What is your home shop?

[the Master Plan Dan]

I have a bunch that I go to but 2 solid ones that I get most of the goods at:

1. Evolution in Whistler... love that place always have cool stuff and as I break most of my gear in Whistler... I go there.

I went in one day and Jennean (spelling) thought I was a local. When I replied that I lived in Vancouver... all she could do was look at me and say... Man you're up here a lot!

2. Corsa in Squamish... would be my regular shop if I lived there. Great guys and always there to hash on me for not riding in Squamish more.

They hooked me up large when I came out here 2 years ago... all green behind the ears looking to have my cherry popped!

The rest I frequent less... by they are equally as great!

3. Bike CO... secondary bike shop in Whistler...

4. Cove... For general stuff while in Vancouver... and,

5. On Top... Only started going there once getting into the traildays... (my girlfriend drops me off to be babysat!) seeing Dan and his crew do such a great job with the trail days.

While there are like 50 others...

Here is a shout out... keep up the good work! I could spend all my money on things like cocain and booze... but instead I choose to spend it in these stores. Lord... Courtney knows that I spend lots on my bike!

Cheers!

[Couch_Surfer]

I've started using On Top recently and been pretty impressed. Casual atmosphere and zero BS.

[Bryce]

Dizzy, Cove, and On Top. Steed has been good me too, but I'm always closer to the other 3. Overtime is great for cheap stuff too.

never been a JH fan, same for BSP

[enduramil]

Used to deal with Trailblazers, reminded me of On Top. Since they closed buy most stuff online now.

In van usually dela with On Top or in Van itself Simon's.

[Gilly]

On Top for me....... the lads in there really do me proud when I break something (often enough).....

Even lent me a wheel when they never got round to fixing mine in time - Can't complain at that kinda service!

[JdanS]

My first choice is always On Top.

I don't have much loyalty after that but I have had great help at Dizzy.

[heckler]

Lou, Matt and James at Dizzy's NV have the best service on the shore!

On Top builds the best wheels!

And both support the NSMBA through the Rippers and Trail days! That's where my money goes.

[Marvel]

Dizzy's and JH....both have been great to a newbie MB gal like me. Heard great stuff about On Top. Gonna have to check them out.

Cove ... crap customer service to female riders.

[old_school_n00b]

In no particular order:

Our Community Bikes
Dream Cycles
Mighty Riders
Ride-On
Bike Doctor

[Dantes Inferno]

Overtime Coquitlam

Corsa Squamish


AkA is making a comeback in Port Moody though.

[Fat Whacker]

Bicycle Cafe in Kamloops. Always great service.

[m-rock]

I'll have to say On Top as well... super helpful, honest, no attitude... Straight up good guys. Most importantly, no 18 year olds telling me what's good and bad based on what he saw in the latest NWD film.

[Tom]

Bike Zone in Surrey. The service is so good I drive 45 minutes to go there.

[couch@nsmb.com]

My original shop was Crank'n'Carvin - Sean was a cranky mofo (sometimes) but the shop rocked.

I don't ride much anymore so I haven't really had a need for a shop.

Couch

[Splan]

I'm a big Fan of Dizzy's in NV for service. For cheap parts the North Shore Sports Swap is good.

[Nelson]

Summit when i'm in whistler. Down here I don't use shops really...

[Couch_Surfer]

Not a bike shop, but I also have to highlight the Marz service shop.

[Farmer]

1. caps (westwood)
2. sports junkies
3. overtime
4. aka

caps for service because that where my bike still gets free labour, and its lcosest, but I will go to any of those 4 for parts/ gear

[.Robinson]

OnTheEdge Bike Shop-sechelt BC

[the Master Plan Dan]

Not a bike shop, but I also have to highlight the Marz service shop.

Good call they worked wonders on my Super T Pro... that wasn't so super and was never Pro!

That thing now feesl better than when I pulled the bike outa the bike!

Nice looking merchandise as well!

Dan

[Rexthespeedster]

I've been a drifter for a while, but lately I've been dealing with Different Bikes in West Van. Straightforward, prompt, and detail-oriented service. Competitive prices, too.

[Kamper]

bike zone in surrey

[Testy]

Overtime for most things, no BS there.
AKA for the more finiky service, thought I'd give'm a try rebuilding my fork, they did a great job 30 bucks cheaper than Marzocchi Service Center.
Also the Marz center itself has great service, Naz is awesome but its little pricey.

[AllShockedUp]

Atomic Bike Shop. Steve rules.

[Dave K]

My original shop was Crank'n'Carvin - Sean was a cranky mofo (sometimes) but the shop rocked.
Couch

I used to go there too. Both Sean and Dale were awesome.

