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Exp 2/28
Tue-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Ugh! My bike was just stolen!! The only happy side to this is knowing I can count on Recycle Bicycle for another tall, affordable commuter bike! More soon after my visit...
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UPDATE: I went to the shop and was outfitted with a killer bike that completely suits my commuter bike needs! They also hooked me up with additional equipment & some free adjustments (seat and lock and basket and lights!).
$$$$$ tip: This was the only bike shop I visited (of 5 total) that didn't try to sell me on a more expensive bike than my budget allowed. I actually had to ask adamantly for a most costly set of lights (to which they obliged); but they started every suggestion out at the low end of the price scale. LOVE IT!
Bought the best bike of my life today. As a very tall lass, they accommodated my legginess and… Read more »
While I can appreciate the fact that there is a whole store dedicated to used bikes, I simply did not find a deal here. First of all, their cheapest used bikes start at $229.
I walked in and was greeted promptly by a very nice employee. I told him that I was thinking about buying a new Trek hybrid for $340 and asked if he had anything similar, but cheaper. While he was looking around trying to locate something, I saw a really cute Trek (sky blue, lots of character). I asked him how much that bike was going for and he told me that someone had placed it on hold, but it was $249.
I have to admit that I was a tad shocked that a used Trek was only $90 cheaper than the new one I had been eyeing and I asked him why the price was still so high. He explained that the used bikes usually come to them so badly worn down and beaten up that it takes them quite a bit of time and parts to make it safe for riding again. I'm glad that they put to much careful time and effort into repairing the bikes, but I just couldn't justify that price. I *am* a starving student, but I just don't see the point of buying a used bike when I can spend less than $100 more for one that is brand spanking new. Honestly, if I could get a used Trek for 1/2 the retail price of a new one ($170 or so), I would buy one in a second.
These folks are perfectly friendly, but I was less than impressed with the quality and speed of their service. I dropped off my bike to be reassembled from a box (I had just moved)--and it took them 6 business days to put it back together, despite repeated reassurances that "it would be ready the next day." They also forgot to give me back my helmet, which was included in the box. On the plus side: they didn't force any unneeded fixes on me and they hooked me up with some free pedals.
Their bikes are also surprisingly pricey for being "recycled": you can't get anything there for less than $200, which to me seems like they're trying to get away with selling a $100 bike with a hipster tax on top.
This is a great place to buy a bike, or get the one you own repaired.
I was in the market to buy the first bicycle in of adult life. The only things I'd owned in the past were purchased as a gift by my parents from Toys-R-Us. I'm not going to lie, I'm am FAR From bike-savvy. However, I knew I wanted something that could be used for trail-riding as well as a commuter bike to get me around town. Their staff was knowledgeable and helped me pick out several bikes in my price range and let me try them all out. I'm now a proud owner of a used bike with brand spankin' new tires, disk brakes, and saddle.
I took my old bicycle in for adjustment and tune up plus a headlight. They had such a selection of stuff and were pretty friendly. I browsed all their used bikes and found an AWESOME light weight almost new bike for what I consider a really good price. It came with 90 warranty AND SERVICE FOLLOW-UP plus free accessories installation. I came back a month later to get a comfy seat, fenders, etc. All installed for free. Have since gone back still within warranty period to adjust my breaks after heavy use and that was free too. They are a very busy store so have to leave it overnight. They only recommendation I have for them is to hire a morning shift person and open the store earlier. Bike rides tend to be a day time activity and I usually notice I need something in the morning and have to wait till 11 when they open.
Went here with the intention of renting a bike, but they had such good deals on bikes that were actually small enough for me that I ended up getting a used one - my first since I was a kid! The sales guy was very friendly, informative and made me feel I was actually making the right purchase for me. He even replaced the existing seat with with one that fit me better for free.
