The Bike Joint

So I think the definitive sign that a bike shop is honest is when, after giving them what you thought was a flat tire, and was not actually a flat tire, they do not charge you or make you feel like an idiot. (For what it’s worth, I also had a real flat fixed here — great service, quick turn-​around.) I’ll be coming here for all of my tune-​ups.

I would recommend this place for the price because it is really cheap. The workers there are fast too, but my recent experience at the bike joint isn’t great.
About 2 weeks ago, I brought my bike to the bike joint for repair because I noticed that my tire was flat so I assumed that there was a crack somewhere on the tire. After their inspection, they told me I had to get a new tire. That’s fine. I paid $ 30+ after tax and expected the new tire will last me a while.
No. That didn’t happen.
Just noticed my tire is flat again… I don’t know why this happened but I don’t know if I should bring it back to the same place again.

Bike shops can sometimes be intimidating places — not unlike car repair places. Bike (and car) owners generally know very little about the machines on which (in which) they ride. The people doing the repairs know this and generally will either activity try to f– you or just passively f– you based on your ignorance. Not The Bike Joint.
Previously, on a gorgeous bike riding weekend, my wife had a flat as we rode by Bickford Park. We brought it into The Bike Joint, and they fixed up her flat lickety-​split. No muss, no fuss, good price and quick, friendly service.
Yesterday, I brought my Yuba Mundo into the shop wanting to invest in new disc brakes. The shop talked me through pros and cons of the brakes and relative prices. In the end, they didn’t actively or passively f– me, they actually recommended I stay with my (lower cost) current brakes, tuned them up and sent me on my way.
Great, honest service and they are now my go-​to bike shop.

I’ve been here before for numerous bike needs, and these guys are great. They’re honest, non-​judgmental, supportive of all cyclists, and will tell you to take your bike elsewhere if they are too busy. Their prices are very reasonable. Best of all, they found me an amazing saddle that really helps with my back pain. A+++

Brought in my bike for 4 cable replacements (or what I thought I needed), but after they looked at it, they said I only needed one replaced. Got a couple of other parts replaced and a spring tune up for a really reasonable price (would have probably cost me 50% more at other bike repair shops). On top of the great price, Derek is a really nice guy and treats every bike with respect (even my clunker!). Fast service too, got my repair done in busy spring season within 24 hours.
Great local bike repair shop — would recommend it to anyone!

What a great shop. I have been riding a recently purchased used bike for about 2 months now, and there was a ‘clicky’ noise with all gears but one and the height of the handle bars hurt my wrists to the point of numbness.
Deryk the shop owner, took a look right away and found the culprit to the clicking… A misplaced cable pulling at the derailer. He tweaked the height of my bars; worked his speedy magic with the gears all while I sipped a coffee from Sir Sam James across the street.
He took it for a spin to check his work, and passed my bike back — declining all offers of money for his help. (I really tried!!)
I know that it wasn’t a major bike fix job, but the fact that he fixed it on the spot (I am off on an island bike ride tomorrow so I couldn’t leave her behind) AND that he was super nice, and all of his worker bees were equally friendly and non-​judgemental (my lack of bike speak can make too cool for school shops feel intimidating) I am 100% sold on making BikeJoint my go to bike store.
He doesn’t sell much gear, just locks and bells and lights…
And the ride… the pressure is off my wrists, the gears are smooth, enough said.

So I’ve never actually bought anything from here, but they enthusiastically offered to pump my boyfriend’s flat tire for free. I thought that was pretty dang nice!

Even though I mostly service my bike at the Do-​It-​Yourself bike shop known as Bike Pirates, occasionally my bike needs to be serviced by someone with a lot more bike repair knowledge than I possess.
Recently, I had to get a my rear hub serviced, and Derrick, the proprietor, did a great job fixing it up. He had a chuckle, as I apparently wore down the hub so much that he rarely saw one so mangled that still functioned. He even photographed it, and compared the part to what it was supposed to look like. Let’s just say my hub’s part looked highly deformed.
Cheerful, knowledgable and fast service. If you live in the area around Harbord and Chrisite Pits, this is a great little fixer-​upper place.

Shitty attitude and rude, too cool for school customer service. There are better, faster, friendlier places within walking/​biking distance, go there.

