Missing Link Bicycle Cooperative
1988 Shattuck Ave
(between Berkeley Way & University Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 843-7471
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
25 reviews
Berkeley, CA
"I was so dreading bike shopping because so many used bike shops in the Bay Area have gotten bad reviews or mediocre reviews...and I didn't…" read more »
55 Reviews for Missing Link Bicycle Cooperative
My chain started working against me thirty miles in on a tour de force in San Jose last weekend. Fifteen jolting, bike breaking miles later, my fellow Yellow Jackets all said the same thing--"Take it to Missing Link! They'll fix you!" (I was a bit disappointed that so many avid bike fans could not put their finger on the problem, but know they tried).
There are two stores. Don't go to the one by the McDonalds, cross the street. I walked straight in on a weekday, and they quickly fit me in. The mechanic was helpful, and by this I mean he did everything to fix my chain without making me buy new parts. Not like any auto mechanic I've ever met, but bikers are a different breed I guess. I left it there for an hour, did the coffee shop/internet thing, and was able to ride home. Good show.
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It's weird when talking about their customer service. I have never been the physical shop before, but when I tried to call them over the phone for some questions the first time, they hung up twice immediately without a word. So you either go there in person or pick another shop.
I want to love the place because it's a cooperative and it's in Berkeley, but I've had the same experience with variable-to-bad service in the sales department as other posters.
I went in there to lay out $500-700 for a new hybrid bike and asked some specific questions to the guy who was "helping" me. When he learned how little I wanted to spend he lost interest quickly and was impatient. I wanted to know if there were any hybrids in the below-30lb range and he said no -- this was in fact not true, but it was possible they just didn't have any to sell me. Before going in there I had reviewed their current stock selection on their website, and I asked him about a specific sale-priced bike. He said he didn't have time to review the website so he didn't know what I was talking about -- and then he grabbed a copy of the website printout, thrust it at me, gestured at the row of hybrids and said something like "when you make up your mind what you want, I'll talk to you".
This range of town bikes is the fastest-growing segment in the cycling industry and there is a lot of money to be made there. I don't ride in any cycle races, but when I pull out $500-700 in a bike shop, I expect some decent chat from a salesperson. So I went to Solano Cyclery and bought my Specialized Globe bicycle there instead. I would also recommend Mike's Bikes, located in the former paint shop premises on upper University. it's walking distance from The Missing Link :)
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O.k, just to be fair I went in here the other day and had an experience with a really nice guy- guess it just depends on who you get.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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03/28/2008
I agree with some of the other reviews here- Missing Link did a pretty good job fixing up my bike,… Read more »
Missing Link has a GREAT location. The guys that work in the shop are knowledgeable and have always done exactly what my bike needs and what I want. I got a great road bike off craigslist and they really helped me bring it to life. They have really wonderful advice (I was thinking about getting "suicide" breaks but they suggested just getting a flat bar instead. I did and I love it). Sometimes, however, I wish that they could be a tid-bit more friendly. Some are super friendly and some are just plain cold. That's the only reason I'm giving 4 stars. Otherwise, great shop.
**This review is only about the shop, I've never spent much time in the retail store
The nice thing about shopping at a collective is that you get a real mix of humans providing you with service. Most of them are great at customer service, but there are a couple who could use some tips on paying attention to the customers. But I'd rather have that than the plastered on smiles you see at many corporate retail establishments.
That being said, the quality and selection of the merchandise is great, and they have a used bike section across the street.
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I love my new bike! I love my new bike!!
I decided to reduce my overall number of bruises by getting a lighter bike (my 1955 Raleigh easily weighs 100lbs), I went to Missing Link. They were super nice and took the time to answer all my retarded newb questions. They even held on to my sweaty, disgusting Timbuk2 while I took a few of the sleek, shiny, LIGHT bikes on little rides around the block.
They held my chosen bike for a 24 hours so I could "sleep on it". When I decided to make the purchase, they gave me a 10% discount on all accessories and assembled everything for free.
I'm happy and I have fewer bruises.
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I bought a bike at missing link about a year ago. I love their year of free tune-ups. Plus I managed to snap the chain within a month of getting the bike and they were good humored about it. Agree with the detached attitude the employees take to customers but hey bikers are not the most social bunch. Plus I do not by a bike for a social experience. Plus it is great that is a coop and that they split the wages fairly. I recommended enthusiastically.
