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City Cycle of San Francisco
Category: Shopping Sporting Goods Bikes Bikes [Edit]
3001 Steiner St(between Filbert St & Union St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
(415) 346-2242
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 6 pm
Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
The staff at Bay City Bike strives to help you create lasting memories with your family, friends or organization. Enjoy a relaxing day on one of our… read more »
61 reviews for City Cycle of San Francisco
Review Highlights
"They know their stuff and care about good customer service."
(in 7 reviews)
"They took the time to listen to all my specific problems..."
(in 3 reviews)
"become a regular and they will treat you like a queen."
(in 3 reviews)
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61 reviews in English
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Review from Lennart v.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2011
Best bike shop in town - hands down!
Brought my bike in to City Cycle after a futile attempt at replacing my own bottom bracket...
The guys at the shop took my mangled bb in stride and replaced it in under two hours.
All they charged me for was the time.
Bike now rolls like a charm.
Thanks.
L -
Review from Sandy N.
San Rafael, CA
1/31/2012
EEK, methinks not is right! The "new" City Cycle is a joke. They think they are giving you a great deal...as they totally rip you off. Guess they have to pay for the "other new place". In over your head's guys. There is a bike shop on every corner these days...like Starbucks, so you've got to offer the best of everything, starting with nice, genuine people - and you don't have it. Some days there is nothing more obnoxious than a snobby Marin bicycle shop owner and their crew. I'll stick with the guys I know, thanks.
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Review from Matt C.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2012
Awesome service. I took my bike in to get new tires and these guys were very helpful and charismatic. competitively priced and quick. my bike is a beater I ride to work and they didnt look down on it at all. Ill go here again
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Review from christin a.
San Francisco, CA
12/26/2011
Only been here a few times but wonderful, wonderful service.
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Review from Jeff W.
San Francisco, CA
6/14/2011
I brought a wheel in to get a spoke replaced ($20) and Anson stopped what he was doing, greeted me with a smile and fixed my wheel on the spot! After fixing my wheel Anson took the time to patiently answer some questions I had regarding a couple of bike frames I was investigating for a future upgrade.
A very positive experience with no 'bike mechanic attitude' that is so prevalent here in sf. By far the best bike shop experience I have have ever had in sf. I think my search to find a trusting bike shop is finally over. -
Review from Bethany D.
San Francisco, CA
2/11/2011
Place to go for world class service in a bike shop: Paradigm in San Anselmo or its sister store, City Cycle on Steiner in SF. I am a former racer, long distance tour cyclist and presently a bike commuter so I have patronized a LOT of bike shops over the years. This one is head and shoulders above the pack. First, the customer is treated as if she/he is their most precious customer, and they cannot do enough to help. They react exactly the same to the old fart with a beater bike and the dazzling young 20-year-old.
I wheeled in the other night about 1/2 before closing with a busted front brake. Tim fixed it in 10 minutes with no wait and also adjusted my back brake because he noticed a glitch in it himself. Meanwhile I was purchasing a little bell (sick of herding baby strollers and dogs off the bike path by yelling at them) and Eddie, Paradigm's owner, had it installed (without my even asking!) while I was still stuffing my wallet back into my backpack. Then they gave me a new water bottle just to be nice.
I go there about once every 3 months and they always greet me with big smiles. They do not do the usual infuriating talking-down to women as if we are morons. The gear Paradigm sells is top of the line and the bike tuning equally so. These guys deserve everyone's business and the rest of the shops -- we all know them and see their signs everywhere -- can close up. -
Review from Pilar P.
Napa, CA
4/4/2011
I just started getting into riding and brought my Trek in to get it fixed up. I got there at 10am even though they don't open until 11 am and they kindly let me in and helped me out. Everyone is so friendly! The vibe is really awesome and it makes you want to get out there and join the San Francisco cycling buzz.
The store itself has everything you could want for a bike and if its not there they'll order it that day. Really great customer service, work ethic, and a solid business I know won't go out of business anytime soon. There's also a decent amount of cycle apparel that's well priced I plan on hitting up soon. -
Review from Brian T.
