Southern California - Favorite Bike Shop

So, everyone has one - a place you've received excellent customer service, perhaps bought your bike or the place you take it for servicing when you can't get the chain you've removed to clean back on (don't laugh - it so, too, could happen).

Anyway, I'm not the least bit bike savvy (duh) and will be the first to admit it. I rely heavily on my favorite bike shop where I have bought both of my Treks and where I consistently receive excellent customer service. That would be Budget Pro Bicycles in Eagle Rock. If you've not been, I highly recommend them. In terms of prices, they are not cheap, I will admit (they are family owned, however, and do offer discounts). But I've never had an issue with them and I've been going to them predominantly (other than a trip or two to Performance or Pasadena Cyclery) for the past three years.

Oscar (who owns it with his wife) and David are the two reps I've dealt the most with in terms of customer service, and they both have been incredibly helpful. And, believe it or not, they don't just see a dumb blonde walking in and try to rob me. They have steered me away from superfluous purchases (e.g. I wanted a pair of $250 shoes just "because" and Oscar told me my $89.00 Shimanos were just fine and that I don't need new ones until those wear out - and he could have easily sold me the other shoes!).

So, if you have a shop in your area that you can honestly recommend, please share.

+1...Budget Pro Bikes.

I've been going there off and on since 1992, but more frequently so since Oscar took over the business several years ago. I usually go in there to buy or order parts and their prices are very competitive. Oscar will match or beat online prices in some instances. He even went out of his way to order one tiny spring which broke on my old Campy Record caliper brake. Not only is he the owner, he's an excellent mechanic as well. He's been wrenching for many years before he became owner. I highly recommend this shop.

My other favorite shop is George's Garage in Echo Park. He's open 24 hours, everyday.

I got my Bianchi from Coate's Cyclery in Pomona. It's about 35 moles away, but I've always gotten excellent service. I had them re-wrap my bar tape a couple of weeks ago. Cory (the owner?) was having a parking lot sale and he dropped what he was doing and did the re-wrapping himself because he knew I had driven a ways. One thing I think is cool is they have a vending machine outside where you can get stuff like tubes and gels and small items when the shop is closed. They're on the corner of Towne and Foothill in Pomona.

Agoura Cycles, very friendly and HONEST sevice since I started shopping there 15 years ago.

I'll second Agoura Cycles. I like everyone there. However, they are kind of far from me so I never go there. But I did buy my Pista there.

One thing I think is cool is they have a vending machine outside where you can get stuff like tubes and gels and small items when the shop is closed.

I like that vending machine idea! :)

High Gear Cyclery (http://highgearbike.com/) in Longmont, Colorado. Good service and great people, but there's a nice social -- almost 'family' -- aspect to that shop. Many of the mechanics have been there for years, very loyal customer base, and the owner is an LCI and is very involved in local advocacy efforts.

I think my answer will be obvious! :D Surf City Cyclery (SCC) in Huntington Beach!

Anyone remember CyclePath in Chatsworth? It was the kind of place you can stop in, fill your water, use the restroom, give a simple nod, and be on your way. Or sit and chat for hours with Jeff, Gary, and Woody. Great guys.

im a big fan of universal cycles in studio city....but those guys are friends so im a bit biased!!

Main Street Cycles in Santa Maria... worth the drive up! Also like InCycle, San Dimas and Jensen out, where is Jensen? like in Riverside somewhere. I know how to get there.

Thank the good Lord, I have a certified bike mechanic living next door and he likes to work for dinner and movies and my company (such as it is a times)! I use shops to buy parts and apparel, nothing else.

For women's apparel - like internet companies Teamestrogen and Terry.

For mechanics - try The Edge (Hank), Laguna Hills, Laguna Cyclery (Patrick), Laguna Beach and Abert and Juan's shop (I'll get the name I always forget) in Lake Forest. Juan is the best wheel builder in So. Cal.

For roadie stuff its Surf City due to location of my house, but for MTB, no question it HAS to be The Path in Tustin....

Matter of fact, the Path has a parking lot sale this sunday...

www.thepathbikeshop.com

I've been going to Cynergy Cycles in Santa Monica a lot recently. One of the guys there has been helping with the TnT stuff, so I thought I'd go check it out. They didn't give me LBS sneer that I often get walking into these places, so that was a plus. They're prices are a tad bit high, but they mainly sell Specialized stuff, which carries a bit of a markup anyway, but I've found it's also really good. Also, the TnT discount keeps it inline other places.

I really like their service department. They've done a good job on several different things I've done there.

It also helps that it's 2 blocks from my office.

I second Cynergy.

Not only is their clothing dept woman-friendly...but they carry size XS! Yeah, the Specialized gear is expensive... but the BG Pro Shorts are great.

For roadie stuff its Surf City due to location of my house, but for MTB, no question it HAS to be The Path in Tustin....