I'd definitely recommend coming here for a good price on a used bike or for bike rental in the Berkeley area (half the price of Mike's). Also, they have a deal where you can get a certain % of your bike's price back if you return it within a certain number of days - a good option for visitors and short-term students that need a bike.
This place is awesome! they need better store hours for people with day jobs, but that's the only fault I can find in the place.
My first experience with this place was when I was looking to find a bicycle for my fiancée. she hadn't bout a new bike in years (neither had I for that matter) and didn't exactly know what she wanted. The staff was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. they answered all our questions and even let us ride 4 or 5 different bikes till we found the right bike for my future misses. All of this occurred on a sunday after noon while they were very busy, not once did they make anyone feel like they were too busy to accommodate their customers.
My second experience was to get my bike fixed up. I'd had it since I was 15 and never once taken it in for service. it was beat up, needed new brake pads, a new chain, everything greased and tightened. it was kind of a shambles. so I went in on a friday morning when I had the day off to see about getting it fixed. A man named patrick took a look at it, talked to me for about 3 minutes and walked me through everything that needed done. all in all he said it was going to take 1 week and $60 to get my bike up to snuff. that already seemed like a low number to me but I went with it having been pleased with their service before.
sure enough, the next wednesday, 2 days early. they said my bike was ready. AWESOME! but I work during the days and their hours don't exactly work well for the 9-5 crowd. so they say they'll hold the bike as long as necessary and I can get it on the weekend or whenever I get out of work early.
to day I got off early, went right there, and pay for my bike...$57. so not only was the work over and done with 2 days early, but it was cheaper than the initial quote too. I took the bike for a ride around town and it handled like it was brand new.
Excellent little neighborhood bike shop.
This is a great place for people who love bikes. The people who work there possess tremendous knowledge about bikes and are happy to share it. They have great customer service, friendly atmosphere, and a good selection of bikes to look at. They were happy to help me pick out a bike, try it and advise me on what bike was best me.
The best part of it all was riding my new used bike today and realizing how well they had repaired it. The breaks were perfect, it shifted gears quickly and seamlessly. It felt just like a new bike.
I know just as much about bikes as I do about cars. And that is very little.
Recycle Bicycle is my savior. Number one, they are not a hipster-laden store full of two wheel pretension. Me, myself, and my body completely devoid of any abstract and silly dinosaur tattoos immediately felt comfortable in the welcoming environment.
I was helped by Patrick the last two times I went there, but it seems like the service is great across the board. I was not forced to buy a bike over my means, but was rather shown amazing options that fit my price range and style. In fact, the second time I went in, I brought the crappy piece o' crap bike I bought off of craigslist. While the store offered to fix it up and work with what they had to save me money , I was the one who insisted on getting a new pair of wheels. Repeat that: I was the one who insisted. Furthermore, when I went to switch my bikes, the crate I had on my old bike for transporting goods would not fit on my new bike. Instead of telling me I was SOL, they offered to pick up the part I needed and install it for free the next time they went to get new parts. Now, that's great customer service.
In the process of getting my bike, Patrick explained everything in detail. As a newbie bicyclist, I feel better on the streets and know I have a great bike shop to go back to when necessary. I like being able to trust the places I get my "bigger" purchases from and I can say without any hesitation that I would support this shop over and over again.
To quote the amazing 80's movie Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: "It's the safest thing you'll ever have in between your legs!"
Howard is a pillar of the community and tries really hard, but doesn't have the best business sense and can be frustrating to deal with if, say, you need a part and have been working with him for 6+ months to get it.
Otherwise, if you need an inexpensive set of wheels and are new to bikes, go see him.
Very nice people working there! They will help you with anything and make your bike as functional as you want it to be. They have been working with me on a bunch of projects, they are not always the fastest, but definitely the nicest and most reasonable.
Not fancy. No hipsters. Just some really nice and helpful bike mechanics.
I've never not had attitude in a bike shop. This place is a gem.