San Francisco, CA
11/11/2010
Been in a few times, so I feel I owe these guys a review.
I am not a huge bike geek; I rely on the shops I take it to to tell me if/when something is out of whack. (Yes, I realize that makes me susceptible to being, if you'll pardon the pun, taken for a ride, but what can I do?) I have had them do a few tune ups in the past. Nothing big. And no complaints. The employees are very friendly and even patient with my ignorance.
I have an Ironman coming up, so I NEED their most recent work to be reliable. And I trust them. And if anything falls off during the race, I'll update my damn review.
Most recently I had them do a regular cleaning and tune up and they found a crack in my rear wheel. They offered to take care of contacting Shimano about a possible warranty replacement, but in the meantime, I decided it was time to pull the trigger on a wheel upgrade. John said the store had a pair of 2009 Ksyrium Elites he could let go for $550. Deal.
Okay, so maaaaayyybe the number of stars on this review is bolstered a bit by my enthusiasm for my new wheels. Can't wait to race with them. But whatever. 5 stars to City Cycle. Thanks guys! -
Review from Mark D.
San Francisco, CA
7/15/2011
Very down to earth, honest, fair friendly, and helpful.
Had not been here in a while, but was in recently for a road bike fitting and to true a set of wheels. They were great. Didn't even charge for work they did on wheels which could not be trued.
Reputation is that this is a bike snob shop - mainly becuase they carry only high end bikes and equipment. High end, yes. Snobby? No. -
Review from Ellie K.
Minneapolis, MN
10/18/2010
I came in here for a new wheel when some jerk on Union St backed up onto the curb and hit my bike while it was locked up. The guys at the shop were extremely nice and took their time checking it out to make sure it was just the wheel that was bent, even though it was closing time. They ordered the new wheel and told me it would be a little over a week, and then offered to put a loaner wheel on in the meantime. A week later when I brought the bike in, with a few more things that needed to be checked out since I had gotten hit while riding in the meantime (ugh, SF), they were faster than I expected and they even let me pick it up an hour before opening time simply because I called and was in the neighborhood.
I found this place by accident, walking by with my poor gimpy bike on the way home, and I'm really glad I did. -
Review from Tiffany N.
Denver, CO
6/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
City Cycle doesn't have a gargantuan selection, but they do have some nice bikes up for sale. And they also have really nice sales people. Ryan in particular, who helped Sir Nicholas and I purchase our new city bikes for pedaling to the store and quite possibly to work in the future.
Once you purchase your bike they'll do a final tune-up so everything is good to go before you leave the store and if you've happened to buy a rack, a basket, or even a lock they are more than happy to put that on your bike before you leave, too.
Are the prices comparable to other places? Sadly I can't say because I'm not so much into research when I'm buying things I consider fun like bikes. If I had to guess I'd say it's probably more expensive because it's in the Marina. But, if I'm paying a little more for friendly service and a bike I absolutely adore that I can ride away on then and there, well I'm happy to do so.Listed in: I Get Around..., Marina/Cow Hollow, Bicycle! Bicycle! Bicycle!
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Review from Michael P.
San Francisco, CA
6/11/2011
Mechanic John is awesome, repaired my stuck shifter while I waited (a pretty tricky job, older Dura Ace model). I had myself convinced that most of the groupo needed to be replaced (shifters + derailleurs), no need, saved me tons of money.
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Review from Louis C.
Los Angeles, CA
6/21/2011
Sometimes you do get what you pay for....
If you have a bike that you care about, and want it running right, this is the place to go. I am more than fussy about my bike shops. In LA, I drove 45 minutes to go to the right shop on a regular basis. I have hit a fair number of shops in the Bay Area as well.
First, they are friendly. High end, but no attitude. It also doesn't have that "over run" feeling that some of the reliable bike shops have, as in they are over run with customers and you are lucky for them to work on your bike.
Second, they are knowledgeable.
Third, they don't try to upsell you. They live for bikes too and know that the most expensive isn't always the best for what you do.
I think in the end that it is cheaper to go to a shop like this, pay to have good work done and use well chosen components that smart people who really ride help you pick out. -
Review from K M.
