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Pleasant Hill Cyclery
Category: Shopping Sporting Goods Bikes Bikes [Edit]
1100 Contra Costa BlvdConcord, CA 94523
(925) 676-2667
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 7 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for Pleasant Hill Cyclery
Review Highlights
"Eric always takes the time to do it right."
(in 12 reviews)
"Tubes, saddle, repairs, tune ups, whatever."
(in 2 reviews)
"Now, Eric was very helpful and funny."
(in 3 reviews)
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Bruce G.
Alamo, CA
8/17/2011
OK, First off let me say this one thing....I liked these guys. If you are looking for an antiestablishment type place with out all the high end Roadie or Hipster stigma this is the place to go. They really don't have a ton of parts or accessories in stock. Apparel? Not a whole lot. They are a Specialized and Seven dealer and all bikes are special order so they have very few bikes in stock as well.
What do they have? About 4 shop work stations and a boatload of tools!!! Eric helped me out with some same day service for prepping a steel frame that many of the 'high-end' shops in the county couldn't even do for lack of the proper tools.
They also have several fitment bikes for dialing in your custom fit Seven or your current ride. I can't vouch for their competence in this area but I can say that most local shops who sell a ton of expensive bikes have NONE of this equipment and I doubt most of their staff would know how to use it even if they did.
Now, Eric was very helpful and funny. He has a pretty dry sense of humor and is not shy about voicing his opinions about 'cheap' bikes and whatever. That said every shop has opinions but rather than be snobby about it Eric just says what he thinks. Like it or not. It will likely rub many people the wrong way but it didn't bother me.
If you need repair work these guys will probably take good care of you. If you need a bright shinny new bike TODAY...they probably won't have what you want in stock. But if you want to put a little effort into figuring out what you NEED rather than what you want and can wait a few days to get it this would be a good place to check out.
This store is funky, dirty, disorganized and the customer service is probably hit or miss. Is there a place for a store like this? I hope so because this shop is not like any other shop in the area and frankly that's a good thing in my view. -
Review from Dan B.
Contra Costa, CA
2/1/2012
Wow! This shop is really bad!
I went into Pleasant Hill Cyclery for the first time to get tune up for my bike. While I was there I spoke with their tech about getting some new tires for my bike and agreed to buy the ones he recommended asking to have them installed when they did the tune up. He also showed me some new seats for my bike, but I decide to wait on that."
I got a call from the owner a couple days later saying that my bike was ready. I couldn't come in that day so I asked him what the store hours were the next day (11-7) and told him that I would come i on my lunch break to pick it up. When I arrived there was a sign on the door that said "Gone to Lunch". Lunch?? You just opened an hour ago, I thought. In front of the store is my bike locked up in their bike rack.... the tires I had ordered, not installed.
So, I headed back there a second time after work. When I got there, the owner was helping another customer, so I waited at the counter. As I stand there I 'm catching that the other customer is frustrated with the owner who seems to be very disorganized. Then, before finishing with the other customer, the owner starts helping me, seemingly oblivious to the fact that the first customer is now even more frustrated. He sends the tech out to collect my bike from the bike rack. While I am waiting, I explain to the owner that I was a bit frustrated that he was closed at lunch. He apologizes and says that a friend came in from out of town and wanted to take him to lunch. "I didn't really want to go, but he drove a long way, what was I supposed to do?" Are you kidding me?? What you're supposed to do is tell your friend, "No, I have a business to run and customers may come in." He tells me that he was waiting for the tech to come in and take over for him, but that he's always late.
Then the tech brings my bike and remains standing there awkwardly and making comments about my bike as I wait to pay. This is when I start to realize that he is swaying and has a very obvious smell of alcohol on his breath. At one point he says to me, "Sir, you might want to consider a new seat for that bike." I was now annoyed with his alcohol stench and his comments, coupled with the fact that he didn't install the tires I had ordered, but decided to stay polite and said "No, thanks.. I looked at what you had before and I think I'll shop around a bit." In a sarcastic tone he slurs, "Well, you could probably find a good one at Kmart."
