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Alameda Bicycle
Categories: Shopping Sporting Goods Bikes Active Life Bike Rentals Bikes, Bike Rentals [Edit]
1522 Park St(between Lincoln Ave & Santa Clara Ave)
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 522-0070
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 6:30 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Brian W. said: "Great shop. I was interested in one of their discounted "last year's" model bikes that was generally smaller sized than I usually buy. They did a great job of fitting me on the bike before I put any money down. I also wanted quite…" read more »
131 reviews for Alameda Bicycle
Review Highlights
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"We rest easy taking our bikes here for our tune-ups." In 10 reviews -
"The mechanic was very helpful and down to Earth." In 10 reviews -
"The customer service is excellent." In 21 reviews
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131 reviews in English
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Review from eric l.
Oakland, CA
3/10/2012
So far in the last 10 months, I've bought 2 bikes from here. A 2011 Giant Defy 1 and a 2012 Bianchi Volpe. Love both bikes and love the service I get here.
Great place to shop for a bike, bike parts or just to chat about biking in general. -
Review from Mikail F.
Alameda, CA
3/8/2012
It was my first time in a bike shop and I didn't know what to expect.All I needed was a bike rack. I'm browsing around and I see a 3300 dollar bike for sale and I was worried that the sales guy would treat me bad because I was only spending 50 bucks.
I was wrong. It was a tall black guy with glasses and he treated me like I was spending millions of dollars. He installs the bike rack on my car, gave me tips on some good trails and told me that everything he sells has a lifetime warranty and to come back if I wasn't happy.
I was flabbergasted with how good the service was and I will shop there more often. -
Review from Chris J.
Alameda, CA
1/4/2012
Alameda Bicycle is definitely a fantastic place to buy a new bike! My girlfriend and I both bought brand new bikes there this past summer after doing a ton of research and checking out at least 4 different stores in SF and the East Bay. Needless to say, I haven't had a bike for years and it is definitely one of the best investments I have made in a very long time!
The staff were incredibly helpful, patient and positive throughout the entire process. They let us test drive many different bikes and gave us great advice based on our individual preferences. The bike I finally decided on was back-ordered for 6 months, so they went out of their way to find me a similar bike with way better parts for just a little bit more than the bike I chose. The entire process happened over a couple weeks, and it seemed like no matter who we dealt with they were always super friendly and helpful!
They also have a lifetime maintenance plan that comes with every bike they sell! If you are looking for a bike shop in the East Bay with a good selection of bikes and a staff of very friendly and helpful people look no further! -
Review from Kevan M.
4/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I cannot think of any complaints about this place. I bought 2 bikes from this place on 2 separate occasions The service/sales team was helpful, patient, enthusiastic and friendly. Their accessory & bike selection were pretty good. They feature a healthy range of bikes from high end racing bikes to inexpensive cruisers. My fiance and I were able to find pretty much exactly what we were looking for at a reasonable price. They also offer free tune-ups after you buy the bike from there.
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Review from Travis R.
Oakland, CA
2/21/2012
Everyone that works here is nice, knowledgeable and helpful. I've bought a lot of accessories from this store and none of them have turned out to be low quality.
They are not the closest bike shop to my house but they are open more hours than the other 4 shops near my house and their staff is the best. -
Review from athena B.
Alameda, CA
8/16/2011
I purchased a 4k+ tribike from this store. They said they professionally fit and supposedly did and ordered me a small frame. After I rode the bike a bit I decided to go to another business for a professional fitting because something was off with the people working at Alameda Bicycle. Several small issues starting surfacing with the sales staff at AB which at the time seemed like nits (and ended up growing into major frustrations).
After I was fit by a real fitter I was told by the fitter that the tribike was too small. I contacted Gene the owner and he said he would replace the frame with a 51cm but I said no because I was done with his bike shop. I wanted a full refund. I never heard back from him and now I am taking them to court.
The people at this shop cannot fit tribikes properly. They exaggerate about their ability/ skills and the bottom line is it was finally very apparent that all they want is to sell you something at the buyers expense. very unhappy with this shop.
If your expectations are for competent honest service go to another shop!! -
Review from Zach T.
Walnut Creek, CA
2/19/2012
Alameda Bicycle is the perfect place to buy a bike. The staff doesn't have that elitist attitude found in so many bicycle shops. They're friendly, easy-going and very knowledgeable about all things biking.
In terms of their selection, there are lots of sweet bikes to choose from. I found a Specialized Live 1 2010 for $380 in their online catalog. They put it together for me in a hurry and had it ready to go in no time.
All in all, after shopping several bike shops in the east bay, I highly recommend Alameda Bicycles for their service, selection and welcoming attitude. -
Review from Alex C.
