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ATA Cycle
Category: Shopping Sporting Goods Bikes Bikes [Edit]
1773 Massachusetts AveCambridge, MA 02140
Neighborhood: Porter Square
(617) 354-0907
- Nearest Transit:
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Massachusetts Ave @ Lancaster St (77, 96)
Massachusetts Ave @ Forest St (77, 83, 96)
Massachusetts Ave @ Roseland St (77, 83, 96)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
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$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for ATA Cycle
Review Highlights
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"I ended up buying a rear blink light." In 3 reviews -
"I bought a Trek hybrid at Wheelworks in Belmont and they..." In 7 reviews -
"and that made me feel special." In 3 reviews
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33 reviews in English
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Review from J T.
New York, NY
12/21/2011
Stopped in the other day just looking at bikes. I saw some beautiful bikes, ranging from $300-$3000+. They are moving soon so many of the bikes are on sale. I'd recommend getting in there to check out the selection before they move, I have a feeling you could find some great deals. Who knows, maybe the motivation not to move another bike will get you an extra 10-20% discount?
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Review from Alexandria L.
Cambridge, MA
8/24/2011
I understand this is not the platform to discuss race but it is in this isolated indecent very important. so' earlier today a good friend of mine offered to walk up to ATA to pick me up an inner tube and when he returned his face was long .
I asked what was wrong and he told me a male employee of the store was rude to him in the way of being smug, trying to sell him the wrong size and in the beginning rather dismissive towards him. skipping forward.
hours later i saw that my tire was flat (again)and figured i should go back to put in some air and buy another tube and new tire if need be. so I walk into the store and ask for air.
Again a male employee proudly told me that I could not use the in store air pump and after asking again he told me I could " go out back of the store" if I want air .
He said that "they" were busy but I did not ask for assistance and the pump was clearly not in use. After taking his "hint" I left the store feeling like I had just experienced something deeply wrong.
Being from Cambridge and a supporter of bikes across the board I was shocked to be so humiliated in front of customers in a store. I dont expect anyone to care if they cant relate but this is a warning to cyclists of all races including my own ( being black and all) that bigotry on any count should never be tolerated .
I'd sooner go to hell than support this businesses. Being told to leave a store and "go out back..." is reason enough for my boycott and my friend ( him being black and all) . I will be taking my business elsewhere ( owning three bikes and all )
and then to top it off some dickweed votes this review as "funny" -
Review from Matt B.
Somerville, MA
6/19/2008
My girlfriend and I went in to get an inner tube for her bicycle tire. We're not fancy die-hard bikers; we're recreational bikers who want to use our bikes to get from point A to point B. Neither are we complete aloof hipsters.
Apparently, both worked against us, as the staff at ATA could barely muster an eyeroll in our direction and quickly tossed an inner tube in our direction. Their attitude was, however, revealed to be misplaced---my mechanic roommate pointed out when we got home that they had sold us the wrong 'european style' inner tube.
Save your money, your time, and your self esteem and don't go to this place---unless you want to get sniffed at by uppity biker hipsters. -
Review from Daniel M.
Updated - 6/30/2008
So the orange heads took time off from providing five star ratings to create a new account and drop me a line:
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so yeah i thought it would be in the best interest to inform you that your comment is kinda silly. i'm referring to the comment/review you made about ata cycle. i've been in there many of times and so have my friends and to be quite honest we aren't of english decent. in fact we're spanish/hispanic. so i don't know why you got that impression, perhaps it was you who acted a bit awkward. which might have made you feel uncomfortable to begin with. most bike shops say hello to you when you enter..and generally you try to help out the customer when it seems like it's the first time you entered the shop. i've been in places myself where i felt that way too. however to make it a race thing..come on..sorry if this offends ya..but you what did you expect when you wrote a review on yelp???
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Hmmm. What to do with this? Not much left for me to say after being so effectively taken to task.
I will say this. I've been to stores with helpful service (you can read those reviews too) so I know the difference between "I'm here to help!" and "I've got my eye on you". Of course I am often too busy acting awkward to be comfortable (what the eff does that even mean?).
