Boudicca

If I have time to visit just one San Diego bike store on a flying visit to your part of the world, which one should I choose?

Focus should be gear and road bikes rather than MTB or other specialized stuff, and I admit to a huge soft spot for gawdy and exotic bike shirts. I won't actually buy a bike (too little time, too hard to bring it back, too little space, too many bikes already), but I love to drool.

eyeheartny

Where are you coming in from? How long are you staying? Are you planning on riding here?

Regarding a store, the answer depends largely on where in San Diego you'll be.

If you're in the Del Mar/Solana Beach/Encinitas area, check out Nytro. They are the current home of the Swamis Cycling Team and carry a very nice selection of high-end stuff, both gear and bikes. They cater to triathletes and roadies, and they service a lot of pros. Their Saturday ride is legendary and has had some top-notch touring pros show up more than a few times. Leucadia Cyclery is a wonderful old-school shop about 10 minutes north of Nytro in Leucadia. You could visit both easily. Fred (the owner) has some drool-worthy frames; the Time and Bianchi stuff gets me all worked up when I'm in there. His selection is limited but he carries good stuff in bikes and gear as well.

Moment Cyclesport is in Liberty Station/Point Loma and is small, although they carry great stuff-- Parlee, Guru, and Ridley. They have great accessories as well. I was just in there tonight buying chamois cream (they're the only ones I've found who carry the Assos, to give you an idea of what niche they fill) and they are really nice folks. Knowledgeable, all are serious cyclists, and they know their stuff. I've been in more than a few times and will likely buy my next bike from them.

None of these shops are particularly big, and other people might weigh in with some great spots. But each of the places I mentioned is an "experience" in its own right-- the gear, the owners, the feel, etc.

If you want to rent a bike, B&L Bike and Sport in Solana Beach will rent Specialized. Their rental bikes are quite nice and they are good guys to deal with-- very reasonable, reliable, and friendly. There are lots of group rides here that are friendly to visitors, so if you want more info, don't hesitate to ask.

Boudicca

Thanks the advice, and will try to look some of them up. We arrive on Friday and stay downtown til Sunday, when we head off for an organized bike tour up the coast and into the desert. So we basically have one day to be tourists and explore. And then I have some of the day solo the following Friday -- I'm driving up to meet a friend in LA, so could stop off at Leucadia/Nitro on the way up. Or anywhere else for that matter.

Coming out of a Canadian winter (albeit one that's raining right now), I am just so looking forward to not having to wear a hat and gloves when I step outside the front door.

CbadRider

If you're a fan of Specialized bikes, B&L in Solana Beach has a nice selection. They cater to roadies and triathletes.

IanInSD

Like the others, depends on your wants/needs

For Tri/Road - Nytro (www.nytro.com)
For Road - Nytro, B&L Bikes in Solana Beach (blbikes.com) and HI-Tech Bikes (hi-techbikes.com) in Kearny Mesa - about 15 - 20 minutes south of B&L and Cal Bicycles (calbike.com) in La Jolla also 15 - 20 min south of B&L

Nytro (cervelos) and B&L (specialized) rent's bikes if you feel like a spin on the coast.

Boudicca

Made it to B&L, where I scored a wool jersey at half price, and to Cal Bikes, where they were super friendly. Lovely places. Aiming to hit Nytra and Leucadia on Friday as I head up toward LA.

Sadly there will be no bike shop time in LA, but if anyone knows anything else en route between San Diego and Burbank? Back roads favored over freeways where possible.