Alameda Bicycle

It took me a really long time and a bunch of test runs to buy a bike. I narrowed it down to two different bikes at two different businesses and sadly, Alameda Bicycle was my runner up. I left my last visit knowing I was going with the other bike, but said, damn this spot deserves five stars on Unilocal.
The staff is patient, super knowledgeable, sweet and helpful. They were with me the whole time and were so supportive (I know, it’s just a bike!). The place is well organized and they have free parking which makes it easy and hassle free. They have a ton of Giants and Treks in stock from hardcore mountain bikes to cruisers and they offer a LIFETIME WARRANTY and free lifetime tune ups and all that jazz. That was the real selling point, but alas, since who knows where I’ll be living in a year or two (I’m looking at you El Cerrito or Berkeley or San Leandro), Alameda may not be the most convenient.
Regardless, if you live in Alameda or around, or don’t mind hauling your bike to Alameda to really get your money’s worth with those free tune ups, Alameda Bicycle is where it’s at. Five stars all around and hopefully I don’t have too much regret that you weren’t the one!

I brought a used Trike in and Josh (mech) was very courteous and helpful. He did a great job doing the tune up and even finished earlier than requested! Jim was the cashier and he was very patient as I chased my toddler around the shop. Jim even loaded the trike into my truck for me while I watched (I just asked for a hand and he went above and beyond!)
Thanks guys for all your help and wonderful service! Our family will be back for any future bike needs!

Hands down the best cutomer service I have ever received from a bike shop!!! George Stephens accidentally told me the wrong day for the flat tire class. I showed up and he was not only willing to fix one tire but both at no charge because I had shown up on the wrong day. He was courteous, attentive and it was a Sunday at 5:30 pm. Take your business here.

I moved to the island a while ago and they have always been very competent, generous, helpful and honest. Staff several times has given me advice that was fact-​focused even if it didn’t make them more money.

LOVE THIS PLACE. Helpful and friendly staff. They know their bikes ans help you get a bike LOVE. Oh… I bought 2 bikes from them and my bothering also got a bike from here. So I guess I can’t give them more praise as this is my go to bike shop. Thanks for being AWESOME.

I’ve purchased 3 bikes from Alameda Bicycle, the first over 10 years ago. Each time the service was perfect — informational and not too pushy. The employees cared about me getting the best bicycle for my size, style of riding and budget.
I will continue to go back to Alameda Bicycle for my future purchases, especially since they’re a local community also providing local services to Alameda, like the family bike rides and clinics.

Sorry Gene, I can’t in all fairness give your shop the review that you would like. I’m an avid cyclist who loves the sport and I want other cyclists to have a wonderful experience. So I can only recommend shops such as Cycle Sport that have given me good service. You do have a very good location and your shop is one of the sponsors of Team Alameda Bicycle Club (a club I ride with quite often) so I really tried to give your shop a chance. After I was hit by a deer during a very long ride in October. I needed to rebuild the damaged bike I bought from your shop in 2014. Your shop unnecessarily delayed repairing my bike. I let another shop handle my wheel repair after a delay of 2 weeks in your shop and nothing except excuses that turned out to be incorrect. The other shop rebuilt the wheel in less then 10 days (Kris King the manufacture of the hub provided a free replacement, they are a great company). I got lots of support after a bad accident from many other shops. Another shop sold me a new carbon frame for a great price (your shop wanted more then twice as much for a similar frame). I don’t like writing bad reviews and would much rather write a good one. Gene, I don’t appreciate your mean-​spirited «spin» on the facts. Your shop seemed more interested in making lots of profit off my accident, than trying to help me get back on my bike at reasonable price.

I stopped by Alameda bicycle for a helmet for my daughter, and they were super helpful. She has some major stranger danger going on, but the folks at the shop were able to get her smiling and into the mood for some helmet modeling in no time. Not an easy task — I will definitely be back.

