DC Vintage Cycles

This location is convenient. They’re good with tune-​ups and offer a low price for their work. I wish I found out about this shop before so I could have bought a bike from them since their used bike selection is good and the price is extremely affordable. If you need a simple fix or a bike, definitely give this place a try.

I read the review from Carl G. on this place and couldn’t disagree more. Perhaps since 2011 the business method has changed, because I had an amazing experience!
I just moved to DC in April and ran across DC Vintage Cycles by happy accident. They helped custom tailor me to a bike that I ride to work every day and I love it! They cut me a deal when I bought lights and a bike lock, too. $ 300 for everything — including a Bainchi hybrid? Holy crap I don’t think you realize how expensive those bikes usually are.
Let’s not even discuss the deals, though. They give you a 30-​day warrantee! These ARE used bikes, so there is always the chance that the prior owner didn’t treat them bike well. If anything goes wrong, they fix it for free. Both of my tires went flat at different times during that first month. They were from the previous owner, who rode the bike often. I brought my bicycle in and got it fixed for free — no questions asked. I also talked easily via email and phone with the store owner. Seriously, I don’t know what Carl G. is taking about with having communication issues.
DC Vintage Cycles is family-​run. I got to know the owner and his son very well while we chatted as they prepared my bike. They recognized me each time I came in and were very patient with me and my crazy bike issues. Very friendly; it’s obvious that they love their job.
I don’t usually use Unilocal,but I made this review because I think a lot of people are being scared off by the Carl review. Seriously you’re missing out!

These reliable guys are at the Court House market every Saturday from morning til late afternoon @ around 2−3p. Friendly and very down to earth. They won’t bike-​snob-​talk you about your components, carbon, specs, etc. (Fancier bikes can go elsewhere, as there’s a place for everything.)
They offer basic tune-​ups at a mere $ 25 and teach you how to take care of your bike with or without them. They also buy AND sell used bikes, usually around the $ 200 – 300 range; with bikes for every age and size. Locks, air pumps + handle bar tape are cheap here. If you’re looking for or taking care of your mid-​range, leisure bike, this is the place to go.

These guys have been awesome for me, tuning my bike up every spring and selling my fiancée a used bike. She never rides it anymore, but I can’t fault them — we’re going later this month to see about upgrading to a road bike, so we can ride together. DC Vintage Cycles has steered me right every time, with parts, service, and advice — so I’m giving them five stars.
PS Re CarlG: Buying used, whether it’s a bike, a boat, or a house, is a gamble — and I have zero sympathy or pity for sore losers.

I bought a bike here two years ago thinking that it would be an inexpensive way to get a nicer (albeit older) bike. I wish I had not. The tires were in bad shape. The manager/​owner there at the time told me to return the next weekend so that he could replace them. The next weekend came, but DC Vintage Cycles did not, because they do not come to the flea market when the weather is bad. Within a month or so the rear tire broke and became completely deflated. The $ 240 bike is now useless.
I have been unable to connect with the shop again, since it is transient. Via e-​mail, Dan told me to return with a receipt, which over the course of time I have lost. I had expected that a smaller shop depending on the community would be more accommodating than this.
Do yourself a favor and go to a bike shop that has a PERMANENT location, so that you can at least connect with them if something goes wrong with your purchase. If you are going to buy from a flea market shop, go to Eastern Market, where the bikes may be stolen and not tuned, but at least you get a dirt-​cheap deal without the veneer of community service.