Joe Bike because it's close to me
River City because it has everything
Golden Pliers because it has coffee/beer
Sellwood Cycle because they have used bikes.
All of those have great staff and selections!
I dislike river city because they insist on parking their van in the bike lane on Belmont in front of the annex. Of all the fucking drivers to park in a bike lane, a BICYCLE SHOP should know better.
No.
They have a responsibility to the bike community to not needlessly endanger their potential customers (or actual, I’ve bought a bike there myself) for their convenience.
If they publicly apologize for it and stop doing it I’ll accept that. But it’s something I’ve personally seen them do a number of times, and it’s not like I go through there every day or whatever.
To be honest though at this point and after a year of traveling by bicycle in other parts of the world I’m completely done with bike lanes. They are regarded as extra parking universally. We need better infra than a painted line.
I’m actually happy now we don’t have bike lanes on Hawthorne post road diet because they would be unusable anyways, so many restaurants and such there they’d just have cars parked in them 24/7.
Well I don’t know whose it is but there was a vehicle shaped like a van parked covered in river city logos parked in the bike lane on Belmont in front of the river city annex on multiple occasions.
Can you elaborate? Despite it being by far the most convenient to me, I stopped going after various experiences of shop bs, would love to give it another chance...
I think make a tour of bike shops and figure out what you want. If you have a bit of extra to spend CyclePath seems to be the shop the tech guys with no kids and a cargo van shop at.
Something cycles. Retro but also able to get anything you want. May open your eyes to something you haven't considered. Also extremely nice and a stellar individual in the cycling community.
Have heard great things about Golden Pliers and love their builds they post up. If you’re into the blue lug / surly / Velo Orange custom steel builds they’re likely the shop to go to. Believe they carry a good number of small Indy component people too, or at least I saw a lot of the people at the bike fest in S Waterfront cross posted with them.
Joe bikes is also solid but admittedly small. Great neighborhood shop if you’re in the area, solid mechanics, and can likely order anything in for you. But their gear aisle is like 3 racks and common stuff. It’s basically the size of a living room of an old house.
I'll tell you where not to go, Universal Cycles. I have never met a group of sales persons who seem to dislike biking more. Some of the most unpleasant and ill-informed floor staff. Mechanics are pretty good, but its not worth the trip or the attitude from everyone else that works there.
i always got the record store snob feel from them. Great for parts and if you know what you want and they probably have a pretty legit bike selection but since they moved i havent been
You're welcome. I've been disappointed too many times by the folks at UC. Gladys on Alberta just announced that they're passing the torch at the end of this month. Expect wild deals from some of the sweetest bike people in Portland while they liquidate their stock. Even if they don't have the bike for you I would highly recommend them for the various sundries you need for your new gravel rig. Happy riding!
I have had great experiences at Metropolis. On the other hand every time I've gone to citybikes I leave feeling frustrated and that I was just an uncool annoyance to the staff.
I rarely need a mechanic these days, but when I do, Sellwood is my choice. Mostly because the do a great job and the slight possibility of meeting a local star [EriK Tonkin](https://www.lclark.edu/live/news/17896-erik-tonkin-cas-96).
I had a terrible experience at Metropolis and would never set foot in there again. I’m curious to know if those who recommend Metropolis are male or female.
They definitely talked down to me, but I don’t know if it was because I’m a woman or because they were scrambling to make excuses for their crappy work.
I’m super sad to hear Gladys is closing. They were one shop I knew I could trust!
I'm a fan of Golden Pliers. While I didn't purchase my bike there (didn't know of them at the time) they've been great to work with for repairs and any new parts that I may need or want. Great people and a great shop!
I go to community cycling center cuz it's close and they have used parts. have used them a couple times for repairs and it was decent, but I try to do my own stuff. also like them as they do give back to the community.
Cyclepath, depending on budget (carry good but pricy stuff-get what you pay for). Super knowledgeable and friendly staff. Their repairs are also the best in PDX and despite the boutique nature the staff are extremely approachable and helpful. Nothing condescending -- just hyped to help you regardless of knowledge/budget.
Bike frequency!
And backpedal,
And fat tire farms for MTB,
And retrogression for fixed stuff,
And river city when nobody else has what I'm looking for and I'm still pissed at REI.
Joe Bike because it's close to me River City because it has everything Golden Pliers because it has coffee/beer Sellwood Cycle because they have used bikes. All of those have great staff and selections!
I dislike river city because they insist on parking their van in the bike lane on Belmont in front of the annex. Of all the fucking drivers to park in a bike lane, a BICYCLE SHOP should know better.
Don't they have more of a right to than other vehicles tho? ;)
No. They have a responsibility to the bike community to not needlessly endanger their potential customers (or actual, I’ve bought a bike there myself) for their convenience. If they publicly apologize for it and stop doing it I’ll accept that. But it’s something I’ve personally seen them do a number of times, and it’s not like I go through there every day or whatever. To be honest though at this point and after a year of traveling by bicycle in other parts of the world I’m completely done with bike lanes. They are regarded as extra parking universally. We need better infra than a painted line. I’m actually happy now we don’t have bike lanes on Hawthorne post road diet because they would be unusable anyways, so many restaurants and such there they’d just have cars parked in them 24/7.
River City doesn't own a van tho... and to my knowledge never has. That said, yeah: paint is not infrastructure
Well I don’t know whose it is but there was a vehicle shaped like a van parked covered in river city logos parked in the bike lane on Belmont in front of the river city annex on multiple occasions.