Never felt compelled to sign up to Unilocal till I got service from this crew.
Got my black linus wheel fixed and some balance issues resolved.
Took it in and got immediate sweet customer service with none of the anarcho-​hipster bike messenger arrogance so common in Toronto’s bike scene.
They did the job on time but, slight hiccup, forgot to give me a ring when it was complete. When I rang to inquire, they were totally honest about it and dropped the cost of the repair as a sorry. No bullshit, no excuses.
That’s straight-​up old fashioned good business sense. Customer for life.

I love the Bike Joint. I moved to Toronto last year and dealt with a very friendly lady when I came to have my bike tuned up for spring 2011. I needed a new tire, lights and a bell and made sure I was okay with the charges before doing the work.
Spring 2012 was a little different. I dropped off my bike and the man who took it in was a little sarcastic, and it seemed that everything he said to me was a slight dig. It didn’t make me feel very good so once I picked up my bike I told myself I would look for a new place for a tune-​up next year.
About a month ago my gear shift came loose and a clip that was holding my back fender on was broken, so I decided to drop off my bike there since I hadn’t had time to look into different shops in the area. The man who took my bike this time (someone I hadn’t dealt with before) was extremely helpful. Since it was a small 5-​minute job, he fixed it right there, and only charged me for the new clip. He went above and beyond what I ever would have expected.
I have decided to keep going to the Bike Joint but will try to avoid the sarcastic guy.
Tips: for tune-​ups, call ahead and schedule a time you can bring your bike in. That’s the only way they do tune-​ups, as far as I know. Also, they only take cash and credit (no debit).

Knowing nothing about bikes, I brought my pretty pink cruiser in last week because the back wheel was acting funny and things just didn’t feel right (I really had no idea what was wrong). The young lady informed me it just needed a few minor fixes, but they were understaffed and didn’t have time to complete them that week. She said it was still rideable and sent me away.
My bike continued to get worse, so I brought it in yesterday after work. I’m still not entirely sure what was wrong with it other than it felt like it was going to fall apart any minute. This time, they took in the bike, replaced the tire, and had it ready for me in less than 24hours! When I went to pick it up, the owner couldn’t believe I had been riding it and felt terrible that I was sent away the fist time (He realized how unsafe it was!). He apologized and charged me only for the new parts! I was so impressed with the generosity, professionalism, and like-​new condition of my bike!
Overall, my second visit totally made up for my first, but I would recommend calling ahead if you can!

My friend and I were exploring Toronto for the day when we became lost. There we were, just off of Bloor Street with our giant, 10-​pound bags from Honest Ed’s, a non-​functioning GPS, and my friend’s two kids in tow. Lost.
Exhausted from searching for our car, we walked past The Bike Joint. A kind employee was just getting on his bike, ready to leave work, when he saw the grief on our faces (or perhaps our audible complaints.) He offered his assistance. We told him the intersection where we parked our car, and he knew right where to send us. (Boy, had we wandered far in the opposite direction!)
Before we parted, the employee ran into the shop and gave us a map of Toronto. He pointed out where we were, and said, «Remember, if you ever need help, just stop in a bike shop!»
I was impressed with his courtesy, especially as it was the end of his workday. Kindness goes a long way, and I’m glad to have experienced some Toronto hospitality. And yes, we arrived back at our car with ease.