The mechanic Howard, actually showed in detail me how to make the repair I needed so next time I could do it myself. Thanks Howard! You rock!
Pretty sweet selection of bikes too!
Had a problem where the bottom bracket was coming out (I know... random, but it can happen if overgreased). I rode to the shop, the mechanic took my bike and had it fixed within 20 minutes.
No wait. No bullsh*t about proving I was under their warranty. Amazing.
Bike shopping is one of the most stressful things I've ever done. So many shops. So many unhelpful… Read more »
Best experience I've ever had at a bike shop! (except for the schwinn in el sobrante when I was 16 and my buddies there would buy me 40's)
Seriously, Howard is THE MAN.
He get the most knowledgeable bike mechanic in the East Bay award from me. If there's something that he doesn't know off the top of his head he'll find out for you.
One thing about this place is you gotta have patience. These guys are always busy but they do excellent work.
Support Recycles, they deserve it!
I went to Montano Velo before Thanksgiving ... a month later they called to let me know that a derailleur that they had ordered for me was now on back order with their dealer and not coming in soon. Wow. Really? Amazing.
I took my bike to Recycle bicycle last week because my gears just weren't working ... or hardly at all. I asked them to fix that, hook me up with some drop down handle bars and tune it up a bit for me. That was last Saturday 1/10. The guy told me that they would be able to get to it on Tuesday. They called me on Thursday and said that it would be ready before 6. I couldn't make it in ... I went today 1/17, a week later ... got a used derailleur, used down handle bars with the brake lines under the tape (sexy), a tune up ... and ... they charged me $36!!
That's love. Needless to say ... I will not be using another bike shop.
Word.
Since moving to Albany/NorthBerkeley area, I wanted to get a bike to take advantage of the bike routes/trails in the area. I hadn't ridden a bike in a few years and the last time I rode a bike, I was on a pink cruiser and totally ate sh%$ after crossing an intersection where I'm sure drivers either gasped or laughed their ass off after seeing me fall.
I didn't want to spend an arm and a leg on a bike so I came across Recycle Bicycles. I checked them out on a Saturday afternoon. There were a few customers already being helped and only a couple of sales associates on the floor but they multi-task and help out customers at the same time.
One of the staff members showed me a bike, answered all my questions, explained how the shop refurbishes the bikes, and fitted me on the bike. It seemed like a good deal - $250 for a hybrid Specialized bike. He told me that they would call when it was ready to be picked up.
Well, the following Wed., I got a call from the shop asking if I was still interested in the red Specialized bike because a few people were interested in it. I said that I was. The staff member then said that they could hold the bike until they closed at 6 pm. Well, I wasn't going to be back in Berkeley until the following evening. He said that he could hold it longer if they had a deposit. At this point, I was really frustrated with the shop because no one had told me about the hold process or a deposit. I think he sensed my frustration and worked with me in holding my bike by getting my card number over the phone.
He apologized because the staff member who helped me in selecting the bike was new and no one had informed him of that information. I would think that's one of the first things to let their employees know to disclose to their customers.
I picked up my bike on a Friday afternoon. It looked really great, outfitted with a new seat, gear handles, and brakes. They let me ride my bike around the neighborhood to get a feel for it. I had never ridden a bike with gears on it and the guy who was helping me was not helpful at all in explaining how it worked.
Then another girl helped me select a helmet and a bike lock. They do give student discounts, so if you are one, let them know.
I really liked the concept of a used bicycle shop especially if you aren't sure if you're going to be regular bike rider but the service was so-so depending on who you deal with.
New Bike Day is a special day: a joyous celebration that can be rivalled only by monumental life events like the birth of your first child, your first wedding, and your first... uh, you get my drift.
And the guys at recycle bicycle know, as I do, that the bike need not be new for you to have the full New Bike Day experience.