I've never had a great experience here. When I took my new trek road bike here for a tune up the people in the annex would barely talk to me. My bike was SO uncool, I guess. But when I took my old Raliegh Supercourse from the early 70s here the mechanic wouldn't stop talking to me. That bike is VERY cool, I guess.
I've never been totally happy with the tune-ups from the annex. I tried to talk to the mechanic about turning my older bike into a single speed he basically said he wouldn't do it because it's a "great bike" (that I never rode because the gears were wonky) but he'd "give me a sticker that says 'one less fixie.'" Great. That's what I want. A bike with gears that don't work, but a really cool sticker. After they helped with my bike and it broke, I quit that shop and now go to the bent spoke. I think they're great.
I like the idea that they have classes though, so that's why they have 2 stars.
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Missing Link was, well, missing in its service when I came in today. I know almost nothing about bikes, so I was hoping for friendly staff to help me find a proper lock and helmet. Staff seemed hesitant to help me until I did the lost-customer look around.
I asked about locks for my bike, and instead of showing me the locks they had and recommending a certain one, the salesperson pointed to a sheet and told me to read it. Granted, the sheet was informative, but I felt like it was a reading assignment rather than customer service. The man left me alone to consider locks, and I had to stand around aimlessly again to get help on helmets (though thankfully there was no sheet for me to read).
Missing Link gets points for its wide array of merchandise. Plus, the guy at the cashwrap was helpful and friendly. He got me the right cable I needed when I came to him with a ridiculously long one.
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The free bike workspace is a life-saver, the parts selection is good and mostly not overpriced, and most of the workers are nice and accommodating. Some workers are a little too chilly for my taste--but I understand they don't want to deal with all my crazy questions all day. And it's a co-op, and we need more co-ops in the world. Many more. I've spent way too much money in this place, but I don't regret any of it--except for a) their lights and clothing, which I think is too overpriced compared to online store prices (at least a $10 premium on these items), and b) their tires, which aren't overpriced except compared to the mega-cheap slightly used tires one can get at Waterside Workshops (1/4 the price of new tires).
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I bought a bike here about 8 months ago, and it was one of the best investments I've ever made. After checking out some of the used bikes at the Annex and not finding what I was looking for, I checked out the bike shop. I believe the guy who helped me was named Scott. He was great. He was extremely patient-- recommending about 4 or 5 bikes for me to test out. And he spent a good deal of time identifying the right size frame for me too.
In addition to his patience with finding the best bike for me, I also really appreciated the fact that he didn't try to upsell to a more expensive bike. I told him that I was looking for a no-frills, basic commuter bike to take to/from work, about a 6-7 mile round trip everyday. His recommendations were in the $300-$400 range, and I would up choosing a Marin Kentwood, and I looooove it!!
After I bought my bike, Scott helped me get the additional gear that I wanted -- a rack, lights, a saddlebag, and a lock (all per my request-- again, he did not push for any upsells).
In addition to the great service I received when making my purchase, the Missing Link will also provide a free tune up (or at least one, within the first year of ownership, or something like that). Anyway, this place is really invested in making sure you get the bike that fits you best, and getting you out there safely on the road. I love this place!
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some times additude is crappy but generally good.
I wouldn't be riding bikes if it wasn't for them.
Their loner tool corral is a full on community service and institution. Lots of bike savvy people use the tools and can help you fix your bike. The staff generally don't want to answer your fix it questions cause they are busy. But if you patient and attentive they can help.
Prices sometimes seem high. Its cause they don't carry crappy stuff.
Actually they have rock bottom prices on allot of stuff and a great warranty.
The first new bike I bought I rode super hard, I was still in high school. And they fixed it everytime I busted it.
I must have gone on a day when there were more jerks than other workers. I just wanted to ask about whether a basket could fit on my bike and when I did they looked at me like I had just asked the stupidest question in the world. Actually when I first approached a worker she stared at me blankly , like what could I possibly have to say to her.
Conclusion- if I'm not an elitist biker or are looking to spend over 1000 dollars, I should take my business elsewhere.
