yah, urbane can be kinda 'closed' at times. everyone is busy, no one really talks to you, its like ur invisible.. but try to flag someone down if you must. 3 main sections are bike sales, parts counter for specialty stuff and service center thats always buzzin.

they got a great selection of saddles and recently got in many colors of the moderatly affordable genuine gel XO from selle italia and a heavy selection of brooks saddles.

btw anyone have issues with cyclepath in north york?


No issues but I'm not to fond of the store, here are my impressions:

- everytime I go in there, they barely have any selection, I wonder how they even survive
- the stuff they sell is kinda crappy
- I used to know the shop as a kid about 15 yrs ago and back then the shop was packed with customers and all kinds of bikes... not the case anymore, I think they've had some ownership change or something and it's now run completely different from the way it was before
- the stuff I did want to buy from them was a bit overpriced

From what I heard, Cyclepath went under or something and all the stores ended up being operated independetly so you'll find HUGE differences between the different locations.

I'm a big fan of the Parliament Street location of Cycle Solutions. This was the first shop I walked in to and felt welcome immediately. The manager/owner (Kale) is a fantastic guy and is always willing to help you out. I really get the impression that he actually wants to set you up properly rather than simply pushing his gear.



In terms of shops I DON'T like, Wheels On Bloor (maybe Wheels OF Bloor) is definitely up there. I was the only customer in the store for approximately 20 minutes until anyone even acknowledged my presence. I even cleared my throat in a forlorn attempt to wake a sales associate from his slumber. Once someone realized I was there, it was only another 10 minutes until he asked me if I needed a hand. He was knowledgeable, but incredibly abrupt. I didn't feel welcome in this store. I think I needed 10 years of racing experience and a $5000 bike for him to even begin to consider me as a serious customer.

It's funny considering that I had $2500 to spend that very day. I was looking for a new road bike and was smitten with the Cervelo Team Soloist. The sales associate claimed that they had a 58cm frame "in the back" but that it had to be built up. I asked him to build it, ensuring him that I was serious, and he basically said "maybe". He said something along the lines of "check back every few weeks and maybe we'll have one built up". He actually even went as far as to say "we've got a team member who rides a 58, maybe you can ride one when it's in for service". I was sold on the Soloist up until that point. The next day I went out and bought a Specialized Tarmac at a rival shop. I'll never step foot in Wheels on Bloor again.

yah, urbane can be kinda 'closed' at times. everyone is busy, no one really talks to you, its like ur invisible..

Was just there earlier this week...they've got this sort of creepy guy with an odd attitude. I don't know...maybe it's just me but I didn't get good vibes when I was there. Don't know if he was too eager or condescending.

I'm a big fan of the Parliament Street location of Cycle Solutions. This was the first shop I walked in to and felt welcome immediately. The manager/owner (Kale) is a fantastic guy and is always willing to help you out. I really get the impression that he actually wants to set you up properly rather than simply pushing his gear.



In terms of shops I DON'T like, Wheels On Bloor (maybe Wheels OF Bloor) is definitely up there. I was the only customer in the store for approximately 20 minutes until anyone even acknowledged my presence. I even cleared my throat in a forlorn attempt to wake a sales associate from his slumber. Once someone realized I was there, it was only another 10 minutes until he asked me if I needed a hand. He was knowledgeable, but incredibly abrupt. I didn't feel welcome in this store. I think I needed 10 years of racing experience and a $5000 bike for him to even begin to consider me as a serious customer.

It's funny considering that I had $2500 to spend that very day. I was looking for a new road bike and was smitten with the Cervelo Team Soloist. The sales associate claimed that they had a 58cm frame "in the back" but that it had to be built up. I asked him to build it, ensuring him that I was serious, and he basically said "maybe". He said something along the lines of "check back every few weeks and maybe we'll have one built up". He actually even went as far as to say "we've got a team member who rides a 58, maybe you can ride one when it's in for service". I was sold on the Soloist up until that point. The next day I went out and bought a Specialized Tarmac at a rival shop. I'll never step foot in Wheels on Bloor again.

That's a shame, I liked the bikes I saw on their site.

You'd have thought that bike shops would be doing better these days. CycleTherapy is giving up its swank digs and moving into the basement of its present location.