I'd had my previous road bike for about a year and a half, and I felt it was time to step up to something a little more sophisticated. I'm always up for a deal, so I usually do the craigslist thing - I have a knack for finding little old ladies selling mint condition rides for half their price. Unfortunately, the sweet rides I'd found thus far all seemed a little too big for me, so I went in to Recycle Bicycle to find out, once and for all, what my proper frame size was. Turned out it was 51cm, not 53cm. It was Wednesday, so supposedly they had a lot in stock, but nothing was built yet. They took down my name, frame size, price range, and a brief description of what I was looking for told me to call back later in the week.
Fast forward to Saturday. I give them a call to see what's in stock. They say they have a step-through Nishiki frame. It sounds worth looking at, so I go in. When I get there, the store is packed, but I'm immediately acknowledged and have someone showing me the frame about a minute later. The bike was not at all what I wanted (heavy, stem shifters, suicide brakes), and I told them that I don't know much about bikes, but I don't like any of those things and would prefer a nicer bike. I looked around and saw a blue Atala leaning against a folder. I asked if someone had brought it in to be fixed or if it was for sale. Just my luck: it was for sale! And it was my size! Immediately they adjusted the seat and handlebars so I could ride it.
After a test-ride, I was in love (partially with the cutie making the minor adjustments to the bike, but mostly with the bike itself). The mechanic told me I could buy it as-is for $290 or have them run a full tune-up (new brakes, derailleur cables, tires, etc.) for $35. I decided to go with the latter, 'cause I don't like surprises, especially of the "something's broken" variety.
Now, let's pause for a moment. I just moved from Philly. Over there, the same tune-up would cost 10 bucks more and would take FOUR DAYS. And the mechanics tend to sneer at your ride, no matter what it is.
Imagine my shock when this friendly young fellow told me that it would be ready in an hour. Imagine my shock when the other mechanic readily answered my questions about the bike's date of origin and components (hey, just 'cause I don't know a lot about bikes doesn't mean I'm not trying to learn!)
In sum: you won't get the deal of a lifetime here. You'll get that on craigslist with a lot of hard work, and that deal will probably cost you more than you realize in terms of maintenance, unless you know a lot about bicycle mechanics. What you will get here: a fair deal, a reasonably priced bike, friendly and expedient service, a 90 day warranty (Craigslist doesn't have that), free tunes/repairs in those 90 days.
Coming here, I felt like people went out of their way to make sure I was a happy and informed cyclist. I'll definitely be back in for tune-ups and their classes, starting in October!
Writing this update makes me feel like I'm badmouthing an old friend. But this place has just gotten too busy and popular for its own good.
It turns out the bike they sold me, the one I had been so happy with, had a crack in the frame. It was not just careless of them to sell a bike with a cracked frame--it was dangerous. Their bikes have a 90-day warranty, so they knew they were responsible for fixing the situation. The owner said he would be able to get the frame replaced and gave me a less-nice loaner bike.
After about two months of being told "we'll get to it soon," I got fed up and brought the loaner bike back and requested my money back or a new bike. They said they had another bike that wasn't quite ready for me to have yet, but they let me test ride it and said they'd call me when it was ready.
They didn't call me. Instead, when my friend called a week later about his bike (they said they'd call him, but of course didn't), they said "tell your friend her bike is ready." I went for another test ride and had the pedals jam, almost throwing me off the bike. The shop said it was my fault because I hadn't shifted completely. Then, they told me that there would be a price difference between the first bike and this one. Um, what? Why didn't you tell me this when you first offered me this bike?
I was told to take the bike home but bring in my copy of the receipt later (because they couldn't find a record of how much I'd paid for the first bike) to pay the difference. In the meantime, I rode the bike, the pedals jammed up and I was thrown off the bike. My friend realized they had wrapped the gear cable around the front reflector, which meant that when I turned it would go out of gear and jam up.
Bring back my receipt and pay the difference? Yeah, right. I think that weeks of being jerked around, being given two problem bikes (problems that would have been avoided had they taken the time to inspect them properly), and getting scars on my elbow and knee make up for any price difference, thanks.
