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.

Service is okay. I bought my 3700 there. They were helpful enough with the sale. The staff seemed knowledgable and the tune-ups offered have a pretty quick turn around if your bike is relatively new. But then again I suspect they don't do much except lube the drive train and adjust your brake pads. Though I did somehow manage to untrue my rear wheel and they trued it for me without charging me though that would be expected since I bought the bike in April. But I did manage to bend the rear derailleur hanger and they charged me 12 bucks to bend it back. The guy was pretty honest with me, he told me I could replace the hanger but it would cost more and probrably wouldn't be worth it because getting it bent back would probrably be just as good. The prices of their accessories are pretty average the only thing that is a good deal is the bells they carry. They had cateye incredibells for only 4 or was it 5 bucks. Thats almost half the price of what some other places charge for it.

As for the Cyclepath, me and two friends walked into it one day and it wasn't particularily busy but nobody seemed interested in helping us. Other than that I don't have much to say about the Cyclepath store except they carried pretty funny looking norco bikes. sub 300 dollar bikes that had disc brakes. Some corners have to be beeing cut somewhere.

hey, I live in downtown and recently my quick release seat was stolen when I left my bike out near yonge and Dundas. I need a new seat- anyone know a store like bike pirates where I can buy a used quick release seat for cheap? I believe bike pirates is moving or has closed? Thanks.

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.

Ohhh..that reminds me when I bought my cycle-computer there a few years ago. I took it home and started to put everything together and nothing seemed to make sense. The bits in the box did not seem to correspond to what the fold-out instructions were showing. I realized after a while that someone had purchased the cycle-computer and returned it after taking what they'd needed and throwing some odds and ends in.

I took it back to Europe Bound and exchanged it. They didn't seem happy and one of them muttered "get you out of here as soon as possible". I never went back after that. :mad:

Trek Store - apparently this store is the former owner of Sport Swap (which was sold and moved to Bayview) who opened the Trek licencee store. I've had luck finding obscure bits & pieces here (like cleat shims) and the staff friendly. Not a ton of inventory or selection; don't know about service skills (I don't ride Trek).

Sport Swap (the new one). A few doors from my house but I never go in anymore. The staff couldn't care less about customers and helping -- a bit too cool for school; limited product selection. Shame because it's a 7-iron from my door.

Endurosport - the place to go for tri/TT stuff. Apparently they have great fitters (Peter, Jared). Used to be one of the few places that had pedal stroke analysis. Cons -- they haven't always been quick to help out (except for the new young keener they have working the floor...he's a gas). Totally warming up to this place.

Sporting Life Bikes - great customer service and the bikes are reasonably priced (usually discounted the minute the new models come in). But you need to pay attention to who's helping you -- if you're buying high-end road talk only to Tim or Paul. Bought my last bike here specifically because of Paul, but I talk to Tim mostly now. Only downside is I wasn't really offered a full fit job with the new bike.

Dornellas -- the jouneyman's shop. Good prices, good help, loads of real-world racing expertise. The shop can be fun in that it can be a bit of a scavenger hunt...you never know what kind of good deal you'll stumble across. One of the best riding clubs in the city with a good calendar of events. Only Eon does fitting, which is supposed to be pretty good.

La Bicicletta -- I only go here under complete duress as I've never been in there without feeling like I was interrupting. Unless you plan to drop $10K on a bike give it a pass as they couldn't really give a ** about you. If you don't shave your legs make sure you wear pants when you go in or they won't even acknowledge your presence. Lot's of people worship the ground Heath walks on and rave about his bike fitting but I had a lousy experience with him that ended in knee/hip problems and about $300 wasted on stem/bars/his service. I don't doubt his experience, but it certainly didn't work for me. And one time I had a question that apparently only he could answer so the sales guy went in the back to find him, but instead of coming out to talk or answer follow-up questions he couldn't be bothered, apparently. I know a lot of people love this place, but I prefer to have the shop feel honored that I might choose them rather than them expecting me to feel honored that they let me in the door. Lot's of eye candy though (bikes, not chicks).

Cyclepath (Yonge). Not so friendly (I've never seen anyone get out from behind the cash register), but OK in a bind (they did toss me a fee skewer when I bent one on my mountain bike).