Oakland, CA
7/20/2011
Great Bicycle Shop! Probably one of if not the BEST in the bay area. Friendly staff with a warm atmosphere; AB is a great place. Whether your buying a new bike or getting some gear, or just bringing your bike in for service. Everyone there is very helpful and friendly. The store isn't huge, but they do carry a nice selection of various gear for different types of riding. They also can order pretty much anything you want.
I recently purchased my Specialized Rockhopper Pro29er from them after going on their mountain bike rides they hold every 4th Sunday of the month. It is well worth it to purchase a bike from them just because of the lifetime service and lifetime warranty. I've brought my bike in various times to have things checked; and no charges.
They also do events pretty much every Sunday, I've gone on the family rides which end @ Tucker's Ice Cream, I enjoy their mountain bike clinics every 3rd Sunday of the month and I try to make it to the Mountain bike rides every 4th Sunday. ( All events are posted on their website. ) The best part is the clinics are free! And you don't need to have a bike from them. The first event I went to was a trail ride and I was on a bike from another shop. But after riding and learning some tips I upgraded to my current bike. And realized how much better the service for what I was getting was with my bike.
Bottom Line: if you want a bike and are in the area, (even if you're not), Alameda Bike is the place to go! -
Review from Michael J.
Alameda, CA
11/24/2011
Got a bike tune up and they didn't even check the tire pressure!!!! Dropped my bike off for a $50 tune up. The guy said come the next day and i was impressed. I called before I drove down and the bike wasn't even touched, he said he forgot about it but to come down in 20 minutes. Again i was like "really' when I came down 30 minutes to pick up the bike, they didn't even check the tire pressure, isn't that like step 1? Never again!
Comment from Gene O. of Alameda Bicycle 2/25/2012
MIchael, Sorry to hear about your bad experience at our… More » -
Review from John P.
Houston, TX
7/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love this shop. I'm a cycle whore, so I just like to visit shops just to look and see. This shop isn't the biggest, but they have the basics and the service rocks.
Managements is cool and they no their job.
I tended to only buy CO2 and tubes, but hey, i've got bunches of other stuff. Oh yeah, I did buy a mountain bike from them in 1995. -
Review from Sara H.
Alameda, CA
6/10/2011
I just purchased my first road bike from Alameda Bicycle and everything went extra breezy.
They didn't have the right size/color bike in stock (I really wanted it in red) so they ordered one for me to come in the next week, it arrived exactly when it was supposed to, they built it as soon as it came in and I was able to pick it up on the day George had estimated.
George was awesome, when I said I didn't want a heavy/bulky lock he recommended one that folded into a nice little case that he installed right on the bike PERFECT. The same went for the bicycle seat that he switched out for me (for a way cooler retro looking one), the bell, helmet, and lights.
So now I am on the road with my fabulous cherry red bike and I am STOKED. -
Review from Cath M.
Updated - 2/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
So I'm here to let my fellow Yelpers that Gene the owner did contact me TWICE... did you all get that? TWICE.
First try... eh... great. I didn't respond. I was busy...
Second try was an email ... telling me the following:
- our clients' satisfactions is the heart of our marketing. in fact, it's our only marketing - no print, radio, or otherwise to get the word out.
- i see also that you are an elite yelp user. your reputation can definitely sway others' opinions of us. if you can, please consider re-posting, as you asked me to contact you and i'd hate to mislead other clients that we don't take requests seriously.
Those two bullets were excerpts from Gene's email to me.
Now here's me reposting...
1. Gene explained to me that he was the cause of all this headache that I experienced. Great. Isn't that awesome that the owner itself doesn't double check or triple check his orders? He apparently deleted my Speedplay receipt b/c 5 months have elapsed and that I had yet to pick it up. While on the other hand, Barry told me that I could just come by there anytime and I quote: it won't be any trouble...
2. Gene made an excuse about the lack of service or what was it called again? Oh ... there it is, MANNERS from this guy named Jake. Look, I don't care if he didn't know what was happening, that it still doesn't make it an excuse for him to treat me the way he did. For him to accuse me of producing a bogus receipt... unacceptable. I had my loan papers laid out in front of him... really? You're really going to go there?
3. I asked Gene this important question: if I wasn't an Elite... would he go far and beyond to help me? Of course he said yes. Hmm...
4. Gene explained all this... told me how much he valued my business BUT he didn't once offer me any compensation for causing me all these headaches and troubles. Great!
Customer services really makes or breaks a place - right? That's why Yelp exist... to inform fellow people of their experience... Well here I am folks... informing all of you my experience from this place.