Hiya, Mike here from Cycle Therapy.

Indeed we did move downstairs awhile back. On one hand, things are *ahem* cosier now, but on the other it's much less financial strain on the shop (the overhead of the previous location's rent/utilities was brutal in the off-season) and we really lucked out by managing to keep the same storefront (for those of you who don't know the shop we used to have the main and upper levels of a building - we've since moved to the lower level). This is a better spot for us until we're multi-millionaires and can just buy the whole building. ;)

As for that earlier comment, without knowing the specifics I can't really comment on it but if there is any specific issue you want to take up with me or anyone else at the store, please feel free. PM is probably easiest.

Anyway, if we're talking Toronto shops that are worth the effort to swing by I've got to recommend some of the Harbord guys - Bike Joint and Bike Clinic, specifically. They've both helped me out in the past as a random walk-in customer (I normally like to check out stores "in cognito" to see how they treat customers) and are super friendly. Oh, George at Parts Unknown in Kensington Market! Him and Mike the Bike down the street are my go-to guys for used bike recommendations.

Keith closed his shop but now works at the Parliament St. Cycle Solutions, so if you used to have him work on your bike you certainly still can.

Was just there earlier this week...they've got this sort of creepy guy with an odd attitude. I don't know...maybe it's just me but I didn't get good vibes when I was there. Don't know if he was too eager or condescending.

Really? What did this guy look like?

There is a little bike shop on Roncessvalles called West Side Cycle and he sells some pretty typical stuff, lots of kids bikes for the yuppies, a few mountain bikes, etc. About 3 years ago, when he first opened, I was with a friend and she needed some grips for her mountain bike so we went in and bought a set for $6 or so and here is what happened:

Us: "We'd like to buy these $6 bar grips please."
Owner: "Great, these ones are nice. Would you like me to install them for ya?"
Us: Sure, that would be great, thanks!"

----takes 3 minutes to put them on----

Owner: "Okay, that will be $15 total with the labour."
Us: :notamused::notamused:

Neither of us have ever set foot in there again.

----takes 3 minutes to put them on----

Owner: "Okay, that will be $15 total with the labour."
Us: :notamused::notamused:

Neither of us have ever set foot in there again.

Not to derail but that's a pretty silly IMO. A shop is a business not a charity, you should have asked how much for the install or bargained him down if you really cared; did you simply assume it would be free? If you bought a part for your car would you assume that installation was free? I agree that changing grips is a nearly trivial job but all the more reason to do it yourself, don't you think?

Ok back to the topic at hand: I'm gonna put down my vote for Urbane as my favourite shop in the city. I just love Urbane's style, they sell great products and seem like really friendly and knowledgeable dudes. In my mind they are one of the bike shops that cares the most about advancing the culture of cycling and promoting it as alternative transportation.

Not to derail but that's a pretty silly IMO. A shop is a business not a charity, you should have asked how much for the install or bargained him down if you really cared; did you simply assume it would be free? If you bought a part for your car would you assume that installation was free? I agree that changing grips is a nearly trivial job but all the more reason to do it yourself, don't you think?


The point is, the cost was never raised, nor discussed. Regardless of whether or not the customer expected it to be free suddenly saying that it costs $AMOUNT AFTER the job is done is really not cool. It should've been the mechs job to say how much it's going to cost before doing ANY repair.

The only thing silly IMO is your ridiculous idea that this is squarely the customers fault.

Would you do a repair on a customers bike then without consulting him install an extra $15 worth of bits on it?

Ok back to the topic at hand: I'm gonna put down my vote for Urbane as my favourite shop in the city. I just love Urbane's style, they sell great products and seem like really friendly and knowledgeable dudes. In my mind they are one of the bike shops that cares the most about advancing the culture of cycling and promoting it as alternative transportation.

Agreed. They are especially good for touring bikes/components etc.

Not to derail but that's a pretty silly IMO. A shop is a business not a charity, you should have asked how much for the install or bargained him down if you really cared; did you simply assume it would be free? If you bought a part for your car would you assume that installation was free? I agree that changing grips is a nearly trivial job but all the more reason to do it yourself, don't you think?


