Amazing. I tried to teach my son to ride and failed. Others tried and failed. John met us. He was on time and had all his gear + 2 extra bicycles. First, he went over the bicycle ( tire pressure, breaks, the chain). Then he showed my son how to get on and off and made him practice. Then he had him walk with the bike practicing the breaks. BTW, there is a certain way to walk a bike with ease. Then he removed the pedals and had him glide. Then glide with 1 pedal. Then 2 pedals and voila - he was riding !! Thank you John so much. read more

John is a great teacher. He taught my 4 year old to ride his bike in one hour. He is patient and puts kids at ease and is able to communicate clearly and effectively. read more

I had tried several times since my teenage years to try and learn to bike ride. I was very fearful and skeptical that I would ever be able to do this very necessary life skill. I had thought about attending public lessons and getting private instructors very seriously in the last few years, but never seemed to get around to it. After starting work and realizing how much more productive I could be if I could ride from building to building on my office campus (and moving to San Francisco and seeing how many activities included bike rides), I quickly decided it was time to give it a go. I found John through some research on Google, read several reviews, and signed up for a lesson as soon as I could. My lesson with John greatly surpassed my expectations. His instruction was clear, simple, straightforward, and he was patient, knowledgable and encouraging as well. Within 30-45 minutes I was up and riding on my own like I never had before. It was such an awesome feeling and I am very motivated to keep learning, improving and riding more. I will definitely be practicing in the next few weeks, and hope to take another lesson with John soon. Thank you for all of your help, it was invaluable and I am so grateful! read more

Amazing! I learned to ride a bike as an adult. I used to say I will learn to ride a bike if it's the last thing I do and it's such a thrill to have accomplished this long overdue goal. Awesome feeling! I tried a few times over the years without success but John helped me do it in less than 4 hours. He had me balancing and gliding after 4 attempts and it did not take long to put the pedals on. The first time I made it across the lot pedaling he clapped and came over to congratulate me and welcome me to the bike riding fellowship. I loved his teaching style. He explained things incrementally adding technical information and tips needed to accomplish the next skill using mini lectures and demonstrations. He watches your every move knowing what you are going to do and what bind (I'm good at that) you are about to get yourself into before you do it and calls out instructions to help you along. Well worth the money. I signed up for two 2-hour sessions but when we finished our second session early he did not charge for the whole 2 hours. On top of that, he took extra time to take me to a local bike shop and show me the different options available. John is very knowledgeable, professional, polite, easy going, and puts you completely at ease. I can't say enough of how pleased I am. You cannot go wrong choosing to learn with John. read more

AMAZING - We waited too long and our 7 year old girl was scared of learning to ride. I made an appointment with John and showed her a video of another little kid learning using John's method. We went and she was up and riding incredibly quickly. John was the perfect balance between not pushing too much too quickly - yet getting her to do more and more just within an hour! John was really easy to schedule using the on-line system, prompt at the lesson and incredibly knowledgeable about teaching and bikes in general. He gave me some tips on how to fit the bike to her as she learned and then as she progressed. The best compliment to John is my girl asked when we were going back to John because she really liked how he taught (coming from a child who is not quick to warm up!) Thanks John for building such confidence in her!! read more

My 2 sons - 10 and 6 years old - had not learned to ride bikes without training wheels mainly because mom does not know to bike and dad does not have the patience, so neither of us were of much help in teaching them. The kids kept asking to go biking. So I started searching the internet for bicycling classes and found the rave reviews about John and Bicycle Solutions. I am happy to say that every single praise/comment is well-deserved. First off, we purchased a couple of good bikes (trek) for the boys. Then I booked classes for both of them to learn from John. It was very easy to schedule the lessons online. We went over to the Palo Alto school location with helmet and bike. John had a couple of kid-sized bikes of his own too, just in case we did not have ours. He had all the necessary tools to adjust the bikes to fit the kids exactly. He was very patient and skilled at getting them to learn and within an hour to 90 minutes had both my kids riding their bikes confidently! I could not believe my eyes that my 2 kids went from scared of riding to riding happily in such a short time and with zero falls or boo-boos! My kids are delighted and proud of themselves. John encouraged me to sign up for lessons for myself as well. I am not sure how soon I will do it, but I am giving it a serious thought. Call John if you want to learn to ride a bike at any age! read more

