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Fast Bicycle
Category: Shopping Sporting Goods Bikes Bikes [Edit]
2274 Alum Rock AveSan Jose, CA 95116
(408) 251-9110
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for Fast Bicycle
Review Highlights
"i'm in the market for a bmx bike to mob downtown."
(in 6 reviews)
"I haven't had such great service in awhile."
(in 4 reviews)
"they carry high end mountain bikes, cruisers, big and small..."
(in 3 reviews)
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52 reviews in English
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Review from Carol T.
San Jose, CA
12/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
When I first came, the guy that worked here was actually helpful with my situation with my bike, because the front wheel was flat. Which only costed me not a lot, and he helped me out by giving me information on bike locks also.
Service was great and information was also. Will be coming back. -
Review from Trinh T.
San Jose, CA
10/1/2011
This place makes Hitler seem like a jolly man. Just walking in there I felt like everyone working there just worked there because they had to. One guy on my right was kinda young, okay I'm not saying he had to smile but maybe not STARING me down isn't too much to ask. Jeez, is my flaming blonde hair that distracting?
Anyways, the guy who was helping me out was just as unfriendly. Summary of the story is that I was biking around with a group of friends, we're our school's bike club. Then I get a flat, since that place was close and it had four stars (I don't know how that was even possible) so we went there. She went in and asked for tubing, but since she's new she didn't know what size it was. Their conversation was:
Me: Hi, I need tubing for my bike.
Guy: What size?
Me: I'm actually not sure.
Guy: It's on the bike.
Me: Oh, sorry I'm a beginner can you show me?
Guy (looks at bike): I know the size, tubing is 7 bucks.
Me: Oh okay, and can you...
Guy: 8 dollars for installation, come back in half an hour.
Okay if that wasn't it TOOK THEM AN HOUR TO DO IT!!! What the hell is that man? Although I do have to admit that they aren't always like that, one of my close friends is a regular. They have an amazing selection of bikes for decent prices so go here if that's what you need. But that is where their usefulness ENDS, they can't fix bikes to save their lives, apparently smiling is against policy there, and giving an attitude was in their "Rules of Conduct" pamphlet.
Bicycle Express is still my favorite place to go of all time, I live a half an hour away and I would still rather go there. Bottom line, they suck xP -
Review from Joanna T.
San Jose, CA
9/12/2011
What the...? How can you be so unfriendly to a customer? One of the younger looking employees was extremely unhelpful to me. I asked him how to use a u-lock and he didn't bother to show me. He just said you put the key in. WOW. And he acted like he didn't want to bother to talk to me, like it was a real pain. I asked him how he suggested that you would lock a bike, and he didn't show me and barely explained it to me. I was pretty desperate for a good lock because I was almost going off to college where bike theft is very common so I just bought the darn lock and politely said "Thank you" and he did not say a word.
I am never coming back to this sh**hole. I saw an older looking employee and he was pretty mean to this other customer too. -
Review from Roqui P.
San Jose, CA
7/22/2011
I should have done this a long time ago, but anyways...
I went here to get my first Electra Amsterdam bike. As soon as I walked in they were friendly and very ready and willing to help. I had to order the item as its not a regular bike that they carry. They did a great job at informing me on when I should be expecting the bike. When the bike did arrive I was again impressed on how they gave me personal attention on getting the bike to fit me.
I am in the market to get another Electra and will be going in very soon -
Review from Linda L.
San Jose, CA
5/23/2011
I had an excellent experience at Fast Bicycle so I have to write a review for these guys - seeing there are some negative remarks here from others; if you're looking for great service, education & price... check them out!
I've been wanting to get a bike for a while - and as a consumer, the choices are enormous these days: Road, Trail, Hybrid & various makers & various prices... where does one start? After visiting 5+ other shops, I wound up back here and purchasing 2 Raleigh Misceo Hybrids; one for me & SO.
I started with Sam who was very nice, but being the inquisitive me - he passed me onto Tom, "Let me get someone who can better assist you."
