Southern California - Favorite Bike Shop

SCC is an awesome shop that is very clean, well stocked, and organized so you can actually navigate your way thru the huge selection of cool stuff. Tons of clothing, best selection anywhere.

"Fastrack" in santa barbara.

...and therefore these are good bike shops? Interesting criteria there.

if you read my post, yes, I consider cleanliness a factor. I don't want to go to a place like open road where i have to step over things in the aisle. to me, cleanliness is indicative of caring for your store and that translates into other areas, including customer care. i think everyone likes a good clean store. if you don't, you're probably a pat rack yourself.

I don't want to go to a place like open road where i have to step over things in the aisle. to me, cleanliness is indicative of caring for your store and that translates into other areas, including customer care.

I've never had a problem with Steve's customer service. I can deal with stuff scattered all over his shop floor, because he gives me better advice and better deals than the other shops I go to in the Pasadena/Arcadia area. I'd rather step over bike frames, components, clothes, etc. than shop at "superclean" store where they hard sell and charge me MSRP (or MSRP -10%). To me, customer service has more to do with interaction than appearance.

I have to say that I'm a big fan of Steve's shop, also.

But I can see how he might not be everybunny's cup of tea...:);)

My garage is my favor bike shop.

Chris...Sorry to hear about your experience with BRC...i race for Big Ring and will talk to Joe (shop owner) about it personally. How long ago was this and what time of the day? How long since you were in there?... i am pretty sure that joe has always owned it since it opened, If you do decide to go back there ask for Joe and explain to him what happened.

-Jay

Jay,
It was a few months ago (march?), probley around 1 or 2 pm during the week. I'll go back again and give them a chance again, I'm just not on that side of town that often.
Chris

Joe at BRC is a really nice guy. He'll sometimes fix stuff on your bike for free if you drop in with a problem easy enough.

I've never had a problem with Steve's customer service. I can deal with stuff scattered all over his shop floor, because he gives me better advice and better deals than the other shops I go to in the Pasadena/Arcadia area. I'd rather step over bike frames, components, clothes, etc. than shop at "superclean" store where they hard sell and charge me MSRP (or MSRP -10%). To me, customer service has more to do with interaction than appearance.

I dont doubt he's good to you, but he was lousy for me. My bike sat untouched for a week and all I wanted was a tune-up. I'm fine with being behind, but at least call the customer and let them know so they don't make the dirve 3 different times. To me, his messy store was pretty indicative of my whole experience at the store.

Maybe I'm a crappy bargain hunter, but I find that stores usually sell stuff at generally the same price. sure there maybe a 5-10% difference, but thats no significant for what I'm buying. Thus, the tiebreaker for me is how the store makes me feel. If it looks like my college dorm did, no thank you.

Don's Bikes in Rialto. (I'm surprised I haven't seen them mentioned here.)


One more vote for Don's.

I make the 20 minute drive up the freeway, despite having 3 other LBS's much closer to home. The help there is great, and the atmosphere is pleasant too.

Last year I was shopping around for a new road bike for my wife, and my search landed me at Don's for the first time. I was happy enough with their customer service that when they offered me a place on their team this year, I was happy to join up to represent their business.

-Jeremy

My favorite bike shop is RDG Cycles in Chino Hills. Marvin, the owner, is very knowledgeable and friendly. He specializes in fittings for road and triathlon bikes. Check out the website www.rdgcycles.com.

Incycle...right around the corner. Haven't used them for any "services" but everybody there is always buzzin' about the store asking if you need any help and ready to answer any questions. Bought my C'dale there a month ago.

Incycle San Dimas (http://incycle.com/)

+1 on Veloworx on Lincoln in Santa Monica. Nice little shop, unassuming, neat and tidy. Last time I was in there they even had one of those Trikke scooters to try. Unfortunately, I have to deduct a few points because they don't have any folding bikes. How can you be in the bike business 9 blocks from the beach and a couple miles or so from one of the biggest marinas in the world and not have folding bikes?:(

I've got three shops I like:

Europa on Van Nuys Blvd in Van Nuys (they're moving to Ventura Blvd soon though). I like them because they're close, and folksy. The owners have been in business 25 years and work the place themselves. We bought my wife's hybrid there. I've also bought a tail light, clipless pedals, tires, tubes, a bike computer, a rack, and a seat from them. It's nice to walk into a place and have them remember your name. They're not real high end, but they usually have what you need. I get my Cannondale H400 hybrid tuned up there; price is reasonable and it runs great afterward. 1.5 miles from my house.

Cycle World on Reseda in Northridge. I ordered my Cannondale Synapse Sport 5 road bike through them. I'm happy with how they helped me in selecting a frame size. One of their guys even caught up with me on my test-ride a couple times to see how the fit was working out. The bike I ended up ordering came in on time. And a few weeks later when it was time to adjust for cable-stretch, they fixed up my front DR (triple) while I waited, without an appointment. Prices were reasonable. Staff is friendly. I'll be getting my road bike's tune-ups here since they're free with bike purchase. 10.5 miles from my house.

Agoura Cycle. I work nearby, and stop in during my lunch occasionally. I've bought a set of Night Rider lights, a new stem, Sidi shoes, a jersey, mini pump, tubes, a mini-tool, and tires from them. Their staff is knowledgeable. The owner took the time to show me how to swap out the quill stem on my hybrid for a more modernized stem with a quill adapter (the original adjustable-height stem was shot). It worked out great. 22 miles from home.

Fresh Bikes in Newport Beach. Jon is an awesome guy, very knowledge able, and has great prices.

I just had a great experience at a little known LBS in woodland hills, Spoke & Wheel. I first took my Roubaix to one of their competitors because of a pronounced creak that I thought was coming from the frame or the front fork. Without really asking me for more info or even seeming to really care, they told me I should make an appointment and bring it back Tuesday. Didn't want to, wanna ride over the next few days.

Took it to spoke & wheel on Victory/Platt. Even though they were as busy as hell, their tech manager, 'Greg' ? 'Gary' - sorry, bad with names - asked me questions and said they were so busy they couldn't get to it until Monday. When he saw the look of disappointment I had, he offered to take a quick look. He rode it, disappeared from site for a few mins ... and when he came back the creak was gone. "I just added some grease to the saddle post". Voila. No charge.

So thanks to Gary/Greg and Spoke & Wheel. They know what customer service is all about.

TEDS MANHATTAN CYCLERY...

manny is the man..