Southern California - Used bike shop in Los Angeles?

Hey guys,

I'm from the east coast where used bike shops are pretty common and/or regular bike shops having a large selection of used bikes. Does anyone know of any in LA? I spoke to some shop owner who mentioned it was an insurance issue. Found one out in North Hollywood but it was a little sketchy. Any tips?

Owner of our LBS told me the same thing; insurance plus not knowing what kind of shape a used bike would be in. Lots of bikes on Craig's List...Even the thrift shops are getting some.

I don't remember seeing used bikes in any of the LA area bike shops I've been into. Maybe Craig's List has taken the place of the Local Bike Shop for the used bike market?

Or, there's always ebay too.

Rick / OCRR

Hi,

My garage looks like a used bike shop for someone who is my size. :D

I know that Kings in Seal Beach sometimes has bikes there on consignment.

Have you checked Open Road in Pasadena?

Bicycle John's on Hollywood way off of the 134

I think these guys sell used bikes:

Bike Factory

5554 Woodman Ave

(818) 781-7522

Well, I've got a couple of good one's for you in the Long Beach Area.
First, California Cycle Sport, 6759 E. Carson in Lakewood. Usually has about 20 or so bikes on display, some refurbished hybrids, 10-12 speeders, and cruisers. Also has components for older bikes, such as brake hoods, 27" wheels. I've had tuneups on some old bikes, I've been very satisfied and the work was done very quickly.

Second, Lakewood bike shop, 4313 E. Carson, Long Beach, right near the college. I forgot the owners name but........this place is small and has so many bikes, frames, wheels, in it that it is hard for two people to turn around in it! If you need a small part that you can't find, he has a "junk" box where it will be!! He seems to have a lot of the college students as customers with old bikes. You can find old Raleighs and Schwinns alongside a nice steel Italian frame from the 70's! Also, I am just a casual customer and he has guided me through a repair in his shop! He takes a little more time for repairs than Cal Cycle Sport but I have been very satisfied also.

There you go, two great choices. Used bikes for you!

Drew

Not really in L.A, but in the San Fernando Valley portion of the city of L.A. Check out Atomic Cycles 17322 Saticoy St, Van Nuys, Ca. Ph# 818-609-0113. www.atomiccyles.com (http://www.atomiccyles.com). It's a small "hole-in-the-wall" type of shop but the guy does 95% used bikes and parts. I think he has some imported cruiser bikes that are new. Cash only from what I recall but he does have some unique bikes. PG.

Well, I've got a couple of good one's for you in the Long Beach Area.
First, California Cycle Sport, 6759 E. Carson in Lakewood. Usually has about 20 or so bikes on display, some refurbished hybrids, 10-12 speeders, and cruisers. Also has components for older bikes, such as brake hoods, 27" wheels. I've had tuneups on some old bikes, I've been very satisfied and the work was done very quickly.

Second, Lakewood bike shop, 4313 E. Carson, Long Beach, right near the college. I forgot the owners name but........this place is small and has so many bikes, frames, wheels, in it that it is hard for two people to turn around in it! If you need a small part that you can't find, he has a "junk" box where it will be!! He seems to have a lot of the college students as customers with old bikes. You can find old Raleighs and Schwinns alongside a nice steel Italian frame from the 70's! Also, I am just a casual customer and he has guided me through a repair in his shop! He takes a little more time for repairs than Cal Cycle Sport but I have been very satisfied also.

There you go, two great choices. Used bikes for you!

Drew

I stopped by the shop at 4313 Carson one day when I was out of CO2 cartridges. He looked at me kind of funny when I asked if he had any. Now that I've got the urge to build or restore an older bike that place looks like a treasure chest. I'll be back by that shop this weekend seeing what rusty gems I can find. The more modern bike shops are great most of the time, but sometimes these kind of shops are the best.

Thanks for sharing these Drew.

there are a couple near USC one in university village plaza and another on 29th and vermont. they aren't "pro-quality" LBS types but more like the "bikes for college students strapped for cash and just need a cheap used beater for school" type. not sure if that's what you're looking for but they have used bikes (and parts).

Manny's in Venice

There's one in Encino on Ventura Blvd that sells used bicycles. Limited selection though.

There's one on Riverside just south of Fletcher in Echo Park. Lots of old road bikes that have been restored.

There's one in Santa Monica on Pico Blvd. between Lincoln and 7th.
I've also heard good things about Manny's.

Try Palm's Cyclery, near Motor and Venice in West L.A.