I go to Cyclepath on Broadway (know the owner from when I worked at Cyclepath on 10th). Bob, Joel and Steve always treat me very well.

I've occasionally bought stuff from Steed and again great service.

Dave

[freerider guy]

I'm an On Top boy. I just gotta love the guys there. Dan is wicked and duke and lane are kick ass mechanics as well. I picked up my bike from them and they were awsome with getting everything going and set up the way I like. Now whever I'm back in the shop after greeting me they make sure that the bike is all good and running and that I have no questions about it.

However I did buy my fist mountain bike from singletrack cycles wich used to be in edgemont village. Those guys were awsome. I saw Kerry (the old owner) working at sports swap about 5 years after I bought my bike and 4 after they closed and he still remembered me and was like... "I sold your parents a green norco wolverine for your chistmas present. I remember you coming in to look at it almost every day." I loved how he remembered that so long after.

[Hack On Wheels]

On Top, for great attitude and service, awesome guys. They are the Banshee connection for me, and my favourite North Shore shop.

West Point Cycles (on 10th ave.), I have been going there since I was quite small and they know me, nice people, and some great mech's who really know their stuff.

[SteveV]

JH- always hooks me up and gets my bike done crazy fast. Also amazing with warrenty for parts. Never without my bike for more than a couple days

[cameron]

overtime and AKA.

[Kye]

aka The Bike Shop - everything

[old_school_n00b]

Cyclepath on Broadway

Another good one. They rarely have what I'm looking for, but will always point me in the right direction. They've also taken great no-bs care of a newbie commuter friend of mine.

[Kevin26]

goldstream and russ hays

[Oldfart]

Steed and Dizzy in N Van. All repairs in my garage though.

[DARTHYOGA]

South Surrey Cylces, formerly White Rock Cylces. These guys are so stoked on riding, have alot of knowledge and take realy good care of my bikes. They are huge supporters of the local riding community and thats importatnt to me.

[Dude]

Is Iraqi Dave Killiacki still the owner at AKA?

[hypa]

I love teh Bike Zone in Surrey.
The boys have been hassling me for the last 4 years to buy a new bike, and I'll finally be giving them a chance soon to put one together.

BSP in Langley has a nice shop, but they're $$$.

Caps in Langley has wicked stock levels, and they're a good crew.

[CraigH]

Is Iraqi Dave Killiacki still the owner at AKA?


Yup, just happen to have his card on my desk. Spelling is "Killacky".

[Rat]

Dizzy

[Knnn]

I used to like BSP in North Van, but Dave is no longer there (if you read this, good luck in Ontario mate) so I'm not sure at the mo. Based on the posts here, On Top is pretty much on ... er ... top ....

[jpi]

http://www.tantalusbikeshop.com/

[TheGiggler]

in N. Van: Dizzy or OnTop ... both awesome shops. cant go wrong at either.

i hear lots of good things about Jeff @ Diifferent Bikes too ,,,

[McTB]

I lived on the Westside for years. Sarah, Tim and the crew at Westpoint Cycles on 10th always look after me.

[CraigH]

I lived on the Westside for years. Sarah, Tim and the crew at Westpoint Cycles on 10th always look after me.

I've also used Westpoint for years, both the W10th & Kerrisdale stores. Not so much since I moved out to suburbia though.

[Jimmy-James]

John henry, fast service, no attitude, keep it up boys

[bzerk]

1) Diff Bikes
2) Steed
3) Evolution

[Chuck D. Railer]

Freedom in Penticton.
Awesome shop
Great stock of everything that's good
Run by bro's
They'll understand you

Plus, you might get to banter with Brian Park

[KenN]

Interesting, Blak Dog didn't get one mention ...

Guess that explains this ----> http://bb.nsmb.com/showthread.php?t=85489

Kn.

[PhotoFyffer]

evolution for the last 3 year before that when in the city bike zone, they are always good to me.

[freakonaleash]

Pitt Cycle - Cheap BMX parts, though I dont ride one its good for like SS chains (gold : O) and grips and friendy service

Experience Cycle- A little pricier in some aspects but an excellent mountain bike shop. I dont know whether i like pitt or experience cyle more.

[Onegear]

Atomic best service ever, great deals,

[Kye]

Is Iraqi Dave Killiacki still the owner at AKA?
Except he's not middle eatern.

[Dude]

No, but if you want to give him a blast from the past, call him "Iraqi Dave" once, and he'll have a good laugh. Used to be his nickname back in the Cap's days.

[CraigH]

Overtime is great for cheap stuff too.


