Zach Kaplan Cycles

11/18/2015

Hi there folks;   I first came across  Zach Kaplan Cycles,  about a month ago, after doing more and more research on recumbent bikes and trike's, his name kept popping up on the Internet, so I visited his website, ...called and talked with him, I was very impressed! so I made an appointment, and man did I hit the jackpot with Zach, ...he is the most knowledgeable of anyone I've ever talk to about recumbent bikes, trikes, trikes and more trikes!  I talked his ear off, and he so nice, and answered every question I threw his way, after the first hour ...it was clear, I was with the Trike Guru!!  No pressure, total help with my choice, Zach fit me into the trike of my life!  Here it comes ...OMG!  Feels very precise, Thanks again ...I am so jazzed with my HPV!

P. Nelson

9/4/2015

Experienced recumbent riders know Zach from his many contributions on the bentrideronline.com forums. Local riders know him as an expert rider purveyor of mid-to-high-end recumbents.

If you are interested in this activity, you owe it to yourself to schedule an appointment with Zach! He's another great benefit of living in the Bay Area.

Zach takes the "consultative sales model" to its logical extreme -- you initially hire him as a consultant to teach you about skills and options. Fear not, the very reasonable consulting fees are discounted from your first bent purchase.

I love this model because it aligns the interests of seller and customer and enables Zach to spend considerable time and offer generous test ride opportunities. Trust me, this is the way to go. Try it and you'll be glad you did.

Most highly recommended.

6/6/2015

Zach is a fountain of knowledge on recumbents.  Due to a back issue I could no longer ride my bike on my commute to work.  I was in the market for a recumbent but wasn't sure what I wanted, and wanted to try the bikes out at length before purchasing, especially since they are specialty items and more expensive than your average road bike.  I tend to be very particular about ergonomics and was worried I would only learn of the little annoyances after I'd ridden quite some time.

I contacted Zach after a referral from someone at REI.  Zach charges for his time, during which I could test ride any of the bicycles he has in stock in his shop.  While he may not have the broadest range of brands, he's got the most important ones - HP Velotechnik, Catrike, and a few others.  These seem to cover the range of available geometries and are of companies that aren't going to fold in the next couple of years.

I ended up test riding 6 or 7 different models and spending a good amount of time on each.  Between visits, I peppered him endlessly with esoteric and inane questions over email.  He responded patiently to every one, with honest and useful feedback, very little marketing schlock, and I always felt he was a partner in seeking the best solution for my particular needs.

I was nervous about getting a recumbent trike for commuting due to their lower riding position and my concern for visibility and safety, but after test riding them around the streets of Alameda with traffic, that concern evaporated.  I discarded the notion of a recumbent bicycle because they just didn't fit right for me - only something I learned through the test rides.

I ended up getting one of his demos to save some money and make sure I was really going to use my new investment for commuting.  I did, and am completely sold on the category.  So much so that after riding my first trike for 9 months and commuting with it, I ended upgrading to a second, more expensive trike through Zach again.

It's hard to find a business like Zach's these days - completely customer focused, completely knowledgeable, and delivers more than you expected, in spades.  I recommend him unreservedly and hope that if you're in the same position I was in, that you'll take the time to work with Zach.  If you're within 50 miles of his location, it's well worth the drive.

2/12/2014

Working with Zach was truly a pleasure.  He's a soft-spoken guy with a huge breadth of knowledge and experience.  This isn't just a business but a passion for him.  He was never ever pushy and patiently fielded my many questions.  It was very clear at the get go he wanted to help me find the best bike to fit my budget and my riding needs.  In the couple of hours I spent with him, he gladly configured bikes of different models and sizes for me to try out. He came out riding with me to check the fit and my technique. I had done plenty research before making an appointment with him and he was an excellent sounding board.

He came with many outstanding recommendations and my great experience was no different.

I ended up buying a two-wheeled recumbent but he's an expert in tricycle recumbent too.

2/3/2014

Zach's work ethic and customer service are fantastic. It was well worth the trip from San Francisco to Alameda to visit his shop, and I'd recommend anyone in the area to him.

I have balance and back issues that make an upright bike a challenge, and was recommended toward a recumbent trike. I came to Zach knowing next to nothing about recumbents. I wanted to take it aboard Muni Metro. That meant it had to fold, conveniently. There was really only one model that did it, and Zach had it: the Gekko fx. I rode one of them around the area near his shop, and liked it. He patiently talked me through folding it, and then ordered one for me, complete with accessories like lights, reflector, rack, flag and bags. He delivered it to me, with everything installed. All I needed was a set of locks and a helmet, which I picked up down the street from home.