At this point, the owner has finished taking my money and was walking away and I decided I would give the owner a piece of my mind. "This guy is drunk and insulting me and my bike, is this the way you do business?" I said to the owner. He responds by telling the tech to "Get the heck outta here, you're gone!" The tech leaves and then the owner explains to me how he has already laid this guy off, but he can't get rid of him. "He just keeps coming back, what should I do, call the cops?" I'm thinking, Wait a minute... Didn't you just tell me earlier that his showing up late was part of the reason why you closed your store at lunch? It made no sense.
Bottom line... these people are crazy and their service sucks. My recommendation... AVOID THIS PLACE! -
Review from Kota T.
Richmond, CA
7/19/2011
I hate to give bad reviews on Yelp! because I know it can hurt a business's reputation etc., but I was appalled so much by the service here that I can't refrain from posting this. Here is the breakdown:
I walked into the shop and asked for a good introductory MTB bike. I chose one and they told me it would be 2 weeks for the bike to come in. I offered to pay a deposit or prepay the entire amount for the bike and they told me not to worry about - just pay for it when I pick it up. Sounded fair...
Two weeks later, they call me to tell me the bike was in. I was stoked! I told them I'd be in the following day by 4PM to pick it up - couldn't wait for my new bike. When I showed up on the specified date at 3:45PM, the guy behind the counter, to my surprise, told me he sold the bike to someone else!!! I was fuming, I told him I waited two weeks and they guy had the nerve to tell me "you didn't pay a deposit so the bike wasn't yours yet". I explained I offered to pay for the whole bike two weeks prior and he just brushed me off. His response/solution was to order another bike, me pay for it upfront, and they'd call me in two more weeks when the bike arrived. Serious??? No thanks - I will spend my money somewhere else.
I took by business elsewhere - to Mike's Bikes in Berkeley where the staff were friendly and treated me like a top customer even through I was spending less than $400 on a cheapo bike.
Avoid this place like the plague and take your money to another shop where they treat you decently! Two BIG thumbs down for PH Cyclery. Boo! -
Review from Michael W.
Martinez, CA
6/19/2011
"Horrible service, and horrible ownership" sums it up.
They were helpful and friendly when I went in to buy a bike. I realize now that that's the only time they are helpful and friendly; when you are buying something.
I bought my bike here because it was a decent bike shop price and they offered free tune-ups for life!
I didn't realize that those free tune-ups would be such a hassle for the owner; at least that's the way he makes it seem.
I'm slightly a noob when it comes to mountain bike riding. Looking back this is not the place you want to establish a relationship with if your anything less of pro. Unless their is prospect for a major sale, the owner will treat you like a waste of his time.
On a side note his hired mechanic is great, and very helpful.
Honestly, I'd recommend to a family member to go try out another bike shop. -Lesson learned-
I hope all of you learn from my mistake. -
Review from Lauren D.
San Francisco, CA
6/15/2011
I took my bike to Mikkelsen's to be painted (dreadful experience, review to come) and they took my bike to Pleasant Hill Cyclery (since they are friends) to have it disassembled and then assembled.
I picked up my bike and was extremely disappointed.
1. My nice water bottle holder was missing from the bike.
2. The part that attaches the gear shifters to the bike was missing so the gears shifted up and down. Instead of the part, he used a large screw to attach the shifters - pointless and extremely tacky.
3. After riding my bike a block the chain popped off.
4. The metal emblem with the bike brand was super glued back on the bike since I assume he lost the screws.
I am shocked a business can deliver such poor service. I paid him $150 dollars and ending up having to spend another $80 to fix all his mistakes and replace the missing parts.
I would never return and do NOT recommend. -
Review from ozziethedawg g.
Concord, CA
8/8/2011
i've been bringing my kids bikes here for years, as i have no mechanical skills whatsoever. we just went in tonight to have my son's bike fixed, we didnt realize sophie died and had been replaced by duke :-(
but duke seems like a good dog too. they've always fixed my kid's bikes promptly, either for free or for low cost. even tonight, eric worked on my son's crappy old bike for 45 minutes and only charged me ten dollars, crazy. -
Review from Greg K.