I agree. They build good wheels too.

[CraigH]

On Top builds the best wheels!


The set of wheels they built for me have stood up for years.

[Jah]

Nanaimo: Arrowsmith Cycles or Pacific Rim
Courtenay: Mountain City Cycle
Cumberland: Dodge City Cycles

Shop to avoid, Black's Cycle in Comox...kind of place that gives you grief as you spend thousands of dollars there!

[couch@nsmb.com]

I used to go there too. Both Sean and Dale were awesome.



Dave

What about Jeff? I have been trying to track that guy down for a couple of years now. Is Dale still at Dizzys, N.Van?

[Endless Biking]

Cove Bikes
Dizzy Cycles
Dodge City Cycles
Evolution
Fanatyko
Gerick's (Nelson)
On the Edge
On Top
Rob's Bicycle Works
Tantalus

DB@EB

[Madman]

1. Goldstream Ave. Bikes, Favorite shop but its a 25min drive
2. Iguana Cycles,small street/dj/trials oriented shop, 10min drive
3. Experience Cycling, Not going back, right up the street from Iguana.

There are a ton of shops in Victoria.. Probably 20-25 shops, so there is alot to choose from.


There is so many different shops.. There are only a few that I will never go back to.

[M_Dub]

even when i worked for a somewhat competitor, i guess...aka still hooked me up and helped me out.

Session cycles too in pomo!!!
Check them out!!!

[mr_fungle]

Cove ... crap customer service to female riders.

Not just female riders unfortunately. The old Cove used to be great, but the new shop is way too cliqueish - not worth visiting unless they already know who you are.

I used to use JH quite a bit, but had a couple of instances that led me to try other shops. Tried Cove, but gave up. Lately I have had nothing but GREAT service at Steed and On Top. Gonna make an effort, drive the extra distance and use these two in the future.

[Couch_Surfer]

Not just female riders unfortunately. The old Cove used to be great, but the new shop is way too cliqueish - not worth visiting unless they already know who you are.

:werd: In case any shop owners read this thread - this is key. Reason I've been impressed with my recent migration to On top is I feel like I'm being respected even though they don't know me at all. Same experience at Steed for my wife, she always tells me how nice and helpful they are for her - and it gets them her repeat business.

[smoochy]

I go to Cyclepath on Broadway (know the owner from when I worked at Cyclepath on 10th). Bob, Joel and Steve always treat me very well.


werd. these guys are the most straight up and helpful in town. I go to them before i go anywhere else.

[Coastal]

On Top

[EcoRiva]

Cap's Sapperton for service on the endless warranteed breakage . . . Marie is invaluable.

Otherwise: On Top, Steed, Reckless, Cove and both Dizzy shops. I especially like the feel, experience and stock at On Top.
Also like Different Bikes and even the mess called Edmonds Cycle: some good buys at times.

Not too fond of Snowcovers of John Henry for that matter . . . but the need to look takes me everywhere and all too often.

Recently I accidently discovered the at the back/bottom of the new commercial centre at Univercity/SFU . . . small but not badly supplied . . . doubt it will survive the winter though.

[wizardB]

Lou, Matt and James at Dizzy's NV have the best service on the shore!

On Top builds the best wheels!

And both support the NSMBA through the Rippers and Trail days! That's where my money goes.
Amen Sven
Here's to you Uncle Lou

[discowitch]

I used to go there too. Both Sean and Dale were awesome.

I go to Cyclepath on Broadway (know the owner from when I worked at Cyclepath on 10th). Bob, Joel and Steve always treat me very well.

I've occasionally bought stuff from Steed and again great service.

Dave
Thumbs up for the Cyclepath, they were so fantasitic when I bought my bike. For a novice rider, they really went out of their way to help me with everything I needed, and gave me a pretty excellent deal as well. Service was and still is top knotch. Plus, there are some hotties that work in that shop. :woot:

[ratherberiding]

used to go to rocky cycle, great if you are dealing with "tony" the mechanic for repairs but terrible if you are dealing with the owner.
white rock cycle is absolutely fantastic bike shop, nicest people ever.

[ratherberiding]

Cove ... crap customer service to female riders.

they were also crap in terms of customer service when it came to younger riders but recently i went in there and i had great service(still young - 16). super friendly helpful service completely changed my outlook at that shop. i would put that shop in my top 5.

[Carbuncle]

Tim's Bike Shop in Everett. I don't really go to shops much, do most of my own work and buy parts online but when I need something done that I'm too lazy or skill-less to do myself I go to Tim's and they always take care of me. Bought two bikes for my wife there, always a good deal and very helpful, and they ride the same or similar trails that I do so when I have a problem they understand exactly where I'm coming from and can help fix it directly. Also skilled wheelsmiths. So good that I drive two hours each way to go there, passing many lesser shops on the way.

