Cycle Shoppe

They are now closed. So much for my 3 years of yearly tune ups for purchasing a bicycle there.

Update!
I picked up my bike after paying $ 69 for a tune up.
Some notes:
— I asked that the chain be cleaned
— I asked if they could give the bike a quick wipe down
— I noted that the front dérailleur was in bad need of an adjustment
Upon pick up:
— The chain was COVERED in grease
— The dérailleur wasn’t adjusted (or if it was, it wasn’t adjusted properly)
— NO ROAD TEST! How the hell can these guys test their workmanship without road testing the bike after a tune up? Holy…
So, I rode my bike home from the store. I ran the gears up and down both front and rear sets. The chain skipped and fell off the front 4 times in a 3 km ride, each time requiring a greasy mess to replace it.
Took the bike back to the store the next day. Thankfully they didn’t argue, but told me the work was done by a «bad mechanic» who was no longer with them. Ok, so knowing that the bike was tuned up by the bad mechanic, I would have thought they would have re-​checked this guy’s work before returning my bike?
This place is a total shit show. Go anywhere but here.

When I bought my bike here I had a great experience. I came in knowing what I wanted and they set me up with the right size, compared prices for the model I was buying with other bike shops, and didn’t pressure me to buy any extras. They also told me to stop by anytime to fill up my tires free of charge. Helpful right?
But today when I went in to do just that — fill up my tires — boy did I get a lecture-​and-​a-​half…
So, I’ve left it about a month since I lasted filled up my tires. You’re supposed to do it once a week but I haven’t had a chance. So fair enough, he can call me on that, but considering how long a lot of people leave it and how insane my schedule has been for the past month, I was feeling that a month wasn’t half bad. Well apparently it was a massive infraction.
And where a simple, «It’s important to fill your tires once a week because otherwise they could explode or wear away from the rim» (all of which I already know but he condescendingly assumed I didn’t) would have sufficed, he instead decided to quiz me.
Quiz me.
As in: «Why is it important to fill up your tires… Yes. Very good. And what might happen if you don’t… Very good.» (Take a gold star.)
SUPER IRRITATING.
Anyway. I was lectured, chided even, for about seven minutes by this socially inept douche over my apparent infraction. And even though I’m being nice enough, I’m obviously not impressed, yet he just keeps on going — covering everything from lights (even though it was daylight) to helmet etiquette (I didn’t have my helmet on because my hair was up so I was WALKING MY BIKE. Which he SAW me do when he let me into the store! Of course I was so annoyed that I forgot to point this fact out to him.)
Worst is that if I was to tell him off it would be super awkward because it’s not exactly easy to make a swift and punctuated exit when carrying a bicycle down a flight of indoor stairs directly into a door and around a corner…
So, my suggestion to you is buy your own air pump. They’re not expensive. I’m going to do so myself tomorrow — SOMEWHERE ELSE.

I sat on the cutest pink bicycle here. I stopped in here on a rainy day, and was pleasantly surprised. The people were super nice, and helped me look at some dog basket options. No pressure, it was hard to try a bike in the store, so I’ll have to go back. Definitely a place to consider if selecting a cool looking bike!

I received some fantastic customer service today. About a year and a half ago my bike got stolen. I haven’t bothered to replace it and figure it’s about time I should. As I haven’t bought a new bike in over a dozen years I have no clue where to start.
While walking by the store I thought I would pop in to see what the deal is on bikes today. The gentleman that greeted me spent about 15 minutes walking me through the various models and types. He asked what I needed out of a bike and though I fit into one or two categories he spent the time taking me through all four or five so that I had a full understanding of what is available. He talked about the different types of frames, materials, calipers, brakes, gear systems, and styles. The guy was quite knowledgeable.
While I still have no clue exactly what I want, I now at least have a direction to go in to do some research thanks to these guys.

I liked the service I got at Cycle Shoppe and the selection of bikes is good but the prices are all quite high. Generally speaking there aren’t very many super affordable solutions unless you are into beach cuisers, however they are the only shop in town to carry the same utility type bikes as Bixi (the name of that frame has completely slipped my mind).
If you are a new bike rider, test rides may feel more intimidating than other shops because they are right on Queen street and there are very few quiet streets around.

There are a lot of reputable bike shops in and around downtown Toronto. This is not one of them, in my experience, and I gave this shop two college tries for my monies.
If anyone wants the full story, I would be happy to share.
My recommendation is to stay away from Cycle Shoppe (and probably their sister store too Cyclemotive). Their sales people are disingenuous, and that is to say the least!

If I had the option to give no stars I would have given no stars to Cycle Shoppe. This is the worst bicycle shop EVER. Poor workmanship, bad attitudes, bad advice, over selling products that you really don’t need… and the list goes on. If you want a bike go elsewhere.

Looking for a bike? Looking to not spend a fortune? Looking for a staff of actual riders who know what’s up?
The Cycle Shoppe on Queen Street West in Toronto may be what you’re looking for.
Just through the front doors you’ll find a shelf of baskets for your bike and with a selection like that you know they are there for the commuter. Next along the wall are a selection of panniers and other bags, rags, gloves and any other accessory you could want for your bike.
Bicycle selection includes a range of models from Giant and Marin from hybrids to mountain bikes and even a few fixies and road bikes.
The staff know their stuff and are willing to let you test bikes. Don’t be thrown by the crammed feeling of so many bikes in a relatively small space. Ask for help and you won’t feel pressured.
I do suggest you know your prices when you go here. Rents are high on Queen West, and some of their products are priced a bit higher than elsewhere. However, know that you are supporting a great shop and I’m willing to spend a few extra bucks to help keep these guys around.