San Francisco, CA
11/15/2007
City Cycle is no more. The shop staff has been forced out this week. I removed my 5-star review since it was based entirely on the wrenches I've dealt with there.
I wish I could leave it at a mediocre three stars, but I don't have any confidence in the ownership now. I'm not pleased to have my ride worked on at a shop where things like this happen. -
Review from Bryan B.
11/15/2008
Just picked up my bike from having it tuned up there, the problem I was having changing gears has been solved and City Cycle did exactly what they committed to when I dropped off my bike. I do think $95 for a tune up is a little steep but since I don't have a basis for comparison I'm not going to make too much of a big deal about it.
Chris and John were very friendly when I called in to the store and even double checked that the problem I had reported was solved. Chris also helped me by finding a velcro strap for my bike pump, something I've needed for quite a while. The shop itself is nice and seems to have a good selection of bike clothing. I did notice someone talking to a customer towards the back of the store about what I believe was construction of a custom bike. It seemed very professional.
Since this place is only 5 blocks from me I'm sure I'll swing by again if I need some help with my bike. -
Review from Alfonso E.
Oakland, CA
3/22/2007
Considering the fact that, with the exception of two bike labels they carry, every make they sell here is outre-chic and notoriously pricey (ditto to most of their clothing inventory), it's refreshing to see they haven't bothered fashioning their store interior and facade into something that resembles a Commes des Garcons boutique. No, the surprisingly low-key merchandising approach seems to mirror the subtle, attentive and tastefully courteous level of customer service that everybody (OK, *nearly* everybody) who works here espouses.
If I were ever in the market for a Seven bike frame (that will never happen) or Co-Motion tandem, I'd probably consult with City Cycle first. Serotta, Parlee, Santa Cruz -- I'd probably see other shops with whom I already have a long-established relationship.
City Cycle has a reputation of having the most meticulous bike sizing and fit consultations anywhere in the country. Even so, I wouldn't vouch for them as the best. Both my girlfriend and I have consulted with them: 4 different fit experts in all for 4 different bikes and purposes. The results were never really satisfactory to us; however, I do maintain high confidence in their ability to determine proper bike SIZING when ordering a custom frame (this differs notably from the process of assessing bike fit, form and position on an existing bike).
City Cycle is the brick and mortar legacy of Clay Mankin, who was tirelessly dedicated to improving the acceptance and safety of cycling in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. A man who passed long before his time during an annual birthday cycle trip, he'll be missed but forever remembered for the impact he made on the bike scene out here.Listed in: Bicycle Love
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Review from Lloyed C.
San Francisco, CA
10/13/2011
Service is friendly and helpful. Not super overpriced, but not cheap. It is my go to shop.
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Review from eric f.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2008
After a 15 year hiatus I decided it was time to get back on a bike. I walked into 3 or 4 bike shops in San Francisco before checking out City Cycle. I had absolutely no clue what I was looking for, other than the fact that I live in San Francisco and wanted to start getting some exercise. The staff at City Cycle was really helpful and able to help my pinpoint a bike with the very little information that I provided. They didn't try to sell me the most expensive bike in the store which was great. They spend over an hour talking to me and letting me test out a wide variety of bikes before I came to a decision. I talked with four different sales people in the store and was impressed with all of their positive attitudes and bike knowledge. It was very refreshing to see a sales team work together to help me rather than compete for my commission.
I'm not sure if they have the best prices in the city on accessories but their bikes are fairly prices, and their customer service was great. I would definitely recommend City Cycle! -
Review from Dennis W.
San Francisco, CA
7/26/2008
I recently went into City Cycle to have my "classic" road bike fixed up after an accident a few years ago.
The staff at City Cycle was great. They ordered everything I needed, and did the work quickly and well. Several other bike shops I went into seemed disinclined to deal with locating older parts or working on discontinued Campy components, the City Cycle guys jumped at the chance.
I knew The original owner, Clay Mankin, from when he first owned the shop, and even after I moved from the City we remained in touch as friends. After his passing I wondered what would happen to the store, as his amazing personality had so much to do with its success.
