Best bike shop in metro Seattle?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 45
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Best bike shop in metro Seattle?
I'm fairly new to the area and it would be interesting to hear what bike shops people find the best in Seattle and on the Eastside. Where are the best mechanics, best selection, etc.
I live in Redmond, we've got at least 3 in downtown here and one in Overlake. Plus Chuck Pate's repair business in town. I've also visited the shop on Capitol Hill on Pike. Can't say any shop is my favorite yet.
I live in Redmond, we've got at least 3 in downtown here and one in Overlake. Plus Chuck Pate's repair business in town. I've also visited the shop on Capitol Hill on Pike. Can't say any shop is my favorite yet.
#2
¡Pura Vida!
Well, Greg's Cycles is the biggest around. Locations in Greenlake, Bellevue, and on Aurora. I prefer the Greenlake location. Just a little more professional, not as many high school-age employees. I have not dealt with their service department, though I have heard them comment that simple tune ups can be as long as 3weeks during peak season. Product lines include Bianchi, Trek, Specialized, Descente, Rudy Project (sunglasses).
I really like Sammamish Valley Cycle out in your neck of the woods. I bought my Virata from them this last Spring. Very good experience. I do most of my own wrench work so, again, no experience with their service department. Product lines include Bianchi, Serotta, Cervelo, Assos, Smiths (sunglasses).
I guess it really depends on what you are looking for. A new bike? Vintage bikes? Or just some accessories and the occasional tune-up/overhaul? Do not forget REI. Not the greatest selection, but occasionally better prices.
-José
I really like Sammamish Valley Cycle out in your neck of the woods. I bought my Virata from them this last Spring. Very good experience. I do most of my own wrench work so, again, no experience with their service department. Product lines include Bianchi, Serotta, Cervelo, Assos, Smiths (sunglasses).
I guess it really depends on what you are looking for. A new bike? Vintage bikes? Or just some accessories and the occasional tune-up/overhaul? Do not forget REI. Not the greatest selection, but occasionally better prices.
-José
__________________
--José
'92 Bianchi Eros
'05 Bianchi Virata
'08 Electra Straight 8 Cruiser
--José
'92 Bianchi Eros
'05 Bianchi Virata
'08 Electra Straight 8 Cruiser
#3
DEADBEEF
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Catching his breath alongside a road near Seattle, WA USA
Posts: 12,234
Bikes: 1999 K2 OzM, 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
My recommendations would include Bothell Ski & Bike (Bothell), Gerk's Alpine Hut (Redmond) and Pacific Bicycle (Sammamish). All are family owned businesses run by people who really care about cycling and their community. And they have a great sense of making their customers satisfied and happy.
__________________
1999 K2 OzM 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
1999 K2 OzM 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
#4
or tarckeemoon, depending
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: the pesto of cities
Posts: 7,017
Bikes: Davidson Impulse, Merckx Titanium AX, Bruce Gordon Rock & Road, Cross Check custom build, On-One Il Pomino, Shawver Cycles cross, Zion 737, Mercian Vincitore, Brompton S1L, Charge Juicer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
My favorites are Free Range Cycles in Fremont (good service/repair work and nice folks), Recycled Cycles in the U-District (huge selection of used parts), and Il Vecchio and Elliott Bay (lots of beautiful bikes to drool over, although I could never afford most of them).
#5
Edificating
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Portland
Posts: 2,452
Bikes: Spooky + Sachs
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
i went to one on capital hill... velocycles? or something like that.. nice shop
__________________
Cat 3 // Dylan M Howell
Cat 3 // Dylan M Howell
#6
Rat Bastard
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sammamish, WA
Posts: 1,504
Bikes: Cannondale Prophet, Specialized S-Works SL2, Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by khuon
My recommendations would include Bothell Ski & Bike (Bothell), Gerk's Alpine Hut (Redmond) and Pacific Bicycle (Sammamish). All are family owned businesses run by people who really care about cycling and their community. And they have a great sense of making their customers satisfied and happy.
#7
Señor Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Seattle
Posts: 196
Bikes: Motobecane Immortal, Van Dessel Gin & Trombones, Rawland Stag, Bianchi SASS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Anyone have any experience with R+E Cycles in Seattle? https://www.rodcycle.com/
Haven't stopped by yet but their write-up sounds like it's worth a visit.
Haven't stopped by yet but their write-up sounds like it's worth a visit.
#8
My tank takes chocolate.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 6,344
Bikes: Trek 600 series touring bike, Trek 800 hybrid, Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've enjoyed working with Recycled Cycles. They've made no-nonsense recommendations that also were cheaper alternatives to an ultimately great fix/upgrade. And, they built some touring wheels for me that I can't say anything but great things about...I'll let them build my wheels anytime.
__________________
Feminism is the profound notion that women are human beings.
Feminism is the profound notion that women are human beings.
#9
Clever Title Here...
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: New Joisey
Posts: 134
Bikes: Trek 420, Habanero Custom Team Issue
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Any recommendations for a good shop to rent a road bike from? I'll be in the Seattle/Redmond/Woodinville area in a couple weeks' time. Thanks.
#10
---
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mill Creek, WA
Posts: 58
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
myclem, I just purchased some speedplay x-2s from R+E cycles - they spent a lot of time with me setting up the cleats, and making sure everything was working fine. I usually do all of my own wrenching - but after my experience there, I may come in for more fitting. Really nice people.
