American Cyclery
Category: Sporting Goods [Edit]
510 Frederick St(between Arguello Blvd & Lincoln Way)
San Francisco, CA 94117 (415) 664-4545
- Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
5 reviews
Neighborhood: SOMA
"First, let me state my bias: I am a current client and it is impossible to be Joel's client without becoming friends with the guy. From the…" read more »
67 Reviews for American Cyclery
I went there today to test ride two different brands of bicycles. The service was OK. The cycles they had were awesome. The price range on the bicycles were to my budget as well. I was impressed. So many bicycles to choose from. Friendly & helpful. My friend bought her bike there so I went there for myself. If you purchase a bike they will do an inspection on that bike. Most likely all cycle shops do that. Make sure to check for yourself on small things like reflectors that are mounted securely. My rear reflector screw was gone by the time I got home..=(
I'm shocked at the bad reviews of American Cyclery here because I've never had anything but an amazingly positive experience here.
My friend and I went here to buy bikes a few years ago to ride in the AIDS/LifeCycle. We both had not ridden bikes in many years and definitely not the types of bikes we wanted to buy that would get us through the ALC. The girl that helped us was incredibly helpful and friendly. She helped us pick out bikes that would be good rides but not hardcore, super expensive. To this day (and two ALC rides behind us) we both think that the bikes we picked were perfect for what we wanted and well worth the expense that we paid.
We both had never ridden pedals where we had to clip in and they gave us a lot of tips on how to ride our bikes. They helped fit our bikes so that they were comfortable and would not experience any unnecessary pain.
Everytime we've needed to get our bikes tuned up they've been extremely helpful. One of their mechanics volunteers on the Ride and he remembered me while from when I'd come in to buy our bikes and get them serviced. On Day Two of my first ride I crashed my bike and had to be sagged back to camp. I was afraid it'd need major repairs but since he knew me he worked on my bike immediately and I was back on the road the next day.
after reading through quite a few previous yelps i was a little bit hesitant to even bother with this shop. i haven't owned a bike since i was ten but was giddy with the prospect, so i decided to just check out the selection at american cyclery since it is the closest to my house.
i braced myself for snobbery considering i am oh so unknowledgeable about all things biking but was pleasantly surprised to find a guy totally willing to answer all my ridiculous questions and steer to me toward the bicycle of my dreams.
i guess it is hit or miss with the staff- but check out mike or james, both friendly cats with what appears to be quite a bit of biking know-how (admittedly- not that i would really know, but even the obviously more experienced bikers present seemed to appreciate their judgment).
i'm going four stars rather than five because i am now quite a bit more poor than when i wandered in off the street, though i'm pretty sure the swelling of my heart at least somewhat compensates for the emptiness of my wallet. i seriously love this bike. i might even name it.
I found American Cyclery after doing a search online for Raleigh bikes -- I was on a hunt for Raleigh bike because I read a review in a women's magazine. I went to AC as soon as they opened at 11:00 am and James welcomed me in a friendly manner. He was super patient while I was trying out multiple bikes. I think I tried out 7 total! In the end, I decided on a Raleigh Detour 6.5 (commuter bike.) It had a high price tag but it was totally worth it. I would definitely recommend this place.
The selection here is pretty good but the service is solidly hit or miss. Some of the workers there are awesome: good natured and truly supportive of all kinds of riders from casual to hard core road bikers to daily urban utility riders like myself. Namely, James he's great helpful and a pleasure to do business with.
However, some of the other workers are total snobs and come off that way. Looking distainfully on anyone who's not a hardcore road biker. For instance, I was in there once asking about different brands of clipless and I mentioned wanting to taked longer trips and the guy said "sounds like your looking to being more of a real cyclist and should look into a second new bike that's a road bike" -- erg! I abhor snobs like this. Somehow biking every day at least 7miles a day and using it as my only form of transportation doesn't grant me the title of a "real cyclist" -- especially because a ride a hybrid. Granted it's a high end hybrid but idiots like him could care less.
Anyways so I'm done ranting. They should hire more people like James who respect and enjoy all types of cyclista and less snobs.