You are kidding, right? Of course I thought it was free, his manner intimated this. You seriously think his behaviour was typical of any business, let alone a bike shop? I realize that tone and experssion is hard to infer on the internet but c'mon, it should have been obvious.

No business operates like that...

You are kidding, right? Of course I thought it was free, his manner intimated this. You seriously think his behaviour was typical of any business, let alone a bike shop? I realize that tone and experssion is hard to infer on the internet but c'mon, it should have been obvious.

No business operates like that...

What part of time is money do you not understand? I don't know any business that provides free labour/installation on a $6 part. :rolleyes:

I don't know or care about this particular bike store, but I just think that airing a silly beef like this on an internet forum instead of taking it up with the shop itself (who could actually do something for you) is pretty pointless.

Seriously, if there was a shop in the GTA that provided free labour, I think it would be *everyone's* favourite shop!

I'd forgotten why I rarely post outside of C&V or the Toronto thread, thank you for reminding me BrownCow :)

What part of time is money do you not understand? I don't know any business that provides free labour/installation on a $6 part. :rolleyes:

I don't know or care about this particular bike store, but I just think that airing a silly beef like this on an internet forum instead of taking it up with the shop itself (who could actually do something for you) is pretty pointless.

Seriously, if there was a shop in the GTA that provided free labour, I think it would be *everyone's* favourite shop!

Any store that doesn't advise the customer beforehand, or acts in such a cheap money grab maneuver isn't a establishment worth spending money at.

I'd be a pissed too...and promptly tell the store owner to go **** himself.

What part of time is money do you not understand? I don't know any business that provides free labour/installation on a $6 part. :rolleyes:

I don't know or care about this particular bike store, but I just think that airing a silly beef like this on an internet forum instead of taking it up with the shop itself (who could actually do something for you) is pretty pointless.

Seriously, if there was a shop in the GTA that provided free labour, I think it would be *everyone's* favourite shop!

Any store that doesn't advise the customer beforehand, or acts with such a cheap money grab maneuver isn't a establishment worth spending money at.

I'd be a pissed too...and promptly tell the store owner to go **** himself.

What part of time is money do you not understand? I don't know any business that provides free labour/installation on a $6 part.
I have gotten free installation for little things and free adjustments at my LBS many times. I bought a computer once and they put it on for free. The other day they removed my headset to check for scoring on the cups (it was present). They did not charge for that. I bought a used headset, took it in to them, and had to tell them specifically to charge me the labour for both the inspection and the subsequent installation. The wrench shrugged and scribbled in $35 instead of $25.

The guys at the shop should have specifically informed the cyclist of the cost of the labour to install the $6 part, instead of making it sound like they would put it on for free.

You'll notice in my sarcastic rant one page previous in this thread that the cost for work needs to be established up front. Of course, if you have already established a long term relationship with an LBS then you tend to play it by ear.

Yeah, I think it's pretty low to charge after the fact without telling them. I've had numerous chats of free advice and little bolts/washers here and there from the great guys at Urbane, CS (Beaches and downtown) and Cycle Therapy - in fact I bought a hub from CS downtown and the guy threw in a water bottle just because I was asking about them.

I've used West Side Cycle before, I had to get a wheel trued and thought I'd give them a go - it seemed to take 3 days longer than I expected and cost more than I wanted - I'll be honest and appreciated the guys (William?) honest attitude and friendly approach when I was chatting to him, I got my daughter a helmet there and he fitted it to her right there and then for free - but still, the wheel truing thing didn't make me super impressed, so I politely don't go in there anymore (note: this was before I knew of Keith at Cavern and now at CS ;))

I should note I like MEC for their customer service approach, I've had a few things break and/or go wrong including cycle computers and my headlight and superflash back lights - and they've been awesome in replacing and swapping things out for me with no questions asked. It's not just a bike store, but they do care for the customer in my experience which goes a long way IMO.

Was just there earlier this week...they've got this sort of creepy guy with an odd attitude. I don't know...maybe it's just me but I didn't get good vibes when I was there. Don't know if he was too eager or condescending.

I'd like to amend this statement. Was just there recently and I'll put his attitude as eager/earnest.

As for that earlier comment, without knowing the specifics I can't really comment on it but if there is any specific issue you want to take up with me or anyone else at the store, please feel free.