I have never ridden a bike before and had refused to learn as a kid since I was too scared. As an adult who came to live in the beautiful bay area and started watching so many people bike the trails I wanted to learn as well. The urge and motivation peaked since my little girl is about the age to start biking and I wanted to ride along with her. I landed on John's site by chance when browsing for kid bikes. I scheduled my 2 hr session in San Mateo today. John is fantastic. I could balance and pedal within 2 hours! He is very patient and professional and would adjust the bike based on my style and what I was having trouble with. He provided instructions right from how to climb on the bike elegantly to how to walk a bike. I wish I had known about him 10 years back. Anyways better late than never. THANK YOU John! read more

If I had to pick one word to describe John it would be AMAZING. He taught my 5 year old how to ride a bike and he loved it so much that he continues to want to schedule lessons to learn more skills. Everything about working with him was a pleasure and I would highly recommend him to anyone who wants to learn how to ride a bike. read more

I was a strong and enthusiastic rider (now in my 70's) until balance problems forced me to quit about 8 months ago. I could not start from rest without swerving sharply to the left which was dangerous. A local bike shop recommended John and we arranged a lesson. John analyzed the problem quickly, and said that it was poor mechanics rather than balance. He patiently went through the several steps of a correct start. Starts improved during the lesson and even more during my own practice sessions. Due to his intelligent and clear advice, I can now foresee getting back to the hobby that I love. I recommend him highly! DanF read more

I'm so happy to pile on to the already amazing reviews for Bicycle Solutions -- Diane was truly a great teacher. Not only did I get to finally learn how to ride a bicycle (the proper way!) after nearly 30 years of trying, but I had a great time while learning. The other reviews were right - Diane is a great conversationalist, which puts you at ease while she's teaching you how to ride. She knows so much about the history of bicycles and patiently explains the physics behind the proper techniques. Her style of incrementally building on skills really ensures that you feel comfortable as you progress. She doesn't rush you, nor slow you down - so even though the recommendation is for 2 lessons, we finished up in 1! I've already purchased my beginner bike (only a few days after our lesson) because I'm finally genuinely excited to practice and ride a bike in the future. Thanks Diane! read more

Not having read all the glowing reviews, this might be repetitive. I'm 75, and have ridden bikes for recreation in different cities through the years. Two years ago I bought an electric bike, but still had too much fear of hills and traffic to use it much. But I missed the 'high' of biking, and on recommendation of Karen at New Wheel, called John. What a great investment of time and money! He has all the necessary information plus excellent coaching skills. In a two-hour session I learned so much about navigating in traffic, and about bike lanes, that my confidence has risen 90%, and I'm about to go out for a ride right now. read more

I had an amazing lesson with Anthony - he is patient, good humored and methodical. I learned to bike (sort off) as an adult and haven't biked in 10 years. Anthony has me up and running in 40 minutes. After an hour and a half I have a great sense of what I need to do to be road ready and feel confident enough to venture out. read more

I took a lesson with John in late April and found it to be tremendously helpful. I learnt how to ride a bike for the first time as a 29 year old adult in Nov 2017 to train for a triathlon and needed further coaching to become more confident on a bike. John is a patient, kind and encouraging instructor. He is able to effectively breakdown the biking techniques and movement pattern for his students. After a two hour lesson, I was confidently biking around the Presidio the next day! read more

There aren't enough stars to describe how amazing a teacher John is! Our 7 year old learned to ride in one lesson. John knows just how to break things into steps, how to give verbal and on-bike instructions, and how to build body memory of the new skills quickly. He is kind, and his experience shows. We saw the tail end of the previous lesson, where another rider had learned to ride in one lesson. Just amazing!!!! Also, John kept adjusting the bike as our daughter's skills increased, I think she went through 3 different adjustments during the lesson. John really knows what he is doing, and how to fit the bike to the rider at each stage in learning. read more

We gave our 18-year old daughter, who never learned how to ride a bicycle and almost gave up on trying, a new year's gift - two hours of private instructions. It turned out to be the best gift she received this year. My daughter did not want me to observe her learning to ride, and I left for two hours. When I was coming back to pick her up, I saw my daughter riding a bike with a huge smile on her face. Anthony DiSalvo was excellent and inspiring instructor. She was riding a bike on her own within twenty minutes of the lesson. It was such confidence boost. She was so happy. Thank you very much, Anthony! read more

