Counterbalance Bicycles

Specialties

Counterbalance Bicycles is an independent, owner-​operated, inclusive bicycle shop. Quick turnaround tune-​ups, loaner bicycles for commuters and 7:30am-7pm weekday hours are how we do more than talk about service. In addition to on-​the-​spot-​repairs, free compressed air on the deck and a comfortable public restroom, we offer expert fitting services, hand-​built wheels, frame repair and a selection of quality bicycles and accesories in every price range. Seattle’s only Independent Fabrication, Co-​Motion, DeSalvo, Cinelli & TiCycles outlet. Complete lines by Jamis, Salsa, Surly, All-​City, Foundry and Civia. Come by for a cup of coffee on us. On the Burke.

Bitcoin accepted here. Largest Brooks selection in Washington. Speedplay, Light & Motion, Lezyne, Schwalbe, Vredestein, Continental, Grand Bois, Tubus, Ortlieb, Mission Workshop, Lazer, Giro, Pearlizumi, Showers Pass, Fizik, Dank Bags, Shimano, Campagnolo, Sram, Motorex, Honjo, Velo Orange, North St.,

History

Established in 2000.

Founded c.2000 within a small redbrick corner store at the foot of Queen Anne Ave N & W Roy near where the rail cars ran before WWII. Hidden 50 feet away beneath the road still lies our namesake; the 16 ton ‘counterbalance’ needed to cable assist trolleys up and down formidable Queen Anne Hill.

As our successes rapidly outpaced capacity, we added our second location adjacent the Burke-​Gilman trail in 2008. The new shop featured an open and inclusive floor plan, a ramped deck entrance and space for over 100 bikes and 6 working stands. Now with room to breathe, we added fitting services, rentals and expanded our custom bicycle program to include tandems.

In 2010, we consolidated our entire operation to the University Village location and sadly, said goodbye to all the good memories and good work we shared with our Queen Anne community — many of whom still come see us at the ‘new shop’.

The future is bright and as we grow, we are excited to see what the next 15 years will bring!