Two kinds of people get treated well at shops like American Cyclery, total noobs or people they know and ride with. If you are somewhere between, and most of us are, expect some attitude. And Allah help you if you actually think you know what you're talking about! I won't pretend I understand why it is like this, either. I have ridden for over 20 years, MTB and Road, and I can count the number of shops I've patronized that haven't had that slight odor of smug on one hand. But they do have some nice rides hanging from the ceiling here and some high-end components. And the guys here seriously know their stuff... but I'm too old and been riding too long to tolerate the attitude that their knowledge comes paired with.
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I have been riding for almost twenty years now and have rebuilt many bikes within this time. I just rebuilt my hardtail Schwinn mountain bike and my rear derailleur was popping, requiring new pulley wheels. I searched three or four bike shops in search of this rare part, all of which were very helpful, except for this place.
I have never had an experience like this before, asking for a specific part and having the floor guy insist that my derailleur is no good and needs to be replaced. I was taken back by this so I continued to listen and go along with it. The floor guy when as far as to even trying to sell me a new bike. Talk about disrespect.
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American Cyclery is my go-to bike shop in San Francisco because of the service, location and selection.
Since moving to the city, my primary mode of transport has been my bike. I tried a few shops when deciding which road bike to purchase, and ultimately ended up at American Cyclery. Their selection is wide and of a consistent high caliber. Also, the service crew has always been friendly and helpful. My salesperson asked me all about my riding style and suggested three different models to take for a test ride. I don't know much about brands and gear, but I know what I like when I ride it. Within short order, I had a new ride that has served me perfectly for the past 6 months. I was also given great advice on how to maintain my bike in top condition. So now I am a happy camper.
THANK YOU AMERICAN CYCLERY!
Come here for Campy parts and gucci track frames, expect attitude you will get it, don't expect to get you bike worked on anytime soon.
Nice Peterson....
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I've gone in here twice to test ride some Soma and each time I've been a little annoyed by the attitude of the sales people there. For the most part a bike store is a bike store--and I could care less what sales people think since I try to do all my research before I go head inside. Even given this I found the staff had totally no clue what was in stock- kept trying to recommend things to me that I did not want- and over all were just snobs about the whole thing. I could even overlook this if their prices weren't twice as much as anywhere else. I will never give them a dime and would much prefer to shop at anyone of the other 2 million in bikes stores in the Bay Area.
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I haven't had my bike serviced here, but I do have to write about the staff, just because there's so much going around about bike snobs, etc. The staff at both locations were great, not rude or arrogant. Very helpful even when they didn't have the messenger bag I was looking for, they suggested other places, nice guys.
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I've been here a couple times but due to the amount of douch-nozzles who work here, the five stars is ONLY for the one guy who has helped me and several of my friends on many occasions.
I know not his name, but his face and quiet demeanor have endeared him into my heart indefinitely.
When I heard some crazy rattle noise while biking home from the mission, who was there to not only NOT call me a retard for freaking out over the loose clip for my quick release but also tighten and repair my brakes for free? Silent but oh-so-strong man.
When my boyfriend's chain wouldn't bend, who was there to work out the kink and make small talk? The other man of my dreams.
I know not his name, only his magic.
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Gosh darn it, I really want to like this shop. After all, they have so much going for them - knowledgeable staff, great stock, err... being near where I live. Did I mention they had great stock? However, they seem intent on snatching defeat from the jaws of awesomeness by:
1. Being so damn expensive. $70 labour for a wheel build? Come on, that's double what many specialists charge online.
2. Being somewhat ungracious. Charging to fit pedals I've just bought from you? Sure, you're within your rights. After all, your mechanics' tattoos don't just ink themselves, it's just that that doesn't exactly leave me with a fuzzy glow inside.
3. Being so unpredictable. To be honest, the service I've had has ranged from perfunctory to eager, but look at the other reviews.
Perhaps a morale-building drumming circle with the hippies in the park might raise spirits? But fear not, spinelessness and laziness will bring me back. That and the guy with the hat who has the manner of a 50s grocery store clerk. We like him.
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I always expect a little bit of snobbery when I go to a bike shop, but this place was incredible. I went there all the way from Oakland on the recommendation from a friend. When I told the guy behind the counter I wanted to buy a single speed and what my price range was he said they had nothing in my price range even though I saw bikes in my price range on the sale rack out front. And when I asked about the full bikes for sale on the website he said they did not sell bikes on the website even though I had just seen them there that morning. The guy continued to talk to me for ten minutes about how superior their costumer service was and that it was worth paying more for my bike because I would be treated right. Here's a tip guys if you are trying to sell yourself as a small bike shop with good customer service you might want to start offering good customer service when people want to buy a bike from you. The dude was so rude my friend and I spent 10 minutes on the ride home trying to come up with new swear words to call him. I think I will take my money to Montano Velo they are much nicer there.