Concord, CA
7/28/2011
Pleasant Hill Cyclery is very helpful & very knowledgeable. I discovered this place when the bike shop next door Traction Bikes (also a good place with good people) was out of stock on an item I needed and they referred me to Eric next door. (That's *really* saying something when a competitor shows this level of respect- and very classy as well.) Eric takes the time needed to answer your questions and isn't pushy about making the next sale.
Reading some of the other reviews, you might think that was a place to avoid. Some of the minor complaints from other reviewers sort of ring true, others are the complete opposite of my experience.
The Bottom Line: They do well at the things that matter to ME and have treated me well so far. Were it otherwise, I would not hesitate to say so. -
Review from Wendell C.
Martinez, CA
7/14/2010
I have come to rely heavily upon Eric and his staff at Pleasant Hill Cyclery.
Yes, the dog at the door can be a sniffing pain. Yes, the place is dusty. Yes, there is little inventory to select from if you're looking to buy a bike or part and can't wait a couple of days.
So what?
I've been to all of the local shops including those in Berkely and San Francisco. Yeah, most of them have many more "toys" to choose from then Eric does but most are also populated with a bunch of half-ignorant, bike-elites who couldn't turn a proper wrench on a bike to save their souls; or their stores are places to spend $15K on a road bike and carbon wheels and then buy a Latte from Starbucks on the weekends, sit around with your bike next to you and pat yourselves on the back about how cool you are while you try to pick up high school kids. Gads but they're too many hollow bricks in this sport!
Eric is an eccentric, highly knowledgable and capable bike mechanic. He's second generation in the business and if his shelves are low on stock it's only because he's smart enough not to pour hundreds of thousands of dollars into floor inventory during a major recession and go BK in a big way. The other alternative that he won't do is inventory dozens of low-end bikes. After all, Walmart and Costco is available for those.
As alluded to, his skills with a bicycle are amazing. He's intuitive about bikes, riders and their problems. His prices are MOST reasonable.
I withheld one star only because I agree with some of the other critics - the place could use a good dusting. Grab the Swifter,Eric!!! :-) -
Review from Steve F.
San Francisco, CA
8/1/2010
I normally do not give reviews to places I used to work at, but it has been several years since I last drew a paycheck.
The one experience I can speak about happened yesterday. I bought a Cannondale Flash 29er this year, and I believe damping cartridge in my Lefty fork blew out.
Without a doubt, Eric is the best Cannondale Lefty and Headshok rebuilder in this area. Even other Cannondale dealers can barely remove the fork to ship it to Cannondale for service.
Eric was able to rebuild my cartridge and offer tips from his 40 years of experience in about 20 minutes.
Instead of the time and trouble to send the cartridge back to
Cannondale, I am riding today.
Without a doubt, if you have a difficult repair issue that other shops are flubbing, Eric will fix it.
Thanks Eric. Happy now that I reviewed your shop? -
Review from Joe s.
Pleasant Hill, CA
6/29/2010
I came here to get new specialized tire. They did not have the model that I wanted in stock so they special ordered it. I believe I left my phone number with them but they did not call me when the order came in. I had to call them.
When I went to the shop to pick up the tire after being told that it came in. I was greeted by a gigantic german Shepherd dog named Duke. He wanted to get out.
I asked the owner to replace the old tire with the new one. It took him about 20 minutes to do so. An average mechanic would have taken 10 minutes, but the reason why he took longer was because he was telling a story to someone he knew at the store. There was no sense of urgency to get a service done. Most managers would have frowned at this indifference towards the customer. I wasn't really upset about this since I am a mellow person in general, but it did bother me a bit when I finally left the store. I just felt that the service should have been faster. I got no pinch flats so he did a good job in installing the new tube. To the owner's credit. He's a friendly guy, he's just on his own time schedule. -
Review from Brian S.