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The Missing Link's retail store is a mixed bag. The inventory is rather limited, but they have most of the essentials, so it's a good place to pick up a spare tube or other tiny, inexpensive accessories.
Being a co-op in Berkeley though most of the employees think they are Gd's gift to the world, but there is little follow through on these idealistic dreams. I'm sure the store is very democratically run, but the customer service can often be very poor or even non-existent. When considering buying an entry-level road bike I went into the store and told the sales person my budget (under $1,000) and was practically laughed at. But even if I was in the market for a full-carbon Dura Ace machine I doubt that I would buy it here.
They obviously don't need to fight for business being right next to UC Berkeley, but I need a modicum of assistance and attention when considering a costly investment. This usually leads me to smaller bike shops to make costlier purchases. I actually like the repair shop (annex), but the retail shop wouldn't be my first stop if I were in the market for a new bicycle or an expensive accessory.
It's nice that Missing Link provides the free workshop area, but if you don't have a tool for a specific job you might want to check out Street Level Cycles which is right next to Aquatic Park down by the marina. It is a non-profit shop with free workshop space and tool lending, and they also have a really nice staff who can give you repair guidance and assistance if you need it.
All-in-all: Missing Link is not a terrible bike shop, but it could be so much better.
I walked in, furious over some bastard cutting my seat cable and making off with my relatively shitty bike seat. It couldn't have netted the thief more than $5. I have giant chains covering the rest of my bike, or else the rest would be gone as well.
Bicycle thieves deserve their own ring in hell. I'm completely serious.
The guys working that day were so nice about profiting off my misery that they just might have restored a bit of my faith in humanity. I picked out a new seat, they installed it for me, and I was on my way in 15 mins or less.
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So my bike recently had some issues and I thought it would be great to be able to borrow some tools at Missing Link. As I enter the tool lending area and look around for information, this guy bites my head off. Apparently there can only be two people in the space at one time. Did he have to be rude and arrogant telling me so? My advice is to avoid Co-op member JOHN, a small man who may be making up his size by his big attitude. Better yet, go to REI or Mike's for more affordable selections and WAY better customer service. While Co-ops are a fantastic idea...I'm left wondering if bad behavior is more acceptable because established employees feel more invincible!
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Three stars simply for the fact that my experience there got me my wonderful bike that I've completely fallen in love with. The girl that sold me the bike was helpful, and even sold me the relatively cheaper model that she realized would better suit my needs.
However, even though she did well with the transaction, I left the store feeling inferior and self-conscious about the whole thing. Why? Because her underlying attitude was elitist and snobby, and her "friendly face" was pretty transparent. I was clearly just some clueless little girl with money to spend to her, not a future legitimate member of the biking community. Apparently I will never know as much as her about bikes, and will only take up space on the already-cramped roads.
I'm not really that sensitive, and I got over the experience quickly and cleanly, but the fact remains that her attitude left me with those initial feelings. I guess I'll be back there, probably for a tune-up, but I'm not exactly looking forward to it.
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My measure of satisfaction at this shop is a short one, admittedly. I've never bought a bike here, nor had any service done here either. But I've come here at least a dozen times now for various purchases: bottle cages, arm warmers, bike bells, road shoes, cleaning apparati, tools -- and every shopping experience I've had here has been very cordial and courteous.
And when I did come here randomly looking at their Adidas road shoe selections, I was encouraged to keep each pair of shoes on for as long as I wanted, and to walk around the store with a magazine or something to really get an honest feel of the footwear. Turns out I didn't end up buying any of the shoes they had, but that goes to show that the shop's willing to miss a sale in the name of giving good, sound consumer advice -- the sort I wouldn't have expected in most other shops.
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So I went by missing link with my bike, which was sick at the time.
I have to wait for like 10 mins while a guy is making personal calls on the phone, and then I sit down and he's like "do you need some help?"
well, yeah I need some help, why do you think I've been standing around, to soak in the ambiance?
anyways, he calls my bike a piece of store-bought crap, calls the brakes crap, the tires crap, etc etc.
then he pulls out a wrench and proceeds to "fix" the squealing of my brakes.
he also told me that there was no problem with my gears wobbling side-to-side
then, he gets all uppity about me not being willing to spend $1000 on a bike and then tells me that "there's nothing here I can show you".
later on, i find out that he messed up my brakes, causing them to scrape the tire while rolling,
so, overall i give this place 2 stars since i learned to fix my own brakes better than the first time...