John was FANTASTIC! He was professional, proficient, punctual and patient. I treated myself to a 2-hour lesson on Valentine's Day. It was a last-minute decision, but John's online booking is easy and efficient enough that he can respond to last-minute requests, even on holidays! I waited 2 decades to get back on a bike, and with John's help, it only took me 45 minutes to finally learn how to ride AND brake . . . and I never fell to the ground once. I highly recommend John's services for anyone who has been fearful of learning how to ride. It's all in your head and John can help you overcome it. Great experience! read more

Diane Serafini is an amazing teacher and person. She is so sweet and a great conversationalist. The time flies by quickly. I felt safe and gained confidence and skills I didn't think I would after only one 2 hour session. Can't recommend her enough. read more

John is a truely gifted teacher. I would highly recommend any adult that wants to learn to ride, wait no longer, schedule your lesson ASAP with John. I'm 46 and wish I would have found John sooner. After my first lesson I already feel comfortable controlling the bike enough to raise the seat and understand gear shifting. He is professional, patient, and kind, with an ability to pinpoint what you need to correct and effectively communicate how do do so. Thanks John, you have given my husband and I another outdoor pastime to do together. read more

We made a goal for 2015 that our 4 and 7 year old would learn to ride bikes without training wheels. Thanks to Bicycle Solutions, we can't keep the 7 year old off her new bike and the 5 year old is no longer afraid to try to keep up with her...great road advice for dad, too. read more

I only Yelp if something is great or horrible. In this case, there are not enough superlatives to describe John. I'm a 50 something, mildly uncoordinated non-athlete who NEVER rode a bike before. Took three lessons with John last summer. He got me pedaling lesson 1, and by lesson 2 I was building some basic skills. I was able to go buy a bike, and I have been riding ever since. John was patient, thorough, and kind. I owe him thanks for getting me over my trepidation and helping me acquire a new life skill. read more

John managed to do what nobody in my family could do in 34 years - get me to ride a bike! He is patient and informative, a fantastic teacher. My best purchase of the year. read more

My daughter took one class with John and after that she was able to ride like a master! John is a really good teacher! I recommend him at 100%. read more

Anthony was fantastic. He taught both of my boys (ages 7 and 11) to ride their bikes. I signed them each up for an individual 90 minute lesson and they each learned how to ride within that time. My 11 year old had never learned to ride a bike with training wheels or to ride a scoot bike so he was starting with no experience at all. Anthony took him step by step from learning how to balance to riding and each step was such a small advance that it felt totally doable. My 11 year old is very cautious and was extremely nervous, but the small step by step approach made it completely accessible to him. My boys and I are thrilled! Thank you so much. read more

Absolutely great lessons. Learned how to ride in 3 hours. And a lot of useful info. Thanks!

This is a long time coming, but mostly because I forgot. John is awesome and have teaching riding lessons down to a science. I now bike to work every day and it was all because of John. Best money I ever spent. read more

John is great! Worked with my teen daughter who is probably a tougher case than most and she liked him. Agree with the other glowing reviews. read more

While John's forte clearly lies in teaching people how to ride bikes, I think he could teach people anything. He is present, engaged, focused, takes the time to get to know his students and their strengths/weaknesses, observes them carefully, and takes the time to develop and teach methodologies that work for a particular student, and modifies when necessary. He also possesses infinite patience, a dry sense of humor, and a can-do attitude unlike any that I've seen before. I'm 31 years old and am learning how to ride a bike for the first time, lack any coordination skills whatsoever, busted ankles, and also have a terrible fear of falling. Oh, and I also get incredibly easily frustrated, and have a tendency to get inside my head and convince myself that I can't do something. John somehow managed to glean that, break it down, and teach me that I could indeed learn how to ride a bike, and ride it well using proper techniques. I know this may seem silly for those who grew up riding bikes - but for adults and children alike, the feeling when you're able to do even a short ride (and under John's tutelage, rapidly progressive longer rides) is unlike anything else - it feels like (physical and mental) soaring. Thanks, John! read more

My daughter had a bad fall on her bike when she was learning how to ride on two wheels. Three years later, we were still not able to get her back on a bike. She was highly reluctant as only a 10 year old can be... John not only got her on her bike, but taught her how to ride it with only an 1-1/2 hour lesson. My daughter was forced to admit (against her will!) that it had been a lot of fun! I would highly recommend John for lessons with children. He explained things clearly, calmly, and and with a very reassuring manner. read more