I'm not even going to bother with the rest, I see the error of my ways.
Thanks Christina D, Yelper since approximately two days ago for showing me the light. Should you get a picture, fill out ANYTHING on your profile or eek out a review you should totez friend me up.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/20/2008
As much as I enjoy being followed around like I am going to steal something I wasn't really in the… Read more »
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Review from Pete P.
Austin, TX
10/30/2007
ugh... the poor people that get taken advantage of by these guys... i hope my review helps them...
My friend and I went in to purchase 2 mtn. bikes. We had done our research and knew we wanted the Giant NRS 1. Knowing what we were buying, we went there with one thing in mind. Please give us a fair price. So that is what we said, we have done all the research, we want these bikes, we live in the hood, so can ya give us a decent price and we will keep comin back. He shot back at us with a small discount and instead of beating him up for a few more bucks off, we agreed, and purchased the bikes.
My point with all this is we are hassle free consumers. We did not nickel and dime them at all, didn't make crazy demands, just wanted a decent price... we feel we got that.
Upon upgrading some parts initially, we rode away happy... or so we thought. After our first ride a slew of things went wrong, the shifting was for nothing, the wheels came horribly untrue, the rear suspension linkage loosened up (was Mountain Biking Magazine bike of the year) and the BB began to make a horrible noise. After bringing the bikes back (clean) for our 30 day tune up, there was nothing adjusted when we got them back on the trail and all the same problems reoccurred. Did we point out all of the issues when we brought them in? of course we did. It was like they had not touched them at all. Well, that was the last of bringing the bikes there.
Now fast forward over 1 year later when ATA makes a major push for road bikes - high end road bikes. So, being the nice guy I am I take a 2nd chance with them and buy a road bike I can't afford. But, my obsession takes over and I must have it, so I go there and spec it out to the T. My perfect bike. A Fondriest with a full Campy Record gruppo on Mavic Kylium (sp?) wheels.
Now I am eager to go pick up my perfect bike so I call them on a Monday and ask if its ready. They tell me yup, all set. So, I wonder in on Thursday to pick it up, look at it, and it has the wrong seat, seat post (it was full Campy Record and they had a Durace seat post!!!!!!), wheels and tires on it, along with a cheap ass pair of handlebars. So, being the patient guy I am, I point out the improper parts and wait over 2 hours to finally walk my bike out of the store. Ugh. May not sound like a big deal, but try leaving work, and having them take that long! I had also asked that a proper fitting be included in the cost of the bike. When I mentioned this at the time I picked it up the guy held the handle bars and asked me to hop on the bike as he held it steady for me... hahahahaha... seriously, if you want a bike fitting go to Ace or Belmont wheel works.
So, because they give on additional discounts on hardgoods when you buy a bike, I went back there for a heartrate monitor. I asked for one that will sync with my computer and one with cyclometer functions. After the sales person hands me the model he says I need, I get home, and it's the wrong one. Now its time to return, price tag still on it that says ATA. Oh yeah, they store every purchase, by customer, in a computer. After being harassed for not having my receipt, he accused me of stealing it and trying to return it for store credit. I insist he looks it up in the computer, boom, there it is and offers to make a swap for the proper model. Then tried to tell me my discount would not apply because the model was in limited supply.
Next, yes there is more, I had to tell him they had it next door at City Sports and up the street at Ace Wheelworks so why bother telling me that story. He finally gave me my discount. By the way, you think one person recognized me after they spent 1 hour spec'ing out my bike with me then another 2 while I waited for it? No, not one person recognized me, at all. They were just rude the whole time.
It get better... this same summer I get hit by a car on that bike. I bring the damaged bike in for an estimate and they were going to charge me 1% of the cost of the bike to assess the damage. It was going to be over $50 for them to tell me what I needed to buy from them. I was flabbergasted. That was the end of it. I took the damaged bike up the street to Ace, they assessed the damage for me, dealt with the insurance company and as a result, I bought my next bike from them.