San Jose, CA
5/6/2011
Open Sunday, that is very convenient when you blow a part and have to work all week. The downside is they open at 11am. It seemed my options were endless and I like that. The prices were reasonable. The service was acceptable and it seems they have forgotten more about bikes than I will ever know. It is great when places that provide service can stay in business against the big box and internet selling bikes at just above cost.
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Review from Zac G.
Pleasant Hill, CA
8/7/2009
So I am riding down Willow Pass on my moderately priced Schwinn bike when BLAM! One slight detour lands my bike on top of a dried patch of rose thorns; Both tires are shit. No worries though, there are a slew of bike shops on Contra Costa. They sell great high end bikes and I am sure they'd be more then happy to help me out. Then, I coast the bike over to Pleasant Hill Cyclery to discover... not so much.
As I enter, I am greeted with a host of blank stares, kids surfing YouTube and one old dude who doesn't seem to really care I'm here. I approach. "Excuse me, are you busy sir?" He doesn't even lift his head. " I'm always busy." Okay...
A kid walks up to me. "Hey, can you help me?" Kid replies, " I'm not working right now." O.K.A.Y...
I thought I entered a bike shop, but it seems more like the record shop from High Fidelity... and everyone here is Jack Black. Look guys, I get it. You know and love your bicycles here, but could you please stop acting like dicks to a novice rider like me?
Well.. they fixed my tires for 35 bucks and now they ride great, but I think I still have freezer marks from the cold ass service. Maybe next time I go, I'll wrap myself in that biker spandex and they might let me into their club house and show me the respect that EVERYONE ( novice and pro alike) deserve. -
Review from Cheryl B.
Walnut Creek, CA
9/21/2010
I was on the Iron Horse and ran into a nasty patch of thorns. I took out my trusty iPhone, Google-mapped the nearest bike shop - Traction Bikes - and started walking. Didn't think to check to see if they were open Sundays, and they were not. Luckily, Pleasant Hill Cyclery was! Eric to the rescue! He tried to talk me into the least expensive option - pulling the thorns out of my tires and just replacing the tubes - but there were sooo many and the tires were a bit old anyway. So I bought two new tires and new tubes for a reasonable cost. I really appreciated that he tried to talk me into the cheaper option, because most places would have barely taken a look at the tires and said - sorry, you need new ones! He also showed me how to change the tires/tubes myself, and I appreciated the lesson.
I'll be back there to buy a lock and a new saddle. Thank you Eric! :-) -
Review from JOE B.
Richmond, CA
7/16/2011
Messy store, poorly stocked, and not even any room to move around and look at products.
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Review from Sean O.
1/16/2010
Thankfully I don't rely on my bicycle to live... I would have starved to death or gotten fired in the last week. I have been to PH cyclery on two separate occasions and wasn't too impressed with the service in either visit.
First visit was a few months back as I was in the market for a new bike for the lady. I walked in with some general questions and much like the other reviewers was greeted with blank stares. I couldn't tell who worked there and it looked like it was a place for people to meet and chat more than a bike shop. I wandered around looking at the selection of bikes for some time before I sought out someone to help. The help they gave was to simply refer me to a host of websites. One would think there are some common probing questions to ask to help determine your customers need and then make a far more definitive suggestion as to styles/brands. Eh. It's a bike shop not Ritz Carlton, they aren't known for their exceptional customer service.
The second trip was for a simple bike repair. I had a bum cable that needed to be replaced so I could get into my higher gears without needing a vise grip. I dropped the bike off on a Thursday and was told that the repair would be complete by Saturday. Saturday came and went, so did Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I called a couple times to check the status and was told each time: "We only have mechanics on certain days and people keep walking in." Understood. However, if that is the case, why tell your customers that the repair will be done in two days? Simply set the expectation up front that there could be delays. Classic case of overpromised and underdelivered. When I finally did call a 3rd time 8 days after I dropped it off I was finally told it was ready and that they couldn't call me because my number had a different area code. Huh??