Anthony helped our very nervous 7 year old get over her jitters and was pedaling within 30 minutes and was looking like a pro in 90. Very patient and encouraging, really good at balancing challenges and praise. "Best teacher ever". read more

Anthony DiSalvo is an excellent teacher. He explains everything very clearly and also shows you if you don't understand. He had me cycling within an hour much to my immense surprise & absolute delight. I left a very happy woman. Thanks Anthony. I highly recommend him. read more

Great refresher lesson with Anthony. He was patient and it felt like I got some freedom back. Recommend them and thank you!

My 14 y.o. son had resisted learning how to ride a bicycle ever since he outgrew his tricycle. I signed him up for a 2 hour lesson with John. John's patience and his gentle encouraging way had my son cycling a little into his 2nd hour. I couldn't be happier with the result. I highly recommend John and his Bicycle Solutions. read more

I have taken two lessons with John, for a total of 3 hours. He is a wonderful teacher! He helped me feel comfortable enough and gave me such great directions that I was riding a bike within the first 20 minutes! It has truly been a life changing experience and I can't wait to teach my six year old how to ride so we can go out together. I have always been so embarrassed that I never learned to bike; but it is something that anyone can learn, even an apprehensive adult like me! In addition to teaching you how to ride a bike, John is very knowledgeably about where to rent/buy a bike and fantastic routes for beginners. read more

I was one of those kids who for whatever reason, never learned how to ride a bike! John had me up and riding after about 10 minutes. I am 52 years old and if I can do it you can too! read more

Diane Serafini was a great teacher. She had our son up and riding within an hour. She guided him through all the different steps of balancing, gliding, braking, pedaling and turning and had tremendous patience and was extremely encouraging. I can't say enough about how impressed I was with their success. I highly encourage anyone who is interested in learning how to ride a bike and has had trouble in the past to sign up and take the lessons. It was well worth the money. read more

My daughter is 15 and never knew how to cycle. She had a back surgery and we are always worried about her falling. After reading the reviews, we decided to try it. We went to Anthony at the Alameda location on last Saturday. 75 mins later, my daughter was cycling without a single fall! Anthony was on time, meticulous, and made us feel very comfortable throughout the process. I am glad we found Bicycle solution. Thanks! read more

I learned about John on Yelp. I am so glad I found him--I am riding a bike again! (I learned to ride a bike as child but hadn't ridden for about 20 years.) John's curriculum is very precise. He showed me how to master each small skill before moving on to the next, and offered tips, corrections, and improvements along the way. I felt safe and comfortable the whole time, and it was fun. By the end of the two hour lesson, I was happily riding around the parking lot and today I went for a ride on a bike path with my family. At the end of the lesson John told me which skills to work on next and directed me to many (free) resources in the East Bay. I couldn't recommend John more highly. read more

As a kid my parents attempted to teach me to ride a bike but it never happened, then years and years went by. I attempted to teach myself a few times. Boyfriends, roommates, co workers attempted and all failed. Less than half way through our 2 hour lesson I was able to ride a bike! Do I need more experience on a bike before I feel confident enough to tackle riding to and from work? Yes. Do I fall over the second I get on a bike now? No. John was a great instructor and really helped me get over my fears that I wouldn't ever be able to ride a bike. I would suggest if you do want to learn and want a one on one lesson he's your man. read more

John did a terrific job with my grandchildren . He was patient, complimentary, enthusiastic , kind, prompt and the kids liked him. The children learned to ride almost immediately. Mike was amazing. He should have 10 stars. Roberta b read more

I was 24 years old who didn't know how to ride a bike! I came across bicycle solutions while searching online and booked a training with Antoni Disalvo. Antoni is really friendly guy and knowledgeable and his method of teaching with out the pedals was really helpful. With in 30 mins of the training I was able to find my balance and with in an hour I was able to use both pedals and keep my balance. I was really happy. Antoni is really great trainer the 150 dollars was really worth it . He is so easy to talk to and explains everything with simple method . He is also so patient and not judjmental. I also took his bicycle training class at UC Berkeley. He is so great . Totally worth it! Thanks Antoni. read more