These guys are jerks, I would rather buy from a mail order house! -
Review from Tristan B.
Cambridge, MA
Updated - 6/27/2008
So I did it. I bought a road bike. A 2008 Look 555 with a full Ultegra SL gruppo and Mavik Ksyrium Elite wheels. A gigantic carbon fiber death machine that hits 44 miles per hour solo downhill and will hit 31 mph solo on the flats if you feel like chugging up to it. It's gooooorgeous, and worth the price.
So what does this have to do with ATA? Well, they're the only Look dealer in the area. They're also the only dealer for Koutas (expensive Italian bikes), Museeuw (expensive Dutch frames), LaPierres (expensive French bikes), Wiliers (expensive Italian bikes) and various other brands that you can't pronounce unless you've followed the TdF religiously. But fear not, gentle (and less interested in road bikes) reader, they have a bunch of new Giant bikes and Kid's bike's downstairs. I know, all the bike bling up stairs can be misleading and intimidating when your budget is not the highest. Go forth and get as much information as you can about the bikes, and BE PATIENT.
After purchasing a bike, I have to say that they've been nothing but easily supportive for me. While I know fixed gear bikes, looking at derailleur cables, 10 speed cassettes, and the like of a modern road bike gave me the heebie geebies. I'm getting used to it now, and they've been very supportive and patient.
Me: I wish they had a Look cycling cap. *frownie face*
Anil (A staffer): Well, we have a Look baseball hat. Here ya go.
Me: Um. Thanks!
Plus I go in there and shoot the shit and talk roadie stuff, like how to shave your legs the best, what kind of chamois cream makes you feel all menthol-y, and other such important facts.Listed in: I broke the bicycle :(
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/6/2007
Okay, this place would totally be a three star location, but, they have probably some of the best… Read more »
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Review from Traveling B.
Somerville, MA
Updated - 2/23/2009
Ok, so I dilly dallied a few other bike shops, foreign and otherwise, to see if the service at ATA really was as good as I had suggested.
Well, I'm back and even giving ATA another star, here's the reason for they uppity date
Once upon a time there was a 400 pound gorilla that lived on his Specialized bicycle. That bicycle had to cart his fat arse up and down the mountains of Utah and through the forests of SUV's and MAV's (Mormon Assault Vehicles). This Gorilla finally moved to the East Coast, with his mighty Specialized. The gorilla got considerably smaller, the specialized still cranked out amazing performance and then it was left to rot in the backyard because the half pint Gorilla got a cool trendy cruiser and left the sporty sort for dead.
2 years later, the sporty sort looked appealing, so taking his Specialized to a bike shop with like bikes only to hear, oh you're bike is dead to the world but here's another you can buy, the gorilla took it to ATA, land of the Giant's. only to hear, wow it's been sitting for two years, it's actually not in that bad of shape, oh yeah, a few little things and it will ready to go.
I saved a ton, have my cherished mighty warrior back, and have a whole new outlook and opinion of this bike shop. Honestly folks, be personable with the staff, have confidence that they are not going to laugh at you but honestly answer your questions, and you will dig this shop, I can honestly say it's the best one I've been to yet.
Muchos Kudos.....end transmissionListed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/13/2008
The staff all seem really cool, there is always that apprehension yer going to have to deal with the… Read more »
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Review from Russel S.
Cambridge, MA
12/30/2008
OK, first review here on yelp and it ain't a good one. . .
These guys suck.
Seriously. I bought a new fixed gear bike from them a few years ago and they were such bastards about it. The problem was that I bought it but I wasn't able to pick it up that day (I can't remember why now) - anyway, I told them I would come by in 2 or 3 days and they were so obnoxious about it. I mean, I understand, they made the sale and didn't want to waste storage space on my bike, but c'mon two friggin' days?!!
I spent something like $700 for the thing too. I know that's nothing compared to the high end racing/mountain bikes they sell but jesus christ, they could have at least been friendly about it. It was clear that they had my money and the couldn't care less about my business beyond that - which is stupid cause like almost every bike geek, I would have happily come back to by parts and gear as it was really close to my apartment at the time.