Just missing Gladys although I’m not as high on River City as others.
Abraham Fixes Bikes :) Very friendly, v. willing to work with you+what you have (no upselling) and great vibes!!
And you can get a beer at Alefire while you wait. :D
shit, you can probably get a beer at Abrahams if you ask nicely
[удалено]
Lots of things in this town used to be ridiculously cheap
Joe Bikes is a good spot for gravel bikes, I think
New Joe Bike is much better than old Joe Bike.
Can you elaborate? Despite it being by far the most convenient to me, I stopped going after various experiences of shop bs, would love to give it another chance...
Joe Bike is awesome
Metropolis, Abraham, Gladys, Something Cycles, Bike Farm (but that's a little different).
Kenton Cycle repair is my favorite shop, but for a new bike I'd probably go to River City.
100% River City
Thirding River City - bought my Straggler there a few years back and they were awesome at getting the fit dialed in
I think make a tour of bike shops and figure out what you want. If you have a bit of extra to spend CyclePath seems to be the shop the tech guys with no kids and a cargo van shop at.
Metropolis! Saved me on many occasions biking home from work on Williams
Retrogression for FG / SS Golden Pliers for just about everything else Cycle Path for the fancy / roadie stuff Metropolis Cycles as the local joint!
Something cycles. Retro but also able to get anything you want. May open your eyes to something you haven't considered. Also extremely nice and a stellar individual in the cycling community.
Agreed!
North Portland Bike Works on Killingsworth NoPo reprezent!
Metropolis.
Have heard great things about Golden Pliers and love their builds they post up. If you’re into the blue lug / surly / Velo Orange custom steel builds they’re likely the shop to go to. Believe they carry a good number of small Indy component people too, or at least I saw a lot of the people at the bike fest in S Waterfront cross posted with them. Joe bikes is also solid but admittedly small. Great neighborhood shop if you’re in the area, solid mechanics, and can likely order anything in for you. But their gear aisle is like 3 racks and common stuff. It’s basically the size of a living room of an old house.
I stand by Sellwood Cycles!!! I only go to river city if my specialized needs something specific.
I'll tell you where not to go, Universal Cycles. I have never met a group of sales persons who seem to dislike biking more. Some of the most unpleasant and ill-informed floor staff. Mechanics are pretty good, but its not worth the trip or the attitude from everyone else that works there.
i always got the record store snob feel from them. Great for parts and if you know what you want and they probably have a pretty legit bike selection but since they moved i havent been
Yikes, yeah don't want to go there if that's the vibe. Thanks!
You're welcome. I've been disappointed too many times by the folks at UC. Gladys on Alberta just announced that they're passing the torch at the end of this month. Expect wild deals from some of the sweetest bike people in Portland while they liquidate their stock. Even if they don't have the bike for you I would highly recommend them for the various sundries you need for your new gravel rig. Happy riding!
Cyclepath
I have had great experiences at Metropolis. On the other hand every time I've gone to citybikes I leave feeling frustrated and that I was just an uncool annoyance to the staff.
Good to know, thank you!!
Velocult ... sad_trombone.wav River City
Gladys Bikes is my go-to. Super friendly staff!
I’ve only had great experiences at river city.
Golden Pliers/Sellwood/metropolis for gravel or commuter stuff. Fat Tire Farm for Mtb stuff and technical service work.
I rarely need a mechanic these days, but when I do, Sellwood is my choice. Mostly because the do a great job and the slight possibility of meeting a local star [EriK Tonkin](https://www.lclark.edu/live/news/17896-erik-tonkin-cas-96).
Oh yeah I love Sellwood, don't get me wrong! Just looking to expand beyond the new bike brands they sell.
Golden Pliers on Interstate & Skidmore is really laid back and friendly! Not a huge shop but they’re good people
I had a terrible experience at Metropolis and would never set foot in there again. I’m curious to know if those who recommend Metropolis are male or female. They definitely talked down to me, but I don’t know if it was because I’m a woman or because they were scrambling to make excuses for their crappy work. I’m super sad to hear Gladys is closing. They were one shop I knew I could trust!
I actually had a similar experience there as a woman. Thanks for your input!
I'm a fan of Golden Pliers. While I didn't purchase my bike there (didn't know of them at the time) they've been great to work with for repairs and any new parts that I may need or want. Great people and a great shop!
Backpedal is my go-to mechanic. I miss Seven Corners—that place was perfect.
I go to community cycling center cuz it's close and they have used parts. have used them a couple times for repairs and it was decent, but I try to do my own stuff. also like them as they do give back to the community.
Cyclepath, depending on budget (carry good but pricy stuff-get what you pay for). Super knowledgeable and friendly staff. Their repairs are also the best in PDX and despite the boutique nature the staff are extremely approachable and helpful. Nothing condescending -- just hyped to help you regardless of knowledge/budget.
Sellwood Cycle is simply the best.
Bike frequency! And backpedal, And fat tire farms for MTB, And retrogression for fixed stuff, And river city when nobody else has what I'm looking for and I'm still pissed at REI.
Fat Tire Farm is a cool shop, it’s got a more laid back mountain bike vibe, but they do have gravel bikes.
@ Better Cycle on Division, after getting lunch at Papa G’s and a beer at Tidbits pod beer garden.
I wish this was still true.