Which bike shop for repairs?

[ryandood]

Hey,
I'm looking to get some work done on my bike because I'm more/less a newb to the scene and don't know what to do to fix it myself. Annyways I was wondering which shop you guys would recommend taking my bike to? I bought my bike used and have never had to bring in my other bikes in for service and am a little lost in the sea of bike shops around me. I guess what would be important is how long it took them to do the work? Was the price fair for the work? Were they consistent with the time period they originally quoted you for and the time you picked up the bike? Most importantly, did they do good work?
I read a bunch of the bike shop reviews but was hoping to get a more direct 'repair oriented' response from you guys who have been in the game longer than I. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


I guess it may be important say what area; Laguna Niguel is where my parents live but I go to school in Fullerton so I guess anywhere around either areas. Thanks!

[genusmtbkr5]

I do all my own work but here are some shops in the area. There is The Bike Co. in Lake Forest, ask for Terry or Joe, Switchback in Orange, ask for Tim or Jason, Adrenaline in Tustin ask for Dave, and the Path in Tustin, Ask for Tani. I'm sure others will pipe in about shops closer to Fullerton.

BTW, I've been treated really well at each of these shops wheither I had work done to my bike, buy parts or just browse.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by ryandood

Hey,
I'm looking to get some work done on my bike because I'm more/less a newb to the scene and don't know what to do to fix it myself. Annyways I was wondering which shop you guys would recommend taking my bike to? I bought my bike used and have never had to bring in my other bikes in for service and am a little lost in the sea of bike shops around me. I guess what would be important is how long it took them to do the work? Was the price fair for the work? Were they consistent with the time period they originally quoted you for and the time you picked up the bike? Most importantly, did they do good work?
I read a bunch of the bike shop reviews but was hoping to get a more direct 'repair oriented' response from you guys who have been in the game longer than I. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


I guess it may be important say what area; Laguna Niguel is where my parents live but I go to school in Fullerton so I guess anywhere around either areas. Thanks!

it depends on the repairs. If it is simple stuff like cables and drls find any shop that is as close to you as possible.

I have prefered shop in Tustin that I go to for most of my stuff but I live in San Clemente. There are two other shops close to my house that I have had work on stuff when I didn't have the time. They are great for repairs / adjustments but don't carry products that I would buy for myself. Howver I buy almost all of my kids bikes stuff from them.

Get to know your LBS

[CalEpic]

Honestly, bikes are not that complicated. You'll save yourself time and money by doing it yourself.

While there is an initial investment in some specialty tools. The payoff is the satisfaction of knowing it's done correctly and having the know-how to fix something yourself.

The Park tool website is great for getting started: http://parktool.com/repair/

If you're going to take your bike to a shop, I'd recommend the Path in Tustin.

C

[2wheel_lee]

Although The Path is always a good shop, if you want someplace in the Fullerton area, I'd recommend Fullerton Bicycles on Commonwealth. http://www.fullertonbicycle.com/

[Kish Me]

Nothing wrong with any of the shops listed above...
Check out Revo on PCH north of Golden Lantern. They have a huge new shop and service area. They do great work and even have a coffee shop inside!

[Cableguy]

Path or the Bike Co. Highly recommended. Plus they have excellent components.

[andy aka rut]

I suggest The Path Bike Shop in Tustin.

Like others have said, the others listed are good but in my opinion The Path simply Rocks!

Well worth the drive.

[CPATCRASH]

Originally Posted by andy aka rut

I suggest The Path Bike Shop in Tustin.

Like others have said, the others listed are good but in my opinion The Path simply Rocks!

Well worth the drive.

I second The Path!!!

[Pugz]

I go to Adrenaline for all my repairs, your best bet is to visit a couple shops and see which one you feel comfortable in.

[Frozen208]

Originally Posted by CalEpic

Honestly, bikes are not that complicated. You'll save yourself time and money by doing it yourself.

While there is an initial investment in some specialty tools. The payoff is the satisfaction of knowing it's done correctly and having the know-how to fix something yourself.

The Park tool website is great for getting started: http://parktool.com/repair/

If you're going to take your bike to a shop, I'd recommend the Path in Tustin.

C

To add to this the Park Tool Big Blue Book Of Bike Repair is a great book, has helped me countless times when I wasnt positive, I've also hear good things about Zinn Art Of Mountain Bike Maintenance.

[ryandood]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

it depends on the repairs. If it is simple stuff like cables and drls find any shop that is as close to you as possible.

I have prefered shop in Tustin that I go to for most of my stuff but I live in San Clemente. There are two other shops close to my house that I have had work on stuff when I didn't have the time. They are great for repairs / adjustments but don't carry products that I would buy for myself. Howver I buy almost all of my kids bikes stuff from them.