Tom knows his sh*t! He really helped me decide what kind of bike to get based on what I was looking for. I'm a relationship person being in Client Services as a profession - and if you're going to get a bike from a Cycle shop, you want someone who will help maintain your bike for the lifetime. If you're looking just for a cheap bike, go to Target or Walmart! But if you have a budget and idea of how you're going to ride - give them a shot!
Thanks Tom! Great doing business with you. -
Review from Eric P.
San Jose, CA
7/24/2011
The mark of a good business is that it makes you consider them when you need to make another purchase. I bought a bike for my daughter 4 years ago and when I needed to replace my bike we returned.
Fast Bicycle is competitive on price, carries good quality products and provides good service. In both purchases I was still looking but could not pass up the deal at Fast Bicycle.
I worked 4 years as a bicycle repairman before college so am not easily fooled. Good value here and I would recommend you check them out before you make a decision on a new bike. -
Review from Mark F.
San Jose, CA
9/14/2011
I saw that the price for doing service here was rated $$ but I don't think it's that bad, but then again I haven't taken it anywhere else since I live close to this place. They haven't ripped me off and the prices seem fair to me as well as they have fixed everything that I needed to fix on my bike for a reasonable price. I do think they're honest, hard working individuals that work there.
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Review from Tuan D.
San Jose, CA
12/14/2010
Bikers BEWARE!!
First, Tom the manger is not friendly at all.
I took my new road bike here to get it put together after it arrived in the mail. I thought this store was a good quality store, however i was so wrong. After i took my bike it first ride. The left pedal fell off. It appears that they did not tight the left pedal correctly. So i took it back to them a to have it put on correctly. They did, however 6 months later the same pedal fell off when i was riding my bike to a final for school.!!! That was not only the bad part, when I took a closer look at the crank arm, it was striped. Now i gotta get a new crank arm. These guys did a really poor job of putting my bike together and it gonna end up costing me another crank harm. Bikers Beware.!! if you going to get your bike service TAKE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! These guys will screw your bike up. -
Review from leland k.
Saratoga, CA
9/8/2010
I walk up to the counter, and the guy behind it looks at me, then turns around and goes into the repair shop to resume his work. While he's working, he glances at me a couple times with one of those "what does this guy want?" look on his face. Feeling awkward as it is, I decide I'm gonna have to say something to get helped...
Me: Hi
Him: Yea?
Me: I'm having trouble putting my disc brake wheel back onto the fork, how much would you charge? (its a rather simple job, but I'm afraid to do it myself for fear of breaking something)
Him: Fifteen bucks (a bit pricey, but I was semi-desperate)
Me: Oh, about how long would...
Him: End of the day.
Oh-kay Mr. Cool guy.
I promptly walked outta there and went to the next closest shop, Bicycle Express. They put the wheel back on for 5 bucks and did it in a matter of minutes.
I realize this may not be a good representation of the shop based on all the good reviews others have given. Nevertheless, I came here once, and it'll be my last. -
Review from Jeff F.
San Jose, CA
2/17/2011
I'm a fan !!! I just called them few days ago to order a Mountain Bike for my wife. The store owner told me it will take 48Hrs to get the bike in. 24Hrs later I received a phone call because the bike was already in.
The level of service is really high vs. others store. They really know their jobs. The prices are a little bit lower than others stores i've been to. But most important the staff is really knowledgeable about products and bikes features. -
Review from José A.
San Jose, CA
9/11/2010
HORRID HORRID HORRID. I hate to be so curt, but this place is the pits, man. I don't even know how it managed to get 4 1/2 stars on Yelp, that's crazy.
The place is big and roomy and has a pretty decent selection of bikes, all that is nice and dandy but the service reeks. The employees are rude little hustlers, they're willing to over charge for the simplest and tiniest of repairs, disgusting.
Wheres the Love, Fast Bicycle?
As a side note, my brother's bike got stolen right in front of the damn place too! What kind of bike shop doesn't have a stinking bike rack!? A bike rack!? Man, that's just wildly insane!
I recommend Bicycle Express any day. Faster service. Friendlier Employees. Better Prices. So do yourself a favor and go see the good fellows at Bicycle Express instead! -
Review from Cisco P.