To be fair, the repair was done well and at a reasonable cost and the bike is running in tip top shape. The price was also reasonable. With some work in the customer service department this place could be great.Comment from Eric A. of Pleasant Hill Cyclery 3/6/2010
We offer overnight service at an upcharge for all repairs… More » -
Review from John J.
Walnut Creek, CA
5/9/2008
I will co-sign the reviews already done, but thought I should add this:
This is the ONLY shop in the area to get real fit work done. Eric will fit you to your current bike from the Cleat position up. No-one else can or will take the time to do this in the area, unless you want to drive out to Sacramento or Davis or some place.
Call ahead for this service--Eric will stay late to make sure you are taken care of and personally does all fittings or he will recommend a time during the week when he anticipates he can best take care of you. I have had this done twice and the adjustments he made greatly improved my comfort on the bike. When I switched from Look pedals to Speedplay I had him do the set up and I am very glad I did. Eric always takes the time to do it right.
Eric and crew are eccentric and retro-grouchy, but very cool. Eric will also fit you for a new bike or make recommendations for bikes. He will also set you up with a custom. If my memory serves me right he can get you a Mikkelsen or a custom Serrotta or Seven.
This shop also made an emergency repair on my commute rig for me on New Years Eve. They took a job no-one else would take at a time when no-one else would take it and turned it as a rush..so, yeah, maybe they are a bit gouchy, but they get it, big time.
I have heard people from all over the bay area and from all levels of the sport recommend Eric's services. I say treat them right and it will pay rewards, and if you are asking Eric for fit services, bring a 6-er of Good Beer. Good Beer is to mechanics like Phil Wood's Grease is to Old Campy Bottom Bracket Bearings...just makes everything smoother. -
Review from Karl T.
Albany, CA
8/8/2010
Pleasant Hill Cyclery is an excellent place for bicycle service and Eric is one of the best mechanics I've ever met. He helped me on a project for a very long time, sold me everything I needed at a great price and shared his extensive knowledge with me on the first time into his shop, something most guys won't do.
Pleasant Hill Cyclery is my new favorite LBS in the Bay Area and it's worth the drive every time. -
Review from rich s.
CA
6/25/2011
I just moved to Walnut Creek from San Francisco. I finally am able to ride my old bike that I've had since 1994. I've been loving the weather out here and was out for a ride along the canal trail when my tire blew out. I was about 3 miles from home and I didn't want to walk my bike all the way back so I used my GPS on my phone to look for the closest bike shop. As I was pushing my bike through the neighborhood a really cool guy getting ready to go on a bike ride with his wife/girlfriend noticed I had a flat. He asked me if I needed some air to get me as far as the bike shop. While he was filling my tire up, I told him I was heading to a bike shop and he said I need to go to the shop next to the Rotten Robbie Gas Station on Contra Costa Blvd. At the time I didn't know which bike shop I was headed to and I just agreed politely. After my tire was filled I made it to Contra Costa Blvd and I saw the Rotten Robbie Gas Station so I turned off my GPS and just headed in that direction. I figured in this day of reviews and social media that I would trust this nice person who helped me out and go to the shop he recommended. When I walked into the Pleasant Hill Cyclery I was greeted right away by the owner and another long time regular named Andy, I think. I thought it was great that they were both interested in my bike and right away wanted to help. I was sent over to their mechanic who checked my bike out and gave me a replacement inner tube. It was fixed in no time and I was vey pleased. I actually hung out for a bit since we all started talking. I noticed there was a 6 pack of Sam Adams sitting on the counter that was apparently a gift from the customer who was in there. How cool is that. I get my flat tir pumped up by someone who recommends the Pleasant Hill Cyclery. I get helped right away and then another customer who likes the shop enough to give the gang there a 6 pack is hanging out. They were nice enough to offer me a beer (Sam Adams Summer Ale). It was delicious and refreshing after my flat tire adventure. As I hung out, I saw various people come in and ask questions. I found the staff to be very knowledgeable and helpful. They even referred some people to the hardware store down the street to get a part for cheap. The guys at the Pleasant Hill Cyclery were just so casual and nice that I told them I was going to write this review. They were very appreciative and they told me some of the details about those folks who left the negative reviews. Upon hearing the shop owners side of the story and reading the reviews on Yelp. I'm going to side with the shop owners. They couldn't have been nicer, more helpful not to mention helping out a weary traveler with a cold beer. I will definitely be back. Oh, and by the way, I've had a Yelp Account for a few years now, but this is the first time I've been genuinely prompted to write a review. I told the guys at the shop that I'd written other reviews, but honestly I've had the account so long I could have sworn I wrote some but I guess not. Anyway, I will certainly be back and tell others and maybe drop by with a 6 pack gift also : )
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Review from Aurelio Y.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/22/2011
I decided to go in here because of the rating on yelp. I bought a bike off the Internet and had some trouble getting the brakes adjusted. The gentleman in there, seemed to be the only person in the shop (which is fine) but he gave off the impression that we were a bother.
