donrhummy

I haven't seen anywhere that people have reviewed any bike stores. I know there are a million out there, but I think it would be useful (as long as they're separted into states) to have reviews of the different stores.

For myself, I'm interested in bike stores in massachusetts. Can anyone comment on Wheelworks (in cambridge and belmont), International Bicycle Centers in Newton/Boston and Cambridge Bicycle?

I can comment a little on Wheelworks in Cambridge (not on their bikes sales, but bike repair only).

Store: Wheelworks
Location: Cambridge, Ma
Aspect: Service/Bike Repair
Rating: 3.5/5
Comments: The people there were very nice and accomodating with my schedule and getting me the bike early. They were a tad pricey and did a good (but not great) job at fixing the breaks on my bike, trueing the wheels and fixing a gear problem. The overall experience was good but not great enough for me to NOT check out another place next time.

TiGuy

I bought my Seven from Wheelworks in Belmont last year. The key is to work with a competent sales person who knows the type of riding that you do and the price point and performance level of the components that you are interested in buying. Working with that one sales person was a positive experience although some of the others in the store were not as helpful.

Generally I go back to Wheelworks for their big Spring sale because of their great selection on clothing and components. I also freqent the three LBS stores closer to where I live north of Boston. They do not always have everything that I want but for certain items they are more convenient and are affiliated with the local club.

A02

ATA (Cambridge):
I haven't been to their new store in Concord, but since it's the same management - I wouldn't be suprised if it's the same there as well. Overall - they are SUPER nice when you're buying your bike. They carry a good selection of higher-end frames and focus mostly on Giants and Lightspeeds for their pre-builts. Afterwards though - I found their service and attitude to do a complete 180. I felt they wanted to sell you the 2K bike and never see you again - until you buy your next bike. I know a couple other people who were extremely put-off as well by their overall attitude and service.

CycleLoft (Burlington):
Totally worth the drive if you can get out there. Very large shop. The service department is ace. They are fast and have a really good pricing structure established depending on how serious of a tune-up you need. They have some frames, but specialize in pre-builts... Trek, Lemond, and Specialized are the biggies. Everyone there is insanely into biking and is genuinely happy to be there. Unlike ATA, they don't give you the attitude of "more expensive is better"... they actually care ow you ride and what you need. I go there for pretty much everything now that I don't want to buy online or to do tune-ups. It's definately worth a look if you can.

demoncyclist

My Cannondale came from Wheelworks as well. The test ride and sales experience was great. I don't go there often since it isn't convenient for me. My Bianchi came from Town and Country in Medfield. Small shop, but very attentive, since you always deal with the owners. I am not a particular fan of International. I have found the salespeople to be not well trained, and the repair folks don't seem to pay much attention to the fact that they have a customer waiting. My brother had a really horrible purchase experience. SO bad that he actually got his deposit back and bough a much better bike for less cash at Wheelworks Too (Their closeout center around the corner from the Belmont store).

jazzy_cyclist

I live NW of Boston, so the places that I frequent are:

Goodale's (Nashua), and
Gearworks Cyclery (Leominster)

My wife and I both ride. She works near GearWorks so that is her LBS; I go to Goodale's as it is closer (they also have stores in Concord, NH and Hookset, NH). I could recommend either one as a good place.

Goodale's sold me a Cannondale R600 a couple years ago, and they have been great whenever I needed some help on fitting questions, component questions, or just shooting the breeze. I doubt that their prices are the best, but they are honest and willing to help (see Ron Bingham). Also did the basic Park Tools class there - mechanics are good; Bob Roll came last spring, etc. Sell Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, Klein, Lemonde, and Serotta.

Gearworks is very much into supporting the local cycling scene is very active in sponsoring group rides (all levels) in addition to Longsjo (long running race in Fitchburg: pro to Cat3), and "grass roots racing". A lotta hard-core cyclists hang here - very much part of the community. I'm not as familiar with their service and fitting stuff, but they have done well by my wife. They sell Cannondale, Orbea, Litespeed, and others. I also doubt that you'll get the deal of a lifetime here, but they are definitely fair and honest.

I'm not familiar enough with other local shops to comment.

DerekU2

I live in Somerville so I've tried a few places around here:

Park Sales and Service, Somerville - This place is across the street from me, so when I was starting out I went there for a saddle, a lock, etc. Don't go here. In fact, I had forgotten it existed until I started thinking of shops I had been to. The bike I got used from craigslist had a tear in the saddle so I went across the street for one. He pointed me in the direction of a saddle with lots of gel and springs, etc. I went in for a chain back in August because my bike was already in pieces and I didn't want to get in the car. The guy didn't want to sell me a chain without also selling me a freewheel, insisting it was required. I award this place ZERO stars. May god have mercy on their souls.