San Jose, CA
11/13/2011
A lot of locals usually have bad things to say about this place, whether the prices are too expensive or the staff is reluctant to offer a good salesman ethic. Fortunately I experienced neither the former or the latter during my 2nd visit to this place last week. Every time I get a flat tire, I always turned to Target to get my bike tubes because the word on the street was that Fast Bicycle was over priced. I took their word for it because at Target I got my tubes for usually $7 - $8 and to me that seemed like a very reasonable price. Last week I went to Target again to get a new tube but they didn't have it so I was forced to go to Fast Bicycle. To my surprise, the person working there was very helpful and knew the answers to all my questions off the top of his head. Even more to my surprise was the price of the tube that I have been paying $8 for, was only $5.40 at here! I couldn't believe it! " Why haven't I been coming here every time I needed a tube?! " There was no tax on my purchase and I walked away with a smile on my face and a few dollars saved.
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Review from Jeremy F.
San Jose, CA
8/9/2010
My cousins and I have recently got into biking... Though 2 of them purchased new bikes, my older cousin and I chose to fix up some of the older bikes laying around in the garage. Thus began our San Jose bike shop tour...
Fast Bike was definitely among the best ones we visited (Performance Bike in Campbell, Off Ramp in Santa Clara, Calmar in Santa Clara, Bicycle Express in San Jose). I've passed by this place so many times driving down Alum Rock but haven't been inside until last week. It really is a diamond in the rough, if not a hole in the wall mom n' pop type bike shop.
They have tons of bikes at great prices... Not so many parts as far as selection and quantity are concerned, but they have everything specific you might be looking for. The thing I like best about this store is that they are always very helpful and very honest. I came in with my bike and needed new tubes and tires. The guy who sold me the rubber (Jose) said that I could get it installed there for $8 each, or I could install them myself. I asked him if it was difficult and he said no, it's fairly straightforward and told me to check out youtube and e-how for instructions.
The next time I was in there looking for cleaning supplies (my bike was already up and running), and he told me that I could spend $40 on the chain cleaning device or just spray my bike down w. a power washer. Some people might find this straight forwardness off-putting, but I really appreciated his honesty. Him saving me money is the reason I (and many other locals) continue to come back. Great shop. Highly recommended! -
Review from justin g.
Santa Clara, CA
6/15/2009
There aren't many bike shops in the San jose milpitas borders so this was the closest to work. I am noob when it comes to bikes and especially road bikes which has been my new activity. I was comparing many of the prices to online prices and they were pretty much at the same ball park. This particular visit I needed a tube and tire put on my wheel. The cost for the colored tire was $25 the tube $6 and the labor to put it on was $3.
I think that the customer service and info was just okay nothing too friendly or informative. You get in and you get out.
SO thats why my review was just 3 stars. -
Review from Stella T.
San Jose, CA
8/13/2010
My parents didn't want me to drive until they died; they knew they had passed the oriental gene onto me and I couldn't be trusted to drive properly. (And rightfully so, I suppose.) So I had to get crafty. I got myself an old bike that served all transportation purposes through out my junior and senior year in high school. It even lived a short life during my fall quarter during my freshman year. But as all good things go--it gave out on me.
I thought my 70's cherry red Muffy was done for, but thanks to Fast Bicycle .... they fixed my tubes (for my bike, silly!) in a jiffy.
I haven't had such great service in awhile. -
Review from Mark G.
San Jose, CA
5/25/2011
Picked up a mountain bike helmet here. Good price, good service,limited selection (for helmets), however, it worked for me. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly.
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Review from Jay D.
San Diego, CA
5/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
super friendly and super busy especially on the weekends. they had a lot of parts and even though they didn't have what my husband was looking for i thought it was a big enough store for people who are looking to save money because of crazy gas prices. Check them out. Parking is kind of weird but I've never had a problem.
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Review from domo k.
San Jose, CA
6/15/2010
We use to go to reed's before they closed.
(that must be several yes now)
So glad we found fast bicycle on yelp.