I'm guess I'm just another satisfied Recycle Bicycle fan. But can you blame me?
After having moved…
Read more »
aye. dude was hot and nice... 5 stars.
hahah jk. no, seriously though. he was.
i came here looking for a drop bar and stem. i wish i knew the guys' name but all the workers there were nice anyway, so it doesnt matter who helps you. i was looking for something used because im on a budget and i have a beater bike anyway.. im not a pro and not trying to be. he pulled out a drop bar with a stem for only $25. that's a really good deal for both. i asked him if he can install it in for me real quick since i didnt have the right tools to do it myself, and he did. he offered to schedule my bike to get the handles properly adjusted and stuff, but i needed my bike the next morning. im planning on getting my handles fixed sometime soon and i'll definitely come back here again and for anything else too.
they also have good bikes too. so... check out the cute/nice guy. hahaha
Everyone that works is so helpful and approachable. Tim(?) helped me find a bike and encouraged me to ride a few of them around the block to see how they felt. I was pretty indecisive because I am not knowledgeable about bikes (gasp!). Hey, I've never bought a bike before. My last bike was brown, orange and gold with a banana seat in 1984 and my dad bought it. There was an old, ugly vintage one with tons of character that I just wanted to take care of, and a new reliable bike with everything I needed. I was riding around and staring at both of them for a while and there was absolutely no pressure from any of the employees which was quite refreshing. I got a great deal on the new bike with a manufacturers warranty and a year warranty with the shop. Love this place. Ed McMahon and I give it 5 stars ;)
I have been bike shopping for about 6 months. I am not a serious cyclist, but I wanted something good and stylie.
I tried road bikes, new bikes, used bikes, mixte bikes, etc. I finally bought my bike at Recycled yesterday. Yay!
They showed me dozens of used frames and helped me choose the perfect one. Then they built it out for me to my specifications. I love my new bike.
An enthusiastic 5 stars.
-R
I think Recycle Bicycle worked hard to deserve this two. I am usually very forgiving with my reviews.
All was well, at first. I'm short, and was looking for a smaller steel frame. I was taken to the site of their new shop (in construction) across the street and there were just tons and tons of bikes there, waiting to get fixed up. I dragged out a 1970 Raleigh Grand Prix in my size and the guy helping me said, no problem, they'll fix it up and I can come back in two days to test-ride it. Great!
I come back two days later and they told me they were missing a small part, and asked if I could come back in two hours. It wasn't totally convenient, but what can I do? I came back in three hours, and the bike was barely worked-on. They seriously had done almost nothing. This wasn't about needing a small part. They told me that they'd gotten the part, but that the mechanic working on my bike had wandered off and nobody knew where he was. Ok.
I was told that it would be ready the next day, and that they'd give me a call. At that point, I predicted that I wouldn't even receive that call. I was right.
My entire experience summed up: ehh. Do yourself a favor and buy yourself a used bike from a non-shady seller on Craigslist and get it checked out at one of the better bike shops in the area.
After having the pleasure of shopping at Recycled Cycles in Seattle, I was underwhelmed with Berkeley's similarly named counterpart.
The used parts section is basically a bunch of salvage from department store bikes, precariously organized in a utility closet.
As has been mentioned, the prices are hit or miss. Used handlebars for $3? Sweet. "New" 17 year old front derailleur, $27? No, thanks. Woman's Magna Complete bike with original Wal-Mart parts? $200, for real?
The staff was friendly, if disorganized. The clerk I was working with had to run to the manager for prices on pretty much all the parts I was interested in, which was off-putting.
This place would probably do well for someone looking to purchase a serviced used bike, but make sure you go with someone who can spot a lousy price.
Sometimes this place rocks, and sometimes its like knocking your head against a wall. Ive found obscure parts that cost a buck, and ive waited around for an hour because they get caught up in so many projects they forget which is which.
