Phoenix Bikes

They did a pretty good job tuning up my bike. Very affordable, but not pros.

My wife used to teach first graders, so she was able to brush this experience off easily. But for me, it stuck for a few days, so I decided to write about it.
Near the beginning of our weekend ride, my wife’s rear brakes started acting up, and we stopped by Phoenix to have it looked at. Whoever came to look at her road bike was eager to help, but he soon started making comments about the brand of her bike, the type of brakes, the type of frame, the fact that there was a rack on the bike, how the screws were screwed in – despite pointing out near-​half-​a-​dozen supposed flaws, he’d say after each, «that’s your first mistake.» Later, we answered his question on how much we spent on the bike – he said that we could have built a bike for the same price; he knows because he did, with free components that are apparently a perk of working there.
I’m glad they were able to put us back on the road for the rest of our 15-​mile ride, but I didn’t expect such pretentious, condescending bike snobbery from a community shop.

Great place! An amazing program for the community. Very thankful with the open shop day, get everything set on our bikes for a very small price. Totally worth it. Congratulations!

Love this place! Took a bike here for a tune up and a pedal change. The guys were helpful, informative, and friendly. As opposed to other local shops, they seem to take more time and enjoy teaching you about your bike, which I guess is not a surprise considering they have the local community activism component to the business.
Stopped in a 2^nd time late on a Saturday afternoon when my handle bars felt loose. The shop was closed but the young riders group had just gotten back from a ride and we’re hanging around outside. One of the group leaders (who works at the shop) was in the group and asked if I needed something, and then unlocked the shop and brought my bike in. Turns out I needed a part but he dug around to find it and then fixed it on the spot regardless of them being closed! Affordable, friendly, and great service — I can’t say enough and will be back!

Paid $ 10 for them to fix my brakes and my front flat– one week later and the flat is back and the brake still isn’t 100%. I appreciate what they stand for but I’ll probably just take my bike elsewhere next time.

If there’s ever a business model to copy or emulate, this is it. I have the utmost respect for Phoenix Bikes and their dedication to the community and love for bikes. The staff here is friendly and they teach local kids how to fix and refurbish old, donated bikes. In return for their volunteered services, kids can «earn» a bike for all their volunteer work. The shop also offers fixes and affordable tune-​ups to the public, but there can be a backlog in the summers. Go off peak. I took a few free workshops from Phoenix (one was fix-​a-​flat), as they partner with WABA and the women & bicycles group in DC. They’re very hands-​on and seek to educate all who cross paths.

Tell you what, these guys are the real deal. Cannot understate how awesome it is to have a place like this in my community. Totally hooked my young son up with a sweet ride for cheap. He couldn’t be happier, and everyone you meet here is super friendly and helpful. A++ would give a sixth star.
PHOENIX BIKES, MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE.

Very good service at a very fair price. The staff were friendly and helpful. The mechanic Andrew was great, he helped fix my 5 year olds bike with a tuneup, as well as revitalize my 14 year old hybrid (new tires, handlebars, seat, adjusted brakes and gearing) all for a very affordable price — brought it back from the dead! As well, you can ‘shop’ their inventory of used/​donated bikes for select parts you need — there are some good components on the lot for sure. They also revitalize bikes and makes them for sale. They had mountain bikes, road bikes, beach cruisers. Attention shoppers: for those accustomed to a nice, indoor air conditioned shopping experience-​this is a non-​profit institution and their facility is modest (No AC, not well marked, wood shelves and milk crates holding part inventory). But if in need of cheap wheels — they are a good group of folks who want to help you with your bike needs and are giving back to the community at the same time. So it’s worth coming here to first to give them a look!

Great crew and great service. Got a great used bike for my boy, love recycling! The staff fixed a bike that I wanted on the spot and have the bike a mini tune up. Will be back for more!

Just had my first ride on my new bike from Phoenix, and I couldn’t be happier. This was my first time buying a bike, and I felt super overwhelmed by my several weeks of Craigslist shopping. I knew the look I was going for, but I struggled to find the right combo of size (I’m pretty small) and quality on Craigslist.
Phoenix was great — they had two bikes in my size for me to test, and one of then was exactly what I was looking for. It was a bit out of my price range, but I felt like it was worth it to support such a great cause.
The staff was fantastic — one of them took apart 4 racks to build me one that would fit on my bike, and only charged me $ 10! They also took the time to answer all of my first-​timer questions.
For a bit more money, a much better experience and a more fantastic bike that I could find anywhere else. Highly recommended.