Ace Wheelworks, Somerville - this is affiliated with the Wheelworks in Belmont but it's much smaller. I find it to be a pretty good shop when I want to go in and get a few odds and ends. I have found their sales people to be hit or miss - some just don't want to be bothered, others are pretty condescending. Maintenance has been hit or miss. I had one great tuneup/transmission clean there. My second tuneup was awful. An overtightend spoke lead to me breaking a spoke. I'm looking for a road bike right now, and for a major purchase like that, i'm looking at other shops, so that should say something. If you go, I'd talk to the guy with the French accent. He's probably my favorite. I'd give it about 3 Stars.

Cycle Loft, Burlington - I've never actually bought anything from this place but I've been in multiple times and was also with a friend when he bought his mountain bike there. I have been impressed with their staff. I'm the kind of guy who likes to look at everything before I go ahead and talk to a salesperson. I've found some bike shops to be too pushy on the sales front, but when I tell the guys at the loft that I'm "just looking" they let me look and don't bother me until I'm ready. They also have the Cycle Loft bike team, which I'm looking at joining. In limited experience, I'd give this place 4 Stars. I'll be visiting them this weekend in my quest for a new bike.

Wheelworks, Belmont - Just recently started hitting this place up since I began looking for a bike. The shop is big and clean. I got a good feeling browsing around, and they are the early favorites to sell me my next bike. I can't really comment on quality because I've never bought anything from here... I just get a good feeling and friends have told me it's a good shop.

ATA Cycle, Cambridge - Holy high end, Batman! I like browsing here, but I'm afraid to touch stuff! I've heard they do many repairs on the spot, which is nice. They don't have much of a selection in the way of accessories and clothing, but if you're looking for a high end bike, I'd say this is a good place to start! Can't comment on sales staff or service though.

Cycle Loft and Belmont Wheelworks were both listed as top 100 bike shops in the country - for whatever that is worth...

DerekU2

Big Spring sale, eh? Am I better off buying a 2005 model now or waiting for said sale?

FormerBMX'er

International (Brighton):

Bought my road bike there and really wished I hadn't. I had a bike delivered from their Newton store for a test ride, but they sold the thing before I could get in for a ride??? . I had no clue as to how much went into proper fitment so I didn't ask for one and they never offered. I'm now having some shoulder pain from a lousy riding position, so I've been sorting it out myself using fit guides and calculators ( 90% dailed in now ). My wife went in there once looking for a bike lock, she came home "I don't like that place, they didn't even want to help me". I don't remember anyone ever asking me what kind of riding I planned to do. If he did, he wouldn't have been trying to sell me a Pegoretti or a Buenos Aires. I really should have bought from Cycle Loft but it rained for like a month when I was bike shopping.

Farinas (Watertown)

I rode in there later summer to test ride a Giant TCR1 (AL) and TCR3 Composite. The shop is on the small side and they were a bit understaffed but helpful once you got someone. No problem taking the bikes out and they were good enough to set the seat height and slap some SPD pedals onto one of the bikes. I really like the Giant geometry and would definetely swing by Farina's again if I were to buy one.

rufus

it all depends on what the deal is. i bought my first mountain bike from Wheelworks during their fall sale in either late october/early november 1993. it was a 1992 Stumpjumper Comp that listed for around $1200, and i got it for $799. but over the past few years i've noticed that their markdowns don't seem to be quite as good deals as they used to be. of course, they have some really good deals on some stuff downstairs or in Wheelworks Too, but these are usually pretty old orphan stuff, or odd sizes that they're stuck with.

I love Wheelworks, but some of their staff can seem a bit condescending, or arrogant. But i don't have a ton of sales experiences with them to really offer a detailed opinion. Ace Wheelworks as well.

Cambridge Cycles is kinda odd. they have a bunch of really fancy Italian frames for sale, but the place is kinda grungy, and seems to make most of their business dealing with the college kid/bike messenger crowd. lots of beat up used frames for sale, not really a lot of high-end parts.

Cycle Loft seems to be pretty typical of today's modern bigger box bike shops. large, clean and open, the big brand names(trek and specialized), lots of stock. maybe a bit too anti-septic, but that's just my opinion. really only been there to look around.