If you do buy your bike here... make sure you laminate, scan and even put your receipt in a safety deposit box b/c who knows when or if your file will get deleted ... it happened to me... who's to say it won't happen to you? Just sayin...
At the end of the day... folks... I've lived in Alameda my entire life... If you need a bike... I suggest going else where than this place. Hmm ... Try Palo Alto bicycles...
Gene: thanks for contacting me. However, the damage has been done. This is me reposting. Thank you.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/10/2011
Yes this is going to be that **TOKEN** review and I WANT and NEED the management to contact me!
I… Read more »
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Review from Suzie V.
Alameda, CA
8/3/2011
SO impressed with this shop. Excellent service, great selection and I found exactly what I was looking for. I worked with Scott, who was very patient and friendly with me (I'm not an experienced biker) and let me try all the bikes I wanted before picking "the one." Also, not only does the shop price-match any other shop in the area (we found it for a few dollars less at an Oakland store and, sure enough, they matched it), but if you come back and your bike has gone on sale, they will refund you the difference. I was sold on the store before I heard this, but when they actually TOLD ME THE DATE of the next sale so that I could come in and get my refund, I was blown away.
I live in Alameda, so I wanted to go to a local shop, but I had a big dividend at REI, so I checked them out before purchasing from Alameda Bicycle. Big mistake -- while I'm still an REI fan, I am NOT a fan of their bike department (here I'm speaking specifically about the San Pablo and Gilman branch). They were rude, impatient, took forever to tune my test bike (I saw through the window that the maintenance team was basically sitting around shooting the s--t while one guy worked on the 4-5 bikes I wanted to try), the salesperson was not knowledgeable (I knew more from my online research than she knew from working there, and I had to look up some answers to my questions on my smart phone while I was waiting to test bikes because she couldn't help me). I know that this isn't an REI yelp review, but I wanted to illustrate the contrast.
I'm so happy I went with Alameda Bicycle, even though I couldn't use my REI dividend. It was worth it to get such great service, support a local business, and feel like I have a "bike home" where I can go to ask questions, get FREE tune-ups and participate in events. -
Review from Ryan C.
11/26/2011
I think this is one of my favorite bike shops. People here are friendly and down-to-earth. You don't feel intimidated and you don't have to buy the fancy stuff.
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Review from Kris K.
San Leandro, CA
2/26/2011
This is a great neighborhood bike shop, especially if you have kids. I came to this bike shop, even though I have a normal local bike shop in San Leandro (Robinson Wheel Works) because they had a Wee Hoo i-go in stock and I was considering one for my kid.
Scott showed us how it worked, didn't mind us also checking out all the trailers. He also told us if we came back with our bike he'd let us test ride the i-go.
We came back and test rode it and they were equally polite and awesome. They (Scott and Stephanie) took the time to make sure it was connected right to my bike.
They didn't mind having my 3 year old in the store wandering around. They also gave her an extra flag because she liked them so much.
Stephanie and Scott helped me find the right kickstand for my bike since the I-go will make it much longer and harder to manage. When Scott placed the order for it, he gave me a discount because he quoted me the wrong price.
This place is family friendly and I consider it as an alternative to my other local bike shop.
And the prices are great. The i-go was the same price as it is at REI, but with great service. -
Review from Tessa B.
12/15/2010
Pretty cool dudes here! They let me in even though the were technically closing, because I just needed to quickly grab a new inner tube. When he asked me what kind of valve I needed, I realized I didn't know, and the guy working wasn't even remotely douchy (like A LOT of bike shop people are) about it, and we figured it out really quick.
Oh, and the tube was cheaper than anywhere else I've seen. -
Review from Alex D.
Alameda, CA
10/3/2011
First started doing business with this store about 31/2 years ago when I bought my bicycle there. Without question this store has the best customer service of any bicycle store I have ever been to. (I went to about a half dozen when shopping for my bike). All the staff are friendly and helpful. They sell quality bikes (mostly Giant and Specialized) at fair prices. They back up their guarantees and go out of their way to ensure that you are satisfied with your purchase. Since I made my original bike purchase I have been back many times to purchase accessories or get maintenance/repairs done on the bike. (Routine maintenance is free), and if there is any defect on a part they have replaced it free without question.
I am a completely satisfied customer. I would recommend this store to all my friends, and to you as well. -
Review from Jack Ian L.
Oakland, CA
** General Impressions **
Each bike shop has its own attitude. Some bike shops are aloof and detached. Others bike shops don't want you in there unless you want to buy something. Still others are like the cool friend you'd like to see sometimes, but not too often.
