Bob’s Lock & Cycle

They really know what they are doing when it comes to locks, seem like nice people.
Unfortunately, their storefront hours aren’t listed anywhere. Calling their number says open at 8am on Saturdays and to call back if you’re calling during business hours. Went by at 9am, not open. Went back at 10 am and still not open. Still nobody answering phone. What going on guys? I’m trying to give you business here geez.

A week before Christmas, I took my son’s Go-​Ped in because it wasn’t running. I had tried to rebuild the carb with a kit from another shop which is now closed and had given me wrong parts.
Called Bobs up and they said it would run $ 75-​$ 80 depending on the issue. They seemed nice enough when I went in and they said a couple days would be needed for repair. I also asked them to see about replacing 2 missing board screws and the bushings. They called a few days later and I went in to see a $ 142 bill. I asked them what had happened because this was off the mark from our discussion. I am told that they put several hours into trying to fix the carb only to replace it in addition to the salvaged screws and bushings which they were charging me $ 7.50 for. Then I’m told, «well if you had asked us to call before replacing anything, we would have.»
My issue is that we did not discuss work that would double my bill. I understand markups. If you tell me I will have to replace the carb then I will gladly pay for the work that was done and either wait to pay the cost when I have money or I will do it myself.
I will have to keep looking for a reliable small engine mechanic. I have 2 lawn mowers, weed eater, and blower and of course an 11 yo’s Go-​Ped that all need work.

Our family was traveling a route downtown — one we’ve taken numerous times down Central Ave from South Phoenix. I noticed the store front on Central (North of Southern on the East side of Central) and I made a note to check it out since we often travel to Chandler or Downtown Phoenix to get our bikes tuned up or fixed.
My mental note payed off shortly after Christmas. «Santa» brought our son a new mountain bike for Christmas and my husband put the bike together. I don’t want to seem ungrateful for my husband’s efforts, but mechanics is not his forte. A couple of weeks of riding the new bike and everything started to go haywire — including the brakes and alignment.
We took the bike over to Bob’s and he fine-​tuned my husbands work.
Note: Parking is a bit confusing — you kind of park in a driveway off Central. I actually considered dropping the rating to 3-​stars just because the parking is a pain.
As other’s have mentioned, Bob is also a lawn mower mechanic and a locksmith — he must be handy to have around the home :) I don’t think my husband is quite as ambitious to fix our lawn mower and he will probably be less likely to volunteer to fix anything else after he reads my review… but for the record, I appreciate him and his willingness to fix things… but I’m glad to find backups in South Phoenix if we need them!

How many places can you go get spare keys made AND talk about bike parts with someone? I bought spare keys AND got some brake & shifter cables for a bike I got at the thrift store.
They’ve got some used bikes, some bike parts, keys, and it looks like the previous reviewer said– some blower & mower parts?
And good advice!

If you’ve been to a few repair shops before you won’t be surprised by the surroundings. If not, don’t be turned off by the assorted used parts, old mowers and general decrepitude. If you need your chain saw or mower repaired Bob’s is a good place to visit. The work is good and most importantly, it’s done quickly. You’ll get a two or three-​day turn around at Bob’s vs. a week plus at the other repair shops. That’s a big plus because if you depend on your equipment you want it done FAST.
I’ve had my mower serviced twice at Bob’s; oil change, new filter, spark plug adjustment and blade sharpening. My second visit I asked them to adjust my drive motor — which they forgot to do. That’s not great but at least I had my mower for the weekend’s big home tour. Bob’s is responsive and I give the quality of service three and a half stars. Absent their one slip up I’d have given them four stars. Keep in mind this place is really basic, more than a little dirty and in a crappy part of town. That said, it’s really about getting your equipment back in a reasonable amount of time and in that regard Bob’s stands alone. If you live near downtown this should be your go-​to place for equipment repair.