A recent move back to the city prompted both the desire to have my road bike back (the mountain bike was getting on my nerves!), and the decision to try City Cycle again. Allison, John and the current staff have really kept true to Clay's spirit (of course Allison would). High end products, laid back but attentive staff, high level of expertise.
Riding today, several people commented from the street about my "classic Guerciotti". I am SO glad I brought it to them. -
Review from Smooth R.
San Francisco, CA
9/2/2008
I'm trying to give these guys no stars.
I was here with a friend because we heard about this place from a word of mouth. Small store. The staff does not greet you nor makes contact with us that's for sure. Do I have to ask questions for service? I gained eye contact but nothing. Not much on hand especially jerseys and a few bibs. We browsed the establishment for a mere 5 minutes and nothing caught my eye. The staff in the repair department were overly staffed working on one bike. I got no intelligence from them either. I've experienced much better service but this was ridiculous. I was not looking into any purchases regardless. Nothing to brag about.
My recommendation. Don't waste your time. -
Review from Cycling F.
San Francisco, CA
10/2/2011
Great shop to get any kind of service done right the first time. Anson and team at this shop are all connected like a well lubed chain! If you're looking for one of lightest machines on the road or just a townie bike, they can help point you in the right direction.
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Review from justin e.
San Francisco, CA
10/7/2008
Been stewing about the wretched tune-up I made a special trip to get from these guys on bad advice for about two months... It's time to finally get it out of my system, as much as have tried to avoid it.
Took a used bike I bought here, high-end folder and just got my bike stuck with the wrong young mechanic at the shop.
Got a call saying the chain would need replaced, authorized that, along with the breaks. Showed up, took them a week (just saying, Valencia Bikes, my normal LBS does tune-ups in a day or two), and the chain wasn't even replaced. Clearly no communication between everyday mechanic on my bike and the shop manager/owner (nice guy).
So, whatevs, I'll replace my own chain, pony up the cash...
Thing that burns me the most is I find out a couple weeks later that the chainring and rear casette cogs are all completely worn down, needed replacing awhile ago. Obviously were in the same condition when I had it in this shop.
Hopefully they're getting things worked out there, and the good news for me is I finally joined the BIke Kitchen and am committed to spending as little on bike shop mechanics as possible now. -
Review from Bryan S.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2009
I frequent several shops in the city, primarily for service of various bikes I own and build.
These guys are always cool, friendly, and willing to help, even though I don't ride a $4K carbon bike. -
Review from Brian J.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2008
Brought 2 new frames in within the past 6 months to have the forks steering column cut down and headset. installed.
I went in both times without an appointment but they got me out within a half hour both times with headsets installed and a smile on my face.
The only thing lacking were the accessories and magazines for me to browse through while I was waiting.
Service was impeccable and friendly, one even said my frame was Sexy. -
Review from Nilu r.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2007
I give this place 10 stars, only 5 of which are showing up on Yelp.
I ride my bike for commuting around the city, and some asshole stole my bike light. So last night I showed up to City Cycle to get a new light and they had just closed. Not only did they let me in, sold me a light, and were super friendly, but the nice guy actually put the light on for me after I mentioned I am completely mechanically inept! Ok so I have not bought a bike from them, but I will not forget the superb customer service I received, when I am ready to buy my next bike. -
Review from ERICA E.
San Francisco, CA
4/5/2008
Professional and reliable. Had some work done on a bike that was out of order for some time. They took care of the parts that needed maintenance, when ended up taking a week longer than expected. Super personable and easy to talk to, especially for someone not so up in the know with bicycle parts, etc.....
Great Marina location. Would return for the excellent care to my bike and for the great interaction from the staff. -
Review from Christopher C.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2005
Simply the best. Sales staff is both knowledgeable and friendly. They have demo rides of some of their top cycles. I would highly suggest that you get on their email list for these upcoming rides. I test rode a $7k SEVEN cycle for free! Rode from the shop over to tiburon and back.
If you can afford their high-end cycles, this is the place to go. They will take good care of you.