Very friendly staff, but they could use some organization or something?
Walked out with a used bicycle over $200 feeling kind of jipped..
I should have looked around other shops, I think I could have gotten a better deal, especially since they are used bikes.
but i was desperate...and I felt like I overpaid for a department store quality bike. had i been offered the bike for 50-100 bucks less, i'd be happier.
But the staff is friendly. this place is probably good for buying used parts though.
Wow, this place was great. My hubby and I went there looking for an inexpensive used bike. We didn't want something with 1000 gears, just something to ride around on during the weekend and some commuting to BART. They were really helpful, no pressure and answered all of our questions. And because of this, they sold us two bikes. They have a 90 day warranty and you can bring the bike back in that time and exchange it if you don't feel like you're getting the best ride. My advice is go there - they're not pretentious, they're not oh you should only by this $1000 dollar bike, nope you won't find that here.
These guys were so helpful and nice, I was totally blown away. It was crowded and busy and they had a lot to do, but the dudes helped me choose the bike, spent all kinds of time helping me choose different options for baskets (who knew there were so many ways to haul a sack of groceries on your bike?) and even installed not only the basket I bought there but also the holder for a lock I'd bought elsewhere.
Plus, when the holder from my self-provided lock broke, they traded me in on a new lock, even though it was so clearly not their responsibility. And the mechanic that attached the basket also spent about 10 minutes helping me fit the bike into my little car, going back and forth from my car to the shop more than once to get the right part.
It was the most fun way to get a new bike, and I was happy to see that they were as busy as they were -- it means they're getting the attention they deserve. If you go, you should leave yourself some time, as the whole process does take a while (I think I must've spent at least an hour there altogether) but this is a bike you'll be spending (hopefully) a lot of time with, so it's worth it.
Thanks guys!
After checking out a few bike shops, we were lucky enough to run into Recycle Bicycle. I am so glad we found this place. The workers here are all very helpful and willing to share their knowledge to us. I found Howard to be particularly helpful throughout the entire process of fitting me and my fiancee our very first bikes. He spent a great deal of time teaching us the basic workings in how to shift gears and how to maintain our bikes. If anyone comes to this shop ask for Howard! He has a wealth of knowledge regarding bikes and is willing to teach you!
This store has one of the greatest policies as well! You can buy your bike here, any bike that fits you and try it out for 30 days. If you aren't satisfied...which I highly doubt...you can bring it back for an exchange. They are more than willing to accommodate your every needs. I brought my bike back here after trying it out for a week and they changed the tires so it matched and the handlebar position for free.
We both highly recommend this place to buy your bikes. Whether your a new cyclist like us or a veteran, this place will have your every need!
This place doesn't look like much from the outside. It's easy to drive past it without ever realizing that it's there, and that's just what I've been doing for over a year. I've been driving past this place twice a day, at least twice a week, for over a year and I never noticed it being there - until my girlfriend's bike got stolen a couple of weeks ago. Then it seemed to magically appear. Funny how easy it is to miss things when you're not really looking.
It doesn't look like much once you get inside, either. They've got a small storefront, with maybe 20-25 bikes on view, tops - and a good third of them in various states of disassembly and apparent disrepair. But once again, it's funny what you miss if you're not looking.
This place is great, and Howard (i think he must be at least a co-owner) is a big part of the reason why. You'll get no sales pitch from this guy. No pressure, either. Just tell him what you're looking for and he'll say something like, "...hmm. Yeah. I think we have something like that in the back. Hold on a sec..." Then he'll disappear into what I can only assume is either a decent-sized room packed floor-to-ceiling with all types of used bikes, or some sort of hyperspace black-hole-type-room like Ramona Flowers' bag in "Scott Pilgrim". I really don't know where they keep these bikes they have because their space is so small, but he came right back with a bike that was, in a lot of ways, everything we were looking for. Except it wasn't all working at the time. So he asked us if we could wait until the next day, and he'd have the shop get it in working order.