Oh yeah, also I had bullhorn bars put on the bike and they did an extra shitty job with the bar tape, as in they didn't even put the brake cables under the tape which if you're a bike geek you'd know is extremely stupid-looking. I ended up re-taping the whole thing myself but it's lame that I had to - I paid these scumbags for everything.
To end on a positive note, I'm going to go review two excellent alternatives to these assholes. -
Review from Joanna F.
8/25/2008
I went to ATA Cycle recently with a question about one of my brakes. As soon as I walked in, I felt very uncomfortable. Three employees were behind the counter looking at me and whispering. I was obviously there with a question about my bike, but not one of them asked if I needed any help. I walked up to the counter and asked about my brake. The man behind the counter felt the brake, told me I had to put some oil on it and it would be fine and that nothing was "catastrophically wrong with it". He made me feel kind for stupid for even asking about it. I also don't think his diagnosis was correct by any means.
I'll be taking my business back to Cambridge Bicycle, where the service has always been top notch. It's unfortunate, because this shop is a few blocks away from where I live.Listed in: Worst Of
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Review from Julie S.
Denver, CO
1/19/2008
ahhh...memories. ATA guys helped me buy my first bike (which was stolen - argh. those jackasses.)... and through ATA, they've helped me experience my first fixie ...first SPDs/clip-ons...first u-lock. touching, ain't it?
I'm not one to write reviews...but only if i'm stoked do i write one.
Having lived in Boston/Cambridge for 9 years (yikes.)... i'd say it's fair for me to say that i've experienced a good number of bike shops...and this is such a fun bike shop to hang out at. don't worry, they don't bite. Actually, feed them some beer and you'll be able to pet them. Only at a arm's length distance. If you get lucky, you can have them do tricks for you. I guess that's the case for anybody if you feed them enough beer. ok, i'm going on a tangent.
Oh yea, back to ATA. I give them two thumbs up. I'd go to Anil, Jason or Andy....as these guys know their shit. Also, unlike other unnamed bike shops, they don't talk with a condescending tone nor do they have this "i'm too cool for you because i'm a bike messenger-wannabe" attitude. my bad. They're down-to-earth, and even entertain my annoying questions..."how do you tighten the chain? how did you end up working here? do you enjoy it?".... i find it pretty fascinating, actually, that they take me seriously.
I don't know who made that comment about the music sucking, but I'd have to disagree. I rock out to it.
The times I've had to go in...ya know, like when i've been doored or hit by a car...the usual.... these guys are quick to see to it that bikes get fixed quickly. do me a favor...bring these hard-working boys some beer. -
Review from Allison Y.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/6/2009
So I actually reviewed ATA just 6 days ago, and since then, another thing was stolen from my bike, driving me back to the store. This time I comparison shopped for lights at ATA Cycle and Ace Wheelworks, and I'm an Ace convert for sure! Not only did Ace have better prices and more selection, the staff was much friendlier, patient and resourceful. They proposed using zip ties to attach the lights to the helmet for increased safety and visibility. The guy at ATA offered little choices and drove me toward a light set that was both costly and not very effective (one LED light? Please.) When I asked about attaching lights to my helmet, he said, "There's no way we can do that." Never say never to a customer, ATA. You just lost one to Ace.
Ace also fixed a lot of little things I had wrong with my bike for free that the owner had noticed that I hadn't (seat was askew, brakes a little off, preventing some rust, etc.) I recommend bringing your bike to Ace, or at least comparison shopping for whatever your needs are.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/21/2008
So I actually reviewed ATA just 6 days ago, and since then, another thing was stolen from my bike,… Read more »
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Review from Rich Z.
Arlington, VA
1/12/2012
These guys have some really nice, high end road bikes and other high end euro bike stuff. However, they are sales guys to the point that they hurt customer relations.
My experience with buying from them resulted in the oldest "sales" trick in the book--the bait and switch. I wanted to get an extra set of wheels for my road bike, and in discussing with Hasam, we agreed on a set of affordable rims,, some mid grade hubs, and spokes.