After explaining to him that I needed the brakes adjusted, and help needing a bike seat put together he then proceeded to help about FOUR other people before attempting to touch my bike. I asked if it was better for me to come back at another time, and he said "No" and some smart ale-ck remark to follow.
He made some off-color and inappropriate jokes, complained about the crappy quality of my and many other bikes that are purchased on-line (Which definitely wasn't necessary or needed). And made the whole experience awkward and uncomfortable.
He did end up fixing the issue for the most part - but I am shocked at such a high rating of reviews for their service, which was not present during my visit.
I will not return to this location or recommend it. -
Review from Z R.
Concord, CA
9/17/2009
I bought a road bike online and took it to Eric to be put together and tuned. I did my price shopping and Encina said they would charge around $100, Traction Bikes said they would charge anywhere from $40 to $100 depending on what needed to be done. I called Eric and from his experience he had a very good idea about what needed to be done to put together the bike and he was straight up with me from the beginning. His rate is $1 per minute and he told me over the phone that it would take him about 20 minutes to put the whole thing together. Sure enough that is exactly how long it took him. Plus he made sure every single thing was done before I left the store.
Overall, Eric will not give you the run around, you will get honest, well priced and expert service from him.
PS: Traction Bikes said that they have a two weeks turn around for bikes when I called. With Eric I went into the store at 6:40 pm and walked out at 7:00 pm with everything done. -
Review from Curt L.
San Francisco, CA
9/3/2008
I got my Specialized Hardrock at this shop and if/when I get my road bike, I'm coming back to Pleasant Hill Cyclery.
The pricing on my bike was very competitive (even though I knew I wanted it when I laid eyes on it). They made dropping half a grand on a bike more the easier with the lifetime tune-up service for bikes purchased from them and the free squeeze bottles.
I brought my bike in after taking a nasty spill on a ride and they patched everything up for me. The bike felt good as new after the broken hand healed and I was back on the road in no time.
If you're looking for a GREAT bike shop with friendly and knowledgeable staff, be sure to make a visit to Pleasant Hill Cyclery. -
Review from emme n.
Concord, CA
3/13/2010
Bike people can be so elitist sometimes :/ I was a bit turned off about purchasing a bike after walking in here...
Otherwise, they do know a lot and definitely seem like the best place to get your bike fixed around here. -
Review from Tim M.
Richmond, CA
2/28/2008
Overall, great shop! Eric has forgotten more than most shop mechanics have learn in their years in the bike biz. Truely a great mechanic...with a surly bedside manner.
Jennifer P. is totally correct about the crew, especially Eric....don't take it personally. (Plus a six of nice import beer speaks volumes!) If you're in a hurry, wait...wait until you have a some time to kill. Once you have established yourself as a true customer, you'll get some of the best service in the industry.
The shop has been there for years, whether if was down the street or in it's current location, and in a industry of cut throats....Eric has survived. This is NOT Walmart or REI....PHC is there to help... encourage and support the cyclist. He is not in the position to be a discounter....that's a Big Box mentality!