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Was in the Haight with my wife and sister, and wanted to check this store out after hearing it was the oldest bike shop in SF. I went in about 10 minutes before closing, but they didn't mind and the one guy that helped me was very patient and even saved me some money.
As a young woman who was expecting an awkward encounter with the men at a bike shop, I can say that I was happily surprised by how I was received at American Cyclery. I have very little knowledge about bikes and was also worried about being ripped off, but I was treated as a friend and have had only fair dealings at this establishment. They even gave me some incredibly helpful tips on riding techniques to ensure my safety when riding in the city, and how to maintain my bike in such a way that it will last a long time. I can see why I was referred to shop at American Cyclery and I'm sure that I will remain a loyal customer!
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The folks at the clothing/rental location are friendly. The folks at the road bike shop/parts shop across the street are very difficult to deal with. Bordering on assholes. I've been there a couple times, most times the salespeople are headstrong bikers who think they know more than you do. Perhaps they do know more than a lot of folks who walk in the door. But don't go out of your way to say so. That's rude. Their selection of parts is no better than Bike Dog. Ride a mile away to Roaring Mouse and you won't be disappointed.
OK F this shop. Seriously. A salesperson told me that the bottom bracket on a 70's vintage Raleigh was "dangerous" because it was too old and might fail. Totally bogus tactic because he thought I was a newbie. I was immediately told to sell this classy ride and buy a whole new bike. Awful advice, purely given to sell someone a bike they don't need. BUYER BEWARE.
If you're looking for a part and don't need advice, I guess this place is ok. If you want advice, GO ELSEWHERE. They will lie to you and suggest buying a complete new bike. Your old bike is probably viable and needs a new part, not a trip to the dumpster.
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Clearly after reading through the reviews, it all depends on who you get and weather or not they're in the mood to help. I find each and everyone of them to be so incredibly rude that I can't help but feel sorry for them... this is obviously a VERY insecure group of people and they act out accordingly. And Dani, you are seriously the worst sales person in all of SF, and that is saying something as there as some pretty awful sales folks in the city. If you hate working with people who don't know as much about bicycles as you, get another job!
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By far, the wost bike service experience, customer service of my life. A letter to the better business is in the mail. Not one shining star in this store and shop run like a child's, no make that a middle school playground. This place reeks of disgruntled employees and absent management. Your life is literally in the hands of these guys, and at least from this review, you can't say you weren't warned. I'd rather not have a bike, than have one from American Cyclery.
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They are a little expensive, but Tyson is the only one mechanic who has been able to competently deal with my bike, out of many, many mechanics. They used to be a little gruff, perhaps even a bit smug, but I can't say I have noticed that in many years. Tyson also spends a week on the AIDS LifeCycle each year and gets props for that.
What an awesome experience I had at American Cyclery! They treated me with respect and appreciated the knowledge I brought in and were happy to educate me on the things in which I was unfamiliar. They are not there to "sell" you a bike that you do not need. They want to help you figure out the type of bike that will work for you and help you to get "that" bike. They also suggested that I try out other shops in the city. I went to 4 shops and did my homework. The service, price, selection and attention to detail were what brought me back. Thanks Bill!
Great bike shop!
They helped me find exactly what I needed.
I like the folks working there too. I've gotten no attitude or distractions when I've been there. Honestly, it's one of the best bike shops in the City.
They saved me a bunch of money! My bike is a POS so I am always stopping in there to buy misc. nickle and dime parts. I feel like I have always had great service, and I think that their prices are fair. When I had them fix my derailer, they also adjusted my front and rear brakes for free.
I would definitely take my bike there again!
I wish I could pick no stars. Why are bike repair doods always such condescending pricks? I took my bike into this shop for a quick tune-up and to replace a couple of parts and I got the run-around. I was quoted over $450.00 for the work. I'm all about supporting the Mom & Pop shops, but geezus $450.00 for a tune up and some wheel truing? I'll never go back or buy a thing from them.
NOTE: That same day I went to Sports Basement and they did the work for less than $100.00 and gave me free pads (yeah, i'm still using pads, piss awf! ;-)).