Brought two bikes in for tune ups, one was my daily commuter road bike and the other is a mountain bike I pulled out of storage. Very friendly people and help knowledgeable. They did a great job on the tune up, very speedy. Faster than they quoted. Only charged me for what needed to be done. Great shop, Great cause. Will defiantly return.

Great service! Helpful! Affordable! They help youth learn about bike maintenance and they can earn a free bike. There is good energy in the shop. This small non-​profit is a real gem.

I brought my dismantled bike here to be assembled and converted from a single to a multi-​speed bike. They did all of it and replaced my saddle for $ 140, which was way less than anyone else would have charged. They did a great job and were super helpful. I love what they’re doing for the community and kids!
I totally recommend this place for affordable, positive and thoughtful service.

Charity/​bike co-​op in Northern VA. If you’re looking for a used bike, this is the best deal you’ll find outside of something stolen on Craigslist.
They sell bikes rebuilt and repaired by kids, supervised by adult mechanics. Typical bikes run from the $ 100 – 300 range. They’re mostly open on weekends, and tend ot have a lot of turnover.
When my bike was stolen, this is where I went to get completely reoutfitted at a reasonable price.
They also sell new components (brakes, helmets, etc.) and used parts, if you’re willing to dig through their bins.
Always helpful, cheaper than buying from bike shops, and comparable to online. Plus it goes to a good cause.
They also have repair classes and shop nights.

This is the best place to buy a bike in the DMV

Awesome little shop — but they need more bikes! I visited Phoenix Bikes this weekend trying to find a good, used bike for my boyfriend and despite there being at least 50 used bikes scattered around, they said they only had 6 for sale?
It’s worth going to check it out, you can definitely get a deal… but don’t expect too much!

This is the perfect bike shop for people who love to bike but don’t own spandex, fancy jerseys or thousand-​dollar road bikes. The people who work here are extremely friendly, helpful and down to earth. They know about bikes but aren’t snobs about it.
True, they are only open twice per week, and yes, the selection of stuff can be limited, but it’s a non-​profit shop working for the greater good. I feel like the money I spend here is going to a good cause.

A well-​stocked and well-​educated staff provide something for everyone at Phoenix.
This community bike shop has spare parts, bikes for sale on Saturdays, and a staff that can do anything from pumping up a complete bike overhaul. If you’re a biking enthusiast, this is a bike shop for you.
ATMOSPHERE: Friendly if sometimes a bit cramped. Feels like your good buddies garage.
PRICES: Extremely good. You won’t find better used bikes in the DC area for less. They are well built, and for sale every weekend.
SUMMARY: Come by for repairs, sales, or to shoot some shit on bike culture. The folks at Phoenix are always ready to lend a hand, bend an ear, or grease a ball bearing or two.

If you like to bike, welcome home. Full of shop nights, weekend bike sales, low cost repairs, extremely friendly workings, a great non profit, helpful bimonthly lessons, cheap bike parts, and an excellent atmosphere. Be forewarned that if you have never been, you may want to check out their website for specific directions because you may get lost. Other than that it is totally worth checking this place out because they can provide new and experienced bikers with bikes, parts, and teaching. Their main goal is to help local kids learn to build bikes and gain friendships and leaderships skills, but you can tell that their vision expands much beyond that and is in full support of the entire biking community.

So very glad to have found this place, but a little surprised that it’s DC’s only bike shop working for a greater cause. You see, in other parts of the country, nonprofit bike shops are almost the norm. They promote healthy transportation, while simultaneously investing in the capacity of the immediate community.
Phoenix Bikes does this perfectly. They fix up old bikes (recycling!) and run a simultaneous youth program (investing in the future!). The kids have a place to go after school, and in the process, learn a useful trade.
When I visited back in March they had a fine selection of used road and mountain bikes, but none for me. The guys running the place were still super friendly and helpful, even letting me take a few for a test ride around the park.
And, look, City Paper got it right!