When I went in to officially order the wheels and pay, he started talking about me needing another, more expensive rim. So now the price jumped a bunch, but I agreed, even though my goal was to keep the price low.
A week later, I went to get the wheels and they had built them with the wrong spokes. So I refused them. We agreed that they would build up a set with the right spokes.
A week later, I went in and they had rebuilt the wheels, this time with a more expensive set of spokes than we had agreed on. At that point, I was willing to accept the wheels, but now they wanted me to pay extra for the higher grade spokes. No way, I said, and they finally relented.
Fast forward to months later. I raced on the new wheelset , hit a pothole, and the rear wheel went out of true. Took them in, the rear rim was toast. The said it was my fault and I would have to buy a new rim. I may have been at fault, but it was fishy that the wheel didn't hold up. And I am not heavy...
I refused, bought a new rim at Wheelworks, took the wheel to a proper wheelbuider, who rebuilt the wheel with spokes designed for the drive side, and the wheel has been perfect ever since.
The last interaction I had with these clowns was to buy some tubes. $10 for an inner tube? Seriously? And a frown to boot?
Done. -
Review from Alena D.
Allston, MA
7/27/2008
I stormed into ATA Cycle one giant sweaty mess. Hulked over to the bike lights and began fiddling with each one.
A nice young man came over and asked me if I needed any help. With a glower I looked him over and explained that I had lost two rear bike lights in the last two weeks. I needed something permanent, something I could weld onto my bike and never have to worry about again.
After hearing my concerns, he showed me a light that could be screwed onto my bike and made several very pleasant disco light blinking arrangements. He then offered to affix it to said bike. How nice.
So I sat in the air conditioning slugging down water and shooting the shit while he worked on my new light.
A well deserved 4 stars for turning my bad attitude upside down and putting a smile on my face and a disco light on my ass. -
Review from David M.
3/15/2010
I had my first experience here last weekend. I got a used (1980 schwin sprint) recently, just for getting around. It needs some work, and I was hoping to pick up some parts as well as the essentials: Lock, Light and Helmet.
Looking around, my friend pointed out some quality bikes he was salivating over. I guess for high end gear, they have reasonable prices. He suggested selling my car to buy one. "imagine what you'd save on gas when you go to CT." ... I'm not sure he was joking. I looked for a price tag, couldn't find one and realized I wouldn't be getting much back if I sold my car for some of these.
I approached the counter to see if I could pick up a couple of parts (tires, de-railer cable). I was quickly told (with what I thought was a scoff) we dont' carry parts for that kind of bike.
Exit sales person...
Eventually a helpful salesperson came by.
He pointed out the locks, but didn't really offer any help as far as choosing them out. I wanted one to latch to my frame, ended up buying one a 1/2 inch to big to fit ($45)
With helmets, he helpfully pulled out a few he thought I'd like, and reccommended the slightly less expensive one of the two I chose. It looks and feels great ($45), then showed me how to fit it.
He sort of wandered off when I started looking at lights... I ended up, at the suggestion of the cashier, picking up a 'cheap' single LED for the handlebars, or helmet ($15).
So, I can understand the reviews. In one simple stop, I got ignored, scoffed at, wonderful service, great deals, and an overpriced light (I later found the exact model for $9 at a variety of stores).
I'm guessing for serious bikers, this is paradise. I wish they were friendlier to new bikers. This is my first bike since possibly middle school! The experience of learning to fix and maintain an older bike is my way of testing the waters. People like me might be the ones that will be building up their customer base in the future. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Belmont, MA
8/8/2005 2 photos
I Love the friendly staff of ATA Bikes... they have a nice showroom... however, they only show Giant mountian bikes and a newer superlight (and super expensive) titanium bike. Wish they had more to showcase.. it's great to compare many models all in one shop.
Ask the guys where they ride - they'll tell you some good stories. -
Review from Layla P.