Alameda Bicycles is the nice neighbor that lives down the street who will always say hi and stop for a relaxed chat if you feel like it. And that neighbor happens to know a LOT about bikes because they're on the bike pretty much all the time.
** Moral of the Story **
Getting a bike fit is like seeing the chiropractor or massuese, except its the bike getting adjusted, not you. Our bodies can change a lot from year to year, and it's worth it to spend some money to make sure that our bikes stayed tuned to those changes as well.
Go see Barry at Alameda BIkes and he'll help you fall in love with your bike all over again, without buying any new equipment!
** The story.... Getting an awesome bike-fit from Barry **
I'd been checking out the shop for a while - the spouse works a block away, and I sneak a visit in to the bike shop after visiting her for lunch -looking at their inventory, saying hello. They were attentive and always available for conversation, yet understood that I wanted to be left alone to ogle the bikes.
Then one day, after a long weekend ride, it finally occurred to me that I should have my position and fit checked. I could tell that my position and flexibility has shifted in the last two years. I was scooting around my seat a lot, and I was starting feel like I wanted more reach in the front.
Because a less-than-perfect fit can cause physical problems down the line, I thought I'd look into the cost of a professional fitting, complete with plumb lines, angle-measures, reflective dots on key joints....
Some of the cycling coaches around the Bay Area charge around $150 to $200, which I'm sure is completely worth the money, but was more than I could afford. I also wanted to be able to get a fit quickly and without too much scheduling hassle.
I asked Stephanie and George about it, and they said that Barry is a pro fitter, and that he get people dialed about an hour right at at the shop, and all for under $100. They took my number, and Barry called me back the same day and told me that I could come by anytime he was working. Cool.
The next day, I brought my ride in, and just from looking at me, Barry told me about the specific things he needed to think about to ensure a good fit. I'm a spider... longer arms and longer legs than usual. Didn't know that about myself. Cool.
Barry also asked me what my goal was, and actually helped me think through all the stuff I had wanted to do. In the end, he didn't even recommend a performance fit or a endurance/comfort fit. He merely gave me enough information to help me decide.
He put me on a trainer, and it took only a few minutes for him to determine 3 major changes that would rock my world: (1) moving my seat forward, a counter-intuitive change for me; (2) trading for a longer stem; (3) adjusting the position of the cleats on my shoes. He explained it all to me and made sure that it all made sense to me before I agreed to it, and then it only took another 20 minutes or so to complete all the adjustments.
Net result: my average cruising speed jumped almost 2mph against the strong afternoon headwind, and by about 4mph riding with the wind. Most importantly, I wasn't fidgeting or shifting constantly in my seat. It was awesome. I could just spin away.
So here's the part where I say, "results may vary", because your speed gains will vary. But I'm so happy with my new fit. It was fast, fairly priced, and convenient to schedule. -
Review from Aaron H.
Oakland, CA
11/6/2011
I was lolling for parts to fix a older bike. I came here because I emailed the bike shop in Oakland off of Grand. That one was much closer to my house. I emailed them asking how much was a tune up, but they never responded back to me after 3 days. Which their automated email said to wait. Well. They still haven't. So I decided to go on yelp. Because my fellow Yelpers never sent me to a bad place. That's why I came here. Their service was great. They charged me $90 for the tune up and to fix some issues with my bike that wasn't included in the tune up which was great. They did a really good job on the bike. I would of fix it myself but it would took me a very long time to do so.
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Review from meg a.
San Francisco, CA
5/10/2011
I bought a 2011 Giant Avail from them (Stephanie) about a year ago and it fits me PERFECT. I'm doing the California Lifcycle ride from SF to LA and they absolutely fitted me to the best bike, I have no physical issue at all and have ridden well over 500 miles in just training.
Daniel has offered endless advice to both me and my girlfriend about fits and parts and cycling advice.
These people are personable and know their craft! -
Review from Christopher V.
Alameda, CA
11/8/2010
Da bomb.... really.
I mean buying a bike can be as bad if not worse than buying a car, but these mopes do it right. I first went in to buy a bike for my wife's birthday and met Stephanie (da shnizzle) and with her help the wife found a bike that she's just lovin, and that really aint easy! A few weeks later I called about a bike for meself, and Gene (da boss) totally followed through and found me a sweet deal on an amazing ride. But wait hombre, it gets butter. George in sales completely rocks you with crazy-fool cool-fun bike stuff, and Daniel in service rocks everything bike and bike-like into perfect alignment! Ka-Pow! It's like butter in there man. Sweet, dairy cream Grade A butter. Get some and spread it around. -
Review from Chris V.