Huh? I said that u were guys were friendly and helpful.

Anyways, you guys should have stayed at the original location right on the bike lane and intersection. Crossing Queen at the current location is murder!

Someone fess up. There's this really neat Google Map of all the Toronto Downtown bike shops. Its pretty cool. Its made by a Rob M. Its worth a peek!
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=103097317714625773780.00000112482c801c9f572

You could also pick up the free Toronto Cycling Map at any bike store in Toronto. The map shows all bike trails, paths and pretty much all bike shops in Toronto. The 2008 map is out now.

That's a shame, I liked the bikes I saw on their site.

I am on my second bike from Wheels of Bloor and I think they are a great group of guys. They dont lavish you with attention a la "bigger chain" stores. I first purchased a low end bike (devinci chicane) and they look great care of me and took the time to educate me a bit because I was a complete novice. Due to they way I was treated on the first purchase I've since picked up a Colnago from them and it seems to get better and better.

Customer service comes down to the persons expectations....if you want to be wined and dined (so to speak) then you need a bigger chain type store...IMHO.

I think wheels of bloor is a great balance is good service, great products and fair price.

check them out at http://www.wheelsofbloor.com/ the specials dont change often but they are pretty good.

I've only been commuting by bike in Toronto for a year, but I've been hit by a van, cut off by a cement truck, and developed a respectful fear of side mirrors and street car tracks. I feel like I've got a decent hold of how things work in as a cyclist in Toronto now and I've had the opportunity to deal with quite a few shops.

Curbside: I bought a Surly Crosscheck last summer at Curbside (Bloor/Spadina) and they were quite kind and helpful. They gave me a good price on a Brooks B-17 and a new stem with crazy rise (I'm built like Fred Flintstone and I have tyrannosaurus rex arms) and didn't charge labour to pop either on for me. I got a tune up there a few months later (on their recommendation) and the turn-around was great given how busy they were.

Cycle Therapy: I just had a good experience with Mike and Phil at Cycle Therapy (Queen east of Pape). I got hit by a car a few weeks ago and needed to replace my rear wheel. Despite being ludicrously busy with other repairs, they were able to turn my wheel around in a matter of a couple days once I brought them the parts. They had problems with their distributors/suppliers that caused some delays, but were then more than happy to build the wheel with parts I bought from other shops. They did a great job on the wheel (Deep V to Deore XT) and did quite a thorough check of the whole bike, finding a couple other issues that needed adjustment. Overall, I really appreciate how friendly and knowledgeable they were.

Urbane Cyclist: I have nothing bad to say about Urbane (John north of Queen). They're really well stocked and they've always been friendly and helpful. Especially Mike, who's always been helpful and had a good cyclist-revenge story when I told him I'd been mowed down. There's always lust-worthy bikes locked up outside, too. It just generally has a sense of community that's unbeatable.

I've also dealt with a few people at Duke's. They've been really nice for the most part and remembered me, which goes a long way to building customer loyalty. Unfortunately they don't stock much that's particularly to my taste. I bought my lock and helmet there because they treated me so well when I was test-riding bikes.

Bikes on Wheels in Kensington market has some really cool bikes but I'm uneasy about that place due to a really really bad salesperson experience. I was browsing with a very bike-saavy friend who was looking to test ride new road, touring, and cyclocross bikes and the salesman ignored everything we said and tried to steer us towards a used mountain bike. He then proceeded to try to point out features of the bike which were just wrong. Just totally factually incorrect. We politely humoured him, but damn. Maybe the dude was high (it was mid afternoon in the market afterall) or just generally having a really bad extended mind-fart, but I'm extra wary now. Not the place for impulse buys based on their advice.

Mike the Bike in Kensington was also extremely nice but I wasn't in the market for a used bike so I didn't spend much time there.

A salesman at Broadview Cycle tried to convince me that I had imagined the existence of the Bianchi San Jose and Volpe. His research into the matter involved a several-years-out-of-date Bianchi catalogue. They didn't have much in stock that I was excited about.

Hope that's helpful to someone.

Don't forget about Invita Sport on the Mississauga/Toronto border. Nice owners, who didn't sneer when I took my Diamondback hybrid in for a tune-up, and GORGEOUS bikes.

