Passion Trail Bikes
Belmont, CA 94002 (650) 620-9798
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
22 Reviews for Passion Trail Bikes
great shop to work on your bike. You can drop it off after the Wednesday night ride. It was ready when they said it would be. Make a reservation since they are busy. Have a draft beer while you are there. It is a social experience.
My bf and I popped into the store on Saturday after a "Spandex Party" ride (we did the 70K Giro de Peninsula ride). I call all our roadie rides "Spandex parties." :) I already bought my new mtn bike (08 Santa Cruz Juliana) a couple weeks ago, but always wanted to check out this place. In fact, I've called them before and I knew they had XS Giant Cyper several weeks ago, but never had a chance to run over the store. They must've sold it, since I didn't see it.
Anyways, right when we stepped in the door, we said "Wow!" (outloud even). I told one of the staff members, "What am impressive store you guys have."
They even have a customer lounge with beer and all that. On Saturday they had cupcakes. WHOAH. This place is way cool!! I think I'll have to check out one of their ladies mtb rides and since the store I bought my bike is closing down, I think I'll bring my bike here for service since I can drop it off after work (i work in SSF and live in San Jose). I have a feeling they'll take care of her! I'm sure they are worthy of 5 stars once I do!
update 060908
Just when I thought PTB was pretty cool, they started First Fridays: the first Friday each month has a dedicated ladies ride. The turnout for the first one was awesome. All levels, encouraging, fun. AND they showed Seasons post ride, the new movie from the Collective, with Margaritas. Really, what's not to like??
So I'm a newbie. Which means; I can get on the bike. I can ride the bike. I can climb with said bike up SOME small to mediocre hills. It also means that I don't know jack about most other things involving me and a bike and some hills. Except for that I am super good at falling off said bike on said hills. Part and parcel.
So someone who is (still, as of 060908) much better at riding bikes really fast down super steep hills and over badass jumps brings me to PTB. Where I meet Patty and go for a ride with the FBG's.
Make no mistake: just because the ride is slow, doesn't mean you're not learning anything. Patty is officially, in my mind, the badass bike mama who has a fantastic way of telling you that you WILL fall, (and giving you the girlfriend dustoff when you do) and communicating information to you about the bike, and your relationship to it in such a way that you actually gain confidence in one short ride.
Rockin', right?
I thought so too.
I can't speak to the service in the shop 060908 now I can:
I bought my first 'real' bike shoes so I can clip in (yikes) and the staff were helpful, didn't push me, and all that good stuff. I felt confident with my purchase which, when you don't want to waste your money on crap you don't need, and you don't know much about what you're buying, is a big kudos to the people that helped me out.
After the weekly Wednesday night rides, there is a little gathering where people chip in and they serve you food. Good food. And beer. Good beer. Cold beer. Ahhh. What's not to like I ask you?
I would encourage any girl of any ability who wants to give it a go to borrow a bike from a friend, get a helmet, put on your courage and come do a ride with Patty. You'll surprise yourself as the voice in your head goes from 'ooooh shit. I'm gonna fall. I don't know how to do this' to 'I can do this. When I fall I'll just get used to it. Where are the jumps....'
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#1 bike shop in the area IMO. I do most of my own wrenching on my bikes, but i know plenty of ppl who get their bikes worked on here and their attn to detail is awesome. I come in before rides and just to say hi and to buy the random tire/hat/clothing/DVD. They treat their customer right, are not over priced, and go out of their way to make the shop seem like a living room (beer, magazines, food). Too bad I don't live closer or I'd come here more often.
The best local bike shop, bar none.
Awesome shop, easy to get there from 101, and easy to find (just behind NAPA auto parts). Great people who specialized in mountain bikes only but with additional knowledge of big burly downhill models and insane freeride models. Plentiful of parts. Lots to drool over around the shop. Great bicycle mechanics and their workshop's huge and well-stocked. They got great selection of dirt jumpers in case your kid wanna get one! Loads of Fox bicycle clothes and plenty of armor to choose from. Helmets are well stocked! Plus side, these guys know some freeride trail and downhill ball breakers hills locally!
A few calls around town and i got what i wanted from the folks here after just one phone call. they seeed HONORED to fix my bike and have it back before tomorrow's ride. URGENT? not really, but i like GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!
Finally..... a shop I will RETURN TO!!!
It's what a California mountain bike shop should be
Lots of stock, expert repairs, laid back attitude and playful shop dog
It's also a place to service some of the more techy parts on your fleet
Hyrdraulic Brakes, Suspension forks, etc
Great amount of stock that you can touch and feel
Lots of hard to find parts, replacement rear derailluer hangers, good selection of clothing
It's worth the drive from SF (or get there by caltrain)
They are ususally open later that the posted hourse say
Honor system beer, food and lounge area
Tip: Don't allow them to hang your bike on the scale to weigh it, the S hook's metal has cut thru it's protective coating and scratched the f*ck out of my frame
I'm not too happy about that at all. It was an accident, but unecessary damage is really frustrating, hopefully they'll order the touch up paint, not charge me and make it as right as can be
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There's really only four bike shops on the peninsula in my opinion. This shop has actual riders and you'll notice the mechanics are fixing bikes not just assembling new bikes. I didn't go with five stars because I got a slight bum steer with tires and one time my bike made it out of the shop after a tune up with a bent derailleur hanger. It would be really cool if they carried Nema,Dakine and Smith products.
Came in on a Sunday afternoon looking for a replacement saddle for my wife's bike after she got saddle sore after a long day of riding the day before. The staff was really helpful in helping find her a saddle that best suited her needs. Pricing of the equipment and parts is fair.
