Helotes Bicycle

Got to meet Hank this weekend, and I’ve gotta say, that is one cool dude who really loves what he does! I would disregard the post that was in no way relevant to the man’s business practice (market days gypsies… LOL). I would be upset if vendors were disrupting my potential flow of business too! (After all, once a vendor parks, it’s going to be quite a while before they leave) I would not describe Hank as «salty», but more along the lines of «salt of the earth» kind of guy. I say support your local businesses and go pay olé’ Hank a visit!

Hank is an icon of bike repair. After decades of service, you will find bikes antique and new strewn about haphazardly, but Hank knows where everything is. If he is busy, don’t expect a social visit, but your bike will be right for a fair price. If you are a «techno-​rider», consider Brittons.

Hank has worked on every bike I’ve had since 1984.
I’ve been there when other shops call him for tech assistance and support. He is the most knowledgeable mechanic I know.

I went to Helotes Bicycle as my main repair shop for over a decade. Hank is a top-​notch mechanic — I have seen him fix dented frames and true up wheels that other bike shops dismissed out of hand. If you have a bicycle that needs any kind of work, you should check with Hank.
His rates are reasonable and his work is without peer; the only thing you should keep in mind is that he is almost always busy and it’s a one-​man shop. If your repair is complex and needs to be done in an hour, he may not be able to help you out. But if you can leave it with him after getting an estimate, you will not be disappointed.
Another Unilocal commenter mentioned that there are bikes there that are not chained up. Don’t worry about it. 10+ years of leaving my bikes with him and there was never a problem. No thefts, no damage, just bikes returned in better shape than I dropped them off in.

Hank at Helotes Bicycles is the best. He has been working in the bicycling industry for decades. He isn’t just a repair man he is a collector and shop owner. He used to work from some major bicycle component companies. He knows his stuff! So He’s the only one I’ll take my bike to in San Antonio.
The shop reminds me of my grandpa’s workshop… messy, clutter but you better not touch anything because the old man knows where everything it. As example I was redoing a classic cruiser and had some issues with the rear wheel Hank suggested I change the rear cog to a larger one… he said hold on… a few minutes later he brought an old one that looks like it’s been sitting in this build for 20 years. Yes it was used but this was a old bike so it was perfect.
I usually call the shop first to see when the best time to bring in a repair is because space is limited that this little shop is one busy shops around.
Tip: Be ready to do business outside on the porch as there isn’t much room to stand inside. This place has character oozing out of every corner, it’s messy goodness. They once were a specialized brand dealer but as hank put it «They took a look at my shop and I didn’t fit there image»… That’s ok with me. If you are looking for a trendy bike shop where everyone is dressed in Spandex and ready to sell you anything and finance a bike for up then this is not where you go.
Prices are good:
I recently had the bottom bracket worked on and it only cost me $ 15!

Probably the Bike capital of… San Antonio, Helotes Bicycle is this small shop within a historic building tended by the coolest guy ever. I prefer to have my bike worked on by him out of any other bike shop in San Antonio. He doesn’t stiff you with bogus fees, he changes my tires and has me pay only for the supplies. On other fixes he is reasonable and hes someone you just enjoy talking too and getting information out of. Because its just him, I’m sure hes not as speedy as other shops, but its still quality work. Ive never had to wait more than 3 days for an overall (brake lines, shifters, and new tires.)
If your looking for a place to ride start at his shop and ride up to the scenic loop, its gorgeous.