University Cyclery

I went in today for some shift cable and was expecting them to just hand me a cable kit off the shelf. When the guy asked to put my bike on the rack I thought «Hmm ok, he’ll measure the total length and just sell me that much. efficient. No, the dude BUILDS me a CUSTOM kit with with pre-​cut sheathing segments to the correct lengths, fitted with ferrules and pre-​lubed, then threw in a few odds and ends for free, like the cable crimp-​ends and little cable bumpers that I would have forgotten or done without. Awesome free service when I didn’t even ask for any, and the total purchase still came out $ 8 cheaper than the bulk cable you can get from Shimano. Needless to say, I will return when I’m ready to redo the brake cables.

I’ve only been here a couple times. One time as a super-​newbie I got a flat nearby on 29^th and I humbly limped in five minutes before they closed. They fixed it up no problem. The next was when looking for a new road bike. I was in full shopping mode and the guy who helped me seemed to really understand and respect that I wanted to check out a lot of bikes and shops. I didn’t end up with a bike from University but I look forward to going back.

I purchase a yeti sb5c Nov 2014 spend $ 4999 plus tax and I was offer 2 free tune ups, I had using my bike since then and never had a issue and love my bike I realize that I need to use my tune ups before my year is up and I took it for my free tune up people I know that got their tune up told me not to take it cause they don’t really tune up and don’t waste my time so I decide to take it any way.
I got my bike back and I had issues now my chain keeps coming off and not shifting property so I called them and they told me to take it by. I stop by and they told me that my bike dérailleur is no longer good and I need to replace it cost $ 275 for a new one I told the guy I never had an issue with the bike till you guys services my bike and he told me nothing I dint like the fact this guy dint care and I told another guy I think I’m going to order a new dérailleur online and I ask the guy if I was looking at the right one and he told me I can’t tell you what to get you taking food away from my kids I told him are you kidding I spend $ 5400 from you and you guys screw my bike and you can’t help me. Don’t bother with this people they are very nice when you ready to spend your hard working money but if they screw up they don’t bother to fix it.

This establishment is amazing. The owner «Jim» is down to earth and super knowledgeable about bikes. He is very honest and professional. His staff were all nice and willing to help with anything. I bought a bike I never thought I would because of the price from here and I love it! So much I brought a friend here and he bought one too. I cant say enough about this place and I’m very pleased that I’ve found a bike shop I can trust. Keep on keeping Austin proud University Cyclery, and HOOK’EM!

On a whim, (and on the way to another bike shop) I stopped into UC. My salesperson was Justin, and he showed me some bikes that met my needs and were in my price range. He made some good suggestions, but I just couldn’t get excited about about anything. I was pretty much convinced that I wanted a «step-​through» design, which severely limited my options. However, a bike with a «mid-​step» bar, piqued my interest. This little guy was manufactured by Giant under the name Momentum. The branding was a bit too cute, and the name – iNeed Street – deplorable, but I was smitten by the practical design. Most importantly, as a novice, I felt comfortable riding this bike. UC ordered one up for me in red, and I’ve been enjoying it for a couple of weeks now.
To sum up, I walked into UC fully convinced that I would be purchasing a bike elsewhere. Justin was laid-​back, informative, and helpful. Until my visit to UC, I was completely unfamiliar with the Momentum line of bikes, and they ended up being exactly what I was looking for!

EXTREMELY OVERPRICED BAD service. Don’t ever go there. The boss hung up on me while I was trying to explain what really happened (we rented a bike and the guy told us if we get it back before 12 it will be $ 20 but they charge us for $ 30)
The boss said «well if you really want to argue about that $ 10 then don’t come rent the bike»
Lol is it a joke? Go get a degree on how to operate a business and better customer support.

Best bike shop in town. They really do whatever is needed to take care of the customer. There is a reason they have been around for over 36 years (in the same location). I will not buy anywhere else or have anyone else work on my bikes.

Nice people, will talk to you for as long as you need when purchasing a bike. Let you take as many test drives as need be. Patient and they care. Were a bit steep on prices IMO, but definitely have customer service aspect down. Large selection of bikes!