When my (new) Gekko arrived, I had difficulty folding it. Zach investigated thoroughly, and found a couple of flaws from the factory's assembly of it. He fixed those for me, at no cost, and made a tweak to make the fold easier for me. It helped a lot, and I really enjoy my rides. I've put a couple dozen miles on it now. When I'm ready for routine maintenance (brake work, etc.), I'll go back to Zach without a moment of reservation.

11/1/2013

I was pointed in the direction of Zach as I was learning about recumbents. He is very knowledgeable and has been in the business for many years. I tested several of his bikes and, while I did not end up buying from him (went with a different bike model) I later on bought a seat bag from him, and he applied my test ride credit to it, something he truly did not have to do, and I was not expecting. That, in addition to patience, punctuality, and responsiveness, coupled with deep knowledge about the subject makes Zach a vendor you want to do business with. I expect to buy a bike from him in the future, that's for sure :-)

5/2/2012

I spent a few hours learning about trikes and test driving some models (make sure to set up an appointment). Zach let me take the bikes for a spin through the neighborhood and was able to show me the different accessory options I could get with the different bikes.

He was very patient and not pushy at all, something I appreciated.

I will be recommending Zach Kaplan Cycles to friends.

8/5/2013

I could not have imagined a better experience buying my trike. Zach is super knowledgeable about recumbents, he was incredibly patient answering all my questions, letting my try out all different models, and helping me make the right choices. At no point was Zach pushy, he was simply trying to understand what the best trike would be for my needs. I ended up with a Scorpion FX with a Rohloff, and I absolutely love it!  When picking up the trike, Zach spent another hour with me, making sure everything was tuned exactly right. Awesome, thanks Zach!

2/21/2013

I found Zach Kaplan while researching recumbents about a year ago. It seems each time I wrote to someone with a question regarding a style or make of bike, they all said the same thing, "You're in the Bay Area? Go see Zack!" And so I did.

The shop is filled with a large variety of recumbent bikes and trikes. As it happens, he carries the brand I was interested in, and as an added bonus, I got to confirm my research and choice by riding a number of other bikes. Each in a different configuration with respect to shifting, gearing, brakes, seats, etc.

Over the course of several months Zach and I kept in frequent touch, while my decision process continued. I will tell you this, and it is the reason I bought a bike from Zach. I knew I would after our first visit. If you have questions, no matter how simple, or complex, you will get a detailed, accurate, and timely response from Zach.

I ordered a bike made in Germany to my specifications, and could not be happier with my choice, due in part to Zach's extensive knowledge. After the sale, I am just as pleased with the shop. I've had a few follow-up, after the sale questions, and received the same amazing level of service.

Go visit the shop, you will be happy you did!

1/2/2012

I'm in my early 40's, in decent shape, except for over a decade of chronic low back pain.  A couple months ago, I saw a recumbent bike locked up outside a coffee shop, and I decided to give it a Google.  About five minutes later, I find Zach's shop as a place where I can take the thing (or a wide variety of others) on a test ride for $25 an hour. I figure, why not?  So I schedule a visit.

Short story even shorter: Zach turns out to be WAY more knowledgeable than I had bargained for.  What started as "beginning to explore the world of recumbents" turned into actually buying one less than three months later.  

To be clear: I got zero pressure from Zach.  In fact, his pricing model ("pay me for my time, but deduct it from any purchase") encourages exploration.  I felt free to use him as a expert consultant, confident that I was buying his time, not wasting it, and in return I got all kinds of helpful insight.  

Most notably, Zach was able to ask me the key questions that enabled me to get from "There are so many recumbent options out there!" to "Actually, there are really only a couple options that would really suit me well" in a single meeting.  Fold in his considerable experience (which enabled him to steer me away from one model that could cause some long-term trouble because the design is a little dodgy for folks with short legs, like me), et voila!  One freshly-minted happy recumbent owner and -- so far, at least -- avid rider!  

I took it out for a few miles the other day and was astounded at how good I felt throughout and afterwards.  I don't think of bikes as causing discomfort, but after trying a geometry that actually fits my body shape and weaknesses (e.g. the aforementioned bad back), I couldn't believe I'd gone for so many years without this kind of riding experience.  WOW.  (Plus, the thing is pretty zippy. :-) )

Look, I don't have a lot of time for writing reviews.  For better or worse, I'm a busy guy.  But when it comes to understanding how my preferences intersect with the wild world of recumbent bikes, Zach got me from zero to sixty in a couple hours total.  That's worth a ton to me.  And that's why, of the many hours of research he saved me, I'm using part of one right now to tell everyone here on Yelp that Zach will not disappoint.  