This shop has been a staple business to Alameda for the past 30-​some-​odd years and should continue to be the top bicycle shop in the Bay Area. Over the past 37 years, I’ve purchased every single bicycle from them because they were current with trend, knowledgable, outstanding customer service, great pricing, and again CUSTOMER SERVICE. Like most reviewers, I love them for:
* staff of seasoned professionals that are cycle-​fanatics
* great assortment of bicycles for all ages, sizes and styles
* huge inventory of in-​stock models
* competitive pricing
* offering test rides
* trade-​in program (if you don’t know about it, you should ask)
* constant customer support
* awesome service center for bicycles both purchased at Alameda Bicycle as well as other sources
* backward and forward knowledge of everything «bike»
I also love them for the small details that most people have no idea about:
* they offer free classes and seminars (get your toddler to finally ride on two wheels, fix a flat, etc)
* they have quietly been the back-​bone to the Alameda bike scene since BMX of the late 80’s/90’s and currently organize the Family Fun Rides (ask about this one too!)
* they continue to lay the future foundation of cycle advocacy in Alameda as well as other cities in California
* they’ve helped make B.A.R.T. (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system more bike friendly (guess who put bicycle lockers at the Fruitvale BART station)
* their ground work in cycle advocacy has changed both mass transit and local transit — they’ve made bicycle commute a legitimate modern mode of transportation in Alameda/​Oakland
Alameda Bicycle is family-​owned operation that will always have my family’s loyalty and respect. They support you, your bicycles, their community, and the entire cycling community! When you order something online, good customer support is considered a ‘quick responding email’…thats BS! (You’re satisfied that someone sent you a note within 24 hours… that’s ridiculous…). Keep buying online and you will see your entire community suffer. Make your choices wisely people, saving a few bucks now will turn your community into a sea of cookie-​cutter homes (that you complain about), people interacting with screens (that you complain about), all retail stores will become over-​priced 800 sq ft condo’s (that you complain about), etc.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BIKE SHOP! SUPPORT ALAMEDA BICYCLE!

Just bought my awesome Hybrid bike from Alameday Bicycle. They helped me pick out the perfect bike. I live in Los Angeles and am scared to ride the streets of LA but need to do it, but I also like to ride around malibu where the are bike lanes and has lots of mountains and hills. I got the perfect Hybrid for what I was looking for. I had a lot of concerns but they helped me see the benefits of all the different types of bikes they have. I ride all the time pretty confidently on the streets of LA now. So happy I got my bike there since I’m original from the Bay. Kudos to Alameda Bicycle!!!

Went with my husband to see about getting a new bicycle for his commute. We decided to just check out this location and their inventory without any plans on purchasing. The gentleman, Jim, helped us out very well. He explained the differences in the bikes we looked at. My husband took two bikes for several test rides and was sold on one of the bikes. He also recommended that we join them for their Family Rides. I love a company that includes its previous customers in current activities. We ended up purchasing a bike that very same day because of how helpful the staff was. Thank you again for having a great staff on board, Alameda Bicycle. We plan on returning to purchase a bike for our daughter.

Another great experience at Alameda Bicycle. We’ve always had excellent service and no pressure, today was no exception. Husband brought his bike in after multiple attempts at freeing jammed chain — George pops it up on the rack does something magical to release the chain (there can be no other explanation), adjusts the dérailleur and «voilà» the bike is ready to roll! He sends us on our way — no charge! Wha? Definitely buying next bike there!

This was my first and then final destination as I sought to purchase my first road bike. I visited the shop twice: in my initial visit, Scott helped me take a Giant for a spin. But ultimately, I decided to visit various EB bike shops to test a few before buying. Eight shops later, (with several offering little to no women’s road bike selections), I landed back at Alameda Bicycle. Their service and commitment to fitting you in the correct bike is excellent. Stephanie helped me out on visit #2; she spent a substantial part of her afternoon helping me test (and retest) several bikes. Everyone in the shop had great attitudes and were extremely affable with all their customers. Highly recommending visiting this place whether you’re looking to buy or get some great service!

Got attitude from the techs both dropping off and picking up my bicycle.
They tried to overcharge me and got upset when I pointed out the sign regarding their charging policies and what was included in the package I’d purchased.
Solid work, not worth the attitude.

These guys are the BEST. I love that they are Giant specialists too. But I recently had my bike shipped, and I put it together mostly myself, but I realized I needed two new tires. When I called the store shortly before closing, they offered to stay a few minutes late. They got my back back to health and fully fixed in less than ten minutes. I truly am so thankful. Their customer service is courteous, thorough, and top-​notch. Period.