Matter of fact, the Path has a parking lot sale this sunday...

www.thepathbikeshop.com

The Path is literally next door to me and I go in there to buy stuff but one time for my mountain bikes but I caught one of their "Mechanics" trying to hammer in a headset (a King at that) and at the point I realized The Path is good for MTB stuff only. I wouldn't want they woking on my of my bikes! It is however, a fun, funky store to walk through!

Temple City Bike Shop in Temple City -

I've gotten pretty much all my bikes there, starting with my Dyno VFR bmx back in 1995. J.J. is an excellent mechanic/ex-racer, and I like them because they are not the least bit pushy - they are a great Specialized dealer.

I also frequent Pasadena Cyclery in Pasadena, as their service is extremely helpful, and they gave me a killer deal on the Bontrager wheels I ordered a little while back.

Incycle is also good for their wide selection, and for seeing sweet bikes in person (i.e. Orbea Orca, Pini 4:13, etc., etc.), and some of their closeout deals are really sweet towards year-end as well.

Anyone remember CyclePath in Chatsworth? It was the kind of place you can stop in, fill your water, use the restroom, give a simple nod, and be on your way. Or sit and chat for hours with Jeff, Gary, and Woody. Great guys.
They were just going out of business when I started racing for Warner Velo (who they sposored). You could tell the OGs because it had the Cyclepath name on their jersey, while newbies like me had the new sponsor, Bikesport.

Temple City Bike Shop in Temple City -

I've gotten pretty much all my bikes there, starting with my Dyno VFR bmx back in 1995. J.J. is an excellent mechanic/ex-racer, and I like them because they are not the least bit pushy - they are a great Specialized dealer.

+1

They helped me pick out my shoes, and were not pushy. I do not know the sales guys name, but he was helpful for a retro grinch like me. Prices were good too.

If we had a time machine I would say O'Neal Schwinn of Monetery Park, but that place is nothing more than a memory now.

Ted's Manhattan Beach Cycles.

Ted Ernst spent 2 hours with me on my fitting and Manny put my Leader bike together eventhough I didn't buy it through the shop. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

Juan is the best wheel builder in So. Cal.

+100

Budget Bikes in Eagle Rock

2nd choice is Bicycle Johns in Burbank!

I also like that vending machine idea

Temple City Bike Shop in Temple City -

I've gotten pretty much all my bikes there, starting with my Dyno VFR bmx back in 1995. J.J. is an excellent mechanic/ex-racer, and I like them because they are not the least bit pushy - they are a great Specialized dealer.

I also frequent Pasadena Cyclery in Pasadena, as their service is extremely helpful, and they gave me a killer deal on the Bontrager wheels I ordered a little while back.

Incycle is also good for their wide selection, and for seeing sweet bikes in person (i.e. Orbea Orca, Pini 4:13, etc., etc.), and some of their closeout deals are really sweet towards year-end as well.


Ditto to all 3! I got my first mtb at Temple City Bike shop back in the 80's. Then some punked stole it from the bike cage when I was in 5th grade and I cried like a little girl (no offense to any little girls out there). If anyone sees a 20 year old Diamond Back Ascent EX, please let me know.

Pasadena has great deals on clothes, but I think their bikes are on the higher end and they don't ever have any great sales--they had a 2003(?) LE Madone (the yellow one made to commemorate lance) for years and never put it on sale. They also had a project one bike and had Trek paint "Pasadena Cyclery" on it. Don't know who the hell would ever buy that.

Incycle has a great sale in November-ish where you can get some great deals on clothing.

My favorite shop to browse in is Cupertino Bike Shop. It is full of italian classics, and the owner has been collecting bike parts for a long time. Kinda neat history leccon if ya will. It is truely a clickish roadie shop and I rarely get by there but when I do I always enjoy the place.

For Mt Bikes its Trailhead Cyclery in San Jose, also the closest shop to my house. Purely a speciality shop, and one of the best parts stock in the area.

This is the place and no other like it, period!

www.yellowjersey.org

+100

O C do you remember the name of the shop Juan is at now with Albert? It's something like Supercare... I keep telling them I hate the name as I can never remember. I would much prefer Albert and Juan's Bike Shop... that I can remember!

O C do you remember the name of the shop Juan is at now with Albert? It's something like Supercare... I keep telling them I hate the name as I can never remember. I would much prefer Albert and Juan's Bike Shop... that I can remember!
I don't know Cycle Care or something like that, I just know how to get there :)

Huh...funny... I couldn't find Budget Pro Bicycles. I tried to go there this afternoon to have my RD adjusted since it was tapping my spokes and I couldn't find it?!?!?

Hahaha! Nevermind, I was on Broadway side and not Colorado! :P

Ted's Manhattan Beach Cycles.

Ted Ernst spent 2 hours with me on my fitting and Manny put my Leader bike together eventhough I didn't buy it through the shop. I wouldn't go anywhere else.
Hi,

Glad to hear that Ted is still going strong. He's been a SoCal cycling fixture for years. Great guy!