Oakland, CA
11/21/2011
About 2 months ago I had a broken spoke on my back wheel and tried calling every bike shop in Oakland area to see if they could fix it after work. That is a pretty needy request, but this shop was the only one that said they could. I said I'd call them after work to see if this was still the case, and the lady said yes later that evening. I got there, and the dude said I'd have to drop it off over night because they had to remove the cassette on the back wheel. Pretty much what every other bike shop told me up front on the phone, and while I was annoyed, it was a pretty needy expectation to begin with.
The next morning dude calls me and says that they'd have to replace several more spokes to make the wheel true. I said OK, can you replace my disk break pads while your at it if I have to wait? I get the bike back and the breaks aren't really functioning any better. I have mechanic dude tighten them and he assures me they get better with time. They actually did despite my skepticism, but a month ago I had a broken spoke/loose spokes on the same wheel again.
I ride my touring bike 7 days a week, everywhere I go, as well as locking up the back wheel through the rear fork. I know how my bike feels but not how to fix it, so I am not sure if the fault lies with the shop's work or my ability to maintain my bike, however I have a sour feeling in my gut about this shop and the 150 dollar price tag with the repairs. (break pads, labor, spokes, true etc)
That being said, my room-mate had a bad experience with repairs on her bianchi single speed here, having the mechanic assure her she only needed one spacer for her wheel and having her wheel wobble like crazy blocks later. We are a car-less household and rely on work to get us to work or to the store, or home from the bar.
If you are looking for some quality overhauls by dirty bike shop nerds, this is not the place. This is a family tune-up spot and for buying expensive bikes for needy weekend warrior yuppies (and I am basing that one off these first world problem reviews on the yelp page) and I don't think I'd have them work on my bike again, despite being very nice people. -
Review from Jenna W.
Oakland, CA
8/14/2011
This review is long overdue. I have been going to Alameda Bicycle for over 3 years. I'm no pro, but I've been riding for many years and patronized many bike shops. I taken 3-4 bikes for servicing to Alameda Bicycles over the years: road, commuter, and mountain. I've bought a fair amount of accessories and parts from these folks. And I purchased a MTB here in 2011.
Here's what I like about this place:
* Great service. If you go back more than once, they will recognize you and your bike (if not know your name). If it's not too busy, and you're a repeat customer, they will adjust your ride while you wait. They will chat with you about your latest ride. They will answer the dumbest questions without being condescending or annoyed that you're taking up their time. They genuinely love cycling and it shows.
* They don't nickel and dime you, particularly if you're a repeat customer. They are generally happy to educate you about how to make adjustments yourself (and have free classes on, for example, how to change a flat) and will make minor adjustments for you, often without any charge.
* They don't try to up-sell you. Rather, they ask questions to find out what it is that you really need. I have had different employees talk me out of expensive items/repairs on more than one occasion. Once, I took my old MTB in to have them do a full tune up and they checked it all out and said it really didn't need it. Another time, I thought a part was broken and would have to be replaced, but they repaired it for half the cost. Nice!
* They are small, but they have most of the basics in stock and will special order stuff for you, if they don't have it. Their prices may be a smidge higher than bigger, less personal shops or online sellers, but all of the service they provide and help in finding exactly what you need (and the ability to actually try the stuff out in person) makes it worth it. Besides, they do have stuff go on sale, and you can always talk to them about price-matching. : )
* Bike purchases include adjustments/tune ups for life. The value of this benefit is huge. I have taken my new MTB in a few times this year, and most recently they swapped out some parts and moved things around to improve the fit. On the spot. No waiting. Hardly any charge. Cheerfully.
* They are open every day. How awesome is that? -
Review from judy l.
Oakland, CA
7/16/2011
Both my fiance & I purchased our mountain bikes from Alameda Bicycle. Prices were not outrageous for their awesome selection... I think the key gem is the degree of knowledge & courtesy the staff at the shop give you to make you feel like a VALUED customer. I enjoyed taking several bikes out into the neighborhood to really get a feel of what bike was right for me. This shop is a local jewel. We rest easy taking our bikes here for our tune-ups... the mechanics are honest & skilled.
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Review from Kim N.
Oakland, CA
6/20/2010
Came here on a Saturday afternoon since they have their Father's Day Sale. I came here looking for a hardrock or a myka ht sport bike 17". As soon as I walk in, someone greeted me very nicely and asked if I needed any help. I wanted to test ride the myka and the hardrock and he got them down for me. He also showed me how my leg should be positioned and how low or high my seat should be.
In the end, I liked the Women's Specialized Myka Sport more so I ask if they come in a different color. He checked the inventory for me and told me that they did not have it in stock. He also showed me other colors online and told me that he can place an order for me of which ever color I want and it will come in like a week or two. So nice and very helpful indeed. The best thing was that they also price match other places and he also gave me the father day special sale even though my bike was going to come in later.