MEC -- the bomb for tools misc clothing stuff, bar tape ($7 cork gel tape!?). Of course if you go to La Bicicletta with your $7 Planet Bike tape they might make you re-wrap your bars before they can touch your bike.

Dukes -- I don't go there anymore after I found out the hard way they only give store credits on returns of unused products. [U]If I'm not sure I'll go to Sporting Life: when my wife vetoes a purchase there's never an issue bringing it back.

i was looking at building a wheel set last month for my first build and martin and asher at urbane were more than helpful. they made sure i was getting what i needed. i'll be headed back there even tho i live in ajax.

So having read through the thread, it seems like Urbane might be the best place for me to go tomorrow when I arrive in Toronto. I want a fixed gear bike and I'd build it myself, but I wont have my tools with me (I'm emigrating from Ireland) and want a bike for when I'm trying to get around to look at different places to live.

Is Urbane the cheapest fixie stockist?
There isnt much on Craigslist at the moment... must have a look at eBay.ca.

what would be a good store to take a vintage italian road bike to for TLC, new pedals, seat, chain and probably rims.

thanks

^^^
These folks might be able to help...

http://www.biseagal.com/welcome.htm

So having read through the thread, it seems like Urbane might be the best place for me to go tomorrow when I arrive in Toronto. I want a fixed gear bike and I'd build it myself, but I wont have my tools with me (I'm emigrating from Ireland) and want a bike for when I'm trying to get around to look at different places to live.

Is Urbane the cheapest fixie stockist?
There isnt much on Craigslist at the moment... must have a look at eBay.ca.

Never mind, I built my own one in the bike workshop place on Queen West for under $300.

Heres my first bike shop experience. I went to this store called "Recycle" at 1292 Queen St. East guys name is Polly cool dude and all just doesnt tolerate stupidity. Anyways heres what he charged me...I got my front wheel trued for 10$, brain new chain put on for 20$, bought a pretty basic italian made alloy seat for 25$, he also did some work on my breaks and derailleurs at no cost. The only thing was he didnt have any pedals I wanted so I got stuck paying 10$ for a pair of plastic mountain bike pedals which look terrible. But those will be replaced ASAP ( if anyone has any pedals they wanna get rid of PM is key) Otherwise it was a great experience he even talked me through what he was doing, so i learned a thing or two as well.

Cycle Therapy 1414 Queen e. I believe. I dealt with John and he was great. Really gave me exactly what I was looking for and was a great guy to talk to. I've only dealt with this shop once but was thoroughly impressed. Ended up getting two nice, lightly used components for a very good price. It's a nice marriage between being very laid back but still having nice stuff. They know their stuff.

La Carerra These guys have always been great as well. Knowledgeable mechanics who will take the time to talk to you even if you don't end up spending anything. It's always been a great pleasure to deal with this shop.

Urbane Good for having a wide selection of little stuff. I get my bearings, bolts, and tools from them usually. Their mechanics are all really knowledgeable and have always been willing to answer a few questions when I do the work myself. I used to get everything here but I've moved more into roadie stuff and they aren't the best place for road components. They also get swamped really badly during the summer months so you can't really hang out as much and their service department is often overwhelmed.

My top score goes to Enduro Sport (Leasdie) for terrific service. To explain, I walked-in with a newly acquired used bike which has an odd "bobble" in the front tire and a clanky grind feel in the high-gear. Before I knew it, Brian was upstairs looking things over for me - he tosses off the tire, gives it a look-see and is all the while talking about things I should know about the bike... The bobble seems to just be an imperfection in the Michelin, and not worth a worry. As he puts it all back together he adjusts the brakes. He shows me where the 4000 km chain and cassette are showing their wear, but advises me to keep them for winter riding if/when I decide to get some new parts. Finally, he gets me out of the roadie shoes I'd bought there the day before (from a one-day-a-weeker rookie), and hooks me up with "mountain bike" shoes, and SPD pedals, doing the install right then and there -- and with no labour charges. The return/exchange is painless -- I didn't need my receipt or the box the road shoes came in...

While it would have been reasonable to discuss labour fees for everything he did (he spent easily half an hour talking to me and working on my bike) the issue was never broached and they didn't try to sneak in a charge after the fact. So maybe he lost $30 in labour profits, but he earned a customer for life -- you tell me which is more valuable? Plus, obviously I now recommend Enduro Sport to anyone I know (and even peeps I don't know).