I haven't bought any bikes from them as I can't afford their prices, but I do buy accessories from them and they're reasonable.
I just go to drool on the latest and greatest 2 wheel human powered fun machines! -
Review from Allen H.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2009
Situation: I just bought a set of Mavic Crossride wheels to replace my commuter wheels off of craigslist. They have a slight wobble but nothing a little wheel adjustment would take care of. I swap the discs and the cassette from my old wheels. I realize that the Mavic wheels need a 2mm spacer that they all come with, but of course getting mine from Craigslist, I didn't have it. I called around to some of the shops in the city, and nobody had it (they were all very helpful thoughm, checked around their shop to find it, and offered to make a call to Mavic to get a special order).
Solution: I call Anson at City Cycle. He knows exactly what I'm talking about. He digs through his bucket of spare parts, and tells me he has it! I ask how much, he quotes $3 bucks. I tell him I'll be there before closing. I get out of work, I get to the shop, he has it for me.
I figure they're probably not making a killer profit on my $3 part, but for them to go through the hassle of finding it for me and holding it, well that simply deserves a 5-star rating.
I live a block away from Mike's Bike's so I usually get my parts there, but I'll be sure to give City Cycle a look the next time I need something! -
Review from daphne n.
San Francisco, CA
9/7/2011
i just took my bike in for their "major" tune up...where they basically take the whole thing apart, give it all a lot of TLC, and put it back together...
this place is AWESOME. the staff was really great - and i honestly feel like they took my old beat up bike and gave me back a brand new one...
i am very happy customer and will definitely go back to them again - and since i made an appointment with them they were able to get my bike back to me the same day...
all in all a really great experience :) -
Review from joe z.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2009
I usually will rate a shop on the service and helpfulness as gear is subjective, and most shops in SF can't afford to stock a billion items anyhow if they are a single "hobby" store (just bikes, just motorcycles, just snow boards, etc.).
So, shop selection not withstanding, which is still good for nearly every LBS in sf, I have to give them 5 stars.
I decided to start riding again as opposed to getting back into motorcycle racing (mainly for the spandex) and went in without a clue about almost everything. I still remember some general stuff from the last time I rode a bike, but really, without their help I'd have needed more painful hours online to figure out all the painful questions people have about bicycling (what brake pads are the best, why people wear bibs when they look so ridiculous, do I need carbon fiber wheels or will people make fun of me if my seat doesn't match my frame... etc.)
Ansen (spelling?) has been awesome and very straight forward, as has the rest of the staff, and you can't ask for much more. It would be easy to write off a newer rider, or play to the stores revenue goals by selling over priced stuff, but I haven't gotten any of that (and I scream sucker). And, all this is without me having bought a bike from them!
Quickly think to yourself how helpful other shops/stores have been when you don't buy from them and have a billion questions. Exactly.
Another good sign is when a shop offers to fix/work on something for you while you wait so you can head out and ride asap. If there is one way to win customers based on service is to be convenient and in my time shopping there they have been just that. -
Review from Brendan O.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2011
These guys are awesome! I bought a bike bike in '07 Cannondale from another shop. Since then I have bought all my upgrades and add ons from City Cycle. Why not from the guy that sold me the complete bike you ask? Kuz City Cycle treats you right. Bought a Saddle kuz John let me let me walk out the door with one and ride on it for a week just to be sure it was the right one. Eddy gave me his wheels (his own personal wheels mind you) to test ride before they hand built me a set. Ryan let me test ride a bike with the group set I now have on my bike. If you are serious with them, they treat you like gold. They have all the best toys and make sure you buy the right ones you really want. That's why I keep coming back!
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Review from Ralph B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/16/2011
Well, sadly, Allison has gone. But the store was bought by some terrific guys from Marin County and the outstanding service staff is still intact. This is truly a great bicycle shop---great bikes, great service, great people.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/13/2008
I recently re-discovered City Cycle and was very impressed with the service. It was always good,… Read more »
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Review from ruggy j.
11/28/2009
I read through a few of the negative reviews about City Cycle, and I'm not sure why my luck fared better than others, but I had no problem ripping in there, getting an opportunity to rap with an AWESOME and knowledgeable bike mechanic, and having my bike back to me in about 2-3 days.