Cambridge, MA
4/12/2008
I bought my Giant rode bike here and had a great experience. If you are looking for a Giant then you are probably looking here because they are one of the closest bike stores to carry them. I felt no pressure to buy when i came in and they took all my fancy measurements to see which size bike was best (and if I needed a women specific bike - but no, I'm big apparently!) and that made me feel special. They ended up recommending one of the men's bikes but they put women-specific handlebars on their for me (little hands - need smaller reach for breaks and narrower handlebar width) - I thought that was great. I have not had any repairs yet, but when I do I will update my review!
To get there - it's on Mass ave between porter sq and harvard sq, so take the red line or the 86 or the 66 to harvard square and walk. -
Review from Chris M.
Jamaica Plain, MA
6/7/2010
They're an alright recreational bike shop. I've only trusted them with small repairs and bought a fender from them, they were useful when helping my girlfriend look for a bike. (although didn't end up buying from them) They don't seem very passionate about what they do, though. A lot of them just treat it as their "job"
Whatever. They get the job done most of the time and were great when I lived streets down from them. -
Review from mickey l.
Cambridge, MA
7/4/2007
The young staffer was nice enough to swap my grips for free.
The Lock set they sold me was 50$ and it seizes up in the winter. I should return it.
I chose ATA to pearl out my 60$ Craigslist-Univega. That 60$ became 225$-- lights and fenders and grips-- did a double-take at the register! But really, props for their attentive semi-pro-biker-nerd-nut-case-since-86--service. -
Review from Catie L.
Cambridge, MA
Updated - 9/15/2011
Never have the parts I need, rude employees. Totally not worth going to.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/16/2008
I have been a few times, and each time something has gone wrong. (Either they gave me the wrong… Read more »
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Review from Melly B.
Cambridge, MA
7/2/2008
When my roommate and I were searching for bikes last month, we must have hit every cycle shop in Boston and Cambridge. Of all the places we went, ATA was the worst experience.
I can't really comment on the merchandise; the service was so off-putting that we didn't take the time to look at what they were selling. We were made incredibly uneasy from the moment we walked in. It's possible that, as others have experienced, we would have been treated badly once the people there realized that we weren't bike experts or that we had budgets of less than $12,000 each. However, we didn't even make it to the point of being judged for those things, because we were apparently judged on other factors the second we darkened their doorstep. We were followed everywhere. Not, like, "How can I help you?" followed, but "I've got my eye on you so don't try anything" followed. Like, "Let me follow you downstairs and pretend to work on something while I stare menacingly out of the corner of my eye" followed. Because, what? We were going to leave with bikes stuffed into our pants pockets?
It was really uncomfortable, and we left quickly. When Roomie (Daniel M.) posted a review about it, an orange head messaged him a really strange, defensive, mostly-nonsensical rebuttal.
It was definitely a pretty bad experience all-around. I won't be back. -
Review from Justin O.
Berkeley, CA
10/6/2008
If I could give this place zero stars, I would.
Maybe it is because I am from Colorado, and am used to bike shops that both know what they are doing, and are nice, and helpful... but this place was awful.
I went in the first time because I needed to get a velcro strap to tie around my pant leg. It looked pretty clear from the package that it was not going to fit, so I asked to try it on, and told them I didn't think that it would fit. They insisted that I buy it, even though it could have been easily taken out without damaging the packaging... fine. I took it out, tried it on to find it was quite too small, and then said, looks like I have to return it. I thought I was given the biggest look of disdain possible... but I figured maybe the person was having an off day, and so decided to give them another shot when I needed a repair.
Now, a week ago, I go in for a repair, explain what is wrong with the bike, and warn them that it is finicky to get the shifters right, and my bike shop back home took forever to get it with me in the store trying it out every repair. The guy completely ignores me, tells me itll be ready the next day, no problem.
I get a call later that night, saying it is ready, so I call (they should be open still) and ask if I can come in to pick it up -- the girl on the phone complains, but admits that she closed shop an hour early, and is still there. When I got in, I told her I would test it out when it stopped raining, and would be back if necessary, which indeed it was.