They are a pretty new shop, only a couple years old.

I don't like Bayview Cycle either. I was in there looking at some Trek bikes and the owner had the nerve to tell me that no, they don't give free tune-ups because "trek bikes are so good they never need tune ups" even though its advertised on their site that they give free tune ups on a bike. They also watch you like a hawk as if you're going to steal something. I took my business elsewhere and picked up a Trek at Trek Toronto instead.

Whoa, hold on there...a bike shop wanted to, horrors, actually charge you for spending time working on your bike, you said no, and then you used their tools? Goodness, never mind that bike shops barely make enough to survive from repairs, this does indeed sound like a terrible shop.

Who do they think they are asking for money for spending time working on your bike? And who the fukk do they think they are lending you their tools? Ingrates.

When I buy a soda from a restaurant, I expect them to pour it in a glass for me. When I spend money on a rack, I expect the shop to take 5 minutes and put it on my bike for me.

When I buy a soda from a bad restaurant, and have to pour the drink into the glass myself, the waiter doesn't stand there and say "you should have just paid me extra to do it".

The employees in this shop (Bayview Cycles) are only interested in getting your money. I had never seen as drastic and swift a reduction in helpfulness as during the moment I paid for my rack there. As soon as I paid, the man began answering my questions with a look of contempt and impatience on his face.

By the way, $10 for a 5 minute job works out to be 240,000 dollars a year for 40 hrs/week (50 weeks). I wish I had a job that earned $120 an hour.

Do they cut your food for you too?

You ever tip a bartender to pour you a drink? How long did that take? 10 seconds? Hey, he makes more than you too...

Bike shops sell parts, not service. Or at least when you buy a rack that is the case.
You can buy service at some, eg tire truing, tuneup etc. But if you buy a rack, you are only paying for a part and not for service.

When I buy a soda from a restaurant, I expect them to pour it in a glass for me. When I spend money on a rack, I expect the shop to take 5 minutes and put it on my bike for me.

When I buy a soda from a bad restaurant, and have to pour the drink into the glass myself, the waiter doesn't stand there and say "you should have just paid me extra to do it".

The employees in this shop (Bayview Cycles) are only interested in getting your money. I had never seen as drastic and swift a reduction in helpfulness as during the moment I paid for my rack there. As soon as I paid, the man began answering my questions with a look of contempt and impatience on his face.

By the way, $10 for a 5 minute job works out to be 240,000 dollars a year for 40 hrs/week (50 weeks). I wish I had a job that earned $120 an hour.
Are you actually comparing waitressing and a bike shop? You paid for the part only, you pay for labor if you want them to install it, if not do it yourself.

Fair enough, I stand corrected and I've revised my review:

Bayview Cycle Centre is a good bike shop, though with less spectacular customer service and employee attitude than some other bike shops I have visited in the past.

I was a bit dissapointed with Bayview cycle when I went there.... they didn't seem to interested in addressing my needs and were a bit paranoid about having their bike taken for a test spin.... on seprate occassions they told my friend and me that they expect us to test the bike in the parking lot.... we were like "OK..... ".


Would you buy a car solely based on internet reviews and/or your friends' opinion without actually driving one? Yeah, I though so. They tend get really busy at times and dont want to spend hours talking about specification of the bike. Rather, they want the bikes to sell themselves. :]

I'm coming in late to this conversation -- but I'm also only now forming my own ideas about shops (vs. last season when I was relying on a friend to just take me, and my bike, to his shop and set me up). So as a noob, and someone who likes the opportunity to figure things out on my own while having my questions answered.....

But I'd like to weigh in with another plug for Urbane - I've been in there twice this week, and while I had to wait around on Friday (when it was quite busy), when I was helped the guy was super nice. Yesterday I just went in and took my bike straight to the service counter where the woman there helped me adjust my bars and made suggestions for changes in the future that will definately improve the bar fit. Both times I came out with lots of suggestions & information, without the pressure of a hard-sell --- much appreciated and I'll definately be back.

I also really like MEC, their customer service there has always been awesome, and they usually seem pretty willing to answer questions and explain equipment I might not be familiar with --- definately less intimidating than some of the bike shops I've been in.

