The Unlikely Cyclist

Super cute little shop that specializes in catering to female cyclists. They carry a lot of Twin Six products which is a MN company. They also carry Garneau brand cycling stuff and have all the latest and greatest products. There are some good parts stuff that they carry too like bar tape, tubes, saddles, etc. The tee shirts are very cool with the cat riding a bicycle.

I am turning 30 this year.
At first I was like, maybe I should get all my friends together for a party! Or maybe I’ll go somewhere cool!
Then I was like, I should probably learn how to ride a bike.
I never learned to ride a bike as a kid due to my fear of falling. As I progressed into adulthood, I never really had the desire to learn until I moved to OC, where the roads are wide and flat, the beach is nearby, and it’s almost always warm enough to go outside without a jacket.
I bought myself a cheap, basic cruiser from Sports Authority one day on a whim, read a few blog posts written by adults who’d also taught themselves to ride as grown people, and wobbled my way through my neighborhood. After several days of nervous-​sweating-​hands-​deathgripping-​handlebar sessions, I finally learned how to ride a dang bicycle.
At this point, I can teeter my way down several blocks, but anything that goes slightly downhill freaks me out because, well, I don’t know how to use the brakes. My cruiser had those unfortunate coaster brakes where you pedal backwards, and I just couldn’t seem to get the hang of that (either I don’t pedal back hard enough or I jam on it too hard).
So I decided to buy a new, better bike. With hand brakes. I scoured the internet, finally narrowing down my choices to a Public C1, or a sixthreezero EVRYjourney. I didn’t want to spend a ton of money, but bikes (along with eye cream, rugs, and other «adulthood» things) are depressingly expensive. Not wanting to order something straight from the internet without seeing it, I searched for places that carried Public bikes, and The Unlikely Cyclist popped up.
First of all, and this is not TUC’s fault, the parking lot sucks. It’s in a little area with other shops, and the lot is so tiny that you may have to circle back around again (and I wasn’t able to find an easy spot on the street either since it doesn’t appear to allow for street parking right out front). So just be aware of this, and don’t go around lunchtime since they are right next to Waffleholic.
I walked in and was greeted by a cheerful woman and her adorable dog. I told her what I was looking for, and though they did not have Public C1s in store, I was able to feel how light the other Public bikes were (way lighter than my cruiser), and she helped answer all my questions. I ended up ordering a small Public C1 in mint green, which they assemble for you for free in the store once it arrives.
(Note: If you buy a bike through Public’s website, Public charges you $ 135 to assemble it and ship it to you 99% completed, or $ 55 to just ship it to you and you have to assemble)
I’m so excited for my new bike to arrive next week, and I’m hoping that now, with handbrakes, I’ll be able to get the hang of it more quickly and finally understand why people love riding bikes so much. Someday, I’ll even make it all the way down to the beach and back, but that might be after I turn 30.

For the last year, I’d been contemplating purchasing a road bike. Thirty years passed since I last road and even then it was a cruiser with coaster brakes. Needless to say, I had no idea what I was doing. Dérailleur? I thought that was a fancy doughnut. Head set, cassette? I had a Walkman® in the eighties. After tons of online research and advice gleaned from friends that do ride, I still had some trepidation about finding a LBS that I could trust and would take me seriously.
Unlikely Cyclist put those concerns to rest. From the first time I called on Unlikely Cyclist… through purchase… through bike fitting… through a recent clinic… I’ve received nothing but outstanding customer service. Lisa (owner) provides a welcoming environment for novices. She took the time to learn my fitness level, experience and goals. No judgement, no upsell, no jargon. LOTS of encouragement. Everything was explained clearly plus she offered helpful, relevant advice.
During each of my visits, I chatted with other customers, many of whom participate in the weekly shop rides. The ladies are friendly and also raved about Unlikely Cyclist. I look forward to joining them on their group rides soon.
I highly recommend this shop. If you’re new to riding or a little rusty, go!

This was the first bike shop that didn’t make me feel uncomfortable walking into it when I started riding about 1.5 years ago. Lisa has an uncanny way of making you feel welcome and is the epitomizes the concept of «the only stupid question is the one that isn’t asked.» Her customer service and love for her customers is second to none. While she shop is small you would never know that by the quality of products and service that are readily available to you. The kits are always amazing on hand (and available in a wide range of sizes which you don’t see in many places), and so are the knick-​knacks. Thanks for always making me feel like I belong on my bike instead of being worried I don’t know enough. If you are nervous about getting into the sport, go see Lisa, buy a bike, attend some clinics and rides, and you’ll feel like you found a second home.