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I bought my bike at American Cyclery after visiting about 5 bike shops in SF. I chose American because their staff was totally cool and really knew their stuff. They had no pressure sales attitude, which I experienced at some other shops. Also they carry SOMA bikes which rule!
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I'm not very edumacated in the ways of bikes, and after reading some of these reviews it looks like it depends on who's working, but I had a great experience here. A few months back i walked in and bought a bike (I'm an impulse shopper) and just recently took it in for a tune up and to get some new parts thrown on. Both times the service was great. They didn't make me feel like an idiot even though i was asking ridiculously stupid questions. It's obviously small and I can see it being a hassle when crowded, but so far it's been great.
I went there two times to get help with fixing a flat and with questions on what my options were for other tires. The first time the girl seemed annoyed that I was taking time away from her sales pitch to someone. The second time the guy was condescending when answering my questions, dismissive and rude when I asked about a do-it-myself option instead of pay them $16 to change two tires.
So at first i thought these guys were a little snobby but i was patient and gave them the benefit of the doubt. I think if you go in there with an attitude, you will get some back. You pretty much get treated by how you treat them.
They are all really cool guys. They are almost always busy working on bikes or helping fit customers to bikes. I actually just had my 83' Bianchi built up by these guys! It looks BEAUTIFUL!!! They built a set of blue deep V's with some Campy hubs. I am very happy with the way my bike turned out! They were really helpful and gave me a bunch of options and directions that i could have taken my bike build. Bradley, Billy, West, Tyson, and Dani are all really cool! Bradley, i feel specializes in vintage bikes and components. Billy is a cool and efficient builder. Dani and West are really patient when it comes to shopping for a bike, bike parts, or just have a bunch of questions you feel are silly. But hey, we all got to start somewhere. I have learned a lot from all these guys at AC.
american cyclery, how do I love thee? let me count the ways....
1. Tyson, cause he rocks and is super sweet, super nice and totally set up a (then) sweetie so she can be ready for her ride through Mexico
2. Tyson, cause he's funny and cool
3. Tyson, cause he knows about bikes, rides bikes, fixes bikes and if her were a dyke, I would ride him.
I dragged my little rusty bike that i got for free off of craigslist into AC a few days ago. I know nothing about bikes. I want to ride one, and that's it.
My question: Is it worth it to get this cute little ructing blue free off of craigslist bike fixed?
AC answer: NO.
They were honest, which was admirable, especially since i probably could have been ripped off and not even known.
"You need new tires, then new tubes...the front is bent and the spokes are really worn and out of place...."
The bike expert (very cute and very strong, oooh) told me exactly what I needed and exactly what it would cost. A lot. That's the only reason I docked them one star. Everything was pretty pricey.
Other than that, they were friendly, didn't mind helping me out even though I wasn't buying anything or having my bike repaired. Yay.
I am only reviewing MY physical bike.
I received the new ride as a gift.
Thank you for stocking this sparkly gem and double thanks for encouraging Ad to purchase it for me.
I feel like I'm in 7th grade again :)
Minus the French Horn strapped to the back of my beach cruiser and braces.
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I'd also give American Cyclery zero stars if it were possible. I'd bought wheels and parts from them in the past and received less than satisfactory service but it was close to home so I put up with it.
The final straw was when the bike maintenance was a total condensing prick over changing my break pads. This was the worst customer service I've received anywhere let alone in a bike store, plus they gouge you on price.
I'm taking my dollars elsewhere. The number of users on Yelp, who have had an awful experience, should hopefully send others to a bike shop that wants your business.
American Cyclery is the worst !!!!!!!!
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I used to like this place, but after my last experience with them, I have to say, "Never again."
First, there's the attitude. I wait for for 10 minutes after they are supposed to open (at a leisurely 11am), and they are all, like, "we have to move these bikes, out -- an evaluation will take 10 minutes!" Oh, I'm so sorry that their work-day had to be interrupted by a customer (while I've taken time from work to deliver my bike to them).
"Do you have an appointment?" No, the guy on the phone the week before was too lazy to schedule one of those for me.
"Leave a number, and we'll call you after we've done our evaluation." So I do...
"You know, make sure to call me at this number -- the other one is my home phone --"
"We're not going to call you!"
Okay dude, whatever.
