- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
AreaCycles
Category: Shopping Sporting Goods Bikes Bikes [Edit]
3052 Castro Valley Blvd(between Nunes Ave & San Miguel Ave)
Castro Valley, CA 94546
(510) 589-7291
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 11 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for AreaCycles
Review Highlights
-
"5 stars for Kenji and the Area Cycles crew." In 17 reviews -
"...interested in fixed gear/single speed, BMX, MTN Bikes, or..." In 3 reviews -
"The owner is really friendly and knowledgeable too." In 3 reviews
Loading...
24 reviews in English
-
Review from Chava K.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2011
You know, I live and bike in SF and am used to all sorts of abuse by the local bike shops. Imagine my delight when I flatted out for a fourth time in two weeks near this bike shop and I conceded I needed professional help. that this place was freaking rockstar service and totally awesome. The guy behind the counter (Kenji, it seems by the other reviews) took the time to find the piece of minuscule piece of metal embedded in my tire as I stood there! Holy shit! No wait! Problem fixed! Happy tires and saved me weeks of busted tubes, I'm guessing.
ADDITIONALLY there was some teenager geeking out about fixies and must have come some over the hill suburbia and was acting like he'd found his nirvana in this place, and Kenji was not only kind and helpful, but invited this kid on local rides. Thanks for encouraging that kind of young unbridled enthusiasm, I'm stoked that he's out there encouraging the kids out there to be riding.
Anyways, I'm jealous this place is nowhere near home. I'd trade all 25 bike shops in my 2 mile radius for just this one place. -
Review from Nhi T.
Hayward, CA
4/15/2011
I was in Castro Valley doing a quick errand. That very day, I was on a mission to find a spot to buy my first bike. It had to be affordable, it had to be a commuter; the SE DRAFT LITE 2011 was the best start for my very first bike. (It's a decent bike for a first timer)
Thanks to my iPhone, I had stored a few bike locations onto my NOTES.
Manifesto was originally the location to get my bike.
However, Manifesto was going to charge me 360, AreaCycles 300.
Manifesto was going to charge me about 100 to change a few things to black. I got the purple frame.. which has yellow, i did not want yellow on my bike. AreaCycles charged me 30.
Are you seeing the savings??
As term of service, Kenji is a very cool and laid back guy. The bike turned out pretty neat. He answered a lot of my question, very nice dude.
Nice doing business with him.
This is a permanent location for bikes.
Thanks Kenji. -
Review from Roy J.
Union City, CA
3/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went here to have my new Shimano Dura-Ace track chainring installed, and to get a new cog for my Fuji Track Pro, after recommendation from Joshua E. I usually go to iMiNUSD in San Jose, but Area is closer.
Kenji, the owner, is probably one of the most chill people I've ever met. We chatted a bit about bikes, radio-controlled drift cars, and other friends of mine that go to Area, all while he was working on my bike. He knows what he's doing and I'm happy with the results.
I wouldn't immediately say that Area is better than iMiNUSD because iMD has a lot more variety. But Area is more convenient. I'll be back, maybe to get my bike repainted. -
Review from Mace M.
San Lorenzo, CA
2/23/2010
Area Cycles is a five star shop!
Don't let the size fool you, this shop has everything you want, and can get anything you need. They sell complete bikes, and they have a shop with all of the tools to assemble or fix your ride(s), & have a nice selection of parts and accessories. The shop is run by one of the friendliest guys I've met in the bike game.
With excellent customer service, great pricing and convenient location, Area is the place to come for all of your cycling needs. -
Review from Chuck N.
9/14/2011
If you're looking for a quality bike that will last you a lifetime, they have it all here. If you want Wal-Mart, go to Wal-Mart, if you want good service and lasting products that won't give you any injuries this is the place to go. The owner is really friendly and knowledgeable too.
-
Review from Ryan M.
Hayward, CA
3/23/2010
I ride both road a track/fixed. and though my LBS (road), Eden bikes, carries a few parts I may need for my track bike, they are marked up pretty high and don't have much if a selection. now, there is area bikes.
the owner, kenji is a stand up guy who is very nice. I haven't had service on my bike here yet, but plan on it soon. but I chatted with for a bit an know he is nit your typical bike snob mechanic or LBS employee. good to see that out there.
now, I would like to see a better variety in inventory, but I am sure that will happen as he establishes better accounts with companies or distibutors.