I was looking into getting a step-​thru Public Bike, and saw on the Public Bikes website that the only vendor in So Cal was Unlikely Cyclist. I thought to check it out before forking over $ 500 for a new set of wheels. I called in to see if they had the bike in inventory and they said yes. The small shop staff are super friendly and informative. They reflect all prices on the official Public Bike website. So ordering it through the shop cuts out the delivery costs and includes assembly. And talking to one of the staff, I even got a discount on my bike rack ($ 15 off)! Anddd I was able to do a payment plan (half upfront, the rest when I pick up!!! I ordered my bike on a Saturday, got it fully assembled for pickup on the following Sunday.
They also have «FiveStars» rewards. From my large purchase, I earned 20% off, 15% off and $ 10 store credit to use on various items and services. Super awesome.
Unlikely Cyclist makes it easy to support small business. Though their website is very female-​friendly (woop woop!), it’s definitely not discriminatory. Very comfortable atmosphere with bikers who know what they’re doing. Such a gem in Orange County. Thank you Unlikely Cyclist!
Tip: When looking for the shop, look for a sign with a green «d» and pull in. We drove past a few times till we got it.

I’ve known Lisa for quite some time, including when she was starting TUC, so I know how much love and determination was put into this shop from the very beginning. It’s much more than a store, it’s a way of life for her and her clients. I was a long-​distance runner and haven’t been able to do over 4 miles since I broke my ankle almost four years ago. I have decided to get over my fear of riding a bike this year and have been in communication with Lisa about what bike I should get; she has been helpful and answered all my annoying questions. When it gets warmer, I’ll be ordering from her despite the fact I live in Dallas! I am not just doing this because she is my friend, but because I expect nothing but the best advice and products from someone with her knowledge and love and passion for cycling.

Drove down from LA to pick up a public bike from this shop and it was sure worth the trip! Lisa (the owner I believe) was more than helpful in helping me choose which model for my needs as well as the necessary and unnecessary accessories. I also needed a rack pole, in which I purchased but after getting the bike in the car, we both seemed to have forgotten about that piece! Lisa was then very considerate about the situation and shipped it to my home so I wouldn’t have to make the trip again. But nonetheless, I will definitely be back again!

I came into the shop simply to see if someone might be able tell me how to go about getting my bike from California to Oregon. I was given a lot of extremely helpful information — check with the airline, look at
— it was so nice to be treated so well without even buying anything! I highly recommend this shop due to its amazing customer care and service. If I were saying in Southern California, this is where I would go for all my cycling needs!

I have traveled from LA to OC just to visit this shop. Their weekend shop rides are excellent too. Lisa has grown her shop from Bianchi to Cannondale to Felt yet still remains true to her mission of serving all women riders of all levels. She has commuter and hip bikes to advanced rider bikes and all the gear in between that you could need. But what I most appreciate is her knowledge. She is the most knowledgeable owner I have ever known and she is judgment-​free while talking to you. I have never felt more comfortable with any owner or shop employee talking about the things that matter to my cycling — saddles, chamois, nutrition, comfort, health, etc. Her new shop has a convenient location and is larger than the last. Plenty of parking around and on the streets surrounding. She run programs for women riders of all levels and is inclusive for all. You can stop by the shop once and feel like you are welcome at any event, anytime. I encourage you to ride with the UC Team (follow Facebook for events and rides) and meet the most amazing women in OC.

If you are looking for an amazing bike shop-​especially for women, look no further. I have been a customer of Lisa’s for 2 years and get all my bike stuff here. Customer service is top notch with great mechanics. They carry both road and city bikes and specialize in finding the perfect bike to fit your body and needs. Support small women owned business!

I love this bike shop!!! I came in a year ago September to have my old clunker of a hybrid bike tuned up… and fell in love with a Bianchi & this shop! I went from a clumsy recreational rider to part of «Team Unlikely Cyclist» almost right away.
Lisa– the shop owner, her staff, and the other ladies on Team Unlikely Cyclist are some of the best women I have ever met in my life. Supportive, inspiring, encouraging & all around wonderful women.
Lisa has a «no drop» policy on her rides, which means no woman gets left behind!!! As a newbie rookie rider, nervous as heck on my first road ride, this meant the world to me!
This shop is by far my favorite bike shop!!!

If you are a woman riding a bicycle in Orange County, California, then you need to come into this shop. That’s really all I need to say about it because you will experience for yourself why so many of us come back time and again to this store to shop a wide selection of women’s cycling gear, participate in the women’s beginner and team rides, and get advice about this wonderful sport.
Not to alienate the fellas, The Unlikely Cyclist also carries a line of cycling related goods and accessories you could use (tires, lights, pumps). They are also a Public Bikes dealer, which are all the rage currently!
If you really want to know why I think this place is so wonderful, come by for a Saturday team ride and I’ll talk your ear off about why this place is da bomb.