Great place to buy a bike, but get your repairs elsewhere.
The sales staff is very friendly and understandably eager to help. The guy who helped me gave me some great advice about buying a bike and made a spot-​on recommendation. It’s lasted me a long time and has required little repair, much of which I have gotten at University Cyclery.
I’m sure they know their bikes at University Cyclery, but I strongly suspect that some of the repairs suggested were aimed at drumming up business.
You see if you buy a bike at University Cyclery, they give you a free check up that is redeemable for a year. That’s nice – free labor for hopefully little maintenance work. Well that’s the idea. When selling me my bike a couple years back, the salesman informed me that bike shops make their money off of selling accessories and labor. When I took my bike in a year after buying it, I estimated there would be some minor repairs, and you know maybe they’d throw in some free lube for my chain.
Well I got a whole lot more than that and paid for it too. The guy who did the check up took a look at my bike and was heartily displeased. And he let me know it. He lectured me on the necessity of bringing in your bike every couple of months, and not so subtly hinted that I had really taken poor care of my bike.
In my shame and guilt I acceded to his suggestions of replacing my chain and rear [something], and also bought a front light for my bike. After the bill bombing, I walked away with a bad taste in my mouth. There was hardly anything wrong with my bike and I had just been duped into dropping a grip of money. I resolved not to be taken advantage of again.
After I got my bike back, the nut on the rear wheel became habitually loose. That was especially frustrating because I had replaced the rear [something] and had the guy install it. I only got that fixed yesterday.
Several months later, a real issue arose with my bike and I again came back for repairs, this time a lot more wary.
I actually opted to just bring in the damaged wheel with a broken axle, rather than my whole bike, which was absolutely fine. Sure enough they encouraged me to bring the rest of my bike in so they could take a look at it. It may have arisen out of a genuine desire to help, but it also seemed like a ploy to get me to buy more repairs and replacement parts. I refused.
Also, you have to call in and make an appointment to fix your bike. They begrudgingly took my bike for repairs when I just rode up one day. They admonished me to make an appointment. The problem is they’re busy, and they take your bike for a day or two, which means you have to coordinate when you can get your bike to the shop. An added layer of difficulty for a questionable business.

My S.O. wanted to have some wheels made from a hub he had. It was an ORDEAL. The only reason we went here was because they were one of two places that had the tool need for this job. The first person we spoke with was nice enough, but we needed to go back to drop off another part, and the person barely acknowledged our existence. They pretty much grunted through a few questions that he had, leaving him completely dissatisfied. We will not be back.

Super nice and helpful guys. Really patient with me as a biking newb. Answered all of my questions and gave me plenty of free advice.

This is a review based on the generosity of the staff – my mom and I hiked a little too far on a hot day and she was extremely dehydrated and overheated. We ran out of water and were hoping there might be some way to get some water from this store, although we didn’t have any money (not smart, I know). I was worried about the possibility of being turned away or brushed off because we looked like sweaty slobs, weren’t paying customers, and my mom REALLY needed water.
She hardly had to say much at all before a man (manager or owner maybe?) immediately told us to help ourselves to a water cooler with cups in the back, and pointed out where the indoor seating and bathroom were, urging us to please use anything we needed. He was extremely generous and continued to offer any help he could.
It’s times like this when I’m reminded that some people are genuinely nice and willing to help even though they won’t be compensated for it. I wish I knew the man’s name, but regardless this will be my family’s first stop for all our bike needs and I know the service will be exceptional.
Thank you, University Cyclery!

I’m so impressed with the service I received at University Cyclery. I’m from Alaska, was in Austin for a very short period of time, and have never bought a bike before. As a novice rider, I didn’t even know what to look for. Not only did they find a great bike for me, but they packaged it up well and helped me figure out how to get it home. They were so patient, I really appreciated it. And I love love love my bike!

Happy with the bikes we bought just over a year ago but we got two free tune ups. Near the end of the year we tried to bring them in for tuneups but they said not to «if they’re running okay then we can’t do anything for them». Two months too late a different bike shop said that they never would have told a customer that. Well, we’re spending $ 125 on two tuneups because this shop didn’t want to do the work they promised :(Not very friendly either but seem to have a decent knowledge of bikes.

