Pioneer Valley bikeshops
 

Just curious what people's thoughts are on the bikeshops here in the Valley. I'm researching bikes for purchase, but also I figure I should research bike shops. With lower end commuter bikes being so similar in components and quality, I imagine the relative quality of local bike shops can sway you to a particular brand.

I know of Competitive Edge, Flye Cycles, Laughing Dog, Hampshire Bicycle Exchange, Northampon Bicycle. Any thoughts on these?

Competitive Edge is a good shop, especially their East Longmeadow location. Their Amherst and Holyoke locations are also good, though the latter is primarily a ski shop. I can't really speak for the other shops you mention.

If you're willing to expand your reach slightly, New Horizon in Westfield is a wonderful shop, with great staff.

I think for what you're looking for Hampshire Bicycle Exchange would a good way to go. They mostly deal with commuters and more utility cyclists. Comp Edge is more of a... well competitive type of shop. Laughing dog had a decent rep last I knew although in my experience they can be a little snarky (but then I was that punk kid that came in and hung around drooling on the expensive bikes so take that for what it's worth). I don't have much direct experience with Northampton Bike or Flye Bike.

I stopped in Northhampton Bike last week looking for a touring/commuter bike. I was impressed by the various levels of bikes (newbies to high end) that this small shop carries. The real highlight was the attitude of the staff. The staff member I spoke with was knowledgeable and informative. It seemed a friendly atmosphere where getting you on the right bike with the correct fit was more important than selling a bike.

I was going to Mickey's Bike in Chicopee for awhile, but grew tired of the service department. I now use Competetive Edge in East Longmeadow. These guys know what they are doing. They get my vote.

I am a loyal customer of Laughing Dog and I have had only good experiences with them. I have been to Northampton Bicycles a few and they were nice to me, although some women have told me that the mechanics were condescending toward them. Hampshire Bicycle Exchange has very limited hours the atmosphere in the store is too sterile and businesslike for my taste but I hear a lot of praise for them from others. Also, what used to be Valley Bicycles on Railroad Street in Hadley is open under new ownership but I don't have any experience with them.

I used to live in S. VT and have been to Northampton 1 time.

If you can make the trek head up to Putney, VT and check out the West Hill Shop. By far my most favorite shop in that area (but I was biased, having lived in town).

Great folks, fantastic service. No egos. They can do racer boy fittin, custom ordering, and commuter bike outfitting.

Try Family Bike in e. longmeadow