In a few years when I've saved the money for "the one" bike, I'll undoubtedly get it from Enduro Sport.

My experiences at Urbane, Bayview Cycle, D'Ornellas, and other shops have closely mirrored the general consensus here. CyclePath (North York, Yonge & Finchish) I found Gino to quite be helpful, but agree their selection isn't terrific. It's close-by so I'll go there from time to time.

I definately have to add a negative review for Sport Swap (on Bayview). I've been off cycles for 15+ years, and decided to get back into it. My wife insisted I'd be able to get a good used bike there so I checked them out. Here's my story: they had no used bikes. They had one "clearance" bike, but I've since discovered the price was discounted maybe $20 at most -- and it had some dings in the paint even. When I bought it I was told I got one year of free tune-ups.... This was the major reason that I decided to buy this bike from them that day. Well, when I came back for my "it's broken-in" tune-up a month later I'm told I only get the one tune-up, and that I'd have a "tune-up card" if I got more. Colour me un-impressed. The bike was a poor fit, and wound up causing ulnar nerve issues too. Well, I spent less and got a well-used Caribou through a TBN contact, which is a much better bike. Now I need to find someone who wants the barely-used bike I got from Sport Swap, lol.

Great thread though!

hey, does anybody have any experience with Cyclemotive on Bathurst?

I'm looking for a cyclocross bike right now and it seem like them and Urbane have the one I want.. now I'm trying to decide where to get it. I generally like Urbance better, but Cyclemotive is offering me a better deal (free tire swap, a couple other bonuses).

I'd buy at Cyclemotive, only I don't know what their mechanics are like and what type of service I'll get. They seemed friendly and knowledgeable when I was in there.

hey, does anybody have any experience with Cyclemotive on Bathurst?

I'm looking for a cyclocross bike right now and it seem like them and Urbane have the one I want.. now I'm trying to decide where to get it. I generally like Urbance better, but Cyclemotive is offering me a better deal (free tire swap, a couple other bonuses).

I'd buy at Cyclemotive, only I don't know what their mechanics are like and what type of service I'll get. They seemed friendly and knowledgeable when I was in there.

Their sister shop Cycle Shoppe sold me a bike a few years back. The guy who sold me the bike now runs Cyclemotive.

I purchased bike that was far too small for my size and while at the end of the day it's my own fault for being a uneducated buyer (first bike purchase) it's obvious they just wanted to move a bike regardless of the size being correct.

When shopping for my Argon and stopped by Cyclemotive and was able to test ride but they did absolutely nothing in terms of making sure the bike was adjusted correctly beforehand.

I ended up buying it from Cycle Therapy who did a full fitting before even letting my test ride and bought a bike that was two models up from what I was at first intending to buy.

I'm not saying it's a bad store( they have good products), but I received better service elsewhere considering the $$ I was about to drop.

Personally, I'd stick with Urbane. There are only two stores I trust my bike with in the downtown core, Urbane and Cycle Therapy. Others have tried to repair/tune my bike and made serious errors, ie, crank arms falling off, greasing the tires to make them shine, gears not working properly. etc etc.

Urbane found me some rims that will fit my folder. I wasn't sure anyone in town would have them.

Parts Unknown deserves a shout-out as George seems to have found me a rear rack of the right size with the right bracket. I have to go check at the end of the week because he needed to go on safari into the back of the shed for it.

Cycle Solutions they know their stuff, good service, and friendly staff.
Great shop for folding bikes, and accessories, they carry the standard bikes as well, if you are a folding bike fan, or want a folding bike definitely check them out.
I visit most often the location at Parliament.
Urbane is also good but they always closes too early, i've still yet to set foot inside the store.... sigh....
Most other shop only gather to the big bikes.

Broadway cycle Excellent service, time and patients. They let me test drive their bikes several times (before I bought)

Gears I always feel odd in there..it's like they expect you to buy something all the time. Also, they only sell Specialized or GIANT so their selections are limited. They also cater to the Mississauga rd. $$$ crowd....so their not into cheap commuter needs. Their warranty however is the best in the business except for their disclaimer that they do not work on 'dirty' bikes. wtf up with that.