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Wow! I cannot believe all the negative reviews here! I for one have never been treated unkindly at all here. And let me tell you I am not some beautiful fit cycling goddess with a million-dollar Italian touring bike, cute spandex outfits and calves of steel.
And yet, the staff is always super kind and helpful to my frumpy self and my 5 year old dinged-up Bianchi "Boardwalk". In fact, most of the time when I think I have some expensive problem someone will come out from behind the counter and fix it for free on the spot. Then they will refuse even a tip and shove it back into my satchel, telling me to "Just come back when you need to buy something."
The people here are extremely knowledgeable and work here in a co-op situation because they love what they do and are not out to make a huge profit. They are professional cyclists, many of them, who know literally everything about their sport and bikes. They love bicyles and want you to love bicycles too. THAT is worth 5 stars.
But I wonder if people mistake confidence, knowledge and expertise with "snobbiness". Athletes, and that's who works here, are often wiry, high-strung, high-energy people with great bodies and that might make slow moving, normal mortals feel insecure. I have come to terms with my less that stellar physique and I recognize that I owe almost all my life energy to Peet's coffee, so maybe I'm not trying to be competitive. Maybe that's the key? But personally, even if the people here *were* mean and grouchy I would still come here because they know their shit. Luckily for me they have always been really super nice and gracious to me as well.
Of course I can make tantrum-throwning 2 year olds smile, get free drinks from French waiters and even occassionally scratch vicious growling guard dogs behind the ears, so maybe I am just lucky.
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pretty nice shop, especially with the detailed how-not-to-get-your-bike-stolen posters. but all bikes seem to be pretty damn pricey...as in 600-700 bucks. but ya know, kewl.
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Do you remember your first bike? Mine was a shiny cobalt blue with big fenders and white tassels on the handlebars. It was my fifth birthday and I learned to ride it sans training wheels on our gravel driveway. I remember sitting in bed a few days later counting the endless bruises on my legs. But I didn't care because I loved the feeling of flying with the wind in my hair.
Flash forward to birthday number 42. The secret agent has informed me that my 10-year-old mountain bike with the fat knobby tires is not suitable for our weekend rides and my save-the-Earth mission of making it my commuter vehicle. It's heavy and slow, he says. What do I know?
So he tells me he wants to buy me a new bike for my birthday. Very sweet, I think, but I still think the mountain bike is fine. We window shop, he drools over lightweight beauties and explains why they are superior to my old bike.
We end up at Missing Link on Sunday. I spy a beautiful red and white road bike, a Jamis Coda Sport. Very sexy, sleek. She's beautiful. She's going to be mine. Then I take her out for a test drive. I fly down Milvia with the wind in my hair, and I'm transported to my five year old self again. I have to agree with the secret agent...a nice, light bike with thin tires makes for a very sweet ride. I'm in love.
The Missing Link staff is great. They make sure I get the bike that's the right size (I test rode two of them), and once getting that sorted out, they were terrific about fine-tuning. The handlebars were narrowed to fit my small frame, and she was ready to pick up the same day. That's a very nice bike you have, the staffer says, and drills in the importance of locking it up. No worries, I say, she's going to be well taken care of.
What's her name, asks the secret agent. I look at her. An Italian beauty like this has to be named Sophia. You'll find us gals cruising around Berkeley...say hi.
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Gotta support the co-op. A vocal minority of the employees are on the snobby side. But you can't beat the free work bench, and I greatly appreciate the mix of high end and more practical clothes and assessories. There's nothing super gucci about the bikes, but they have a nice, solid selection of everything: commuters, cross bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes. The selection wouldn't satisfy true gearheads -- for that, go to Wrench Science -- but it would for everyone else.
Also, for some reason I always get a kick out of the demo they have on broken bike locks. Kind of like watching Red Asphalt back in drivers ed -- the pornography of the horrific.
The special orders folks are very accommodating and nice.
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I previously had a less-than satisfactory review of Missing Link, because the first time I came there to get a bike rack and helmet, I was completely ignored. I went to Mike's Bikes the other day to buy a new helmet, but they didn't have my size (i.e. humongous skull-sized) so lo and behold I decided to return once again to what I considered to be the worst bike store ever.