Brought our kid's rockhoppers in for new tire tubing. We were told to come back in an hour. Did a quick run to orchard's & returned to fast bicycle. Everything was done. Wow! They are reasonably priced & friendly.
They definitely know bikes! Will use them again & again. -
Review from Alex R.
San Jose, CA
10/9/2010
This place has been here for years and is great!
I've purchased most of my bikes from here and enjoy their service. I love how they offer the free tune up after you buy the bike. My favorite Mountain Bike that I had purchased from here was a Redline Monocog Flight Single Speed.
Granted, the place is PACKED with bikes which makes it tight to navigate through and if it is busy one may have to wait a few minutes for help, it is DEFINITELY worth the wait.
Tom and Jose will do their best to help you with your needs and I have referred about 7 of my friends to them who purchased items ranging from sunglasses, Helmets, Single Speed commuter bikes, to Mountain bikes and they all were happy with what they bought. Rick, the Mechanic is very knowledgeable and gives very good turn arounds for repairs and wheel building.
Earlier this year, I was bikeless for a few weeks. Not a good feeling. Plus there was a huge group ride about to happen the day I needed a bike. So I walked in to the shop and told Jose that I needed a new bike within a certain price range within 2 1/2 hours. He found the bike that would suit my needs (21 speed Boulder SE by GIANT) but realized he didn't have one that was built. Within that short period of time, Rick built the bike, I bought it from Jose and was off to the big ride! They really came to the rescue!
They are definitely experts in the BMX arena and hold their own in the MTB, Comfort bike/Hybrid/Commuter, Cruiser/Lowrider, and even Road bike end of things.
Their prices are very competitive and very reasonable. Another interesting thing is they actually go out of their way to help you save money! I recall being in the shop looking at some SS bikes while Tom and a customer asking to buy a part for his mountain bike. Through their short conversation, Tom was able to identify what the real issue was with the bike and told the customer that he did'nt need to buy the part but that the bike only needed a simple adjustment. Now that is SERVICE!
I would definitely suggest to anyone who wants to get a bicycle whether a beginner or advanced rider to come to Fast Bicycle! -
Review from Alvin P.
Fremont, CA
8/19/2009
I'm from Fremont, and was just in San Jose for a local shop to get tubes.
First off, the guy working was a COMPLETE SMART ASS and very rude. I couldn't stand his attitude. On top of that, the prices were super expensive just for some darn mtb tubes.
Will not go back here for sure! -
Review from Paras B.
San Jose, CA
9/9/2009
Love these guys here. Without a doubt they are the best at keeping customers satisfied and coming back for upgrades and more. I have bought a few bikes from here and found the prices are EXCELLENT, the owner is FABULOUS, the rest of the shop is so helpful that I will be a customer for life.
Thank you for always helping me with my purchases and education of bikes.
Thank you thank you thank you! -
Review from Sharon B.
San Jose, CA
6/25/2011
This place is a rip off be careful on what you buy and components you get on your bike he's a switcher. Also he's disrespected by being rude unfairly when I had Purchased and had pointed out when I noticed a nut that wasn't put on 2 days after I purchased and paid for the installation of my 3pc cranks and my new 24in cruiser bmx he said that it was on there and also said that its common to fall out. His explained and used his example of how it happens was " it like when you die you die it happens." I was like what what are you talking about anyhow he told me to go buy one at osh down the street? I told him that it should had came with it and that he go buy it for me. Web argued for a bit. If its common for this part to become loose then he needs to apply locktite or stop selling it to the public. Anyways he's lost my business that's for sure. He may have a selection of bikes but needs too work on his customer services skills and value there returned business in the future...
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Review from cali l.
San Jose, CA
4/27/2011
This is place is alright . I went here a few times and they didn't have the parts in stock. I got a couple things here though. But on the plus side they had some nice high end bikes. So if your looking for a high end road bike or mountain bike. Check them out.
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Review from Britton C.
Morgan Hill, CA
7/7/2010
On a group ride going through East San Jose my freewheel died, so I stopped in to Fast Bicycle to see if I could pick up a replacement. The guys running the place were nice enough, but ultimately I found my experience to be less than great.