As I waited for him to hand me the printout of my bike and the receipt and add my name in the system, several others employees asked if needed any help. I love good service :D and the store was dog friendly also and they love my sisters morkie Nala.
I left the bike store happy and confident that I will get good service and plus they have lifetime warranty and service on their bikes!! Woohoo A+++++.GREAT SERVICE AND GREAT PRICE!!!! -
Review from summer r.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
such a great establishment with top notch service and knowledgeable staff!! I'm impressed. no really. I'm smiling with excitement. see?
you know, sometimes I have to BS my way so that some sales staff might have an ounce of an idea of what I need, just so I won't look/feel stupid asking silly questions. but alameda bicycle welcomes my dumbness!! I have no clue on bikes whatsoever so I'm glad that they understand that and are patient enough to explain the nitty-gritty details. and I liked the fact that they let me mess around with a $3000 bike, testing gears, brakes, etc..
today I brought in my brother's bike for a flat tire fix and their "lifetime adjustment" thing. the guy who helped us recognized that bike and automatically mentioned my bro's name since he was the one who sold it to him. how awesome is that?! in 15 mins we were out the door with a good as new bike.
nice selection of bikes and accessories, helpful sales associates. go here. don't drive. bike! -
Review from Rachel G.
Alameda, CA
1/15/2011
Bought my Specialized StumpJumper FSR comp here. It was my first expensive mountain bike purchase. I knew exactly what type of bike I wanted and especially the skill level involved. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. Before purchasing the bike, they took a test fit the make sure the stand over height was okay and set all the pressure settings in the shocks for me.
My only problem is, yes this place is small, so if you are looking for a bike to take home right away in your exact specs and needs, they might not have it in stock. They also carry certain brands of bikes and not a wide selection of brands to choose from. -
Review from Mindy K.
Oakland, CA
11/28/2007
There are a lot of bike stores in the East Bay. This is definitely one of the good ones. I am really just getting my biking legs back (haven't had them since I was about 8) and this is one of the few stores I don't feel intimidated by my lack of bicycle-savvy in.
The staff is super helpful and knowledgeable and doesn't work on commission so they actually can steer you toward more affordable products. They helped me pick out a very economical pump/patch/repair kit and tool and steered me away from the shiny expensive stuff that was out my budget.
My boyfriend got me my current bicycle here. My old one really sucked and I wasn't ready for a super slick road bike yet, so the staff helped him select the perfect model - a road/commuter bike that is really approachable and easy to ride. And I even got a basket for the front too!
There's a great repair shop here too, and the guys in the shop know their stuff - I got a mini tour of the bikes they were working on when I last stopped in. You can test ride some nice bikes here and feel confident in taking home a great ride when you're done.
I'll be coming here often to stock up on tubes (they have good ones that won't explode on you!), bike pump refills, patches and nifty new bike accessories (if I'm not a rockstar cyclist I may as well pose as one!). A great neighborhood bike shop. -
Review from Michael J.
New York, NY
4/14/2007
I moved to Oakland near the Estuary and decided that I need to get off my fat ass before it fuses to the sofa and we become one.
I've always thought about riding a bike to the farmers market at Jack London Sq. so maybe a bike is in order.
A little bird referred me to Alameda Bicycle. Its not your typical grungy bike shop. Its all pretty inside. hahaha But that doesn't take away from the staff. They are super knowledgeable about the products they sell and about what type of bicycle would be a good fit for you.
I hadn't looked at a bike since i started school in Davis so EVERYTHING was foreign to me.
Gene found out what I want to do with the bike, pulled a few out to test ride. And I made my choice.
I forgot how much those little seats hurt your ass the next day. Nonetheless I love my Stumpjumper!
THANKS GENE!!! -
Review from Laura B.
3/22/2010
A year ago, I was looking to rent a road bike for an upcoming charity ride. I had never been on a road bike (purely a spinner) and wasn't sure what I would be able to find as far as rentals in the area.
I emailed Alameda Bicycle through their website and got a response back a day later from the owner, Gene: "Hey laura, we don't rent road, but I can lend you mine if you like. Do you ride 54?"
Unfortunately I don't fit a 54 (curse my long legs), but wait a second...
Are you kidding me?! THE OWNER JUST OFFERED TO LEND A COMPLETE STRANGER HIS OWN BIKE.
5 stars and I've never even been inside the store. -
Review from Dave K.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/7/2006 1 Check-in Here
I took up cycling about 2.5 years ago and I have to say I wouldn't have flourished in it were it not for Gene and Alameda Bicycle. The staff is very knowledgeable and willing to answer your questions. You can tell how great the place is by the return customers as well as people who come by just to say hello.