Urban Cyclist Really pleasant, no pressure to buy anything, even when you walk inside, they don't attack you asking if you want anything. I like the fact that they give you time, to approach them when you want or need help. They also have a good overall selection of commuter accessories/saddles, etc.

MEC Just awesome in every respect

I agree with macteacher.

Urbane Cycle: interesting bikes, no pressure staff, good variety of accessories, and especially a very accessible parts department. I like that they have components clipped to the wall and priced so that you can weigh the price and quality without someone hovering over you. (It'd be nice if they installed a decent rack outside, though.)

MEC: good selection of everyday accessories, tools, and clothing at very good prices.

Urbane has nice people and good prices. MEC for gear.

RE: Wheels Of Bloor, Bloor St. West Toronto


I was in no way expecting to be coddled from the moment I walked into the shop. However, there are certain expectations any reasonable consumer has of a retail location. Afterall, they are competing for my business, not the other way around.

Staring at their customers with utter contempt is not good practice. It gives an overwhelming impression that they suffer an inflated sense of accomplishment, as if they were the only high end shop in Toronto. I made it perfectly clear that I was ready and willing to put a down payment on a bike that very day and was still ignored. Were the mechanics too lazy, or did they not want to sell me a $2500 bike? Some business strategy...

I've been to a few shops before. My main bike that I love riding was bought at Silent Sports. A bit expensive for some stuff but the do tend to look nice. The shop looks a bit more geared for the suburban rider and MTB'er more then roadies from my feel in there. Seeing as my bike was bought there long ago when I have a loose headset and bring it inthey tend to give me free tightens where as when I mentioned that to some other shops they give it a look then ask I think $10 (WTF!!?). I do get a slight feel of pressure when in there to buy something. You do get approached and asked if you need any help but not as much of that feeling in Bayview Cycle.


Bayview Cycle - I've been there a few times. They have some stuff I like and are close to me but when you enter thier store you always get that pressure feeling like you have to buy something while in there. Right when you walk in they give you the visual look and acknolwedgement that you're there then ask 'can I help you?'. While you're looking at items they'll come by again and ask if you need help finding something and the cashier counter keeps an eagle eye on you. I have bought a seat stem off them before and installed it myself but goofed up but the owners son seemed ok. He cut the seat post down and remounted the seat which he said was proper when he was done setting it up for me without cost. I was going in with the impression that he would be charging me for the cutting. I think he manages the website as well as he is by the computer on his website (store website) the few times I've been there. I tend to buy a small item when I'm there each time. If I'm just there to look I end up picking up a cheap $1.00 chainlink as a 'viewing cost' I guess for viewing thier inventory in person. THo not a total loss on the money as a few spare links never hurts.

Urbane Cycle

I have been here once before. Never bought anything and when I was inside I was greeted with a friendly hello and the feeling in the store was cozy. You jsut has a feel like you're not pressured to buy in there. I guess it's partly the staff and partly the size of the store space. I got to look at stuff without interuption and I think was asked once if I needed help and a the time I didn't so I declined and the guy has a no pressure vibe to him and backed off in a cool 'feel free to look without pressure and if you need me just look and ask for help and I'll help you' feel. I appreciate that feel. It allows you to focus more and absorb the items you're looking at then to worry about some person hovering over you like a hawk. I was able to bring my bike in the store then (not busy at the time) which I liked. I did get a bit of a sticker shock on the NYFU series of Ulock/chains when I saw them and did wonder if the locks really were the newest protection off Kryptonites website. I was there probably 40mins to closing so things started winding down then. Still based on that positive experience I would be going back again to check them out. I did see them at the Toronto Bike Show 07 at thier booth and the guy there I thinkI've seen before in the shop was cool talking to me about the recumbents and the Bike Friday bikes. Based on the two times and 2 locations (and staff at the locations) I had the experiences with Urbane I felt comfortable with them in a non judging feel while talking to them and they seem to love bikes of any kind.