I’m going to give them all out 5 stars because Derek and his team at the Bike Joint fixed up my CL special red early-​80s Bianchi to more than road-​worthy in Toronto’s streetcar-​track laden battlefield of cars and potholes. From looking into reviews from blogTO, these guys are just an awesome place to get your bike fixed if youre in the area, and I highly recommend them. But here’s my experience:
I moved in to the downtown core a couple of months ago, and as a longtime Scarborough resident I relied mostly on my car which I no longer have due to a serious car accident. A bike was my only form of transportation at this point, and I got a fairly good Bianchi as my road bike while I move about the core, and of course bikes are EVERYWHERE in this city so there is a healthy selection of shops for the commuter of every kind of bike they use.
One night, I rode my bike along and suffered a punctured tire, AND I fell as my thin tires caught the streetcar tires. I thought, well no problem, the next day I went to the nearest bike shop which will remain unnamed and had a rear tire replaced for around $ 40. My knowledgeable cyclist friend told me it may be the entire tire or the tube, but I had no time so I had it all replaced anyway. That’s when the faults of a beater Bianchi started to reveal themselves. The dérailleur fell off, fortunately not while I was biking, and going back to their shop they told me the dérailleur hanger is stripped, and the only choice I’ve got is to convert to single speed. $ 50 poorer and I was back on the street.
Then while biking along Elm St., my rear wheel seized, and found out my rear axle was bent. Went to that shop and they told me I would have to replace the entire wheel; I figured my bike is such a beater it needed a thorough run down, so I also opted for the $ 40 tuneup in addition to the replacement of rear brake pads as was recommended by the friendly staff. Now, the whole estimate was around $ 180, and that shocked me, because I talked once again to my good bike mechanic friend (and mind you I do not have the tools or time and my bike mechanic friend lives in Milton) that the axle and bearings if damaged can be replaced, but I was given the idea that the entire wheel should be replaced for safety reasons.
At the same time I feel that after bringing my bike to that shop after a rear tire, I think I should have been told of the problems with the rear wheel and dérailleur as they would have removed the wheel and tire and looked to see if there is something funny and concerning that the bike should not be on the road; they could’ve recommended me to a. your rear axle is bent as we replaced the tire and saw something funny with your wheel (and given me the necessary advice) and b. your dérailleur is stripped you shouldn’t ride this bike at all blah blah blah. I feel that especially when I saw the estimate (and the appointment being three weeks away) that I needed a second opinion. At least they put my rear wheel back so its quasi-​rideable.
So I e-​mailed Derek Chadbourne (the owner) about my situation and offered to look into my bike. I biked to The Bike Joint with my limping Bianchi and was offered an estimate of $ 80, which I found very reasonable. He was also very friendly and he gave me a vibe that I was very comfortable with; he was obviously busy but he was very accomodating and the experience was a contrast from the other shop closer to downtown. He also offered to fix my bike within a week. Though my busy life afforded me picking up the bike four days after it was done at the specified date, the one thing that amazed me was I ended up paying a reasonable fee (almost the same as the tune up service they offer).
I am extremely happy with them at this point and I will go back to them again for my bike tune ups and what nots. I feel that they are really taking care of the cycling community in the city who needs to have their bikes on the road, regardless of whether its a beater bike or a lightweight superleggera tourer: D Riding my bike back home was an absolute blast. They ended up fixing my rear axle, put the chain in a gear that I liked (the other shop put the chain in a much lower gear that made my Bianchi too easy to ride around), tuned up everything, and saved me a ton of cash.
I really really appreciate the courteous service. After riding my bike around, I feel they have really provided competent, quality work. I was afraid my bike would not hold up for a kilometre or two at first because of my past experience with the other shop, but when I got my bike back the courteous service was phenomenal. Even Derek noticed that the front tire needed air while he was with customers. From my experience in customer service, that is exceptional work to really look after your customers. I will be finding myself at their shop once again when my Bianchi needs it because they really helped me out.

I too have had mixed experiences with the Bike Joint, but for the most part they’re quite good.
I’ve taken different bikes there over the past few years. I have a beater road bike, and if you do your own repairs, Bike Joint is great for parts. They have cheap tires, wheels, brake pads, pedals and other parts which are good for older bikes.
I once went there with a flat, and they fixed it on the spot in a couple of minutes which was very great.
I’ve also had a tune up there, and the work was good. They didn’t replace any parts that didn’t desperately need replacement. I’ve found their service to be really friendly for the most part as well.
I have had a couple of situations where they haven’t done a great job. In every instance, they’ve honored their warranty on the work, and haven’t charged extra, and most importantly, resolved the error. Obviously, this isn’t ideal, but at least they resolve the error.
From what I gather, they are pretty much the cheapest place to get work done in the city (maybe with the exception of Red Arrow in Kensington). Also, I think a lot of bike shops these days give appointments, and in general the wait in early spring when the weather starts to get nice is at least a week and a half. Urbane Cycle has the same policy.

I have had a good experience with Bike Joint:
— inexpensive tune ups (I’m not one that could really evaluate quality)
— I’ve come by and shown them a problem and if its just a small thing they’ve fixed it right away
— friendly service
— When he didn’t have to, he gave me a good deal on a new bike light when he couldn’t just sell me the little plastic piece on the back that mounts it to the bracket
— When I had a wheel problem, he gave me a repair option and a new wheel option — I took the repair and he said he’d put the cost of the repair toward the new wheel if the repair didn’t work (it seems to have).
Other comments
— When I first got a tune up in Toronto I was surprised that I had to make an appointment two weeks away (it was the busy season) and could only bring in the bike on the day. But when you see the place you’ll know why they can’t just store a lot of bikes for days on end.
— A couple of times the told me my bike would be done by the end of the day — once it wasn’t (if I recall correctly, memory hazy) and the other time they called me after closing time to come pick up the bike within 10 minutes. So I’d knock one star off of that — they are pretty good but if you really need your bike at a certain time you should make that clear.