I have been a customer since store opened in 2012! The selection of clothing for women of all sizes is seriously without competition as most bike shops carry minimal clothing for women and don’t typically carry clothing for plus sizes. Here not only do they have plus sized options those options are stylish. In fact pretty much everyone can get a quality shop «kit» (jersey and shorts) which is very unusual.
The shop carries accessories like lights, gloves, pumps, tubes, tires and so much more. If they don’t have the thing you want it can be ordered. I have gotten two Stages brand power meters thanks to Lisa being able to order them. Want a Garmin bike computer, Lisa can get it.
Supporting and getting women confidence on the bike is a key component of this shops modus operandi. They have clinics for stuff like basic things like changing a flat to learning how to ride in a pace line. Nobody is turned back here. Beginners find support and more advanced riders get inspiration and challenged.
Every year the shop trains those who want to, to achieve goals and do rides they have previously felt were outside their reach and comfort zone. I’ve witnessed the transformations in confidence that have been achieved when women have been trained to do rides such as the Cool Breeze Century (100 miles).
This shop also sells Public city bikes that are cute and fun.
If you are in area, this bike shop as much to offer including Stumptown iced coffee and personality to spare.

Super helpful staff who answers all questions. Loved the free tire repair class. Good vibes.

Empowering women to ride … it’s more than a slogan, it’s a mission at this shop. Bike groups can be intimidating but not this one. I’ve been able to improve my speed and confidence by riding with the Saturday group and I’m so grateful for all of the free advice and encouragement. The shop has a great selection of items for whatever you need and super cute women’s clothing, too (hard to resist). Join in!

This shop is as good as it gets! You really won’t be disappointed with their fresh bicycle selection. Wow! Talk about great customer service … they exceeded my needs as a cyclist and as a woman. The Unlikely Cyclist is my go to for my ride or die needs. I fell like ‘Im Lewis from Lewis and Clark’s expedition, and this store is my Sacajawea.

If you are reading through Unilocal reviews, you are most likely in search of a reliable, friendly and knowledgeable bike shop to purchase something.
Perhaps you have never been in a bike shop before and wanted to do a bit of research before actually coming in, maybe you went into another shop and felt too overwhelmed at the selection of hardcore bikes, tires, wheel, tubes, hubs, nut and bolts in a typically male dominated storefront. Or maybe you just want to buy some women’s specific cycling apparel and would like to choose from more than half an empty clearance rack.
THIS IS YOUR STORE!
This is how I found The Unlikely Cyclist the first time, and I feel lucky to have been a customer since Lisa’s shop opened 3 years ago. I was educated to instead of sold to. I learned the right way first on what was what, what I should invest in first, what I should avoid and built my way up and saved THOUSANDS of dollars by not getting duped by blindly going in and slapping down my cc.
Very beautifully decorated comfortable environment, a wonderful test saddle program in place, in-​store clinics, fun group rides and challenging training programs.
Nominated for 2015 Best Women’s Bike shop in the U. S and winner of 2014 Frostbike Londonderry Award.
Lisa has created an environment that welcomes and celebrates women regardless of where they are on their cycling journey
but, you don’t have to take my word for it… Come in and see for yourself!

The only thing better than the old Unlikely Cyclist shop is the new one. Lisa and her team have really built a fun vibe. I’m pretty sure it’s going to become a hang out. Very bright, and more room for bikes (Public, Bianchi, Cannondale) and more clothing choices. Congrats on your new shop.

Not many bike shops have the feeling that you’re walking into a warm and friendly Italian family’s home that just happens to sell bikes. Lisa has incredible taste in vintage décor, making it feel homey and welcoming to any and all levels of awesome women cyclists. She put me on my first racing bike for Ironman Triathlons and it’s like we were meant to be. She will take the time to work with you on bike skills, match you with the right fit bike and gear for your use and budget, and brings women together with really fun group rides. I have made SO many incredible friends and it’s really nice to have a solid group to ride with and connect with. It is a safe place where ladies can discuss anything from Chamois cream to boys to the latest races. This is a place to feel welcome, not intimidated! Lisa and Stephanie are the best!

This shop is AMAZING — I LOVE it! — and the second women’s specific bike shop in the entire United States! The slogan is «Empowering All Women» and that is exactly what owner, Lisa Kanno has achieved with The Unlikely Cyclist. She has helped me achieve what I never thought I could while on the bike.
The shop rides are challenging, fun and have become a place where women REALLY encourage one another to be their best whether it be a beginner or intermediate/​advanced ride. The shop features quality cycling accessories, a test saddle program to ensure that you get the right seat for your body (just try discussing issues you are having with your saddle with the dudes at other bike shops, NOT!) and high-​end jerseys, shorts and kits so you can look and feel your best. Lisa is extremely knowledgeable about cycling and can help you get comfy on the bike. The shop also participates in cycling events so if you haven’t climbed hills or ridden 20, 45 or 100 miles and you have these as goals, Lisa will help you get there — just like she is helping me.

Best bike shop ever! The owner and the employees are so nice and helpful they really go out of their way to make you feel comfortable.

Friendly, knowledgable & awesome. My bike rules & so does the wonderful staff.
Thanks again & I will definitely be back! Can’t wait to see the new location.