And can I throw out CBN as a favourite shop/organization? I've gotten SO much help there with learning about how my bike works and how-tos... they're an excellent resource.

And can I throw out CBN as a favourite shop/organization? I've gotten SO much help there with learning about how my bike works and how-tos... they're an excellent resource.

Mine too, I volunteer quite regularly and I recommand a lot of people to go there.

Are you actually comparing waitressing and a bike shop? You paid for the part only, you pay for labor if you want them to install it, if not do it yourself.

Perhaps free service with purchase is one of the signs of a better bike shop, then?

I've had free work done at Urbane (http://www.ucycle.com/) (most recently they fixed and lubed my rear gear shift when it stuck. I bought a couple of bottles of lube in appreciation), CyclePath (http://twowheeltravel.ca/) (installed a couple of racks which I bought there, and replaced a tire on my kids' stroller, I think.), and SportSwap (on Bayview) (http://www.sportswap.com/). (I forget what they did, but they let me test drive a Kona Paddy Wagon (http://www.konaworld.com/08_paddywagon_w.htm) while I got my front brake fixed recently. Fun ride!) Even the places which want to charge for work seem to be more than happy to loan me tools so that I can do the work myself, but maybe I'm just lucky that way.

Perhaps free service with purchase is one of the signs of a better bike shop, then?

I've had free work done at Urbane (http://www.ucycle.com/) (most recently they fixed and lubed my rear gear shift when it stuck. I bought a couple of bottles of lube in appreciation), CyclePath (http://twowheeltravel.ca/) (installed a couple of racks which I bought there, and replaced a tire on my kids' stroller, I think.), and SportSwap (on Bayview) (http://www.sportswap.com/). (I forget what they did, but they let me test drive a Kona Paddy Wagon (http://www.konaworld.com/08_paddywagon_w.htm) while I got my front brake fixed recently. Fun ride!) Even the places which want to charge for work seem to be more than happy to loan me tools so that I can do the work myself, but maybe I'm just lucky that way.


Service / maintenance of the bike was a concern for me while shopping around. Many offered 1 year of free service while a few offered 2...wheels on bloor offers free service for the life of the bike with the original owner...they've even taught me a few things.

thier stuff is most higher end but the sales are great

Just my 2 cents here but the best bike shop for me is one which sponsors a dynamic cycling group, better still when the owner, or the mechanics themselves ride with the group... a group which will not only looks out for members when mechanical trouble strikes but also when the almost inevitable accident happens.

Case in point, I was in an accident in a group ride and needed to be taken to the hospital via an ambulance... the group members I was with contacted the LBS which sent a vehicle to fetch my bike (probably 30 kms from the bike shop) and to top it off assisted me when the time came to file my claim with the insurance company (witness statements, etc.).

I had never seen as drastic and swift a reduction in helpfulness as during the moment I paid for my rack there. As soon as I paid, the man began answering my questions with a look of contempt and impatience on his face.

By the way, $10 for a 5 minute job works out to be 240,000 dollars a year for 40 hrs/week (50 weeks). I wish I had a job that earned $120 an hour.

*LOL*.

You buy a rack, and you expect the installation labour to be FREE?

I really can't believe there are customers like you out there, but apparently there is. Holy cow. What next, buy a spoke, get a free spoke replacement?

Buy a fork, free replacement? Buy a BB, free facing and installation?

If you think the shop is making millions a year off of rack installs, you might want to rethink that. I should be driving around in my ferrari going to my 200ft yacht everyday with strippers on the deck.

Give mea freaking break. Clueless, is what you are sir.

+1 for Urbane. I slightly tweaked my route and just so happened to bike by Urbane, so I dropped in.
The customer service person was very nice and friendly. They even let me test ride a fixed gear! (Never rode one before.) I picked up a bell and splatter guard. I'm gonna have to drop in again to do some browsing. They look slightly more costly than MEC, but they carry stuff MEC doesn't have.

I haven't used Urbane, but I stopped in there once to see if they had a part I wanted (they didn't, but they said they could order it, and I haven't found it elsewhere so I might take them up on it -- nobody else I've talked to has mentioned being able to order it).