We went back today, and it was ready for us. They let us take it out on as many test rides as we needed, and each time we came back, he tweaked it a bit more - each time explaining everything that he was doing and why it needed to be done. It was like a laid-back lesson in how to own a bike from a good friend, which is kinda how we felt about Howard by the time we left. With the bike. Totally happy.
Their prices seem beyond reasonable. It may not be the fanciest bike shop around, but I can't imagine getting better service, and we left with what we were looking for, having spent less than we'd budgeted.
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 want to be stuck with bad service or a mediocre bike.
I was looking for a commuter bike and they gave me such great, outstanding and friendly service that I will definitely go back. 90-day warranty on the bike which is seriously generous. This place is what every business should be. Low prices, quality products and sharp, friendly staff.
I did not buy my bike here, even though I live right down the street because at the time (2002) their business hours were so inconsistent I could never figure out when to go there. So I bought my bike at the Bent Spoke on University Avenue in Berkeley. Good bike, decent price, lousy service.
After I bought my bike, Recycle started being open on a more or less regular basis, and I was able to walk there from home when I had a flat and needed a new tube. The guy who ran it at the time was as friendly and helpful as he could be, considering every time I went in there it was insanely busy.
When my job moved from downtown Oakland to San Francisco, my bike sat unused in the garage for a few years. Then I got laid off, found a new job in Berkeley, and discovered that it is an easy and safe two mile ride.
Two problems: I can't pump my tires up to more than about 40 PSI with my floor pump, no matter how hard I work, so I've been doing my two miles on underinflated tires. Then, a couple of days ago, my left-hand shifter broke, so I was doing my two miles in gears 1-7. All workable, but not ideal.
So I stopped by Recycles on the way home from work on Thursday night to inquire about a repair. The owner regretted that they would not be able to get to it for three weeks, and gave me a recommendation for an independent mechanic. Then he suggested that I might want to bring my bike by over the weekend, and someone could at least look at it and figure out what was wrong.
Sounded good to me. Saturday was a crazy day so I didn't make it in until Sunday (today). I got there at about ten to noon and they weren't open yet, so I got a coffee at the new cafe down the block, then went back about 20 minutes later. And there was a line out the door. I dediced to wait it out and see if I could at least make an appointment to bring my bike in.
After about 5 minutes, Jake came out of the back room and asked what I needed. The folks in line ahead of me all seemed to be buying tubes and/or tires, so I told Jake about my broken shifter, and he offered to take a look. He put my bike up on a rack and started looking it over. The best thing was that, as he checked things out and made little adjustments here and there, he explained what he was doing.
Anyway, he adjusted a couple of things, said that the shifter was indeed broken but that he could either fix it or replace it if I could leave the bike for a little while. I told him I could leave it there for a few days if he didn't have time to fix it today. He said he would call and let me know one way or the other.
So I left the bike and walked home. Half an hour later, Jake called to say he had replaced the shifter, and did I want him to true my real wheel while the bike was there. I said yes. He said I could pick up my bike at 4:00, and I did.
When I picked up my bike, the owner did the paperwork, and I explained my problem with pumping up my bike tires and asked if they sold portable air compressors. He said no, but that I was welcome to come by the shop and pump up my tires any time. And Jake pumped them up when he did the repairs, so now I am all set.
5 stars.
Re-Cycles is a great small business. i found my current bike there for super cheap ($129) and my girl picked one up from there a few days later for another killer price ($140).
these bikes would have cost at least $200+ in every other bike shop in the bay area (trust me, we looked), but the super-animated woman who runs the place marks her bikes down to an already low price (no haggling allowed).
she might tell you to stop looking at her MnM's that are sitting on the counter, while she shows off her toned body, scolds a small child for riding in the store, rings up a customer while arguing with another on the phone and wishes you a "blessed day" while she trots across Sacramento with a bottle of Miller High Life. she is hands down the ruler of her own queendom and you better not fuck with it or heads will roll.
the older dude who works here is my favorite bike shop employee maybe ever. serious granddad love.
being able to go into the old walk-in freezer and dig through the crates is always a bonus.
check it out.