I've gotten to know some of the mechanics there pretty well, and the owner, Gene, loves telling other customers how I came in 2 years before totally out of shape and not owning a bike and now have ridden from SF to LA twice. They're a mom-and-pop shop, but they're expanding; a clear sign of growth.
They specialize in Giant, Specialized, Redline, and a few other brands. They have an incredible policy that if you buy a bike from there, you get free basic maintenance on it for the life of the bike. Just taking advantae of this, I've probably saved a good $250 of maintenance on my $700 bike. When you ride a bike 7000 miles in 2+ years, it needs a lot of basic maintenance.
I liked them so much, I bought a second bike from them a year after the first. It was the end of the year and since I was a regular with them, they were able to cut me a fantastic deal on a bike that was originally $1700.Listed in: Outdoor Gear
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Review from Mark B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/17/2009 1 photo
Brought my OCR1 back after 7 months. The brakes were feeling sluggish and the gear cables playful. George had told me that I should bring it back for a free tune-up after a while to have them adjusted and the bike checked.
I walked into the deserted store during the recent rains and after a quick once over was told I needed a new chain....... After 7 months? I keep my bike indoors and commute to work 2.5 miles a day? I don't ride in the rain and even drove it over in my car so I wouldn't get it wet. How does a $1000 bike need a new chain after 500 miles of light riding?
I walked out of there $48 lighter..... That's enough gas to power my sub-compact 500 miles. Why do I even own a bike ?? Oh yeah, save the world!
Oh well. I've learned to do my homework and can now talk-the-talk and slap down any maintenance recommendations from the techs. At least they are still the most professional and courteous bike shop in the world !
I'll still buy a bike there, I'll just do the tuneups myself.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/11/2008
When gas hit $5 a gallon I decided that Cheveron had finally had enough of my anus and I went about… Read more »
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Review from Natalia C.
Oakland, CA
4/24/2008
This is the best bike shop I have ever been to. They are extremely helpful, without pressuring you to buy anything, which is so rare these days. As much as I hate to say, think, or write it ... as a woman, it can be really intimidating to go to places like bike shops. Not so at Alameda Bicycle! Not only do they have several women that work there, some of them also do racing (and blog about it) and consult with Giant bicycles about how to make bikes better for women. They have a program called Women on Wheels that is exclusively for women. Yeah, I'd say they get--and are attempting to conquer--the gender divide in the bike world, wouldn't you?
So, when I was in the market for a new bike I went in at least three times, tried out several bikes, and dealt with a few different salespeople before buying a bike. Everyone was kind and helpful, no matter how close to closing time it was (and it was embarrassingly close to closing time on one of the non-buying days ... sorry nice salesfolks) or how indecisive and undereducated about bikes I may have seemed. Basically, they are amazing and kind and knowledgeable. They also give you lifetime adjustments and discounts if you are a public servant!
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Review from Kevin M.
Lansing, MI
9/1/2011
We recently purchased a bike from Alameda Bicycle and the experience was very positive. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They helped me find the perfect bike and I am extremely satisfied with my purchase.
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Review from Arthur W.
CA
8/10/2008
The friendliest bicycle shop I've been to in the bay area. The people who work here are helpful and unassuming, even if you don't know anything about bicycles. I came in with a lot of questions after not having ridden a bike for a few years and got them all answered. Jim, the rep who helped me, was very helpful.
After visiting a number of stores and trying out different road bikes I ended up getting my bike from this store. Part of it was the good bike fit and the other part was that I did not feel like a newbie when asking questions or walking around the store, which made me feel like I could put my guard down (I am always wary of salespeople since I am in sales myself) and like I was choosing the bike because it felt good, not because it was recommended by the sales rep or being pushed onto me for a specific reason (i.e. I'm only commuting so I should only get this bike)
Some people don't need the positive encouragement when getting into something new, but when you're about to drop a decent amount of money on something you don't know much about, the hand holding helps.
Since then I've been a little obsessed with getting extra gear for fun and visited at least 10 other shops in the bay area, and while each store has its positives, I have to say I like the vibe of Alameda Bicycle the most. From the sales reps to the mechanics everyone there wants to help you out. Highly recommended if you're looking to buy a new bicycle.
Pros: friendly staff; lifetime service when purchasing a bicycle from the store; team rides every weekend open to everyone; good range of bike options for different types of riding
Cons: located in Alameda, and I live in Oakland. not too far but not a short ride -
Review from Erika D.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I went to this shop for the first time earlier today and had the most amazing experience.