One of my biggest gripes are gear heads working in these bike shops that treat you like a leper if you're not strolling through with a fixie and a Chrome bag. For new riders (like myself), it's super intimidating, and it seems unnecessary... but City Cycle had none of that attitude going on when I stopped by.
I recently bought a bike on Craigslist, and even though the guy I bought it from gave it an at-home tune-up before selling it, I really felt like I should take it in for a professional look. The last thing I'd want to do while getting my sea legs is to have my bike fail on me, causing me to go head first into a UPS truck or something. The dude taking my request hooked me up with a relatively inexpensive tune-up, and suggested I get a new back wheel (since mine had been converted from a 10-speed to a single speed), and sold me an extra that'd been sitting around the shop for $10. Pretty sure I wouldn't have been able to find a similar back wheel/hub for anything near that price. Got my bike back, and it feels as good as ever. My brakes still squeak pretty loudly when braking downhill, but I've learned that it's pretty common with the OG V-brakes that I have on the Peugeot. Perhaps I'll convert to a different style at some point....
It's a bit of a pain if you don't live right in the area (which I don't), so it's hard to say whether or not I'll be a regular customer... but if I lived in the Marina, this place and Citizen Chain would likely be my go-to guys.Listed in: SF Bike Shops, Rug Wee's Big Adventure
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Review from Pammy C.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2006
Cannot say enough good things about the boys of City Cycle...best bike mechanics in town, honest, kind, all knowing...and, oh yeah, cute.
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Review from kristian s.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2008
Sad, uses to be one of the best bike shops in town. Plus, their repair dept was top-notch. Sadly, after Clay passed it has slipped into a state of dis-repair and no longer has the key staff it was known for or the custom products which it was known for.
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Review from Amanda L.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2005
City Cycle... hands down the best bike shop in the city. Great service and everyone was well educated on anything and everything that had to do with bikes. In addition, they have great rides that leave from the shop every weekend. Awesome store .... become a regular and they will treat you like a queen ... or a king :) I will not go anywhere else.
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Review from Dan E.
Aurora, CO
10/11/2010
Had a real positive experience at city cycles. I took my touring bike in for tune during a tour from vancouver to san diego. They took the time to listen to all my specific problems and needs and made careful notes. The tune was $95 but they went the distance. For this price they completely dissasembled, cleaned and reassembled my drive train, installed a new chain, added barrel adjusters to my shifters, threw on a kickstand, free bottle cage and water bottle. This was all in addition to the basic tune. They stored my bob trailer for the weekend and then gave me some real helpful tips for alternate routes to take on my tour. By the way, they also gave me 10% off the parts and didn't nickle and dime me on the labor. All in all, i got a really comprehensive tune from a bunch or real friendly and knowledgable guys. Couldn't have asked for more!
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Review from Marc S.
San Francisco, CA
6/21/2005
I was really impressed with the level of service I got here on my first visit. I needed some new pedals for my mtn bike and I got personalized service explaining all the ins and outs of my options. The guy was very honest and friendly and was happy to install the pedals at no charge. Held off on the shoes here since the prices seemed a bit high for what I needed. Usually at bike shops, they have like one mechanic and you feel bad asking for help, but here they seemed to mean business and had a large amount of workers. Looks like a great place for parts and repairs the bike servicing seems to be a priority at this shop. I will reserve for upgrade to 5 upon further review as I am sure I will return here for my next biking needs.
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Review from Stanley L.
San Francisco, CA
11/9/2006
Great, friendly, knowledgeable staff. This place definitely sells the higher end bikes, but without the attitude you'll find in some other places. Prices on accessories are very reasonable, and if they don't have it in stock they'll get it to you.
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Review from Alan L.
Woodland Hills, CA
1/25/2006
The selection of pro-type roadbikes is second-to-none. This is one of the best toy shops I have ever been in. My wife yells at me because this is the only place I buy my own clothing. Extremeley knowledgable, friendly, capable ownership/sales staff.