Huh...funny... I couldn't find Budget Pro Bicycles. I tried to go there this afternoon to have my RD adjusted since it was tapping my spokes and I couldn't find it?!?!?

Adjust the derailleur low limit screw, then you might not have to go there...:)

Actually they're in a small strip mall right in front of Westfield?? Mall, near the corner of where the 2 Freeway, Colorado, and Broadway meet.

Yeah, where BofA is, right? And unfortunately Fixer, I do not know which the low limit screw is...in time maybe! :D

Coates has given me excellent service...

Adjust the derailleur low limit screw, then you might not have to go there...:)

Actually they're in a small strip mall right in front of Westfield?? Mall, near the corner of where the 2 Freeway, Colorado, and Broadway meet.

Exactly....I didn't know you went there also G...very cool...I work up the hill in Montrose...so I am there a fair amount on my way home..

Hi,

Glad to hear that Ted is still going strong. He's been a SoCal cycling fixture for years. Great guy!


ted rocks the house. he told me to come back in a few months (after the first fitting) and we'll go through it again to make sure that, as i got into better cycling fitness, the bike is still properly fit to me and vice-versa.

i'm like butter on my bike. best money i've spent was for that fitting.

+1 for Coates cyclery in Pomona and Competitive Edge in Upland

I put my vote in for Whittier Cyclery in Whittier, CA. They have ALWAYS treated me with nothing but happy goodness.

+3 for Budget Pro in Eagle Rock.

Really nice people. They fit me to a bike I didn't even buy from them and only charged me $25.

I've used Rock and Road in Mission Viejo for the last few years.
Used them mainly for service, and have them order and install many special order parts.
I no longer live near them and use Surf City Cyclery ( aka SCC ).
The service has been excellent. Quick, friendly and honest.
Purchased my '07 Roubaix Pro there, worked with me on the price.
They threw in a good fitting, took about and hour.

I will pick a shop based on friendly and honest service. I'm picky that way!

Hey tinrobot.....we were wondering about you. Haven't seen you since the Solana Beach ride. Hope things are going well. :)

Hey tinrobot.....we were wondering about you. Haven't seen you since the Solana Beach ride. Hope things are going well. :)

Things are good... thanks for asking... just got sucked into a vortex of work and other nefarious things.

I'll come ride again soon... hope things are well with you.

The only two shops I go to are cycleryUSA in Riverside and competetive edge in Rancho and I am torn. The owner of competitive edge is really nice and hooks me up on prices sometimes. CycleryUSA is close to me and some of the people have been friendly but I have been in both shops before and waited forever to get noticed. I guess time will tell. I'm going Monday to CycleryUSA to put a road bike on layaway. We'll see how it goes...

Yeah, where BofA is, right? And unfortunately Fixer, I do not know which the low limit screw is...in time maybe! :D

It usually has an L next to it. You might have to clean a little as it is not a very clear marking.

I think my answer will be obvious! :D Surf City Cyclery (SCC) in Huntington Beach!

SCC is an excellent shop.

I think my answer will be obvious! :D Surf City Cyclery (SCC) in Huntington Beach!

Ditto! I just got back from Surf City about an hour ago. :D

Ditto! I just got back from Surf City about an hour ago. :D


Brandy, I could have guessed.
OK, now what did you buy?

Brandy, I could have guessed.
OK, now what did you buy?

Gels for tomorrow :)

The only two shops I go to are cycleryUSA in Riverside and competetive edge in Rancho and I am torn. The owner of competitive edge is really nice and hooks me up on prices sometimes. CycleryUSA is close to me and some of the people have been friendly but I have been in both shops before and waited forever to get noticed. I guess time will tell. I'm going Monday to CycleryUSA to put a road bike on layaway. We'll see how it goes...


I'll bet if you "accidentally" knocked over a rack of bikes you would get noticed really quick.
"oops, i must have bumped it":D

Gels for tomorrow :)


Which do you prefer? I like the Power gel, w/ caffiene! double cappacino.
GU = bblleecchhh :eek:

I've also stated taking Odwalla bar, Berries Omega. Much better than Clif bars.

Which do you prefer? I like the Power gel, w/ caffiene! double cappacino.
GU = bblleecchhh :eek:

I've also stated taking Odwalla bar, Berries Omega. Much better than Clif bars.

I hate all gels! I bought Gu...in a bunch of different flavors.

The mention of gels reminds me of when I bought some cliff bars from Agoura Cycles. The woman there (I believe that's the owner's wife, right?) let me know that they cost much less in boxes at Walmart. It's nice of them to tell you things that might lose them a small sale... although they are smart and know that I'll spend the money I save on bigger things in their shop. If I can scrounge up enough $$$ in the next 12 months, I want a Bianchi Pista for x-mas next year.