Eastern Canada - The Best Online Bike Shop for Canadian

Hi

I'm moving to Ottawa on June 1st and planning to start biking for the first time in 15 years.
Is it better to buy a bike/accessories/attire online or from LBS?
Among many online Bike Shops offering shipping service to Canada, which one do you like the most and why?

Is there a good local bike shop in Ottawa?

Hi Foldingbike,

I can't speak to online stores but I can to LBS here in Ottawa. Depending on your riding intentions, road or mountain, Ottawa has a shop to handle every taste.

I personally like Cyclo Sportif Bertrand in Gatineau (just across the river). Their inventory includes mountain, hybrids and roadies but it's their commitment to service that induces me to recommend them. They took an hour to fit me on my bike, making minute adjustments to seatpost height, stem angle etc. The result being that my bike is an extension of me when I ride.

I've heard good things about Full Cycle in the east end and Bushtakka in the west. And I'm sure there are many more. Ottawa is loaded with cycling trails/paths and cyclists take full advantage. As a result, the number of LBS expands to meet the demand.

With respect to sourcing a bike, I recommend buying local. The fit is critical and the service afterwards, warranty etc are much easier to transact than online. Get to know your LBS well and often they can sharpen their pencils on accessories to save you a few dollars.

HTH :)
Phil

Thanks alot~ I just can't wait to go to Ottawa.

I see Ottaw Bicycle Club members receive 10% discount from many LBS and Liability Insurance Coverage but their annual membership fee is $57. Would it be worth it?

I can't speak for Ottawa, but $57 is a steal if you think of all the resources you will get, and all the people who know the best places to ride and the best routes to follow. They probably have evening and weekend rides, so you will meet people, see the city and ride, all at the same time. Add the discounts and the liability, and you're laughing all the way to the bank.

How about for fixies,
whats a good online store to buy parts for a fixie

My favourite store in the Ottawa region is Ben's Cycle in Rockland. Rockland is actually a little bit outside the city. It's on Highway 174 20 minute east of the city.

Going to Phat Moose Cycles on Hawthorne Ave at the end of Elgin street.

www.phatmoosecycles.com

I'm into touring and centuries and find them pretty solid in this department.

It's a good solid starting place and the bars on Elgin Street are a great places to hang out after

Tall Tree Cycles is on Richmond just about one kilometer west of Bushtukah. It's new, a tiny store (two owner/employees) but they seem to give pretty excellent service. They also have a few SS/Fixies in stock and seem to have a clue what they're talking about.

I had two people independently recommend them to me last week due to good experiences there. I haven't had work done there, but they seemed pretty decent, and plan on it in the future.

Oh, and shopping for a bike, Bushtukah has a pretty good selection of Trek et al which means they'll likely have the bike you're interested in, in the correct size.

Rebec and Kroes is good for that as well.

Caveat for both Bushtukah and R&K's, if you go in during busy hours (afternoon on an weekend?) you're likely going to be talking to some 19 year old salesperson who... well, we'll leave that sentence unfinished.

My recommendation is to take the time to go in during off-peak hours (morning during the week?) when the folks responsible for the floor are ALSO actually wrenching on bikes. The same applies in smaller mom'n'pop type stores, as you're much more likely to be dealing with the manager/owner.

Tall Tree Cycles is on Richmond just about one kilometer west of Bushtukah. It's new, a tiny store (two owner/employees) but they seem to give pretty excellent service. They also have a few SS/Fixies in stock and seem to have a clue what they're talking about.

I had two people independently recommend them to me last week due to good experiences there. I haven't had work done there, but they seemed pretty decent, and plan on it in the future.

Caveat for both Bushtukah and R&K's, if you go in during busy hours (afternoon on an weekend?) you're likely going to be talking to some 19 year old salesperson who... well, we'll leave that sentence unfinished.

My recommendation is to take the time to go in during off-peak hours (morning during the week?) when the folks responsible for the floor are ALSO actually wrenching on bikes. The same applies in smaller mom'n'pop type stores, as you're much more likely to be dealing with the manager/owner.

Thanks, I live in Westboro and was curious about the Tall Trees shop. I'll be sure to check it out.

I'd agree with your comment about Bushtukah (never visited R&K) but it is much worse at Tommy & Lefebvre. If MEC has what I'm looking for, I go there.

Also agree that Bushtukah has a great stock of Trek and Scott as well, Fresh Air Experience down Wellington close to Holland carries Giant and Norco.

Instead of starting a new thread I thought I would bump this.

I live down in St. Catharines, and about the original question, what is the best online bike shop for us Canadians? I really would like some plain non-logo jerseys. I support my LBS a TON, but only having 1 jersey and riding 5 days a week is really becoming a hassle. I don't want to shell out 75 bucks for a team jersey, and ordering from nashbar cost me duty and shipping.

Thanks!

I don't want to shell out 75 bucks for a team jersey, and ordering from nashbar cost me duty and shipping.

Thanks!

If you don't need the rear pockets, many non-bike stores sell suitable sportswear tops for anywhere between $20-40. Sport Chek, Sport Mart etc. I use a plain $10 (on sale) sleevless top on my <1hr rides that wicks away sweat beautifully. I too subscribe to the notion of eschewing the team logo jerseys.

HTH

MEC has great jerseys that are solid colour. I think there are only four colours. Sleeveless is $25, short sleeves are $27 and long sleeves are $29.