When my ancient whitewall tires started to rot, I found replacements at Bikes On Wheels. They were the only ones who stocked anything in 20 x 1 3/8". They had some vintage bikes on the floor and seemed to have a lot of variety in the parts they stocked.

My regular shop is Cyclepath on Yonge near Eglinton, just because I live close by and can stop in there after work. I don't know what to think yet. It really seems to depend on who takes care of you when you walk into the shop -- half of them won't even make eye contact, and one guy said he would check and see if a part could be ordered and didn't get around to it until a week later when I asked and another employee prodded him.

The tall skinny dude with the fauxhawk seems to know his stuff and is conscientious about his work. I left my bike there for a wheel truing, and their service was fast (it was ready a day before they originally estimated it would be). As to whether it worked, I'm not sure -- I asked for a truing, and it didn't clear up the problem I was having, but I may have just made the wrong guess about what needed to be done. Overall I think they're a shop for people who already know what they need done or what they need to buy, not for those who need more help sorting things out.

You can check to see if your wheel is true by lifting it off the ground and giving it a spin. Watch the gap between the brake pads and the rim closely and see if the size of the gap changes at all. Also, use a ruler and lie it across the fork just above the fork and repeat with that gap.

Not the Bicycle Clinic!:mad:

FROryder, the Bicycle Clinic is no more. ;)

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_25204.aspx

FROryder, the Bicycle Clinic is no more. ;)

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_25204.aspx
I know, just a weak attempt at humour:)

Whoa, hold on there...a bike shop wanted to, horrors, actually charge you for spending time working on your bike, you said no, and then you used their tools? Goodness, never mind that bike shops barely make enough to survive from repairs, this does indeed sound like a terrible shop.

Who do they think they are asking for money for spending time working on your bike? And who the fukk do they think they are lending you their tools? Ingrates.

A small business manager who does not understand that those $10 and a smile were possibly THE cheapest way of advertising the store and making sure the costumer would come back again and again is an idiot. Period. The problem is, more in general, that most store owners/managers, not just in this industry, understand close to nothing about how to do business and treat costumers. The very few who do, of course, become millionaires.

Amen.

Not to derail but that's a pretty silly IMO. A shop is a business not a charity, you should have asked how much for the install or bargained him down if you really cared; did you simply assume it would be free? If you bought a part for your car would you assume that installation was free? I agree that changing grips is a nearly trivial job but all the more reason to do it yourself, don't you think?

Ok back to the topic at hand: I'm gonna put down my vote for Urbane as my favourite shop in the city. I just love Urbane's style, they sell great products and seem like really friendly and knowledgeable dudes. In my mind they are one of the bike shops that cares the most about advancing the culture of cycling and promoting it as alternative transportation.

See my response to Rousseau, above.

What part of time is money do you not understand? I don't know any business that provides free labour/installation on a $6 part. :rolleyes:

I don't know or care about this particular bike store, but I just think that airing a silly beef like this on an internet forum instead of taking it up with the shop itself (who could actually do something for you) is pretty pointless.

Seriously, if there was a shop in the GTA that provided free labour, I think it would be *everyone's* favourite shop!

Again, I really hope you don't own a bike store yourself: you'd be in troubles! But you do say something right: a shop that provided free (three-minute) labour (at a time when perhaps he was doing absolutely nothing) and a smile would probably be "everyone's" favourite! :o)

On the other hand, I live very close to tha store on Roncesvalle and, after reading the comment posted by the other friend, I will never use that store. I'm sure I am not the only one here to reach this conclusion! Was it worth $9?

Re-amen.

I think I've found a good one -- Europe Bound on Front Street (on the south side, just west of Church) has a full bike parts shop with a repair centre in their basement, overseen by one very smart and competent bike nerd. He might be my go-to guy from now on because he's close to where I work, and knows his stuff more than the guys at my Cyclepath near Eglinton.

I think I've found a good one -- Europe Bound on Front Street
I've never had my bike repaired there, but they have the world's cheapest cycle computers with cadence. I think it's the CatEye something something, and I seem to remember they were close to $15-20 the last couple of times I've bought one, which is about half of what other brands/stores were charging.

Does anyone have any experience at the Trek store (http://www.trektoronto.ca/) at Yonge and Eglinton? It's right across from Cyclepath, and I can't decide which shop has better service.