I was kinda ignored again, so I just tried on helmets for 10 minutes. FINALLY the person who came to help me and another customer that needed help was SOOOO helpful, I honestly learned something about how helmets should fit. He explained in much detail how to get the best fit and what helmets are best for what bikers and how the price depends on the number of vents in the helmet. Very nice.
I also picked out a rack, and attempted to install it myself (I've never done it before so I was bound to run into some problems). When I started installing the rack, I ran into problems because many of the screws that came with the rack were too small, and one of the Co-Op members Scott, was extremely helpful in bringing me longer screws and nuts and taught me more efficient ways to use the tools,even though he was under no obligation to help me.
So here's my verdict. When they ignore you, they really ignore you. However when they help you, they REALLY help you. I'm gonna try to catch some of those free bike repair classes too : )
seems like a nice enough shop, mostly friendly folks there, they have a station where you can wok on your own bike. but they just "didn't do it for me", i wanted to look at some mountain bikes, as i was price shopping, all i wanted to do was look and ask questions, once i let the guy know this, it was like i was invisible. i don't really know shit about bikes so i was lost. lots of staff they but all too busy for me, at least to store looks nice.
"Co-op doesn't mean you can't get cooperatively treated like shit."
I have been in this place a bunch of times and each time left me with another amazing experience. I walked around the store and got no assistance with anything. Then when i do ask for help they look at you like you are trying to kill their dog or something.
One experience that does stand out for me with this place happened when i conducted a little experiment . ....I have noticed that the folks at the link will help people with fancy bikes without hesitation. However if you bring in a run of the mill 80's Nishiki, or something like it, they will almost ignore you.
I brought my commuter bike in to ask a few questions about a rouge click in my rear wheel and i had to almost wave my hands in the air to get anybody to even notice i was there. When i brought my fancy Italian road bike in there 2 associates wanted to help me at once.
As for the work bench.. if you really want to learn how to fix your own bike or use a free set of tools go to Street Level Cycles in Berkeley. They are a non-profit shop.They have 7 stands, free tool usage, used parts and all dat..
This place is for fools that want to spend too much money and help pay the salaries of these elitist snobs. Co-op doesn't mean you can't get cooperatively treated like shit. There are plenty of shops around Berkeley that will actually help you if you need it. stray away from this place
*** update today at the link the service was ok.. although the little mechanic with the napoleonic complex was still outwardly rude and unhelpful i wish i had a whipped cream pie to throw in his face.!!**
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Yes, there is a Mike's Bikes around the corner, but Missing Link is the better choice. Mike's sells good quality stuff, but it will cost you and unless you are a pro cyclist trying to shave grams off your bike's total weight, probably a waste of money. If you are like most bikers who need to buy or repair a primary form of transportion or entertainment, then this place will get you back on the road with reasonable prices on parts and service.
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Fantastic. Fabulous.
I walked in a few weeks ago looking to buy a new road bike. I knew finding the perfect one would be a challenge because my small size (5'1") would make getting comfy on a road bike a little tough without being too stretched out.
When I told the guy helping me (Jon) what I wanted and once we established my budget he went to work. No pressure to dump out big bucks, nobody shoving a bike that wasn't right for me down my throat.
Jon (and everyone else) was really helpful. These guys don't pressure you into buying and he really knows his stuff and is more than happy to share his knowledge with you and teach you all you need to know in a non-condescending manner.
I loved that they carried women's specific designs and while they didn't have my (midget) size in stock they special ordered my frame size (no obligation to buy it) and held it until I could give it a good test ride. Buying here also means 1 year of free tune-ups, and it's required to bring your bike back in 30 days to make sure it's breaking in correctly. They also allow saddle swaps so you can try one for two weeks and trade for another if it's not quite right.
+ Extra bonus points for FREE classes on bike maintenance. And if you think you'll be pressured into buying when the classes are done, think again. The registers are already closed for the night so nobody even expects you to buy.
I love my new bike & I love the co-op.