[Idun]

used to go to rocky cycle, great if you are dealing with "tony" the mechanic for repairs but terrible if you are dealing with the owner.
white rock cycle is absolutely fantastic bike shop, nicest people ever.
technically white rock cycle isnt there anymore....its called south surrey cycle now..
not too many bsp fans out there eh??whats the deal with that...

[Wayne P]

Kim Steed is one of my best friends, so Steed will always be my #1 shop. He's just a nice guy who's about as upfront and honest as you can get (are you gonna buy more stuff from me now?).

Most shops on the Shore are good. Dan at On Top has always been good to me, Willy at JH has done a lot, and James Wilson is another good guy who knows his shiat. Dave at BSP is another trustworthy young lad.

I'm just getting to know some of the interior shops. While most are good in some way, there are a few that I won't step into again as an agent and a customer.

[Rexthespeedster]

I'm just getting to know some of the interior shops. While most are good in some way, there are a few that I won't step into again as an agent and a customer.

Any specific shops that are good in Kamloops?

[Aggy]

Bicycle Cafe !!!, im not just saying this because i ride for the shop, but because they treat all customers equal wether they know them or not. I am there almost every day, and i dont get any special attention, nor that i should be... The key in finding a good shop is to look around for sure, and see how the people treat and react to you. Yes do try to get to know them and stuff, but thats how relationships start with shops. Anytime you see them around town you say hello, go on rides with them... I dont know what else to say, but i have a very strong relationship with the Cafe and i know that others do as well.

[Wayne P]

...and The Full Boar too Aggy. Those guys are awesome.

[CraigH]

Cap's Sapperton for service on the endless warranteed breakage . . . Marie is invaluable.


I wonder why they choose to keep the store closed on Sundays? I guess that they haven't realized that Sat. & Sun. are the main riding days for people who work Mon. to Fri.

[Jurz]

Bicycle Cafe in Kamloops. Great staff,fun place,great selection. Cheryl is always heplful and has alot of knowledge.Taylor and Brock are great wrenches.Been a customer since they opened there doors.

[Rexthespeedster]

...and The Full Boar too Aggy. Those guys are awesome.

The Full Boar Guys seem like you've gotta be buds with them to get good service. I went in there in August and they seemed like a bunch of buds who've been doin' drugs since they were 12. Not the type of guys I'd like to associate with.

Their pricing was a little high, too; $5 more ($35 vs $30) for CKD compared to the Cafe.

Your milage may vary.

[M@M]

I used to use JH quite a bit, but had a couple of instances that led me to try other shops. Tried Cove, but gave up. Lately I have had nothing but GREAT service at Steed and On Top. Gonna make an effort, drive the extra distance and use these two in the future.
I feel exactly the same about Steed. I have never been treated badly there, whether buying stuff or just schmoozing. Always really friendly, and willing to shoot the shit about bikes for a bit.
Being nice payed off for steed as I bought my next bike there, and now try to take my bike there, even though its a fair drive, just for good service.

[Faithless]

I don't have a local shop. I need to buy a pair of riding shorts though.

[Straw]

Fanatyk Co in Whistler. They've got a stand with tools outside, so you can do your own repairs if you want.

I grew up shop-ratting at Wheel Goods in Stratford, ON. Ross was the best. Too bad he sold the shop.

[Wayne P]

The Full Boar Guys seem like you've gotta be buds with them to get good service. I went in there in August and they seemed like a bunch of buds who've been doin' drugs since they were 12. Not the type of guys I'd like to associate with.

Their pricing was a little high, too; $5 more ($35 vs $30) for CKD compared to the Cafe.

Your milage may vary.


I find them very personal and friendly. Trev's a good guy, actually they all are. He'll give you deal on anything, you've just gotta ask. ;)

[Jaysin]

Skyride cycle in Vernon
The Northern Cycle and sport in PG

[Aggy]

...and The Full Boar too Aggy. Those guys are awesome.
hold up, dude the question is "what is your home town shop?" Mine is the Cafe! not full boar.... nothing against full boar, i ride with tyson all the time he a really nice guy, but thats not my home town shop. Period.

[knulfingforest]

Bicycle cafe is my main shop, actually i dont think i would go anywhere else in town. I've always had awesome service there and everything is hella good pricing. Ever since Java cycle closed down cafe has become the best shop in kamloops IMO. Full boar is ok, but ive never had very good service over there, and prices have been iffy, though they have helped me out in the past(though only due to connections with my dad). spoke is too far away. and fun stuff... well... i dont even know what to say about them... but yeah cafe is awesome, great location too right in between rose hill and the bike park.

