for it. The employee took my old tube and fashioned a backpack with it so I could carry it home while I rode. Now, I'm not saying that because he did this it's amazing, but recognized that most places who didn't have a bag would say "Don't have a bag, sorry" and leave it at that. The fact that he did that was just that extra little thing that I appreciated and is part of why I gave them 5 stars. I'll be bringing in my wife's bike for a tune up, and see no need to go elsewhere! -
Review from Michael K.
Portland, OR
11/5/2011
For some reason, every time I go here, I get exactly what I need, even though the shop is pretty small.
I've had two minor repairs done at A Better Cycle, a busted pedal and a broken spoke. Both were done swiftly, professionally, and quite reasonably priced. I've also gone shopping for bike bits -- lights and whatnot -- and their buyer just has a really good eye for what's good. The only thing I haven't done there is buy a full bicycle. But whatever they're doing, it's working. -
Review from Clare S.
Portland, OR
7/6/2010
Oh man, this review is so overdue...
Mike S. got me a sweet old school Peugeot bike for Christmas a couple years ago (complete with a sweet back basket!!!). Over a couple years, the brakes starting getting a little iffy and it needed a tune up, so I take it down the street to a better cycle. I'm not an avid biker, and it's easy to tell that I don't know my way around bikes very much, but these guys were cool with that and didn't make me feel silly for not really knowing what I was talking about.
I got an estimate for new tires, new brakes, and a tune up of $150.00. I also had really wanted some new handle bars (it had the curled ones, that I had to lean over for and I wanted the more mustache style ones). They told me that with my bike, they may not have any that fit, but they would call if they found some.
Two days later I get the call that they have 2 pairs that fit my awkward, really old (yet stylish) frame. I say go for it!!!! The bike is ready he next day, so I head down to pick it up. It's perfect, the handle bars are perfect and the bike rides like a dream!!!!!! I go to pay and with the $150 estimate and the handle bars added on, I'm expecting a couple hundred dollar bill. My grand total......$136!!! I asked them if they had the handle bars on there and he said as long as they could have my old ones, that was the correct price. I couldn't believe it, not only was it under estimate, but I had new handle bars to boot!!
I can not recommend these guys enough. They stand by their products and don't try to get you to purchase more then you need or want. Not only are their prices amazing, but the service and products are stellar. -
Review from Amos H.
Portland, OR
2/13/2012
I'm a huge fan of ABC. Every time I go in I get personal service from someone who knows what they're talking about, and takes their time helping me. The selection is everything you want and need, which is surprising coming from a little shop, but they've always had what I've come in for, including some pretty specific tools and tires. I seriously want to take that penny farthing out for a joy ride sometime.
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Review from Julia L.
Portland, OR
3/10/2009
Cute little store on Division. They have friendly and helpful staff with lots of tips for searching for the right bike. The gentleman I was working with put me on multiple styles and sizes and explained the anatomy of the bike to me, which is helpful for a novice. From that point on I didn't sound like a total ass walking into bike shops pointing and using terms like, that long thingy, that piece right there, the spiky thing etc.
The prices weren't shocking and it's definitely not overwhelming to stop in. There's not a huge selection of bikes, but the guy said they rotate stock a couple times a week. I would have been tempted to swing back in and check it out if I wouldn't have found what I was looking for already. -
Review from Justine S.
Portland, OR
8/1/2010
Calculated neglect apparently not only works when picking up chicks, but is an essential technique at certain Portland bike shops.
I've been to A Better Cycle on three occasions, the last time, today, in response to an email inviting me to "swing on by" for a custom bike consultation. My first two visits were met with aforementioned calculated neglect: no offer to help, essentially no acknowledgment of my presence whatsoever. So determined was I, however, to have a cool old steel frame rebuild, that I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and email them about a custom build.