The only freewheel they had available was a very cheap unit: no brand or make etched into the front, no shifting ramps, or even twisted teeth. The guy swore it was new, and indeed it didn't show any signs of external wear, but it seemed as if there was no grease or oil to lubricate the internal ratcheting mechanisms. Most new freewheels come packed with a layer of quality grease, and this showed none. This freewheel died a week later after less than 100 miles of wear. I can't fault the shop for manufacturer's defects, but I feel I am justified in faulting them for carrying & selling faulty products. I ended up getting a brand-name freewheel from a different shop for around the same price, and have had no troubles since.
Not only was the freewheel bad, but not even a mile out after leaving the store I noticed that my rear tire was rubbing against the frame. Either 1.) They re-attached my rear wheel crookedly or 2.) they didn't tighten the rear axle enough, allowing my wheel to slip while on the frame. Either way, it was a mistake, and a potentially costly one, at that. The last thing one needs while riding is to have a wheel pop off one's bike. Dangerous.
Any bike shop is better than no bike shop. I'd rather it be there than, let's say, a car dealership. They do carry a big selection of new and used bicycles, and it's great to have a shop in the neighborhood that can take care of your if you're in a pinch, but if you're looking for something more than the most basic of services, I'd say look elsewhere. -
Review from Max P.
10/4/2007
A little on the expensive side but its worth it
The guys that work here know bikes inside and out, backwards and forward
This place has been around as far back as i care to remember, and we all know how hard it is to stay alive in this town
I dropped off some rims to get laced last week and they gave me a great price and a quick turn around
Every once in a while they have some vintage BMX bikes on cosignment
Thats how i found my 1983 SE Quadangle, I love this bike
Takes me back to 6th grade where all the neighborhood kids were doing jumps at the Noble perk ponds
If i was going to buy a new bike or bike parts this is my first stop always -
Review from John W.
Fremont, CA
2/19/2011 1 photo
The Best bike shop ever seen.
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Review from Derek S.
San Jose, CA
10/2/2009
Ive been goin to the same guys for 8-9 years now, from back when i used to ride BMX to now when i ride a road bike. There prices are good and there always down to do a quick fix.
They get pretty busy so try to get there when they open in the morning -
Review from Mark M.
San Jose, CA
9/22/2011
Sent my brand new Phat Cycle beach cruiser to get a flat tire fixed-this bike was immaculate, flawless, jet black, not a thing wrong with it. Repair was supposed to be done within an hour, said they'd call me, they never did. Went out of town, finally got a message to pick it up. Come back to pick it up, bicycle is covered in dust and greasy fingerprints, back fender with deep gouge, seat is torn, fork badly dinged with gravel/ rock impressions on it, pettle rubber scuffed and ripped, handle grip scraped, upper tube of frame dinged. Apparently my bike was dropped. Usually this shop provides good service, but what the hell am i supposed to do now? It's not like these guys are gonna fix the cosmetic damage done to my bike. I called the manager and let him know how disappointed i was with the condition of my bike. These guys just lost a customer, and i will definitely pass the word around. There is absolutely no excuse for this kind of negligence on any client's bike.
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Review from Lori B.
7/4/2009
Fast is not just a name with these guys. They tune bikes in 1/2day where others (Performance Bike, etc) Take a week just to get an appt. Great deals and knowledgeable staff. I have taken all my friends here to purchase their first bike and a few of my racing buddies as well. Very competitive pricing. I highly recommend them but only if you want fast & friendly service.
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Review from Lily R.
10/31/2008
you got that right! my bike is fast.
i purchased my first GT mountain bike here circa 2000.
it went down in flames in a house fire but i still remember how awesome it was to purchase a brand new bike and get a great deal!
these guys are helpful and have competitive prices. i'm in the market for a bmx bike to mob downtown. i think i'll be purchasing it here! -
Review from Ed P.
Milpitas, CA
8/4/2009
So I come in here for a simple bike chain service. I tell dude what I needed and he just stares at me and blatantly and snobbishly replies, "That doesn't tell me anything." I try to rephrase my statement and quickly he again replies, "That doesn't tell me anything."