[Wayne P]

hold up, dude the question is "what is your home town shop?" Mine is the Cafe! not full boar.... yours is full boar. nothing against full boar, i ride with tyson all the time he a really nice guy, but thats not my home town shop. Period.

That's great!

Actually, Steed is my shop and always will be. Period.

[SkunkworkS]

I don't go to anywhere other than the Shore for bike shops. It's a bit of a commute and a headache but well worth it.

JH guys are good service/turnaround time but inventory is a little pricey compared to other stores.

Cove, didn't have good luck there. Seems to be one of those "bro-only" shops. It didn't have the warm, everybody is welcome feeling. Good selection and decent prices however.

On Top is one of the best shops on the Shore. Dan and the crew are super chill, great stock, prices are great, service is great, and everybody there is fucking rad. Best of all, they know how to hold anniversaries/trail days!

But my homage is towards Dizzy's on Lonsdale. Lou has gone out of his way to help me out on more than one occasion. Thanks old man!

[skimtb1]

we got attitude from one guy at the cafe... but that brock guy was pretty nice

[SRH]

The Bicycle Cafe in Kamloops is the only place to go! Cheryl, Taylor and Brock know their stuff inside and out. They are great people! They make you feel like a regular customer right away. They offer good advice and help you out any way they can.

[Aggy]

The Bicycle Cafe in Kamloops is the only place to go! Cheryl, Taylor and Brock know their stuff inside and out. They are great people! They make you feel like a regular customer right away. They offer good advice and help you out any way they can.

^ true!

[drummer_dil]

On The Edge in sechelt, best service/people ever experienced

[Mr Ripper]

Gerick's Cycle in Kelowna has the best service I have ever had. The only shop where I trust EVERY mechanic.

Overtime in Coquitlam has great prices and built a wheel on a saturday for me when I showed up from out of town. This kind of service is unheard of.

North Shore is def. On-Top and North Shore Sport Swap. Although I have not visited these shops since moving away, they offered the best service. Even going out of their way at one point to get me riding.

Since moving away from the Shore, it has become evident that there are too many bike snob shops on the shore. At least I can walk into a shop in Kelowna with my Carhart's on and not get treated like a poor construction worker. ;)

[Scooter]

My home shop is the Bicycle Cafe....even when I lived in Nova Scotia, I ordered stuff from the Cafe. Cheryl has always been helpful and supportive to not just me, but every customer that has walked through the door. Taylor and Brock are excellent as well, they will listen to all my stupid questions and give me a straight answer as to what I need. I have spent a whole week hanging out at the shop so I have seen a lot of customers come in, and they are all treated the same, women or men, it doesn't matter.

[kokanee]

Tantalus. It's about biking. How can they get you out riding sooner, longer and for less money. Totally reasonable prices, great service, no attitude, great stock. It's where my dollar will go every time. Thanks boys!

[ktrozzo]

where do i even begin, i was peeping through the bicycle cafe windows before they had even purchased the open signs. the people there are unreal. cheryl, giving out deals as if they were strip cards on the streets of vegas. taylor and brock always making your bikes looks/run like you've never felt before. just an unreal place to be, even to hangout. this place is better than jokes n spahgetti...

[Chump]

Cafe of course, they have always helped me be steezy.

Steve

[umbullit]

The bike doctor.

[dudski]

Gerick's Cycle in Kelowna has the best service I have ever had. The only shop where I trust EVERY mechanic.

Overtime in Coquitlam has great prices and built a wheel on a saturday for me when I showed up from out of town. This kind of service is unheard of.


how many mechanics does a shop usually have? and is it against the rules to build wheels on weekends?

[hecklin at y'all]

Used to be Bike Zone, until I moved into Coquitlam. now I bring al my work to AKA. Solid guys, good location, and good work.
On the 'shore, it's On Top. Fixed many a broke part for me, and were always willing to do the "ASAP" kinda work.
Like the guys at different Bikes. I wish them well in this day and age of bike retail.
Tim...still waiting for a bike and beer store to open.

[[S]hore]

Freedom in penticton and Krusty or caps or whatever in Richmond. Both are gooooooood shops.

[bmor]

On Top Bike Shop for service

[Taylor_P]

On Top Bike Shop for service


you'd think a guy who rides a cove would also be one of the faithfull.

[bmor]

^ :P go figure eh

[Schleyer]

The Church Shaped Ghetto Steveston Bike Shoppe