I drive pass many shops to continue to frequent PHC. Support the local shop... PHC is one of the last few independent bike shops out there.... -
Review from Ash P.
Danville, CA
5/3/2010
I could not sleep without writing about this insult today so here I am at 1am still thinking about the audacity of this place.
Although I must admit that, I do not feel as bad after reading a few other reviews with really poor rating and exact scenarios.
So after researching for a few weeks we decided not to go as far as redwood city to buy but to stick to local shops and so drove down to to TRACTION BIKES on one fine Sunday, but unfortunately they were closed !!! So we saw CYCLERY in the same plaza and walked in. Not even into the shop we were greeted with a "hello, and can I help you with something" , since we wanted to see what we" if/we" liked anything we casually said " let us first look around and we'll let you know"....moments after, i mean literally 3 steps into the store and mind it, the store isn't a Big one, I heard some guy very loudly say "I'M GONNA PUT A BIG ASS SIGN THAT READS THERE'S NOTHING TO SHOW HERE--WE ONLY HAVE CUSTOM MADE BIKES" ,I turned and saw this guy stand in the middle of the doorway with his hands flying high in the air blurting out these words... i really had to say to myself "is this really happening, omg!" I suddenly felt very very very insulted . No one should say something like that to someone who walked into that place as a Customer .....
I do not know if this guy, "supposedly the owner" which we came to know later on, was in a bad mood or generally is a TOTAL jerk lost 2 potential customers because of his attitude.
So, as i was looking around the same rude guy came around and asked me what kind of bike i had now?when i said none, he showed me a road bike and went on to say "but many don't like the shape of the handle" ...... I said "i don;t like them either.. because i really am not comfortable with them," immediately he looked at the other customer who he was chatting when we entered and says " I knew it..., am I psychic or what" then he goes on to say that these bikes are $900and more and that they cannot match the prices of bikes that are sold in target or walmart.....WHAT!!!!!!!? excuse me, why was he saying that--??judgmental or what!!! And believe me he was not joking or trying to keep me as a customer when he was saying all of this.
anyways, they really had no selection of bikes and they kept showing one kind , probably they wanted to get rid off. My point is,even if they don;t know how much i wanted to spend on the bike and/ if I was willing to spend thousands of dollars or not, I still want to look around and be sure of it before I randomly spend it on whatever they show it to me.
Bottom line, the owners attitude was unacceptable,unsatisfactory and substandard.
So, if any one still wants to go there to "look around" before spending their hard earned dollars be prepared for some insult .....
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This one star was given ONLY to this guy who helped us out...the store and the Owner's attitude gets a big ZERO. -
Review from Monica G.
Martinez, CA
8/14/2008
I don't think I've ever been here before, but I'm glad I did. I looked at four bike stores for tires that are moderately priced for the quality. I have a 30 year old bike so finding the parts I want is not fun. These guys had the best price for the best quality. Nearly the same quality as the store down the road for $25 less per tire. They were friendly and honest about my bike and the selection of parts. The owner knows a lot and will share with you.
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Review from Ivan C.
Dublin, CA
2/10/2011
Walked in and was bombarded with car salesman tactics. Within the first minute (literally) the guy was saying, "here it is for $899. just pay now and you'll have a bike tomorrow!" also, if you're going to bash cannondale, you should take those huge cannondale banners down from the front of your store.
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Review from miss e.
Oakland, CA
4/25/2010
If you are looking for a NEW bike and want to possibly take one for a test drive, feel it and see it in person before you make the purchase... this isn't the place, they do not inventory new bikes. (huh?) They have a small selection of used bikes in need of some love and a bath. However, they did explain that if you know exactly what you want they are happy to special order your bike. The repairs are quick and relatively inexpensive.
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Review from Peter L.
Los Altos, CA
8/15/2008
I got a custom frame for my daily commute bike built by Bernie Mikkelsen and he recommended Eric to build it up. Eric accommodated to my schedule and stayed up late to finish the job (I live over an hour away) and did all the little things right during assembly, and didn't even mind my watching. And he did a nice job of the final fitting (the initial fitting had been done at Mikkelsen's -- but Eric has a similar adjustable sizing cycle).