MEC

I have to echo the last few posts above me on this. They have the size of floor space and chain stores that you don't feel pressure to buy while in there. You know you'll get experienced advice if you ask the people there but the 'no pressure to buy' feel is equivlent of that feel when you walk into a Walmart to look at all thier stuff without being bugged at all with the occassional 'do you need help' if you're stuck in an area for some time looking at something and the staff feels you may need help. Awesome atmosphere in there. Pity it is a 20km one way (thank goddess it's downhill to get there from my location) from my area tho the ride there is not the issue it's the ride back that is a PITA as it's mostly up hill on the returns. Uphills are not an issue if you're not carrying back a lot of goodies you've bought from MEC. Thier quality on thier stuff is good. As someone once put it 'MEC quality is like the Army Surplus but for civilians" which is good because camo (yes I know they have brown and black but most popel think camo) does not work in most places. Thier open return policy is awesome. Just show up and return the item if unused and unopened. If the bag is opene you'll get the typical question of if anything is wrong with it then the person may give it a basic inspection or a thourgh inspection. They have a 'rock solid' garuntee as they say on thier site and in the store that if you're not happy with anything return it with reciept and I think they told me there is no return expiry date which is AWESOME. Tho I can undestand in fairness if the item has been used to hell and back and you try to return it for full money even I would give you the 'evil look' as you've gotten full use out of it.


Anyways I might revise this later if I shoow up at these shops in the near future. I try to keep my bike sout of the shops as much as possbile as it always costs money to get stuff repaired. ;( I'm definately going to get a tool kit off MEC to defer many future basic repair/maintance costs.

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.

I had a friend that got the same experience when they're visiting T.O (was not with them that time) and not knowing the area well they GPS'ed Bayview Cycle and went to check out the store. I forgot what they said to lead to that exact same comment on 'Trek bikes are so good they never need tune ups' which I remember my mate saying he snapped back 'I guess BMW's are so good they never need oil, lube, filter, and tuneups then' motioning towards and eying what he believed to be either the owners or the owners sons BMW parked in front of the store. Now I'm not sure if the owner or his son drives a BMW. I never paid attention to that. My mate said after that comment on the BMW the atmosphere in the store turned without actually saying these words 'get out and I don't want to see you in my store again'.

I wonder if some bike shops would clean up and retrain thier staff to be more helpful and such if we all discretely and clandestinely dropped a business card with the words 'Bike Shop Reviews in the GTA' and the link to here.

When the store keep is not looking hide it by the cash register or stick a few in the card holder area. Would be interesting when a customer is there pulling out a card and the next one says 'How is your bike shop doing? Bike Shop reviews here in the GTA".

Hmm....

Curbside offers the highest quality and most practical bikes for people not looking to break a sweat. Great sales staff, and some really interesting 'oddball' models too.

I wonder if some bike shops would clean up and retrain thier staff to be more helpful and such if we all discretely and clandestinely dropped a business card with the words 'Bike Shop Reviews in the GTA' and the link to here.

When the store keep is not looking hide it by the cash register or stick a few in the card holder area. Would be interesting when a customer is there pulling out a card and the next one says 'How is your bike shop doing? Bike Shop reviews here in the GTA".

Hmm....

There are quite a bit of shop staff on here who read these boards. They just aren't very high profile.

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.

+1 for InVita Sport
They opened up when Antonio and his Pavan Cycle retired. InVita will carry Pinarello this spring so I can't wait to see the gear. I'm sure they will be much more friendlier than the other GTA Pinarello dealer :)

Also the guys at Cyclepath in Oakville especially Joe are great!

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..... ".


Same thing happen to my friends and I. He asked my for my licence to hold while I took it for a spin. I know I was only 18 at the time, but I was a bit offended. I had just parked my dads brand new car in front of his shop and he was asking for my licence. I ended up getting my bike there but I dont know if I would go back...

Same thing happen to my friends and I. He asked my for my licence to hold while I took it for a spin. I know I was only 18 at the time, but I was a bit offended. I had just parked my dads brand new car in front of his shop and he was asking for my licence. I ended up getting my bike there but I dont know if I would go back...
Why would you take offence to that?
It is only prudent for the store to ask for some kind of security. You should not take it personally.

Does anyone know where I can get an old single speed bike? I just want something functional. Doenst have to be pretty. And something on the cheap....

Why would you take offence to that?
It is only prudent for the store to ask for some kind of security. You should not take it personally.

I wouldnt have taken it personally, IF he had explained it. But the way he asked for it, seemed more like a "I have seen kids like you take off with my bikes".... In any case, I ended up buying it from there.

Craigslist is best