International strikes me as roughly the same as type of place as Cycle Loft, at least as far as store setup goes. but i can't really judge the differences in service and sales between the two

Another you might want to check out is Quad Cycles in Arlington. the owner used to wrench for the Turkish national team, and they do a bit with high end italian stuff(mondonico, cinelli, tommasini), but their main lines seem to be a little on the mass-market side(raleigh, devinci i think, others of that type). but i really like the feel of the shop.

TheDTrain

Belmont Wheelworks - Belmont, MA, HUGE store, nice people, lot of stuff, got some cheap equipment there, i.e. cyclocomputer, gloves, repair items
9/10

Bob's Bicycle Outlet - In New Hampshire technically, on the border off of 93, bought my Felt F90 there, nice small shop, no taxes , but really small selection of items, they're happy to order stuff for you though
7/10

JRA Cycles - Medford, MA, small store, mtb centered, almost no selection of bike or equipment, sucks
3/10

slacker_express

I bought my first real road bike at Wheelworks in early 2004 (2003 Lemond Tourmalet). I didn't really know much about what I wanted, except my price point. The sales person showed me several bikes after sizing me using the "stand over the top tube" technique. I didn't know anything about gettig fitted, or that this was even an option. I rode some of the bikes and picked one that I thought felt best. The sales person was kind enough to lower the seat for me.

Result? After a year and a 1/2, I realize that the bike is just too big. It took me putting on enough miles to to figure out what felt comfortable and what didn't. The seatpost is about 1 inch from the top of the seat tube and all the way forward, and I still feel that I am moving forward as I pedal. I replaced the stem with a shorter one as I was too streched out. Not much more I can do, except move on to another bike.

Since I told the sales person that I was new to this and needed advice, I am disappointed that I wasn't helped more. But maybe I should be expected to come in much more knowledgable than I was?

Anyway, started shopping for a new bike, and truth be told, I'll be back at Wheelworks tomorrow to give them another shot. I can't condemn the shop because of one person and we'll see how they do. I will also be taking more time and going to other shops to make a better informed decision (lesson learned).

I have beento Frank's Spoke 'n Wheel in Sudbury (my home town), nice enough but not much selection there. I also went to Bikeway Source in Bedford. Small shop and friendly, but not overly helpful IMHO.

donrhummy

Thanks for all the great replies! This is all a HUGE help.

chipcom 

I'm surprised that nobody mentioned Harris Cyclery.

jazzy_cyclist

Interesting observation. Although I live in Massachusetts, I admit that I've never been there. I have bought stuff from them over the web, though.

1centaur

I bought two bikes and a frame from International in Brighton, and had another frame built there. I'm guessing they can be intimidating to newbies, and I don't like that their service is usually out of sight on the third floor, but they really know their stuff (talk to Craig). Feels to me like they want to be dealing with Pegorettis but the world makes them deal with Treks. The Look 585 is on my short list and I'm going back to them without hesitation.

Wheelworks is packed with doctors riding Ottrots and racer boys in full kit stopping through. That can be a real pain if you're trying to get attention. They actually had to page the salesperson I was looking for to get a test ride. Their fitters have a good reputation, and I saw some fitting downstairs that looked pretty careful to me. I suspect your experience there is highly dependent on the personal character of your salesperson, as they have plenty of people throwing money at them.

Cycle Loft is truly excellent for experienced people AND for newbies. They have a great manager who has really trained his people to be nice and informative, and their wrenches are right there in full view. They have good stock. The only downside is their cramped parking lot - park at the shopping center next door.

Jean Beetham Smith 

I have bought 2 bikes at Harris Cyclery, both Terrys, both of which I still have and ride.
Service has been excellent although I can only get there on Saturdays. I have twice tried to buy bikes at International in Newton, literally standing on the sales floor in front of the bike I was interested in, holding my credit card in the air, but the staff rang up the client they were helping and then disappeared into the back room. I can take a hint. I have been to Landry's and Belmont Wheelworks. Both places were very helpful, but the bikes I tried just didn't feel right. I have gotten odds and ends at Town and Country in Medfield, they were very helpful. I have purchased 2 bikes at my LBS, Norwood Bicycle Depot. They have been very helpful, service is excellent. They often get things for me for less than I can find them on the web. Paul is the owner, his brother runs Dedham Bike, another small shop with good service, but my loyalty is to Paul since he helped my son so much when he was growing up.

hi565

never been there either. Thinking about dropping in and meeting the crazy man someday.


Another vote for wheelworks!