When I tested my bike, they hadnt fixed anything at all, and had made the problems worse with both the shifters AND the brakes. I take it back in, show the guy the issues, he hold up the wheel, spins it, and says (while it is making clear rubbing noises) it isn't rubbing -- look, you can see air on both sides. I didn't even know what to say... The guy says, most problems are because people don't know how to use the equipment, there is nothing special about that bike. To which I replied, you think that maybe the 29" wheels might put different strains on it? He scoffed, and said maybe, that of course I knew what I was talking about....
Two more attempts on the shifters, and it is still worse off than when I brought it in to begin with, and I am out $70.
What a horrific experience. Would that I had yelped it before I went in. -
Review from Nick P.
Berkeley, CA
9/4/2007
The store looks small from the front, but the interior is well-packed with bikes. The upper level has road bikes, including a lot of expensive models, while the basement has the mountain bikes and hybrids. The stairwell to the basement isn't very well marked, it's a door on the right as you walk into the store.
For some reason, none of the bikes I saw in the basement had a price tag on them. Not one. However, the road bikes upstairs had prices. Assuming that this was merely an oversight, I asked a salesperson about whether I could find prices, and their response was that "we don't do that". Do what? Sell bikes? Do you expect me to pretend that price isn't a concern? You're not some obnoxious designer store on Newbury street catering to the rich and famous, you're a bike shop in Porter. Get over it.
Other infractions include a lack of variety in the basement (lots of bikes, but they're mostly just duplicates of a few models from Giant and Marin), as well as a lack of larger frames throughout the store. Is my 6'1" height all that unusual?
Overall, the place wasn't too bad; the staff was reasonably friendly and easygoing (albeit unhelpful and sometimes even misinformed), prices were reasonable, and business was brisk but not overcrowded. My guess is that ATA is strongly angled towards uninformed high-margin road cyclists, as the first floor is good; they just need improvement in the basement. Unless you're shopping for a $1200+ road bike, you'll likely find yourself with a very limited set of options, and with Ace Wheelworks only a couple blocks away, why settle for anything less? -
Review from David G.
Boston, MA
10/15/2008
This is a place I want to like, but it keeps getting it wrong every time I step through the door. Which has been about once a year for the past three years. I think I eventually forget about my last experience after a year and then get a reminder when I show up again.
Everything seems to be there that makes for a good shop-plenty of bikes from good brands and a nice looking layout. Clean place, nothing seems amiss right? But there is a problem here and it's the people.
I've been to almost every cycle shop in Boston and western Massachusetts over the past decade and this one takes the cake for worst staffed. The biggest problem here is that no one takes an interest in you or your needs-at all. Walk through the door and you'll be lucky if someone acknowledges you beyond glancing up and then going back to whatever they were doing. Questions are met with troubled responses like they've been bothered. I called them up looking for a tire and the guy sounded like I ruined his day when I asked if he stocked a particular tire. "Well we've got stuff here you can come look". Are you so lazy you can't tell me if you carry a particular type of tire? Not only that he didn't really even know what brands they stock. How do you not know what brands of tire you carry?? Call up, I dunno, ANY cycle shop and ask if they carry something and you'll get one of three responses: "Yes" "No" or "Hold on, I'll check". At ATA it's "Sighhh....I dunno we have stuff...What do you want me to look for it?.."
I don't understand why you're in the cycling business if you don't like talking to people or discussing bicycles. Sorry ATA you're in my neighborhood and I tried to like you, and I tried to be a friendly customer, but you guys (or at at least whoever seems to be there when I call or walk-in) are just awful to deal with. I have to wonder how many folks have been turned off to cycling because of this staff. -
Review from Lauren G.
Cambridge, MA
6/1/2009
This place is around the corner from my house so I thought I'd give them a try for a tune up. I had heard that the folks there were "snobby" and not very helpful, but wanted to give them a chance mostly because of the convenience factor. Turn around time was fast, price was $65 and my bike still isn't running so great. I brought it back in for an adjustment (which they did free of charge) but it should have been taken care of in the initial tune-up. The customer service is definitely lacking at ATA cycle. I think I may have even dealt with the owner but he just really seemed like he couldn't care less about my business and keeping me as a customer. I think I'll take my business elsewhere as there a plenty of bike shops around with friendly service even if I have to wait a little longer to get my tune up.