Three days later, the same guy calls me to tell me that my (working perfectly at the time) shifters (both of them!) just "blew up" when they were changing the cables, so they had to install a new set of (ultra-lame) 8-speed shifters (charged at full retail).
When I go to pick up my bike, I'm ignored for ten minutes. Then, when one of the staff condescends to ask me what I want, I tell them, "I'm here to pick up my bike. It's a black Koga Myata."
He looks at me like I just said, "My hovercraft is full of eels."
This is the standard passive-aggressive stance of the San Francisco retail clerk: completely normal, work-a-day requests are treated like you asked them to drop their pants and dance on the counter.
"Do you have a claim check?"
No. I don't have a claim check. I'm just guessing that you have a black Koga-Myata that somebody else brought in for service, and I can totally steal it from you if you even acknowledge that such a bike exists. Good thing, under strenuous circumstances, you had the wherewithal to demand the claim check!
This shop has a lot of cool European exotica (and they supply a lot of Fixies, which is actually a black mark in my book), but they are simply too busy to provide good service, even for their loyal customers.
So freak 'em.
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This wonderfully independent bicycle emporium has earned my highest possible praise. Not that it needs it -- it's been San Francisco's best since the Eisenhower administration.
Brad Woehl, the owner, recently gave my preschool kids a remarkably gracious (and highly entertaining) personal tour of the Frederick Street store, including an excellent riding safety demonstration. I felt totally honored, and my students thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
I routinely pass up our local bike store (within walking distance of my house in Pacifica) to give American my business (which other bike stores often consider a nuisance). Brad lavishes every bit as much attention on my pathetic banana-seat K-Mart Special "Stingray" knock-off as he does on gazillion-dollar carbon-fiber-and-titanium dream machines.
American's attention to their customers, knowledge of their craft, and dedication to their trade are beyond exemplary. And their stores have, without a doubt, the highest drool factor of any store in the Bay Area.
As bikes inevitably emerge into their rightful presence on the streets of San Francisco, American's shops will become more of a blessing than ever to The City they've served for more than half a century.
The Wright Brothers would have been proud of 'em.
I got some new wheels here, they roll totally rad! People are pretty helpful (except that they didn't call me when my wheels were ready like they said they would). I'd definately get tuned up here.
Some nice bikes. Some Nice people...SOME. One of the dudes there was a prick. I hate bike snobs to the core. Through and through, I will not go there again.
Egg!
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Thank god for competition - otherwise we would be forced to put up with snobby incompetent jerks that work at this place. I have visited and called this store on various occasions for small bike problems and have been met with nothing but bad attitudes and spotty advice. Yeah, maybe I'm not buying a new bike today, but I might buy one someday and is sure as hell won't be from this shop. I'm going to Roaring Mouse where the people actually care.
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I think I came to the store July 3rd after testing a few bikes from Pacific Bicycle, so I came from across town. My stick shift driving skills were put to the test on my way to American Cyclery.
Considering I'm not from the city, the city driving got to me that day. Looking for parking just made me a bit more agitated. So I wasn't really in the mood to shop, but since I've come so far, I figure I should browse a bit.
American Cyclery was actually referred to me by a few people, so I figured I should check it out. I was in the city, I might as well take the opportunity.
I wasn't in the store long enough to warrant a 4 star review, but I appreciated how they awknowledged my presence in the store soon after I stepped inside. I might have to go back to try out a few bikes, but I really wasn't in the mood.
I asked about small bikes, and they said each frame comes in different sizes, but I really knew most of these bikes don't come that small. I was hoping for a women's specific Bianchi (besides the Eros Donna since I already tried it) or actually anything small (perhaps the Bianchi Vigorelli).
May be next time I'll call ahead to make sure they have smaller bikes to test out and then I'll head over.
My friend and I came out for some parts we couldn't find at other local bike shops. They do have a good selection of hard to find things, but the prices are a tad on the high side. The woman who helped us was friendly and knowledgeable. I'd go back if they had something I couldn't get at my normal shop.
Who's got a brand new set of SOMA Noah's Arc bars?! WOOOOOT BITCHEZ!! That's right, I's gots them! Them babies is backordered for 2 months but I scored the last pair on the market today from American Cyclery. My cruiser is going to be so sweet y'all are gonna need to see a dentist when my shit rides by. Uh huh. They lose a star only because they wouldn't let me buy them over the phone. And they told me to take a deep breath and calm down when I started getting excited on the phone.
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