I was given a 76 Schwinn Speedster as a gift and while it was in descent condition for its age, it was evident that it needed a full service! We've used Recycle for bicycle purchases before and have had great experiences. For under $100 they were able to completely tune my bike and replace quite few old rusty parts. They have a 90 day warranty, guarantee all of their work and have a very knowledgeable staff that can take you through the steps needed to get your bike back up to snuff. I will admit that we have had to bring back my bike because a few things seemed out of whack (hence the four stars), even though, they were kind and were able to fix the glitches in no time. We will continue using Recycle for our future bike needs.
Recycle Bicycle is great. I had not ridden a bike in a long time (over 10 years). I new I wanted a bike but was not sure where to go. These guys are great. No snobby bike shop attitude. Very helpful. Let me take the bikes for a spin around the block. Tim was very sweet and helpful with getting the right frame ( I'm short). Also got a helmet and a lock. I would totally go back again and the 90 warranty is a huge bonus. I 100% recommend this store.
I went here today to look for a used bike for my fiancee. I have an intermediate level knowledge of bikes and found the sales associated to be attentive, honest, and really worked with us to find a used bike in our price range that fit. We ended up walking/riding away with a great used bike that had barely been ridden. They let us try the bikes out before making any decisions and also changed the tires to meet our needs. Great experience. Go Berkeley business and Recycle Bicycle!
They were very nice and gave us the hard sell when we purchased a bike from them but note that they DO NOT TAKE RETURNS and are not up front about that. In fact, if you try to return a bike with them and actually succeed you will pay a "restocking" fee and get chewed out and talked down to. AKA: "I'm not your father!" WHAAAAAT?
They do have an exchange policy that is decent if you can find another bike worth exchanging for - there were not a lot of options for me at the time. If I ever shopped their again (which I won't) I would try out a couple of bikes and then come home and Google it before buying, because the bike they sold us was actually a KIDS BIKE (for a mom?) and not worth much more brand new. EW
If you're looking for a well put together used bike for a good price (with a 30 day guarantee) Recycles Bicycles is the place.
The woman that works there (she may be the owner) is extremely knowledgeable and geeked about bikes.
My one tip: If you see a bike you like, buy it right then and there because it will be gone when you come back. Also, call ahead since the business hours are inconsistent.
The staff was very helpful in finding the right used bike for me. I picked up a used bike in good working order; working shifters, brakes and a nice seat for $275. Perhaps a little on the expensive side for a used bike, but I went around town and this place had the best used selection I could find. They also offer a 90-day warranty.
Again, the staff was really nice and ended the transaction saying, "Welcome to our family!" Nice touch.
Like it says on their door, Re-cycles sells you a fit not a bike.
I was nervous about buying a used bike because I'm no gearhead, but they spent a lot of time helping me find a bike I was comfortable with in my price range. I was also able to buy some used accessories and a helmet. Overall I spent half of what a new bike would have cost me.
The location is pretty close to the Ashby BART station. So you don't have to have a car to get there. That's important to me. I'm happy to recommend Re-Cycles Bike Shop.
This bike shop offers great service and don't give you the normal bike mechanic 'tude you often experience at other shops. They'll show how they repair your bike and have a spare room of parts you can snag to replace old bolts, lock holders and whatnot on your wheels.
Berkeley, CA
Category: Bikes
Neighborhood: Temescal
Category: Bikes
Berkeley, CA
Category: Bikes
Neighborhood: North Oakland
Category: Bikes
Neighborhood: Downtown Berkeley
Category: Bikes
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