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Sometimes I think the word "cooperative" is Berkeley hippie code for "hard to fire pretentious a-holes." The Link may suffer a little bit of this, but overall, the staff is just fine. The few times I've dropped in, I've always gotten good help and advice about my wheels, even if I've had to wait a while. They tend to be pretty busy, so prepare to wait. And, they all seem to love to talk, so don't expect a lot of easy or quick answers. Big ups for the free "Learn to fix your own bike" classes.
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We bought my girlfriend's bike here. This is the store for the basics of cycling at a good price. Once the staff knew we were buying customers they became real nice. I stopped by to get a new seat post fo my Mt. Bike a few weeks ago and it was like I asked for Holy Grail. I am torn about this place, I really want to like it but with so many great bike shops, I think they need to step up the service.
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They were extraordinarily helpful even when they couldn't stock the bike I was looking for (a specialty Marin). They did all the research on it and even sized me for it so I knew exactly what I needed when I searched for the bike. Even though I am purchasing the bike from a different shop, all the work and everything else that needs to be done to the bike will be done at Missing Link.
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I bought a nice road bike here that came with a year of free maintenance. The woman who helped me was nice, patient, and didn't try to sell me a $10,000 Italian bike. Unsaleslike in the most positive way.
I took three bikes for test rides and they adjusted the seat for each one, told me what was different, and showed me what was on sale. A month after I bought the bike I brought it back in for a tuneup and they adjusted everything that loosened up or moved during the breakin period.
They have helpful tip sheets and free repair classes.
They support the EBBC and other area bike groups.
Every store seems to have one grouch, or one decent person in a shitty mood. Just pass that person by and ask someone else. It's not a reflection of the whole place.
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Worker owned cooperative. They have a storefront with a free customer work area, and a location across the street for shop repairs and used bikes. The staff are all extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They can order anything that isnt in stock, and keep a solid selection of parts on hand. No reason to go anywhere else if you're in the east bay.
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I go here for the following reasons:
- to support the cooperative
- proximity / in my neighborhood
- anyone with a drivers license can use their workshop area
It makes so much sense for them to offer up a workshop area that you can use, especially when you consider that Berkeley houses many apartment-dwellers who probably do not have the space to work on their bikes. Also they have a selection of pumps you can use, which is really helpful when your ex has your only pump and is taking 2 months to fix it. . .
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I'm a fan of just about any shop that sells used/old bikes. (ALMOST any shop).
The duders here are good guys. Didn't laugh when i said, "I need lube" when what i meant was, "I need bicycle chain lube"
Good selection and range of prices.
extra point for being a co-op
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Wow. I'm learning that only millionaires can afford bikes in Berkeley. Even the used ones are $250 here. And they have like 3 in at time... three REALLY used bikes. Its great that they are a cooperative, but seriously... those prices are wacky.
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The yellow-awninged annex accross the street from the main store is great - the guy is down to earth, friendly, helpful, unpretentious.
The main store is pretentious and the customer service sucks a**. I'm pretty sure they have nice stuff, which does not make up for the bad service. I go to Mike's Bikes for the atmosphere and awesome people who work there.
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god-damn, what a grab-bag of shit mixed with candy this place is...you just never know if the person you are going to be talking to is going to be great or a total know-it-all jackass. go directly to the staff at the repair shop before going to the show-room with any problems. they are infinately more knowledgeable and consistent there...the ONLY saving grace for this place is the fact that they have tools for free use. be really carefull though because these tools are beat to HELL and will ruin your bike/parts if you slip on some of them. all i have to say to potential shoppers is "good luck"
it is a convenient enough place to order bike parts as well, if you know exactly what you need already and don't want to hassle around with the interweb.
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This is the place to go to for a new bike or accessories. The staff (who also own the place) are cyclists too, and know their stuff. They are very easy-going and will not push you into a purchase.
They have especially good coverage of the following areas -- commuter bikes, road racing, cyclocross, kids stuff (including trail-a-bikes and trailers). They have mountain and city bikes, too.
The store also has a free repair-it-yourself bike area in back with tools, manuals, and stands. You can drop in and use this even if you haven't bought anything. But it's especially convenient to buy a new tire or set of brake pads and be able to put them on right there.
Note: there are two Missing Links -- the shop that sells new stuff on the west side of Shattuck, and the place that repairs bikes on the east side. Totally different staff, but I've had very good experiences at both.
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