If 0 starts could be given that’s EXACTLY what this shop would get and deserves. Where do I begin? Well let’s say I went to this shop three times. First time I went to see what products they carried as well as inquire about getting my steer tube trimmed on my fixed gear. They were very short when I explained why I had visited the shop that day so I just ended up leaving and sleeping on the idea of taking my bike there.
After sleeping on it, the following day I called to see if they take walk in’s and the person informed me that most likely it wouldn’t be done that day if I took it in, but it possibly would be done Saturday some time. When getting there it was to no surprise that there was a lack of greetings and customer service just like my first time there. After maybe 20 mins of waiting finally someone called me back to the service computer. After speaking with the guy for about 10 – 15 mins about how I wanted my steer tube, spacers and stem put back on I figured for sure they would have it down. I mean how hard is it really to follow such simple directions… right?
So I left the bike there with the over night and this was quite possibly the first time I ever felt questionable leaving my bike at a shop.
The next day I received a call informing me my bike had been finished. So I showed up to the shop later in the after noon and the second they pulled the bike out I knew that they completely didn’t listen to a word I had said. Not only was the order of my spacers completely wrong but I was missing one… funny thing is I specifically told them ahead of time that I wanted ALL my unused parts back… hmm…I guess they enjoy pocketing their customers unused products (I wish I would of known that a head of time). As for the bike, I informed them that I was unhappy with how it looked and how it was not even close to how I had asked. They LARGE sloppy white guy (and in no way am I referring to large in a good physically fit way… quite the opposite in this situation) seemed to groan as I told him he needed to fix it. About 10 mins later he brought my bike back out and I seriously didn’t think it could have gotten worse but it did. Not only were the spacers still out of order, but he also put a cheap ugly carbon spacer that wasn’t even mine on my bike! REALLY?
At this point I was beginning to think this was a joke. Like it seriously couldn’t be possible for someone to mess up such a simple task! I informed the same guy that I was unpleased and he STILL needed to fix this! He stared over at the coworkers and let out a god awful groan that only a beast could be capable of letting out. To no surprised he rolled his eyes and told me I would have to wait 1 hour because he would and I quote «need to disassemble my head set»…hmm…ok? Not really sure if I’m following you there «BIG» guy. Needless to say he yanked my bike forcefully around and took it back again for the now third time… YES…I did in fact say THIRD time.
And yes… I’m sure you can guess what happened next. No, third times aren’t always a charm… especially when you take your bike to Alameda Bicycle. Sadly the bike was still done wrong. I think what’s even more sad to think about is how easy/​simple of a job this was and could of been for a REAL bike shop. The fact th

This father’s day sale I purchased a specialized hotrock 16″ for my son and the best part is you can trade-​up to receive full purchase price towards the next size up. Then they will donate the bike to Cycles of Change. Will save up for next time I will buy a bike for me, for my hubby and a Burley Encore 2015 for my disable daughter so we can have a family ride… Hope they have a sale again…

There is a first time for anything and this was our family’s first experience with purchasing from a LBS. It wasn’t what we thought but better!
The store front is well laid out given the tight space many businesses have on Park St. This shop even has a few parking spaces for their customers! When you first enter the shop, you will be greeted by a fair selection of bikes. From no pedal starters to high end road bikes.
The team there all really know their bikes and truly appear to like biking. I didn’t ask if any road bicycles themselves but given their knowledge it would be hard pressed that non of the employees didn’t.
On our first visit, we wanted to get our 11 yr old fitted and Joe shown us a few choices. We were surprised to be given the option of a XS adult 26″ bike. We didn’t even know those were available. When we shopped at a larger sporting goods store with a much larger selection, this wasn’t even offered as an option.
This was good news for us, because if for some reason our son chose to no longer ride this bike, it could be adjusted to fit his mother just fine.
Well, what good is a bike if we can’t tell if our son is comfortable transitioning from his current TREK 20″ to the Giant XS 26″? We were able to test drive the bike but we needed to follow him as he rode down the street. We asked if we could use another bike to follow along and Joe gladly loaned us a very nice BTW, hybrid to ride. Never was there any pressure to purchase or commit. Thank you.
We didn’t make our decision on the first visit but even when told we wanted to think about it, there wasn’t any pressure to make a decision
We came back a week later and purchased the Giant Revel.
Pros:
No pressure
Knowledgeable staff
Decent selection
Lifetime basic tune up with purchase
90 day price guarantee
Cons:
Parking can be tough on weekends
Selection is limited to brand name
Can get busy on weekends
Pricing is close to MSRP
If you are looking for a trustworthy LBS, then this is your shop.