Went back to University just a few days ago needing a few small parts just before they closed @7. I was prepared for the worst but Justin took care of me right away without looking at the clock.
Gave me samples of the different types of equipment I was looking at, gave me his opinion on the ups and downs of each and in general just took care of me.
Gotta increase my rating and give some props to Justin. Go check him out.

Man. Reading through the multitude of positive reviews of this place I’m wondering if maybe I just stopped by on a bad day?
I’m of the opinion that biking is for everyone. I really appreciate bike shops that are approachable and helpful. There’s nothing like being interested in stepping up your biking game and having some guy talk to you like you’re an idiot.
Basically I went in to inquire about their selection of used mixtes. They’re older frames which don’t seem to be as popular with newer bikes, but they’re not so old or obscure that a person working at a bike shop wouldn’t know what I’m talking about. Well the employee who eventually came to help me showed me to the new fixed-​gears instead. «Mixed-​what?» Listen, sir. I’m not the idiot here, you are.
I don’t know. He just rubbed me the wrong way and didn’t seem to care whether I found what I was looking for. Like others have pointed out, there are too many other good bike shops in Austin to waste your time with these guys.

Had a great experience here buying a bike for commuting. Collier was very helpful, knowledgeable and also attentive to my needs, wants, and quirks. He explained the differences between the various bikes clearly and concisely and was honest about whether or not a more expensive version actually offered more utility. Was able to get a bike with men’s geometry but a women’s seat that makes the ride absolutely wonderful.
Since I hadn’t ever bought a bike of my own, I had to get the full setup (helmet, rack, panniers, lights, lock, etc) and the 15% discount on accessories was extremely helpful at getting everything to come in on budget. The discount is also good for an entire year, so I will definitely be back for all the other little pieces I’m sure to need. There are also 2 free tune ups in the first year. Overall, wonderful experience and I’m so happy to be riding!

A bike’s name isn’t typical criteria for a purchase, but Jamis (a brand of bikes carried by University Cyclery) is awfully similar to «Jaime’s» and that’s good enough for me!
OK, I know next to nothing about bikes, but after test riding a ton of them at other shops around town, I knew pretty quickly that the bike the helpful salesguy showed me was a good deal and a good fit and would be going home with me.
Everything was taken care of pretty quickly. I like that I get 15% off stuff for the next year. I started with a helmet and lock, but I’m sure I’ll be back for the rest of the necessities. Hopefully, it’ll continue to be such a pleasant experience.

When I am king, I am going to make some changes. At the top of the list, every building’s address will be visible from the street, a structure of appropriate opulence will be erected for the Doughnut Palace in Buda, and there will be a locally-​owned bike shop within a mile of every residence.
My local bike shop is University Cyclery — it is only a half-​mile from my house. They sell many types of bikes, but I sense they specialize in good-​quality, moderately-​priced models, e.g. commuting bikes, as opposed say to high-​end road bikes.
There are some shops that seem more interested in selling you a new bike than helping you fix your old, beloved clunker. University Cycling doesn’t treat me that way. I spent ten or fifteen minutes with one of their mechanics talking about the aging component set on my early 90’s hybrid bike. He gave me some good advice on an inexpensive way to maintain an old chainwheel that I wasn’t ready to replace. It looks as if they have a steady business repairing/​restoring old bikes.
If you need an old bike repaired, or if you’re looking for a decent commuting bike, at least drop by University Cyclery. They’re good guys.

I can’t echo enough the sentiments elsewhere in these reviews. Terrible customer service — bordering on elitist.
Why do they sell kid’s bikes? They are the most un-​kid friendly place around. My daughter and I were in today and she got a new bike helmet. She was a little too amped up about it and was making a lot of noise.
The OWNER/​MANAGER turned to her a shusshed her and gave her a dirty look then muttered something under his breath.
Look I know she was being loud, but there were a hundred ways to do that in a nicer way.