They have a huge selection of bikes/gear/parts etc. I would say their prices are average, not really expensive but not cheap. Their customer service has always been great, I have called many times asking about certain questions and I would get a lot of free advice all the time. Their Fitter Sean is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. He is literally a cycling dictionary. he’s a great guy and very good at fitting. I think that their tune up was really good, everything worked smooth and I was told about anything that needed to be added or changed.

So for they get my vote.

Also there are two others I can think of. Franks Spoke and Wheel and landrys
Here is a piece of advice, save your time and money and don’t go to landrys. I have had bad customer service(in the sense of their people well not all but most of the people their don’t know crap) Their product selection is wide, but limited. their gear is very expensive and always the top top top of the line stuff. Not much lower end less expensive products.

And Franks Spoke and Wheel is a nice place. Both locations are small, have limited selections with both bikes and gear, but their service is great. Since it’s a small place its very one on one and you know your bike is in good hands.

Well that should do it for now!

John B.

I can highly recommend Bicycle Alley in Worcester. My wife & I bought 2 bikes there this year & lots of gear. They gave us great discounts on both bikes in July well before most shops started discounting the 05s. They've continued to treat us great & offer us deals on gear & acessories that beat the web prices. A very friendly & knowledgeable crew that makes it worth the drive up from northeastern Ct.

Fisty 'O Toole

Harris doesn't exactly have the best reputation.

Some love 'em, some don't.

Their online store is not really an accurate representation of the physical shop.

Mike552

If you're looking for a small shop feel and INSANELY GOOD prices.... check out Phil at Simple Living Cycles... here's the info off one of his business cards:

Phil Altman, Simple Living Cycles
57 Waverly St.Framingham, MA 01702
tel 508 620 6600

Really down to earth guy... will NOT help you with your OCP dreams, but knows his stuff well enough and can get you just about any part or complete bike at the best price. He has a soft spot for SS/Fixed. Also, he carries a full line of Fuji's... but can get you anything.
Love this guy... reccommended A++.

bmike

[/not in Mass.]

If you're in Western Mass, check out the West Hill Shop in Putney, Vt... 30 minutes from the Vt. Ma. border, right off I-91

[/not in Mass]

DerekU2

I just bought a bike from Belmont Wheelworks. I worked with Kate there and she was very helpful setting up my test rides and talking me through the decision making process. I'm going in for a pro-fit on wednesday.

Namenda

Not a large selection of bikes there, but if you need a tool or small part, this is the place. I can see why non-locals wouldn't frequent this shop--if you blink, you'll miss it, and parking is tough. If I didn't work just down the street, I probably wouldn't have ever gone there.

My present favorite is Cycle Loft. Lots of bikes to ogle, accessories galore, some clothing and shoes, etc. Never had a problem getting a question answered, always someone available to help out. Small parking lot keeps the customer count down...

donrhummy

Wow, these are great recommendations! I'll be checking out a bunch of places now, especially cycle loft which seems to be getting the best reviews.

Keep 'em coming!

pinky

Belmont Wheelworks - Personal favorite place to oggle high end gear, also where I go for fitting. The folks that work there that I know are all rather serious ex-cyclists, for newbies they may not be the warmest. For those who know what they want, this are my favorite. Plus Paul Mooney has been making a lot more frames-and they're pretty.
Cycle Loft - I've only had one good experience in this shop. The owner may know bikes, but he's an ass about it, and only half of the guys I've dealt with have had a clue. This is the last shop I go to when I'm in need.
Harris Cyclery- Hit or miss, but if you've got an older bike these guys are a dream to work with. Bonus to them because they were willing to sponsor the Harris Cyclery Racing team...
International - Won't say much because I don't go often, but the owner isn't entirely liked in the bike industry due to his strong arm tactics.
Quad City - Wasn't sure at first, but I've started going back to this shop more often. The owner knows his stuff, and my bike gets fixed whenever it goes in. Plus he's been very willing to cut deals. I'd call this a little treasure.
Frank's Spoke and Wheel - Another guy who knows his stuff. Not a place to buy but Frank is a wrench of the old school and is the kind of wrench who you can explain how you want your bike to shift and brake and he'll deliver. Bonus: Sheldon Brown actually worked under Frank before becoming the wrench god he is today.
Bayroad Bikes - The place for cyclocross, the owner is actually the owner of cyclocrossworld.com will get you whatever you want for cross (carbon spooky's anyone?), decent wrenching.
Seaside Cycle - A funny little shop made of hard core mountain bikers selling road bikes. A few of the wrenches have fixed items that I thought were untouchable, so bonus points.