Richardson Bike Mart

 

22

70

Rickster C.

Dallas, TX

I have one small problem in life.  (Okay, there's a few more, but we won't venture any further into those.)  You see, I have this little sickness; some might even liken it to an obsession.  For the last six years or so, I have had this ongoing, passionate love affair with...ah...mmm...(gulp)...bicycles.

For most of us, as we grow and mature, we tend to lose interest in bikes shortly after the time we discover Jennifer or Marcus in our second period geometry class.  Oddly, bicycles often go the way of many other childhood toys--soon to be replaced by a faster and motorized form of transportation.

Alas, not me.  Not only do I spend nearly every day on some form of cycling, but all-things-Spandex are a major part of my wardrobe. (I only wish I was exaggerating.)  My familiarity with bikes extends well beyond the hardware of two wheels. I can opine on the pros and cons about the comforts of padding between various models of cycling shorts to the best types of dressings applied to bloodied and skinned legs after a nasty fall.

Like all forms of addictions, my daily fix of cycling has taken a heavy toll on my time and income.  As a matter of fact, this cruel dependence has nearly cast me into a state of homelessness.  But, thankfully, bikes do come in cardboard boxes, and I have crafted a quite livable two-bedroom condo from the containers that transported my last six bikes.

While some may contest it, I'm almost positive that I have been one of the major benefactors to the success of Richardson Bike Mart.  RBM is one of the nation's largest retailers of bicycles and accessories.  These are the same folks that played a major role in Lance Armstrong's early career in cycling.  

RBM has three stores in the Dallas area--the largest being in Richardson on Campbell road.  This is no ordinary bicycle store.   The store in Richardson is a monstrous supermarket of every conceivable form of biking joy.  There, you'll find row-after-row of recreational, racing, mountain, triathlete, commuter, and children's bikes covering dozens of manufacturers in price ranges for almost every budget.  And, yes, they even carry unicycles.

But, wait there's more!  

RBM's apparel department is second-to-none in this part of the country.  They offer a huge range of cycling shoes, shorts, jerseys, helmets, winter wear, and other assorted accessories.

So, why should you shop at Richardson for your next bicycle or accessory purchase?  Like I said, you'll find a selection unparalleled in a local retail setting.  Believe me, it's true.  Now, I know some people might be tempted to try mail order or E-Bay.  In some cases, you may find a better deal.  (I know ...I have gone that route in years past.)  However, if you get a bike that isn't fit correctly or a jersey that doesn't meet your expectations, returns can be tough.  I've learned through a few sad lessons that bypassing the on-line site and driving to a local retailer is a safer and, generally, more satisfying experience when it comes to purchases where comfort is supreme.

The folks that work at RBM are very knowledgeable for the most part and can steer you to what you're looking for given your budget limits.  (And if you haven't looked at bicycles recently, high-end bikes can surpass the $10,000 price mark!)

The cons?  Since it's huge, popular and generally known as "the place" to get bikes, it can be crowded, especially on weekends.  Some folks have told me that certain sales folks can be a tad impersonal, but I haven't experienced that in years (of course, I'm somewhat biased since I've been going there since Brittney Spears was still in diapers and contribute to the salaries of more than a few of the salespeople).

So, if you are in the market for something with or without training wheels, give the place that gave a shove to Lance Armstrong a visit before closing the deal.

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Elite '08

15

125

David C.

Dallas, TX

My wife and I came to this bike shop this past weekend to prep for her tri and came away absolutely impressed.  She's been to bike shops in San Francisco and San Diego and this was comparable or better to these shops.

She didn't schedule the bike fit, but they checked out her bike to make sure all the gears were working and adjusted her aerobars.   Rory was very knowledgeable and proactively provided great service.   He didn't push any products on us that weren't necessary.  The rest of the staff was very attentive.  

We plan on visiting for all our bike needs.

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Elite '08

11

118

Frank Y.

Richardson, TX

I read somewhere that this is the largest bike shop in America (by store area).  They probably have the largest selection of bikes to be found in the metroplex.  Friendly, helpful staff.  The Saturday morning group rides fill up the parking lot.  This is where Lance Armstrong got his first bike.

Holy crap the stuff is expensive.

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