Jimmy
Jimmy
#11
Not-so-Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Norfolk, England
Posts: 805
Bikes: Orbea Enol roadie, Fly Micromachine BMX, Fort Track fixed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For rentals head down the steps from 1st Ave downtown (on Union Street?) There's a place at the bottom, I forget the name (Blazing Saddles maybe?). I used them a few years ago and plan to again in a day or two, unless someone knows somewhere better.
#12
Señor Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Seattle
Posts: 196
Bikes: Motobecane Immortal, Van Dessel Gin & Trombones, Rawland Stag, Bianchi SASS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Naidu
Any recommendations for a good shop to rent a road bike from? I'll be in the Seattle/Redmond/Woodinville area in a couple weeks' time. Thanks.
If you're looking for a road/sport bike on a Saturday, make sure you go in early. It's first come first serve.
My brother was in town not too long ago and we rented a Giant for him, hopped on the trail and did a nice 50-miler around the lake.
#13
Clever Title Here...
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: New Joisey
Posts: 134
Bikes: Trek 420, Habanero Custom Team Issue
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks, Jonny B and Myclem for the recommendations. Bothell Ski/Bike might be the closet location to where I'll be staying in Woodinville. If I get a chance to bike, I'll check 'em out.
#14
Travel light
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Woodinville, near the wineries
Posts: 310
Bikes: Davidson Stiletto, Pinarello Paris, Specialized StumpJumper Marathon
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you're in Woodinville, you should check out Woodinville Bicycle on NE 175th St (the main drag). I've had tune-ups, upgrades done there and they have been great! Small, family-owned, and friendly. They stand behind everything they do and sell.
#15
Cheers!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Woodinville
Posts: 1,284
Bikes: Scott Addict R15, Cadd 9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by heavyMetal
If you're in Woodinville, you should check out Woodinville Bicycle on NE 175th St (the main drag). I've had tune-ups, upgrades done there and they have been great! Small, family-owned, and friendly. They stand behind everything they do and sell.
__________________
#16
Cheers!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Woodinville
Posts: 1,284
Bikes: Scott Addict R15, Cadd 9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I also am a big fan of Gregg cycles. Up in the Everett area is Bicycle centre, one on Evergreen way-Everett & another on 132nd in Silverlake/Millcreek. They have a fairly large selection of MTB & Road bikes and are pretty informative.
__________________
#17
Travel light
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Woodinville, near the wineries
Posts: 310
Bikes: Davidson Stiletto, Pinarello Paris, Specialized StumpJumper Marathon
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by 2wheeled
Where on 175th are they? I sometimes go to Big foot bagels which right across from the Woodinville cafe and I'd like to check it out.
#19
Lanky Lass
Anybody have any favourites in the south end? Perhaps not just in metro Seattle? How about in Tacoma? Oly?
East Hill
East Hill
#20
or tarckeemoon, depending
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: the pesto of cities
Posts: 7,017
Bikes: Davidson Impulse, Merckx Titanium AX, Bruce Gordon Rock & Road, Cross Check custom build, On-One Il Pomino, Shawver Cycles cross, Zion 737, Mercian Vincitore, Brompton S1L, Charge Juicer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by FlowerBlossom
I've enjoyed working with Recycled Cycles. They've made no-nonsense recommendations that also were cheaper alternatives to an ultimately great fix/upgrade. And, they built some touring wheels for me that I can't say anything but great things about...I'll let them build my wheels anytime.
#21
Redmond rider
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 24
Bikes: K2 Astral 5.0 with disk brakes
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Until 2 weeks ago I would have said Gerk's hands down. They have always helped me and were great to work with. However, 2 weeks ago I walked in because I was having stopping issues and was told "We can't help you, we are only working on skiing right now." I was like huh??? Then I was told "Take your bike to Redmond Cycle as they are a bike only shop." The part that really irked me was that I called earlier that morning and was told, "Yes bring it in and we'll take a look at it and can have it back by eod the next day."
So I would not recommend Gerk's anymore.
I would say that Redmond Cycle did do a great job adjusting and replacing my rear brakes. Other than that I would say Seattle REI just because of REI's awesome return policy.
So I would not recommend Gerk's anymore.
I would say that Redmond Cycle did do a great job adjusting and replacing my rear brakes. Other than that I would say Seattle REI just because of REI's awesome return policy.
#22
Moar cowbell
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: The 509
Posts: 12,481
Bikes: Bike list is not a resume. Nobody cares.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
5 Posts
Downhill Zone in the U. District - - 'cept, of course, it helps if you're into DH
__________________
RST Suspension | Canfield Bikes | 7iDP Protection | Maxxis | Renthal | Hayes | VonZipper Optics | GoPro
Originally Posted by Mark Twain
"Don't argue with stupid people; they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience."
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: near Olympia Washington
Posts: 104
Bikes: Merckx Team SC, Merckx ti with a lot of miles, Cannondale T1000, Tandem Tuesday
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
In Olympia there is only one shop for me. The Bike Stand.....I get a ton of help and, for the first time, am totally willing to fully support my LBS. Plus Bill Stevenson is an icon down here.