marcusbandito

I was curious which local shops people frequent in the area and why?

brotherdan

I go to just about every shop in Ann Arbor, except the place out on Stadium. I think two wheel tango is the best shop in town, and they tend to sell the higher end bikes, and keep a lot more parts in stock than anyone else. But their staff can often times come off as pretentious. The shop on Washtenaw, near Arborland is pretty good. I think it's called Ann Arbor cyclery. Their selection doesn't come close to Two Wheel Tango, but their wrenches are almost as good. Same for the bike shop on Packard, near downtown Ann Arbor. They do good work, but they rarely have the parts that I need in stock. There are two shops in the downtown area that I've never shopped at. There's a used bike shop on Maynard. I don't know if they do repair work. And there's a shop on the corner of Forest/South U. I think they also sell used bikes.

So, Two Wheel Tango is the best. But any of the shops around here will do if you are just looking for a tune up, or you need to replace fairly common parts, like chains, cables, etc..., which just about any shop would have in stock. But even Two Wheel Tango doesn't have everything. I had to wait about a month for a new crankset to be delivered a year and a half ago. The staff didn't follow up after the order was repeatedly delayed, and I had to keep calling and harassing the staff before they finally came up with a solution.

mudskipper99

I go mostly to the shop on Stadium, that brotherdan doesnt go to. Great Lakes Cycling. The Two Wheel Tango out at Packard & Platt area, I think, Ive gone to several times. They never have had what I wanted to get, and they staff makes me feel like I dont belong there.

Great Lakes Cycling staff is much more friendly, to me anyways. If I dont know about something, they dont make me feel like im an airhead. Since ive been a long time customer there, they do stuff for me, like install my cycle computer for free. When I bought a rack and took it home, then couldnt figure out how to put it on, I brought it back. They put it on for me right away, with no charge, and it took a long time. They had to find different screws, and cut screws.

That one by Arborland ive been to several times too to by small stuff. I avoid downtown A2, so havent been to shops there very often.

fixed_but_free

I bought my road bike at Great Lakes, so I have it serviced there. It's probably the biggest shop in town, and just carries more inventory. That means they're more likely to have the parts or tools you're looking for, they carry a full line of accessories, and they have very good sales. Like the one I went to this weekend where I got my Sidi Dominator Lorica 5s for 32.65% off. That's better than any price I found on the web. But honestly, it's hit or miss with the staff there. Sometimes they're friendly and helpful, and sometimes they talk to me like I'm a moron. I've stopped going in there with questions, and just go when I know *exactly* what I want.

Two Wheel Tango on Packard and Platt also carries a lot of inventory, so I go there if there's a specific part or tool I'm looking for. But I don't buy clothes, shoes, or large ticket items there. Sometimes I'm surprised at their staff's lack of knowledge. I went in looking for a specific tools once (maybe a chain whip? can't remember) and the guy behind the counter didn't know what the hell I was talking about and kept trying to get me to buy a tool that I knew was the wrong one. And the other day when I called about buying a new front brake, the guy who answered the phone tried to tell me there's no such thing as a center pull brake--despite the fact that I told him I had one on my other bike! The mechanics, on the other hand, have been helpful and friendly.

As far as wrenches go, Ann Arbor Cyclery on Packard wins hands down. Jimmy, who works there, is probably Ann Arbor's top fixed gear mechanic. Plus he's the one who organizes the alley cat races and is just a generally great guy. Gary, another guy that works there, has always been completely helpful and thorough when working on my bike. They don't carry much inventory there, and they specialize in recumbent bikes, so it's a bit of a specialty shop. But I'm always pleased with the work they do, and how they treat me.

I've stopped into the one on Washtenaw across from Arborland (I think it's actually called Washtenaw Cycles). It's cluttered and jam-packed, and I found it difficult to move around. Basically it was an uncomfortable browsing experience.

The Student Bike Shop on Maynard does do repairs, but not well. And their used bikes are completely overpriced. I've never been to the shop on Forrest and South U.

Quinn25

I take it to Wheels in Motion, the one on Washtenaw. They used to be called Washtenaw Cycles. They just remodeled the place and got rid of the clutter. There mechanics are really knowledgeable and all the guys take the time to talk and seem to appreciate my business. I don't get that at Two Wheel or Great Lakes.

You are right, the guys at Ann Arbor Cyclery are nice but they just don't have what I am looking for.

patrick07

I got my Specialized Langster from Aberdeen Bike and Fitness in Chelsea. I wish I lived closer to that area to frequent the store more often. It was a convoluted series of events that led me to buy my bike there but I am very happy with them. I understand that they have some group rides but, as distance is a factor, I can't attend.

I usually go to Pedal & Tour or On 2 Wheels in Jackson, MI for my more immediate needs as well as service and parts for my two other bikes and my wife's two bikes. I've been very lucky because all three stores have very helpful and knowledgable people working there. I don't think I've ever had a really bad experience at any of them.