Originally Posted by
godshammgod
Are you right in Boston? Knowing the neighborhood might help people offer better specifics. Also, not sure how far you're willing to travel to get to a shop.
For what it's worth, I bought a bike from Back Bay Bicycles a couple of years ago. It's located right on Comm Ave. It's a solid shop, but can be hit or miss in terms of service (one of their mechanics is great). If you go there, try to seek out Mike. He races (road/cross/MTB) and is a good fitter. I no longer go there since I moved out of the city....
+10 for Back Bay Bike. I live a block away so it’s a natural for me to go there, and I have been since they opened, about 20 years ago on Newbury Street. I’m a year round cycle commuter and occasional centurian and I have obtained excellent and prompt service with all my problems, since I don’t have the time or facilities to do my own.
All the mechanics I have dealt with have been great, though my excellent wheelbuilder has since moved on to own his own shop. Currently, I’m consulting with
Mike about a new road bike, and I would go nowhere else, unless for a custom-made frame; and Mike gave me several suggestions about that. Also he is currently training with a 20-something racer friend of mine.