Eric was also fast at responding to my emails while I was learning about the various components I needed to specify (I left the decision on some components up to him, and they were the right choice). He could have up-sold me on all kinds of things but he didn't -- just gave me good value for money.
As to the bike -- well, I can't credit Eric for the frame geometry -- but on my first ride to work, I was about 20% faster with less effort and more comfort than on my old bike (I didn't believe my watch -- but when I made even better time the next day, I had to believe it). It really pays to get good components and a good fit.
People run "local bike shops" because they like bikes, not because they want to get rich. So, expect a bit of quirkiness (although Eric is much less quirky than other shops I've dealt with), but you'll be rewarded by getting a much better bike for your money.
Eric is also a dealer for Seven Cycles.
refs: http://www.sevencycles... http://www.mikkelsenfr... http://www.sfgate.com/... -
Review from jonny s.
Pleasant Hill, CA
8/31/2009
Very good work, slight slow service - but then again - it's a bike store - what do you expect??? It's not a fed -ex overnight service. Great work once it was done - would have been 5 stars if it had been done "on time". My buddy bought a nice Sana Cruz and was very happy with price and after-sale service.
I'm adding this comment later : GREAT work on my bike. It is still riding solid, which is very impressive - I put a beating on it. It hasn't ridin so well in years. THANKS!!!!Comment from Eric A. of Pleasant Hill Cyclery 9/2/2009
We do offer overnight service like FedEx. Similar to first… More » -
Review from Jennifer P.
Oakland, CA
9/11/2007
I personally really like this shop. I have been going there since I first started road biking last year. They were the only local shop that was open on Sat, go figure. I did not buy my bike from them, since it was a gift for XMAS, but I go there for everything else. Tubes, saddle, repairs, tune ups, whatever. They guys there are really great. Eric, the head honcho, is an interesting person. He may come off as brash and dry, but he really knows his crap. He will really spend the time with you and set you up right. I mean using a goniometer, proper measurements, clete setting, the works. He is great with little trouble items too, he can always figure out the problem. And, if you have something nagging wrong with your bike and he has a few minutes, he will do it right then. Steve is one of the other guys that I really like. He has spent tons of time with me working out saddle choice issues, flat tire changing training, small purchases and just general cycling knowledge exchange (or sponging on my part). He is very personable and really knows his stuff. He will tell you that he is partial to certain brands, but will help you with anything you need. Again, a bit dry, but a very good person. You can not take their personalities to personally, they are dry and sarcastic, but who cares, they know their cycling gear and do it. They both have been road and mtn biking for years and can really give some good information and advice. As for the couple youngins in there, heck, they get to do some of the labor on the bikes. They need jobs too, you know, and who better to learn from than Eric and Steve.
Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Lady Of The Villa G.
Pleasant Hill, CA
10/11/2008
This is a great little shop. Each time I've been in there I've gotten great service. The place is tiny, hardly room to walk around, but they are friendly and know their stuff.
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Review from Larry B.
Danville, CA
12/9/2008
I've got a Cannondale with Hope Disc Brakes, which are sort of high-end and very difficult to work on (but great brakes). I had a leak and took the bike into Pleasant Hill yesterday. Eric, the owner, helped me out immediately and started taking the whole thing apart. I had to go, but he repaired it to perfection, calling me a couple of hours later to tell me my bike was ready. ANY other shop would have had to call Hope (in England) and it would have taken days. Oh, and he charged me less than $35 for the repair. He's probably the best mechanic in the Bay Area, which is saying a lot with all the bike shops here. He has over 30 years experience. If I can afford a new bike in '09 (or '10), I'm buying it from Eric and Pleasant Hill Cyclery. He knows everything about every manufacturer it seems.
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Review from richard c.
Lafayette, CA
8/24/2009
pretty good shop for service from my experience, and they try to get things right. a bit quirky at times, but hey that's part of the fun in going to an lbs!