The email response came a few days later, but well-timed for the weekend, so I swung on by today to go over my preferences, aesthetic, and other options, excited by the idea of getting something perfectly suited to and made for me. I got there and waited while the two guys at the counter finished with another customer--well, one guy was helping the customer, the other guy looked to be doing paperwork. When the customer left, I said "hi", but they just turned to each other to finish an earlier conversation. A bit embarrassed, I did the proverbial chin shoulder wipe and quickly turned to look around at the accessories and pre-built bikes. Finally, one of them calls over to me and asks if I need anything. I mention that I'm there in response to an email from *$%# to swing by to go over build options.
*$%# is at lunch, he tells me, but any of us can help you out. Great, I think. Already a better experience than my previous two visits. I guess they just needed to know I was a serious customer.
He proceeded, however, to try to talk me into some of the ill-sized and ill-suited pre-built bikes they had, at one point walked over to another area of the store, leaving me to return a bike to a rack, lest it fall over. He went on to tell me that they didn't really have anything in my size frame and I could check in periodically if I wanted to. But then a light bulb goes off, and he says there may be something in the back. (The back!!) He returns to tell me that there *is* a bike in the back in my size, but he can't sell it to me, and it's probably best if he doesn't show it to me, but I can maybe reserve it if I want to leave my info. Here's where I let a little annoyance sneak into my tone and tell him I probably don't want to reserve it if I can't see it. In a big show of relenting, he leads me into the back room to show me a bike that's completely unsuited to what I need.
I wound my way out of the back room, thanked him, got on my bike and hightailed it to River City, where I received amazing service, spent 45 minutes to an hour with a super helpful employee, looking at a bunch of bikes and my specific needs, and walked out with a bike that I'm sure I'll be very happy with. Is it a cool old-school rebuild? No. But the guys at A Better Cycle made it pretty clear that that wasn't in the cards for me. -
Review from Carolina V.
Portland, OR
4/25/2008
I've been to a few bike shops in Portland, and this one made the biggest impression. The staff is very knowledgeable, helpful, and super nice!
Go here for service, and if you're in the market for used parts or bikes. I just bought a beauty from this shop! -
Review from Olivia P.
Austin, TX
3/21/2008
A Better Cycle is the most rockin' bike shop I have ever visited. It is a non-heirarchal bike repair collective operated by seven(?) folks who are all inarguably passionate about bicycles.
They do repair and rebuilding and retail too. They are super trustworthy, fair, and helpful, and the work they do there is fantastic. If you need anything bike-related, check 'em out.Listed in: Embrace Your Inner Hippie.
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Review from Joshua K.
Portland, OR
7/25/2009
Seriously nice people in here. We'd set out on a family bike ride to the Division street fair and realized we didn't have a bike cable to use with our U-lock to lock up two bikes and a bike trailer for the kids. Stopped in here to look for one. They didn't have any in stock, but Ian (one of the workers) sold me his personal cable for $5 so I wouldn't have to ride all over SE looking for one!
Thanks Ian!! -
Review from Nick M.
12/4/2008
A sweet little independent bike store, friendly, inexpensive and committed. Their selection of bikes to buy is mournfully inadequate, but that's a product of the space constraints on their location it seems.
As an aside, they have a blog, which could be good, if it contained any meaningful postings in the last six months! -
Review from Justin S.
Portland, OR
10/24/2009
Super nice people.
Fixed my simple problem for free and told me I didn't need a tune-up yet. That means when I do need something that costs money, they're getting it. -
Review from Ben S.
8/10/2010
Nice folks. Open on Sunday, when you're wrenching and discover you need ferrules or cable housing or a chain or whatever... Cheap enough.
They have used/rebuilt bikes for sale, which of course many shops don't.Listed in: Bike shops near Reed
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Review from Chuck G.
Portland, OR
8/23/2010
Attention to detail, honest work, and on-time delivery.
A great addition to the neighborhood and my one-stop shop for all my cycling needs! -
Review from Ryan F.
Portland, OR
10/21/2009 2 photos
Great shop for bringing in custom projects and repairs. Not a place to shop for a new bike though they occassionally have a nice fixed up used one. Some amount of accessories available.
I brought in my single speed salsa and had them convert it to a 7 speed. They built me new wheels and helped mix and match various old and new parts to keep the price as low as possible. They're very budget conscious and totally honest. -
Review from Jazz M.