They were so friendly and eager to answer all my questions.
We figured out just what kind of bike I needed and were able to negotiate a good price. Then, I was offered 6 months NO INTEREST financing. Now...yes I had the money, but this was great. I filled out the form and was offered like $2,500! I took it, okay...well not the entire amount, but the cost of the bike, fenders, rack, and lock. They then helped me pick out a size and tweaked everything and fixed it.
Wanna know what's so great about buying a bike from Alameda bikes? You get FREE tuneups for LIFE. Yes...that's right...I said for LIFE. This includes brakes and everything. This doesn't include the cost of new parts, though. And if you want something done on the spot because you can't wait to get out on the open road, then you whip out 20 big ones and they get right on the job. Otherwise, they work on bikes on a first come-first serve basis.
The reason I gave them 4 stars is because within 3 weeks of buying my bike I had to go in 3 times just to get it tuned and looked at. First the brakes weren't working and they replaces the entire brake system on the front. And then the brakes were too tight, and then, lastly, the fender in the back had come off and the brakes were rubbing on the tires. I dunno...I had only ridden the bike twice, for maybe 2 hours total...I was just kind of disappointed that I had to go in so many times.
As of right now the bike is working great. I got a 2009 Giant City Escape, btw, it's a XS Mens and totally great for both city biking and flat open roads in Alameda, I do both. I also take advantage of the Bike Storage at the Fruitvale BART station, too, and look forward to the Bike Shop's Free Flat Tire Workshop at the end of the month!
Thanks, Alameda Bikes. -
Review from Vincent V.
Newark, CA
4/14/2008
When you walk into most bike shops they almost all the look the same. An overwhelming amount of bikes, gear, big price tags and a bunch a guys who know a lot more about bikes than you do.
What sets Alameda Bikes apart is how welcoming and friendly their service is. They also have a great service plan and pretty good sales from time to time. Between my house and Alameda there is about a dozen bike shops. And even though Alameda is over 30 minutes away from where I live, it's worth it. -
Review from Hanna D.
Oakland, CA
2/15/2010
Amazing customer service!
I needed my cruiser serviced and called to see if they could get me in. Yes. So, I rode over and had the *best* customer experience ever. I am not exaggerating. The 3 guys that worked there were very nice, attentive, and best of all - my bike was fixed in about 5 minutes - without a charge. What an impressive shop! -
Review from Dan T.
Berkeley, CA
9/17/2009
First off, this place has great service, with a smile. I mention the smile because strangely, it actually helps you feel better about visiting them. I sometimes go to other shops with my bike and while they might do just as good a job with it, they don't make me feel welcome.
The folks at Alameda Bicycle really are very helpful; I have a Cannondale, and although they're not a Cannondale dealer and wouldn't be able to help me warranty requests, they've always been more than helpful in providing advice and help. One time, I somehow got a decent cut in the braking surface of my clincher wheels (to this day, I'm still baffled how I got that cut) and the mechanic in the back sanded down the irregularities in the surface for me. Were the wheels okay to ride, or would I need new wheels? "I'd ride on it," he said. And I did. For small, quick things like that, I have no hesitation in recommending Alameda Bicycle. You may find that you'll leave with free help and advice that you weren't expecting.
Having said all that, the prices here aren't the cheapest around, and you can definitely find quality shops in the East Bay that are cheaper (especially when it comes to service). I must admit I sometimes go to other places for certain service items simply because Alameda's prices are that much higher. Call around various shops in the area and ask for quotes if you need something done.
Moreoever, if you want to get servicing done during the peak season (summertime), be prepared for a wait. I've had them ask me to wait up to two weeks for a tune-up once. Completely understandable (they're probably the most popular shop in Alameda), but it's something to be aware of. They're not nearly as busy in the off-season, when you might be the only person in the store some days.
There's a small parking lot outside that can fit 4 small cars or so. Street parking is usually very limited, since the shop is located on the very busy Park street in Alameda. -
Review from Amanda K.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2010
Stellar staff - friendly, knowledgeable and patient. I absolutely recommend this store. These guys are all about customer service and zero snobbery. They'll definitely be keeping my business.
I brought in my bike to have a baby seat put on the back, and as other reviewers said, they all interacted with me and made sure I was completely squared away. I was initially afraid of putting my son in it for the first time and they helpfully made sure I could do it right. I later had a jerk in a car freak out at me for riding on the side of the residential street rather than on the sidewalk and accused me of endangering my son's life (by...obeying the law?) and I stopped in (I live across the street) to double-check that I was in fact in the right and just get a little emotional reinforcement. They were all up in arms on my behalf. Thanks, guys! You make great neighbors. :)