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Review from Samuel W.
Boston, MA
5/27/2009
I think I'm done with this place. I bought my Giant TCR A1 from them last year. They were very helpful inititally with fitting and gearing up, but they have pretty much dropped the ball on rewarding customer loyalty. I have been loyal in returning to ATA for their over-priced tune-ups and gear. The benefit for local bike shops in the long run should come from them fact that they know their customer base. You are supposed to be able to walk in and feel that they want to take care of you. ATA just doesn't cut it.
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Review from Snake E.
Cambridge, MA
2/10/2010
I bought my bike elsewhere, but have come here a few times and have always gotten excellent service. The first time, my front brake cable had somehow gotten disconnected, and since it was a quick repair the guy behind the counter fixed it quickly and for free. I ended up buying a rear blink light.
The second time I came in, it was because the blink light attachment had gotten lost. The person behind the counter opened a drawer of assorted seat tube attachments for lights and gave me one. Again, no charge. I'm buying all my bike stuff there from now on.
For the record, I am not cool, to dispel the myth that you only get helped here if you are a hipster. I wear a clunky helmet and ride a hybrid commuter, the fanny pack of bicycles. -
Review from Philip G.
Lincoln, MA
3/4/2010
I bought a Trek hybrid at Wheelworks in Belmont and they could never get the drivetrain to stop hunting. The ATA Cycle mechanics in Cambridge are definitely a cut above those at Wheelworks and the bike's unusual Shimano system did not give them any trouble. I've also used ATA Cambridge to box and unbox bikes for shipment. I haven't had quite as good luck with the Concord, MA branch.
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Review from Robyn G.
Somerville, MA
4/27/2010
I've been in here twice. The first time the employee wasnt very helpful or engaging and the second time, the employee was much more helpful and helped me with a very minor repair on my bike, free of charge (screw and nut attachment). If I had the money to shop here for their high priced bikes, I would.
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Review from Frank M.
Concord, MA
9/7/2008
I've been to their Concord store several times. Both to buy a bike and to pick up accessories.
I didn't buy here because I felt that all they were trying to do is seperate me from my money - not figure out the best bike for me and my budget (ended up buying at Wheelworks).
Have gone in for parts and the service was awful. To make things worse, they sold me the wrong part, and when I tried to return it, would only give me a store credit. My advice.... steer clear. -
Review from Anna-Laura S.
Arlington, MA
10/14/2008
i haven't actually bought anything really big at ATA Cycle, so it's hard to really give a thorough review. in general, i have no real complaints. i go in to wander occasionally, but i do feel more awkward there than at wheelworks. i LOVE it that they're carrying biria bikes (a german brand that makes dutch-style bikes) and seriously, if i hadn't just bought a new bike last year, i'd be buying one right now.
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Review from Teresa Z.
San Francisco, CA
6/3/2008
rented bikes here, easily and quickly. a little pricey at $125/week (or $25 a day) but completely worth it for the great condition of the bikes. they threw in helmets, combo locks, and chains for just $5. in and out in 10 minutes!
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Review from Matt A.
Boston, MA
9/3/2008
I recently bought a new bike from ATA. The bike wasn't assembled properly, and I went flying off about 15 minutes into the first ride, when the handlebars turned and the wheel didn't. The guys at the shop were pretty nice about admitting their mistake and fixing the bike up, but that doesn't fix the fact that I could have been seriously hurt. My confidence in the care they take with bikes is not high.
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Review from Alya A.
MA
11/3/2008
I went in here looking to buy a bike (after my old one got stolen), and planning to comparison-shop at Ace Wheelworks nearby. I said I was looking for a bike for commuting, and they showed me a few reasonable options. I took the most-likely looking bike for a spin around the block, and then headed over to Ace. So, decent selection and service, but nothing special.