Wow. Somewhat in shock, as The Bike Joint is one of blogTO’s ‘Best of Toronto.’ I’ll guess I’ll be writing them next.
My boyfriend inherited an old mountain bike. It’s not completely unrideable, but desperately in need of a new wheel and a tune up. After reading the blogTO review and the Bike Joint’s own web site (which even has a «Philosophy» tab with the following text, «The important thing is that you receive quality service at a fair price. That you are treated with respect and are happy with the work done.»), we walked the old bike to The Bike Joint. Hindsight being 20/​20, we should have called first. We should not have gone on a Sunday in late spring. We should have read the Unilocal reviews. We should have done any number of things that do not include going to The Bike Joint.
There was an unruly stack of bicycles chained outside the storefront on Harbord, in what I hope is a daily necessity and not overnight storage. At any rate, it did not inspire confidence. We were greeted with an intended-​to-​be-​hip-​but-​actually-​quite-​off-​putting «Guys in the door — what do you need?» A very cool and realistically dirty gal took a look at the bike, and suggested a number of repairs, totalling over $ 150 (about what we expected). We were not expecting that a bike tech wouldn’t be available until 12 days later, and that a $ 10 deposit is required to hold the appointment. Additionally, they can’t hold the bike until the appointment, even in the outside stacks, and we’d have to bring this not really rideable bike home and then back again. Hindsight again being 20/​20, we should have asked if the deposit was refundable. We should not have not made the appointment. We should have read the Unilocal reviews first. We should have done any number of things that do not include going to Bike Joint.
Fast forward two days, and the weary old mountain bike is at another shop. It was taken immediately into their secure repair area with a lower estimate, and no deposit required.
As you can imagine, when I called to cancel the appointment, I was informed the deposit is nonrefundable. I said I understand the deposit is to hold an appointment — no-​shows do suck, especially during one’s busy season — but I was giving them back their appointment with 10 days notice, and in exchange I would like my $ 10 back. No dice — they suggested I pass on my appointment slot to a friend. I told them I certainly did have something to share with my friends, although it would not be that time slot.
So here you are, friends — my one-​star review of The Bike Joint!

They fixed both my tires in one day because I was desperate to have my bike back
They did not make fun of my shitty 1991 Sky Line which I appreciated.
They promptly emailed me a receipt when I requested it.
They were very friendly and my bike was like new when I got it back, as if I used a time machine to go back to 1991.

I really wanted to love The Bike Joint. The shop is a really cool, low-​key place on Harbord street, and the staff seemed really down to earth.
I took my bike in for a tune-​up ($ 40+tax), and dropped it off on Sunday with intent to pick up on Tuesday. My bike had loose brakes that didn’t work properly, a flat front tire, and a few other minor alignment issues that needed to be fixed, since I bought it used for cheap.
Monday afternoon, they called me because they had found that my rear tire was cracked, and wanted to know if they could put a more expensive tire on that would last a bit longer. I called them back Tuesday morning, and they assured me that they could have the job done.
When I arrived, I paid the fee for the repair plus the tire (around $ 70 with tax) and got on my bike to ride home, only to find that my rear tire seized immediately because it was off-​center.
I took it back, and they repaired it, joking that «some newbie must have put this on». This really put me off, because according to their website, they «Test ride [their] repairs so [I] don’t have to». Obviously this was not the case, since my tire seized less than 10 feet from the store, before I had even reached Manning Ave.
As I was riding home, amid Bloor’s rough bike lane, I realized that there was a rhythmic bumping noise coming from my bike. I pulled it over, and found that there was a bulge in my back tire due to the tire being inflated improperly. I walked the rest of the way home, and sent the shop an email.
It’s been two weeks, and I still haven’t had a response from them. Obviously I could have called them, but I work the same hours that they are open, and I’m fairly sure that if you offer an email address as a valid form of communication, it really should be checked now and then.
I fixed the bulge myself, but my back brakes still rattle, and I have a general feeling of unease of what exactly was ‘fixed’ for my 40 dollar tune-​up.
All in all, I was really unsatisfied with the service, and would probably not go back. From the other bicycle riders I have talked to, my service was really out of bounds from what they usually provide, but the fact remains that it was my first interaction with the shop, and it was really not positive.