any bike shop in st.louis?

[yiming]

hey guys,

Me and my wife are going to buy two bikes, will be our first bikes. We have not decided which bike to go, maybe trek4500, and I figure it is good to go to some local bike dealers to take a look,

We are in st.louis, but we barely know any bike shop around, any suggestions?

tons of thanks! :D

[mikeszym]

Last year my wife and I bought our first road bikes from the Trek Store on Manchester Rd. in west county. We have been extremely happy with the knowledge of the staff and the service we received from them.

We had purchased Trek hybreds from another bike shop in St. Charles county and we were very unhappy with their customer service and responsiveness.

[yiming]

I will check the trek Store on Manchester,

Thanks mikeszym :)

[chris1020]

Stop by and see the friendly folks at Big Shark Bicycle Company. I too was a first time bike buyer and they were patient and answered all my questions. I found the staff knowledgable about what they sell and went home happy with a new bike. I don't really know if they sell Treks or not, but you will not be disappointed in a visit to their store.

Big Shark is located on Delmar. Right in the heart of "the loop." You can check them out on the web at http://bigshark.com and get directions.

[nausjl]

I have tried most of the shops around St. Louis, and the Saint Louis Bicycle Co. in Chesterfield is by far the best. The owner/head mechanic, Dan, is one of the best around, and throughly helpful. They cary a variety of brands, and the customer service post purchase is quite good. Also, depending on what you are interested in, Dan can point you to some of the best trails around the area. Highly recommend. Give them a call!!!!:)

[CV-6]

A-1 Bicycles on Manchester road is IMO the best shop in St Louis. Ray Florman, Jr has been in the business over 30 years. Excellent mechanical work and reasonable rates. Stocks Trek, Bianchi, and others. Fair pricing also.

[indiekid]

i'm a huge fan of big shark...i buy lots of stuff there...

[rjg001]

I've been happy with Maplewood, Big Shark and Mesa - my wife and I have purchased bikes from all three over the last few years. I was not impressed with the Trek Store out in west county (the fitting was very quick and ultimately the bike I purchased too big, which I didn't recognize as a newbie at the time), but in all fairness they had probably been open a month when I purchased there.

[Mashu]

What are your thoughts on the Alpine Shop in Kirkwood?

My first experience was great. One of the guys there talked to me and answered all my questions. However, everytime I've been there since, the attendents have been too involved trying to sell to other customers. This seemed to happen over the phone today, when I called the bike department to ask some questions about my Varsity. While they seemed like they could get parts and help me out, they also seemed way too busy to give me the individual focus I'm looking for as a newbie.

[Talewinds]

What are your thoughts on the Alpine Shop in Kirkwood?

My first experience was great. One of the guys there talked to me and answered all my questions. However, everytime I've been there since, the attendents have been too involved trying to sell to other customers. This seemed to happen over the phone today, when I called the bike department to ask some questions about my Varsity. While they seemed like they could get parts and help me out, they also seemed way too busy to give me the individual focus I'm looking for as a newbie.

The Alpine shop is a nice shop, but I don't consider it a bike shop really. Above, rjg001 mentioned some of the best players in town, Maplewood, Big Shark, and Mesa (all within 10 minutes of each other). All three are excellent, and I don't think anyone in town does a more thorough bike fitting than Maplewood, because of their involvement in triathlon too, they've gotten into the habit of making fitting a priority.

[bailcash09]

I've never bought a bike there, but the people at Granada Cyclery are great. Helpful, friendly, and most seem to know their stuff. If you live in St. Charles drop by there. (One downside is that I don't think they carry TREK bikes. Could be wrong though)

[rjg001]

The Alpine shop is a nice shop, but I don't consider it a bike shop really. Above, rjg001 mentioned some of the best players in town, Maplewood, Big Shark, and Mesa (all within 10 minutes of each other). All three are excellent, and I don't think anyone in town does a more thorough bike fitting than Maplewood, because of their involvement in triathlon too, they've gotten into the habit of making fitting a priority.
I believe that the guy who did the fittings at Maplewood (Tim) left to open up a place of his own. The website is http://www.fitprobicycles.com/ and it looks like they just do fittings and maintenance? I can't speak to their new place, but when I got a fit at Maplewood a couple years ago Tim was the one who did it and did a great job resolving my issues.

[ccrnnr9]

I work at Big Shark. Come on by and see us. I guarantee we can help you find something. It is a cool shop in a cool area of town.
~Nick

[Talewinds]

I believe that the guy who did the fittings at Maplewood (Tim) left to open up a place of his own. The website is http://www.fitprobicycles.com/ and it looks like they just do fittings and maintenance? I can't speak to their new place, but when I got a fit at Maplewood a couple years ago Tim was the one who did it and did a great job resolving my issues.

I'll be darned. Yep, Tim is the guy, no nonsense, but really good bike sense. Looks like that place is 2 blocks from my grandparents place, I'll have to go check it out.