Get to know your LBS

I may be able to do my own derailiuer adjustments but unfortunately my bike has a creaky rear hub and my chain sounds like it's grinding onto other gears on my cassette. Also my cranks feel like they are hitting a certain point in my pedal stroke where I can sort of feel a "ding" or whatever. The hub just seems like a little blackbox to me, no idea what's going on in there. I'd love to just tear it all apart but I'm afraid I won't be able to put everything back together.

Originally Posted by Kish Me

Nothing wrong with any of the shops listed above...
Check out Revo on PCH north of Golden Lantern. They have a huge new shop and service area. They do great work and even have a coffee shop inside!

I've been to this shop many times and their new setup is really nice. These guys are also pretty high-end expensive and I thought it would cost more to do repairs there.

Originally Posted by CalEpic

Honestly, bikes are not that complicated. You'll save yourself time and money by doing it yourself.

While there is an initial investment in some specialty tools. The payoff is the satisfaction of knowing it's done correctly and having the know-how to fix something yourself.

The Park tool website is great for getting started: http://parktool.com/repair/

If you're going to take your bike to a shop, I'd recommend the Path in Tustin.

C

Having to take my bike definitely makes me feel like a noob and I would love to work on it but I think this particular repair would be in my and my bike's best interest because I'd hate to screw up my hub...again, a blackhole to me. Thanks for the site though, will definitely have to check it out.

[DeeZee]

of bike ya got there.

Not that it is [SIZE=2]important but different shops carry different stuff.[/SIZE]

Could make a differnce in having a part in stock vs. ordering parts

[OTHRIDER]

If you're interested in Fullerton area stores....

Thumbs up to La Habra Cyclery (Harbor and La Habra Blvd) . Good work and their pricing is always fair.

Stay away from Two Wheeler Dealer

[HUGH]

The Path...........

[Rob]

You should try and set up an appointment with a shop that will allow you to watch them do the work and explain what they are doing so you can learn along the way.

These REI classes are worth a visit to start learning the basics, they're free too.
http://www.rei.com/stores/store_even...ignore_cache=1

If you don't mind driving south to Dana Point I work at Revo, I'd be happy to help you out.

[mtnbikerfred]

Fullerton Bikes Is very close to my house and I grab small parts (tubes, cables, etc.) from them. The staff is amazing. I work on my own stuff and have "stand-privileges" there. You can watch them work and ask questions as long as you're not a "tool". They will help you learn what to take care of. Funny story: I saw a guy come in thinking his middle ring was bent because it looked like it was "wiggling" when he pedaled. He was politely shown the "ramps and pins" in a couple of places to help the chain change gears. Heck, my DT hubs were a mysterious thing to me till Dave from Adrenaline popped the free-hub off in two seconds to grease it up. When I stop learning, I'll know I'm dead...

[ryandood]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

of bike ya got there.

Not that it is [SIZE=2]important but different shops carry different stuff.[/SIZE]

Could make a differnce in having a part in stock vs. ordering parts

I have a 2006/07 (not sure) Specialized Rockhopper disc. My first 'real' mtn bike and I LOVE it.

Originally Posted by Rob

You should try and set up an appointment with a shop that will allow you to watch them do the work and explain what they are doing so you can learn along the way.

These REI classes are worth a visit to start learning the basics, they're free too.
http://www.rei.com/stores/store_even...ignore_cache=1

If you don't mind driving south to Dana Point I work at Revo, I'd be happy to help you out.

I've actually gone to a basic maintinence class that one of the Trek superstores held and it was very imformative but also very basic.

I'm actually on break right now from school so I'll be spending most of my time in L.N. at my parents house, also about two miles from the REVO shop so that would be absolutely amazing if you could help me out in any way. Are you a mechanic? Anyways any help from a vet would be awsome. Thanks

[ryandood]

Originally Posted by mtnbikerfred

Fullerton Bikes Is very close to my house and I grab small parts (tubes, cables, etc.) from them. The staff is amazing. I work on my own stuff and have "stand-privileges" there. You can watch them work and ask questions as long as you're not a "tool". They will help you learn what to take care of. Funny story: I saw a guy come in thinking his middle ring was bent because it looked like it was "wiggling" when he pedaled. He was politely shown the "ramps and pins" in a couple of places to help the chain change gears. Heck, my DT hubs were a mysterious thing to me till Dave from Adrenaline popped the free-hub off in two seconds to grease it up. When I stop learning, I'll know I'm dead...

Very good to know. I also have an apt. that is fairly close to this shop as well. I have gone into that shop and just kind of looked around, seems like they are always pretty busy with customers, must be a good sign. Thanks