I just hope this doesn't become a hangout for local groms and attitude packed BMXers. nothing worse than trying to buy some bike parts with a bunch of kids vibing you out. -
Review from Joshua E.
Union City, CA
Updated - 6/3/2010
Update:
I've been going here ever since before they had even opened. Kenji, the shop owner has helped me transition from my old goal of a track bike to fixed gear freestyle; as my interest has shifted. They carry speed parts to style parts; not only do they specialized in fixed gear they also have serviced road bikes and know suspension of dirt jump or mountain bikes. If they don't know what you want right off the bat, Area Cycles will look into what you need and do research to make sure their customer is happy. Good job guys, quick come up. A+++1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/14/2009
I discovered this shop about 2 months ago through craigslist. He had listed a set of available… Read more »
-
-
Review from kewlby x.
Castro Valley, CA
6/15/2010
It's refreshing to have new bike shop in town. I found AreaCycles on yelp. The owner opened his shop last year and it seems to have a huge following just by word of mouth. It took me awhile to find the shop while going up and down Castro Valley Blvd. (It's behind Block Busters Video).
I took my my bike in to repair my shifters on my MTB. Kenji, the owner fixed it while I went to lunch. He also adjusted my derailer as part of the work. The price was super reasonable. I liked it so much, I brought in my other MTB for a few adjustments. Kenji fixed those while I waited. Again, super reasonable price.
I highly recommend this shop. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Chris C.
San Lorenzo, CA
9/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
My single speed needed some TLC and read some of the reviews here that lead me to Area Cycles. As soon as I rolled my bike in Kenji greeted me and asked me what I needed even when he was already busy helping some other customers. The place is also a local hangout so there is always foot and bike traffic in and out the shop. I got some brake pads replaced, Kenji trued the front wheel and he also did a presta-to-schrader valve conversion on my rims - Life is so much easier now! He even did some little tweaks on my bike and she is running smooth again. They also sell new bikes and have lots of parts in stock. They have some really cool fixies on the rack and can build you one at your liking.
-
Review from Pawel K.
Castro Valley, CA
10/10/2011
Nothing but the best is what i hear from my son. Honest, dependable and fast service. Went to the store once myself, opened the doors for me after closing time and he (Matt) answered all my questions. Trustworthy and very good at what they do.
-
Review from Rod P.
Alameda, CA
8/13/2010
I dropped into the shop for the first time today to check out some brake parts for my fixed gear. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in and saw a great selection of fixed, track, bmx and DJ bikes. The shop was clean and well organized.
Plenty of shops around the bay support mountain and road riders. We were in desperate need of a LBS to cater to the fixed, SS and track crowd. Area Cycles did just that.
The owner Kenji is a chill guy and will take the time to answer any questions you have and you won't feel intimidated asking stupid ones. He knows his stuff, he's been in the bike business for many years.
I left the shop with exactly what I needed plus some Nitto drop bars I've been looking for. I won't hesitate on coming back for more. -
Review from Charles Y.
Hayward, CA
1/7/2010
I used to have a hard time finding a bike shop that carried fixed gear parts near Hayward until I heard about Area Cycles. Heard about them online and I thought I would check it out. The owner really knows about everything he sells because he's tested it all! I just got into fixed gear, so I was a little nervous asking questions, but the owner is very nice and welcomes any type of rider from beginners to experts. I ended up buying some straps, a new chain, and cog... Exactly what I needed!
All in all, I would recommend this bike shop to anyone interested in fixed gear/single speed, BMX, MTN Bikes, or anything cycling related. -
Review from Monica H.
Castro Valley, CA
6/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bought my son's first pit bike here. We passed by this spot in our local strip mall many times, but never thought to head in until my son out grew his Toys R' us Tony Hawk bike. We came in here and the owner, Kenji was very attentive in helping us figure out what size and type of bike we needed. Kenji gave us some info and prices. We checked other bike shops in the area, but his prices and customer service could not be beat. We returned a few days later and purchased a 18" nitrous pit bike. Area cycles is great bike shop and would definitely come here again
-
Review from Bad N.
Fremont, CA
1/4/2011
Best bike shop in the east bay for sure! I recently bought a bad ass yellow Fuji fixed gear, and I'm loving it!!!!!! Kenji is really knowledgeable and wont steer you wrong. He even helped me put my bike rack on because you know how confusing those things can be. Man this cat even showed me how to do a track stand in the shop. That night I had it down.