On the contrary: the guy is a wise investment of your time and money, and you can rest assured that neither I nor any friend will be going anyplace else for our recumbent needs as long as he's around.

So if you'll excuse me, I gotta get out there.  My first ride on the new bike the other day was waaaaaaay too short.

4/15/2010

I bought a Scorpion FX trike from Zach about a year ago. I walked in expecting a few recumbent bikes, and found a few dozen (at least). Zach didn't extend my price range, but I did. Once I sat on the Scorpion I was instantly in love, end of game. Configured for my exact needs (low speed, low gears, very high weight capacity, comfy seat, foldable) I'm thrilled with the trike.

Last month I went back for some special chain rings and cranks. Zach was extremely helpful in the process of picking the right ones. He didn't do it for me, he led me to understand the parameters so I could intelligently choose for myself. He's a low-pressure guy but friendly and extremely knowledgeable.

He put on the new chainrings and cranks for me while I watched and worked on other bits I forgot needed maintenance. Zach is scrupulously honest and charges by fractions of an hour so you need never worry about over-paying.

Overall, I wouldn't buy a 'bent from anybody else. You just can't go wrong with Zach Kaplan. If he had business cards I'd hand them out right and left...

2/8/2010

I went to Zach to check out recumbent bikes. I found Zach incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I know nothing about bikes and biking but Zach was patient with me and never gave me the impression I was being too slow or too stupid. I told him my budget and he never tried to get me onto a bike that would stretch that budget. Finally I purchased the Bacchetta Bella-ATT.... A beautiful bike!

I look forward to improving and tweaking my bike with Zach in the months to come. I'm happy to pay for his time, there is no doubt that his time and knowledge are valuable.

1/14/2010

I had Zach at Zach Kaplan Cycles install a new set of cranks and chainrings which I purchased from him on my recumbent bike.  He was the only shop in the bay area that I found who could get the exact cranks and chainrings that I was looking for.  Usually, I do all the work on my bicycles myself so I was a bit hesitant to allow someone else to work on my bike.  Zach allowed me to stick around while he did the work and, upon further conversation with him, I was put at ease.  If I need work done on my recumbent again I will return to Zach.

10/2/2007

Zach is a one-man-band specialist dealer for recumbent bicycles (a.k.a. "bents"). As far as I know, he's the only dealer selling recumbents in the Bay Area. He also does a lot of ultra-long rides (double centuries and more), so he knows the bikes in and out.

He carries Bacchetta bikes (bacchettabikes.com), ICE HPV (ice.hpv.co.uk), HPVelotechnik (hpvelotechnik.com/index_…) and sometimes has second hand bikes of various makes.

This is a one man show, and I don't know if Zach does this full time. The shop is only open on request (weekdays only!), so make sure to call ahead. It's definitely worth the effort of going though - when I went it was $25/hour to get Zach's undivided attention. This included not just good ideas and helpful advice, but also any setting up required for test rides (adjusting a recumbent bike to fit a rider is somewhat more involved than for an upright). The fee is refundable on purchase, which I think is entirely reasonable.

(If you don't really know what recumbents are, you could do worse than check out bentrideronline.com )

1/22/2013

I just finished an inaugural ride on my new recumbent and I am euphoric! The bike fits me like glove and its performance was perfection.  I attribute this fantastic experience to Zach Kaplan, owner of Zach Kaplan Cycles. When you purchase a recumbent from Zach it truly is a journey! Zach NEVER pushes you to buy a recumbent, but patiently takes the time to answer your questions, analyze your needs as a cyclist, and ultimately spends the amount of time necessary to customize your recumbent, so the bike is built to work for you. I have been riding a recumbent since 1998 after a serious bike accident and Zach played a significant role in educating me about the benefits of riding a bent.  It is because of Zach, I have continued to enjoy cycling. My new P-38 is the third recumbent I have purchased from Zach and each time I bought a new bike I have received the same excellent service. He understands the structure and design of recumbents and he is very creative when customizing a bent to fit your needs. I love that he quickly responds to any questions you may have via email and is always patient and genuinely concerned about his clients purchasing the optimum recumbent for their style of riding. If you want to purchase a recumbent Zach Kaplan has the knowledge and expertise to help you find the perfect bike- I would never buy a recumbent anywhere else!

6/30/2009 Updated review

I have been riding my trike for a while now, and loving it.  I went to see Zach today for a recommended maintenance visit.   I learned so much, having ridden the trike so much now and talking with Zach about trikes and bikes while we BOTH worked on the Scorpion.  This has become an art form for me.