Portland, OR
5/12/2010
My friend recently gave me a bike I had no clue about, other than the fact that the frame was light and I zipped around on it happily, in contrast to lugging my old tank of a Schwinn up and around the hills of this city. This bike made me want to ride again, but had been sent off into the world with conflicting advice from a few mechanics and a couple of other problems that needed fixing beyond my sparse abilities. I knew I had to take it to a knowledgeable shop but with the fear of hipster bike kids in mind, I didn't know where to go. After asking around for a pretension free bike shop staffed by good people, I was pointed in the direction of A Better Cycle and am so glad I went.
I showed up this morning and the guy hanging out behind the desk took one look at my bike, listened to my concerns and requests, and contrary to all of my fears, immediately was able to help me change my tires, install fenders on the bike, and replace the bolt that had helped name the bike 'Vlad the Impaler' after ripping up several pairs of jeans and a few thighs. No longer will Vlad be impaling, thanks to A Better Cycle.
Service was amazing, fast, super friendly, super approachable. I am always worried about feeling dumb, and never once did I feel that way even when I was corrected that the bike I got was not a road bike and in fact, actually a mountain bike - who knew! Honest about their products and with affordable services, I left A Better Cycle feeling upbeat and excited about riding around town, a feeling unfamiliar to me when associated with bike shops. I usually leave feeling confused and slightly apprehensive, wondering if my wheel is going to fall off or my brakes are going to fail. Not this time! And I'm secure with the knowledge that if I run into any problems, the shop will be there to help me with anything that comes up.
Thanks, A Better Cycle! You guys rock. -
Review from Dolan H.
Portland, OR
3/28/2011
Since the demise of the the Recyclery I've been looking for a tinkerer-shop. Soo happy to have found somewhere with parts bins as well as a nice selection of new parts as well. Picked up some really nice used Nitto bars for a steal, as well as a few other things. The guys there were very helpful. Now I know where to go when looking for something to complete a project.
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Review from Malex R.
Portland, OR
10/23/2008
Kick-butt, friendly, and cheap. My beater bike (OK, my only bike) was getting pretty decrepit - gears worn out, grip shifters blown, chain sticky, brakes not so good. I let it go for an unwise length of time given that it's my primary mode of transportation. Then I took it to Bike & Hike, and they told me it would be $350 to fix it. I was like, "$350?? I could by a nicer bike than Old Rusty, new, for that much!" And they were like, "Yes- yes you could. Have you considered this impractical $600 road bike?" And I was like "Screw it! I'll just keep riding this POS."
Then I went to A Better Cycle and they fixed it up great for $150. ABSOLUTELY worth it. They didn't make me feel guilty for letting my maintenance go too long, either. -
Review from Tracy M.
Portland, OR
4/2/2011
My favorite bike shop in Portland, second to none. The staff is very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Not to mention, they're one of the few bike shops in Portland that has a used parts room for bike nerds to dig around in. I love this place so much that if I ever need anything bike related, I check them out first. AND they're in a very convenient location. ABC 4 LYFE
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Review from Harold W.
Portland, OR
4/2/2011
Nice people and great service.
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Review from Kristen W.
Seattle, WA
7/10/2009
1. Awesome/helpful mechanics. They lack the pretensions and inflated sense of superiority that sometimes permeates other bike shops.
2. It's collectively-owned which is rad.
3. Really affordable. -
Review from Elizabeth W.
Portland, OR
8/29/2010
Here's why these guys rock:
They explain everything. What needs to be done and why, how much it's going to cost and what all goes into that cost. Then, when you pick it up, they go over it again and hand you an itemized receipt with your credit/debit receipt. They leave very little room for you to feel like you're getting screwed.
The price is right. You would obviously save money shopping around for each part you may need replaced or upgraded, but for a one-stop deal you're getting a very reasonable deal with an honest estimate to start.
They're nice, friendly guys. They don't care that you don't necessarily understand what's up with your bike. That's kind of the whole reason their job exists (and let's just be honest here - if you're not over sensitive about the handful of elitist d-bags dressed like a power ranger to bike 2 miles and let them color your view of biking in this city, you'll find most cyclists are pretty cool dudes that just like to ride bikes).
