Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do you buy bikes?
    NO, we do not, but we will often accept trade-ins toward the purchase of a new bike. Your best bet for selling a used bike is eBay, CraigsList, or a garage sale.
  2. There are two types of inner tube valves?
    YES, schrader valves, or American valves, are what you have on your car tires. Presta valves, sometimes called French valves, allow for higher air pressure, faster inflation, and are more air-tight, but require a specialized inflation device. Adapters are also available.
  3. $1,000 for a bicycle?!! Who would spend that?!!
    It's important to understand that bikes of this price range are often made for more than simple recreational riding. As you spend more money on a bike, you get an increasingly lighter bike made of higher quality materials that will be both more efficient and provide a smoother, more comfortable ride. The components on these bicycles are manufactured to higher tolerances with higher quality materials, ensuring longer life, increased performance, and lower maintenace. All of these are important factors to performance-minded cyclists. It is important to point out that a reliable, well-built, comfortable new bike can be had for around $300. Such a bicycle will still provide many years of enjoyment and performance.
  4. $300 still seems like a lot when I can get the same thing for $100 at a discount store.
    We hear this a lot, and here's the thing: You're not really getting the same thing. Sure the cheaper bike may look similar. It's got two wheels and a frame, after all. It might even have fancy shocks. But the overall quality of such a bike, not to mention the quality of the assembly, is much lower than what you will find at our shop, or any bike shop. More importantly, such bikes can have serious safety issues. Additionally, department and toy store bikes have "one-size-fits-all" sizing. This means that if you do not fall into a certain narrow height range, you are guaranteed an ill-fitting bike that will be a chore to ride. For a more detailed look at how department store bikes differ from quality bike shop bikes, see "Deals on Wheels: How the Masses Do It", featured in Dirt Rag Magazine.
  5. What is your turn around for most repairs?
    Usually, we run 24 hours, although certain jobs like tire changes can be done right while you wait. Repairs requiring special parts orders will obviously take longer.
  6. Do you guys sell used bikes?
    YES, during the summer months we have a various assortment of fairly-priced used bikes, ranging from old Schwinn 10 speeds to newer hybrids.
  7. Do you guys rent bikes?
    YES we do. We have several mountain and hybrid bikes for rental, or you are welcome to choose from our selection of used bicycles. Cost is $15/day with a major credit card. We also rent helmets and locks.
  8. Do you sell motor scooters?
    NO, we do not sell or service any motorized vehicles.
  9. Do you sell exercise bikes?
    NO, we do not sell or service any exercise equipment.
  10. Do you sell skateboards or rollerblades?
    NO, but there is a skateboard shop located nearby us. It is called "JUST Skateboards" and is just off Bancroft, east of Secor. For rollerblades, we recommend a sporting goods store.
  11. Do you have gift certificates?
    YES, we have gift cards available for any amount.
  12. Do you sell snowboards?
    No, we only sell skis. We do, however, offer full service on snowboards, including waxes, sharpening, and base and topsheet repair.