Now I'm sure these guys get countless customers like myself who haven't a clue about what they're doing or what they need. I really don't appreciate people who flaunt their knowledge just to dumb-down their customers. I don't care if you get customers like me 10x a day, you run a business where you want your customers to come back. Instead of tellin me "That doesn't tell me anything," why don't you educate me on what the fuck it is I need to do!
I've always had great service at Fast, but I always knew that dude with the glasses seemed like a dick. So consumers beware! -
Review from Riff Raff V.
San Jose, CA
1/22/2007
great staff, very knowledgable and also incredibly helpful. helps that their prices are also reasonable for their bikes. its a very small shop but its filled with quite a bit of bikes (although i went in today and they mustve had a sale as their inventory was low).
small bikes, big bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, cruisers, lowriders oh my. hell, they even have schwinn cruisers and schwinn cruisers ,at the least, should get 4 stars. -
Review from Jerrold S.
San Jose, CA
2/9/2010
Awesome friendly little shop. I bought my redline BMX bike about 12 years ago and I loved it to death. Awesome guys and they are still going strong after all these years. I think this is the only bike shop on that side of town. So everyone looking for a LBS this is the place to go.
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Review from Mighty G.
San Jose, CA
7/13/2009
Kind of a shitty part of town but the service was great and they were really helpful in finding a nice Giant mountain bike in my size at a very reasonable price. Will definitely recommend this place to others.
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Review from Geo B.
San Jose, CA
4/23/2010
I was looking for a local bike shop with good inventory and most importantly, good customer service. I told Jose what I wanted, he gave me several options and I was out the store with exactly what I was looking for. No BS, no hassles. Very personable. I'll be back.
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Review from R. C.
Milpitas, CA
4/13/2009
I bought my Giant road bike there in 2005. Saw that bike at another store and Fast Bicycle bettered that price. Took my bike in today for a tune up; Tom gave me a good deal on the tune up since I mentioned that I had bought my bike there. So instead of $55, it was $45 - quite reasonable. I picked up my at the end of the day. Great service! And great prices!
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Review from claire s.
San Jose, CA
5/2/2008
looking for suggestions on mountain bikes? regardless if you're a pro or a beginner like me. this place should be one of the places you need to go before making any final decisions. i've been shopping around for mountain bikes and Fast Bicycle is the by far the best places i've been. the other places (not naming the others) didn't seem knowledgable. i went to a couple of places and both gave me different sizes of what i should be riding. thanks to fellow yelpers i checked out Fast Bicycle.
Tom is the person i spoke to and he knows his bikes. he let me ride around the parking lot to test out a few bikes. awesome! he is very knowledgable and knew what i needed for my size, even the color i may like. what a guy! you can walk in not knowing anything and walk out knowing a few things about mountain bikes. he will make sure you are comftable with the bikes.
they carry high end mountain bikes, cruisers, big and small bikes. i want to give it a four and a half, only because the walkway in between aisle is so narrow it felt like i was going to hit my head or trip over a bike. but since i walked out of there with more knowledge and Tom was so attentive to me FIVE STARS BABY!!!
THANKS TOM -
Review from Barry H.
San Jose, CA
1/12/2011
one word this place is SKETCH. over priced for their bs labor. i will not be coming back EVER unless its the last bicycle store and im desperate but before that i would try to do it myself.
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Review from Jimmy f.
Milpitas, CA
8/31/2010
I bought a GT 24" cruiser a few years back and I still love the F out of it. When I saw it I was short on cash, but the owner worked out a payment plan with me, he was very easy to work with. Everybody here has been in the industry for a long time and it shows. When I am ready, I will be back to patronize them agian.
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Review from Kevin M.
San Jose, CA
5/9/2008
I went in to get a new helmet since I had seen the shop from the road. The guy was pretty nice, but seemed a little rushed or short with me. But nothing that would stop me from going back again. Had a huge selection of bikes and some other gear as well. The helmets were off to the side and behind the counter but he picked a few out for me to try on and the second one fit and I was off. I'll be taking my bike back for a tuneup so I'll probably have an extended review after that