They also let me drop my bike off early and pick it up late so I could get it fixed while I was out of town.
And most importantly, the produce a quality product. I'm not riding a rickety old death trap anymore, my issues were fixed and the replacements they recommended made a noticeable difference. All in all it was well worth the money I paid.
In addition to repair or project work, you can pick up a small selection of parts and accessories. Easily the best choice in this part of town. -
Review from Brent S.
Portland, OR
2/5/2011
I'm used to dealing with "Type A" racer types when stepping into bike shops. Not so here... These are more along the lines of "bikes are awesome, lets go out and ride!" kinda folks.
Several months ago, I was helping a friend piece back together an older Peugeot Mixte and we happened in to the shop looking for a semi-obscure part. Not only did the have the part in question, but they gave us some great ideas on how to finish up the project. The bike's up and running and amazing, and honestly, I can't imagine how we would have faired with the project had we not stopped in.
That said, they're nowhere near me location-wise, but I'm more than happy to bike across town to give them my business. -
Review from Ed H.
Portland, OR
8/9/2011 13 Check-ins Here
SERVICE! SERVICE! SERVICE! These guys get 5 stars without question. I bought a sweet sweet ride from them somewhere around March. Ian was super cool and low pressure about it, suggesting that I ride it as much as I want to make sure I really wanted it. He said they would swap parts out later no problem if I needed anything adjusted. I don't know anything about bikes but feel like I got a really fair deal. Then there were some problems. I've brought it back to them twice with issues that were tough to determine if it was my fault or theirs. Again, not knowing anything about bikes, I couldn't mount any kind of meaningful argument, but everything they said sounded legit. Anyway, they fixed it both times for only the cost of goods sold. That seemed like an amicable resolution and I left happy both times. Knowing they will work hard to make sure I'm happy means a lot and I will go out of my way to buy my next bike from them. I also won't be getting service from any other shops either. They may not remember my name but they def remember my bike and I always feel like I get home team treatment because they know I got it from them. Anyway, if you're a complete noob at bikes, I think they'll point you in the right direction.
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Review from David W.
Portland, OR
9/19/2010
This is a really awesome bike shop because the guys who own/run it make it that way. They aren't over-pretentious and really like to just help their customers. I brought my bike in for some minor adjustments to the shifting mechanisms and they went over a whole health check on it and made recommendations for what i should probably have done in the next 3-6 months. They laid out the price for everything, which seemed reasonable to me and didn't charge for the tweaks they made! I also like how they taught me a little about how the dérailleur worked. A big plus for being open on Sunday for all those last second needs before the work week begins!
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Review from donut l.
Portland, OR
6/15/2009
These guys are the best, always willing to go the extra mile. Aaron personally built me a bike made to my body specifications which is so light and comfortable I have been riding it everywhere for the past 8 months and never an ache or pain in my knees or lower back anymore. Highly recommended!
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Review from Rosemary R.
Portland, OR
2/7/2010
Great Service! And they have a lot of great accessories for your bike. Good prices too.
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Review from Chezz C.
Portland, OR
9/28/2010
While riding around SE I noticed my taillight had fallen off, probably when going over a bump. I retraced my path but couldn't find it. I happened to pass A Better Cycle and stopped in to look at lights. Even though I had another light at home, I was planning on being out until well after dark and was concerned about riding around without a taillight. A staffer saw me looking at the lights and came over to help. He told me the pluses and minuses of different lights, and recommended the Superflash. I told him that I had just lost my Superflash, and that I had another one at home, but that I thought I might pick up something smaller and cheaper that I could later use as a helmet light or extra light. "Oh, did you just need something to get around with tonight?" he asked. "I might have a used light, just a minute." He went upstairs and came back with a fine taillight (Bell) that he sold me for $5. Thanks again to that staffer and to the store for possibly saving my life, or certainly my peace of mind, and for recognizing that I didn't want to spend $25 or so just for one evening's illumination. Absolutely excellent service.
