Northern California - Bike Shops to Visit

I will be visiting my aunt in Fremont at the end of the month. While I was there i wanted to possibly pick up a new bike, preferebly a fixie that i can use while i'm there and ship it back home.

I'm willing to drive as far as SF, but just need to be pointed to a couple good shops.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Montano Velo in Oakland has a nice variety, if you want to see cool road and mountain stuff there is also Robinson Wheel Works in San leandro.

A little closer to Fremont, I think, is Sun Bike Shop in Milpitas. I seem to recall having seen fixies there, but it behooves you to call first before dropping by.

I think they might have them in The Bicycle Garage in Fremont. Forgot to look while I was there today. A guy rode up on a fixie while I was walking out. Give them a call and ask while you're here.

Alright, I've written all of these down.

Thanks for the input guys.

Drive to Livermore.

Go to Livermore Cyclery.

Talk to Steve Howard, the owner, if possible. He is about the straightest shooter you will ever meet, he knows his stuff, and they have a big selection of just about everything. The rest of the staff is very good, but Steve is simply the best (he doesn't work Sundays). If you are in Fremont, Livermore is certainly no further that SF, probably closer, and I know of no better shop anywhere in the Bay Area.

My second Choice would be Missing Link in Berkeley (walkably close to the Berkeley BART station) or Sharp's in Lafayette (walkably close to the Lafayette BART station). Good folks in both, and good selection of stuff. But Livermore Cyclery beats 'em both, IMHO.

And if you have access to a decent geared bike, try to go for a ride up Palomares Canyon Road. Very pretty. Best done fairly early on a weekend day, because Niles Canyon (which you have to go on to to and/or from Palomares) is a major commute artery. Early on weekends, the traffic is annoying. Weekdays, it is downright dangerous.