I would definitely recommend this shop to anyone looking for accessories and great customer service.
This shop is the best! Great mechanics, great bikes, great gear and great service!
Charles is really knowledgeable and takes the time to really answer questions. I sent my friend here when she was having a fork issue and she later told me that Charles was the only person who had ever taken the time to explain why her fork was consistently having this issue. Also, both he and Patty are really into trailwork and bike advocacy.
I'm also really happy with their selection of women's gear as they carry some things that I have only seen on online sites.
This is my favorite shop and really the only sad thing for me about this shop is that it's located too far away from work so that I can't join them on their weekday group rides!
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Passion Trail Bikes, or PBT, one spot in the bay area where BIKES are everything. The people here are awesome. From the knowledgeable mechanics, John and Sterling, to the owners, Patty and Charles, to the great selection of bikes, Turner to Specialized. One of the friendliest shops you can visit if you are in the market for a new ride or need your ride FIXED.
Shop also leads group rides in nearby Water Dog, think SINGLE TRACK, and rumor has it there might be a KEGERATOR in the back. But maybe you need to investigate that for yourself.
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Sure they stock a large assortment of high-end, chi-chi bikes and parts, along with a wide selection of clothing and gear at this cool, tricky-to-find little shop nestled discreetly behind a Napa Auto Parts near the train tracks in Belmont. But the real draw here is the friendly brown doggie named Reba, who regularly hangs out here. She will play catch with you from the time you step through the door until pretty much the moment you leave, and she's not too proud to use any object she can find, whether it's a well-worn tennis ball or a random piece of rubber she finds under one of the parts cases. Don't even think about not playing catch with her. In fact, if you try to not play catch with her, she will not hesitate to remind you with a menacing (but ultimately friendly) growl. And then you play catch with her.
In summary, go to PTB to play doggie catch and buy bike parts.
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Want a new bike? Call Charles
Want to go for a ride? Call Charles
Want to get ripped off? DON'T Call Charles.
Simply put, this is a great shop where the social aspects of life have not been forgotten. From the lounge area for post ride exhaustion syndrome, to the friendly smiles behind the counter, this is a great shop. We need another one further South.
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I needed to get my bike tube replaced...and honestly know nothing about bikes. The guy who serviced my bike was very patient in explaining what he was doing and what could have caused the flat...he was very thorough in his inspection of my tire to see if it even needed to be replaced in the first place (it did).
He probably took a little longer than 10 minutes, but only charged me $10 (I think he said they charge $1 per minute). The tube was $5. I was out of there paying $15 in about 15-20 minutes. (In comparison to another bike place I went to and had to leave my bike there for 4 days to do the same work!!)
The store itself is a lot larger than it looks from the outside. Ample parking. Store is located right behind the Napa auto parts store front.
So...I'll be back at this place because:
1) quick turnaround (even on a Saturday afternoon!)
2) knowledgable service people
3) open on Sundays!
4) good quality work for a good price
Thanks Passion Trail!
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Every bikers dream. I don't know much about my mountain bike, but they are more than willing to sit down and help me with anything and yet they can entertain my husband, an ex-downhill mountain bike racer. They have all the little parts and gadgets you would ever need, as well as clothing. They actually introduced me to one of my favorite short films, ROAM. The owner is so passionate about what he is doing, the shop hosts a weekly bike ride and occasional movie night. They service the community with knowledge and bike parts, but also keeping everyone active.
What an f**king awesome shop. First place I've been to that had front shocks sitting out for you to touch? They have almost everything in stock.
I was lucky enough to demo a Specialized S Works Enduro at Waterdog.
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Charles is the Yoda of all things bike related. I had a fitting with him and his thorough & careful analysis was priceless. I'm excited to go on my next ride after his adjustments. Its apparent that he really cares with the focus he gives you, and asked for feedback after my ride in case we need to do anything else. I have complete confidence in this establishment. Location is a little hidden - but fine by me as it is not hard to get to. The entire staff is really cool & knowledgeable who really know whats up in the world of biking, trails & equipment. They host lots of events and seminars - which is pretty helpful for those interested in the sport. The shop itself is cleverly decorated as well - with a whole mountainous-outdoorsy look that makes you want to hop on a bike right there and then. It's always a treat to be greeted by their playful pet greyhound :)
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Greatest bike shop ever! Expertise in service/repair of both road and mountain bikes, intimate knowledge of MTB trails in the area and in NorCal in general, and a cool place to hang out and chat. Charles only carries equipment he knows to be reliable and of quality (my guess). There is also the "break room" in the back where a kegerator exists to quench the thirst of all who need relief. Competition quality bicycles are available as well as the parts to bring any other bike up a knotch or two.
I am so fortunate that this shop hidden away on Old County is so close to my house. They need a neon sign on El Camino (near "The Van's" resturant) showing folks that don't know about this awesome shop!
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I was really impressed with this shop. I went in after riding Skeggs with a recommendation from a friend. I had bent my derailleur hanger, and they even had one for my boutique brand bike! I couldn't believe it. No one stocks Ventana anything.
Charles also took the time to explain to me mechanically what was going on with my bike, as well as a couple of other things. He goes out of his way to work with the customer, and help them get what they need.
For me, it's a wee bit far of a drive living in San Jose, but anytime I need to drop by, it's one of four local bike shops I recommend. Thanks again Charles and Patty!
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This is the Nordstroms of mtn bike shops. Nuff said.
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Passion Trail Bikes is a mountain biker's haven. Charles, Berry and Peter all take great care in putting together a great shop that is focused on the needs of the decerning rider. They have a great selection of great bikes and parts, all selected with care.
More importantly, their service is excellent and done with alacrity.
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