Valencia Cyclery

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

From Stingrays to Stump Jumpers, this store has everything you need to tackle the streets and the mountains.. In Short
Whether you're tooling around town or trekking up mountains, this shop will find a reasonably priced bike for you. Though it doesn't carry the highest end bikes, the knowledgeable staff at Valencia Cyclery is committed to setting you up with wheels that fit your lifestyle and your budget.

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bobodahl

Joined 7 years ago

Great sales staff, fair prices. I moved to SF from Boston about 8 months ago. Shortly after arriving, I took my 10 year-old mountain bike in for a tune up - shop did a fine job, after the tune it was like riding a new bike. The tune was pricier than I paid in Boston, but the results were much better.

Few months after that, my wife bought a bike there. The sales rep was terrific - answered all questions, was smart and funny, with great tips about riding in the city.

I bought a new road bike there last week - got a great price on an 06 model while most shops are selling off 05s. Different sales rep for me, but he was also extremely helpful, answering questions and taking care to fit all bikes I took out for test rides.

Speaking of test rides, in the last review, what nimrod would believe the bike shop should absorb damage done on test rides as "cost of doing business"? If that were true, what would stop every test rider from damaging the bike and asking for a discount on the sale price because it's damaged goods? The manager's decision not to cover cost of damage repair seems very fair to me.

Anyway, back to my bike purchase. I got an 06 Raleigh road bike, sale price $999 (list price $1299). The sale price was about $100 lower than cheapest I could find online, so it was a pretty good deal. Valencia sales come with 90 days of 10% discount on all parts and gear, free ongoing adjustements to the new bike, and a free full checkup at the end of 90 days.

The attitude of the staff is that riding is good, and good for everyone, not just the pros and gearheads. I wish we had this kind of shop in Boston...glad it's here in the Mission. Highly Recommended!

Doesn't Recommend

sconover

Joined 7 years ago

My experience shopping for a bike (BAD!). The salesperson was very helpful, I wish I could have bought a bike from her.

I was on a test ride and took a spill. But I really liked the bike and asked them, if I bought it, could they throw in the minor repairs.

So the salesperson talked to the manager, who said no, I'd need to pay to repair it on top of the price. Not, let's come to an agreement, just "no".

That they'd charge for minor damage from a test ride is silly. That's the cost of doing business.

But what's really jaw-dropping is the reaction of the manager. I was about to drop $1k plus on a bike, and all she had to do was work with me. Now, for me, that store might as well be radioactive.

So, Valencia Cyclery, your salespeople are great, but you will never get a dime from me.

Doesn't Recommend

zebramark

Joined 7 years ago

I WANT to like this bike shop but.... I bought a mountain bike there a year and a half ago, and had the same "disinterested salesman" experience that another reviewer did. But I wasn't that picky about which bike I wanted.

Recently I needed to get the bike adjusted - the gears were sticking a little, it was dirty, and I had been getting flat tires a lot. The staff was pretty helpful, and recommended some special puncture-resistant tires, and I agreed to a big "wash, tune, and tire change".

I picked up the bike the next day - $200 (the bike only cost me $300 - yes, I'm a dummy)...but the gears are TOTALLY messed up now, constantly slipping or not even working right. I don't think they test the bikes they repair.



Some staff REALLY friendly, some not (I usually feel like a dork when talking to these people - you get that feeling right away).

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enjoythemoon

Joined 7 years ago

Friendly staff, fair prices, reliable service. Valencia Cyclery is a no-nonsense bike shop. No sexy hipster bikes, no carbon fiber brake levers from Denmark, no stuck up attitude. What they DO offer: helpful and attentive service, knowledgeable staff, good selection of no-frills gear, and lots of smiles. Their overarching philosophy seems to be: "Bikes dont belong in museums they belong on the road. My sentiments exactly!

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padresp

Joined 8 years ago

Awesome. The best bike store in the City, at least that I've found. Honest, straight-forward, and just occasionally condescending ;)

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shioritsasaki

Joined 8 years ago

Very friendly, efficient. A couple months ago, I got a bike completely overhauled. They did a wonderful job and it was out in less than 4 days, which is very fast, considering how many customers they have. I couple weeks after the tune up, noticed that somethings could be adjusted. I took it back to them and they gladly solved my problem. If your hub or crank arms are loose, they will gladly fix your problems for free! Very friendly staff and very knowledgeable.

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landrew

Joined 8 years ago

Fixed right, first time!. Twice I've brought my high end bikes to this humble Mission district shop. Both time I've received great service. Highest marks, Andrew

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twopennies

Joined 8 years ago

helpful repair staff, lack-luster sales. i recently took my old bike through the repairs division and felt listened to. the manager was knowledgable and friendly. i then wandered over to the shop to look at new bikes. i was promptly greeted by an empolyee who had little to no interest in answering my questions. at one point i was tempted to ply him with a beer or pizza to have him even make an effort to retrieve a bike for me to test ride. after sensing the weight of the world on his shoulders, i decided to ask another sales associate for help. the next fellow was extremely helpful and seemed to actually care about my needs as a customer. pretty mixed feelings about the place...

Doesn't Recommend

ron_faur

Joined 8 years ago

bad job. took my bike in for a complete re-haul, new wheels, new handles, new seat..

after i took it home i realized nothing was attached properly, the seat actually fell off, the handle was not secured properly, the worst job ever..