If your looking for great deals and excellent customer service this is the place you want to go to. -
Review from Angelo R.
Union City, CA
4/2/2011
5 stars for Kenji and the Area Cycles crew. They're a bunch of cool guys that are down to ride whenever possible. I bought my Gran Royal Lurker here and he gave me a great deal on it. The shop's always updated with the latest fixed, mountain bike, and bmx parts so you wont be disapointed if you do decide to check this shop out.
-
Review from Lily L.
Hayward, CA
4/10/2011
I went here a couples days ago and the service was more than I expected. Kenji is genuinely nice and willing to answer any questions you have. I couldn't have been any happier with my purchase :)
-
Review from Valerie F.
Dublin, CA
8/26/2010
OK, one day the ol' girls decided to all go on a bike riding outing the next day. No problem until I looked at my bike only to see the the tires had shredded from old age and disuse. Looked on Yelp for bike shops. Boy, are there a lot of bike shops in Castro Valley. Not only that, but they all have pretty good Yelp ratings. What to do? I decided to try AreaCycles, not only for the great reviews but because it is a relatively new business and I like to support good new businesses especially when the owner is the "chief cook and bottle washer." Brought the gimpy bike in around 11 and Kenji said he could order the tires right away. "Get it by today?" I asked thinking I'd might have an excuse to tell the gals. He assured me he'd have it all repaired and ready by closing. Done deal! Great service and good pricing.
-
Review from Nareene K.
Hayward, CA
1/7/2011
Kenji was amazing!
I was going on a road trip to so cal and had bought a bike from kenji as a gift for someone else. He helped me fit the giant bike in my tiny car and was super helpful! -
Review from mike c.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2011
basically, i came in looking for a mountain bike, saw one (actually his bike that he keeps at the shop), kenji answered all my questions, gave me recommendations, i decided on that bike, less than one week the bike comes in, he builds it and sets it up, and i'm out the door. i ended up getting the single speed norco 2011 judan carbon belt 29er and wow he couldn't have recommended a better size and mtb for me. to top it off, he set up my spds and taught me how to ride in them (literally went outside to teach and give me some tips). who does that! also gave great advice on trails at lake chabot. if you go to the shop, you'll see customers come in with questions and kenji does his best to help them with what they need. i'm a fan
-
Review from Mark R.
Lafayette, CA
2/3/2010
Great place for bike repair and parts. I've gone in and out of this place a bundle of times and am always happy with the affordable service. This guy's all about the fixed gear bikes but will work on anything.
-
Review from ben w.
Hayward, CA
12/5/2009
so area cycles is a cool little shop in the heart of Castro valley they specialize in fixed gear a bmx. but Kenji ( the shop owner ) can get u wat ever you want. Kenji is a super nice guy i went there like 3 weeks before it opened and i called the number on the door and he answered and said ill be there. He knows a lot about bikes and thats were i go to get all my bike parts. So if your looking for a fixed gear or bmx or what ever go there.
So keep up the good work kenji. -
Review from Albert H.
Union City, CA
Updated - 6/6/2011
kenji is the mannnnn
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/30/2010
Found out about this shop through some good friends of mine. Stopped by to pickup some new tires for… Read more »
-
-
Review from Linda M.
Castro Valley, CA
Updated - 6/29/2010
The sad news, was my son's bike was stolen, and the owner and his crew went out on a bike hunt...what a wonderful guy!. However before I shelled out another 300.00 for another bicycle i added the two bikes together, and ended up with the price of a hooptie car. Which we found...a 71 oldsmobile cutlass supreme for 400.00. Sorry AreaCycles...he is still in need of a bike but the car is a must for a teenager!. Thank You for your outstanding service and may your business flourish!!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/13/2009
I have spent years trying to get my teenage son interested in bike riding. I have purchased him many… Read more »
-
-
Review from David C.
Alameda, CA
5/27/2010
this bike shop, i only been here one time. but i can say they won me over by comming back there constantly.i have fixie and there are not many stores that are good with customer and service as i hear they have night where they ride and stuff which i really plan to join! they are soo freaken knowlegable. the workers are chill and they have everything you can find within a fixie. they are the best fixie bike shop i been to! wish i found them sooner. They instantly became a helpful friend to me. GO CHECK OUT AREA CYCLE ASAP!
