I am a complete biking noob and came to this place because it was recommended by a friend. I walked in and told Patrice at the front desk that i was looking for a bike that I could take on trails and road and was considering beginning to commute to work on it so wanted something durable. He asked my price range and then let me test drive two different options. He said I needed a size smaller frame and they would have to build it and could have it ready the next day (they were closing in 30 minutes). I also bought a bike rack for my car and he told me he could help me install it on my car when i came to pick it up the next day. The following day he called to let me know it was ready. When I came to get it, it was POURING rain. Despite that, Patrice went outside in the rain and installed my bike rack while I watched under the awning. He took the time to explain what he was doing, and also put my bike on it for me so I stayed dry while he was soaking wet. I am certainly no bike expert with regards to fit, pricing, etc but from my standpoint he appeared to be knowledgable and allowed me to test drive to ensure I was comfortable. He also offered me 15% off of the bike rack and helmet I bought since I had purchased a bike and said they offer free maintenance for a year. I know there are several negative reviews for big wheel on Yelp, but I can say my experience was really good. I got what I needed quickly and easily, for the price I was looking for, and Patrice went ABOVE AND BEYOND to install my bike rack for me in a torrential downpour which far exceeded my customer service expectations, so it seems they have taken the feedback and made some changes! I would and will definitely come back here read more

I rented a Tri bike from Big Wheel while participating in the Nations Tri event. As an out of country participant it was very important that the bicycle company that I chose to rent from was reliable and reputable, as it would be a disaster to travel to the DC event and not have a quality bike as committed. After a lot of online research and several calls and emails with Mike, I was left with the confidence that this is the shop to rent from. With some nervous anticipation, I decided to go to the shop 1 day early to put myself at ease that the quality and size of bike that I had reserved was available. Both of the bikes that I rented were tuned, set up and ready for pick up as committed. I made a sizing error on one of the bikes and Big Wheel was quick to accommodate a different size bike. Both of the bikes performed as they should, all necessary accessories were included. The service guys were more than willing to help me make the necessary fitting adjustments that were required, even though the shop was quite busy. I returned the bike the next day without any hassle or any extra charges. My overall experience with my rental was excellent and I have no problems recommending this shop for rentals. read more

I have been going to this store for a while, and up until recently I have actually been going more frequently. Every time I go in there they have what I need and am looking for, and their advice is always spot on and not pushy. I purchased a new bike the other day and I rode it out a couple of miles on my first ride and I realized my seat height was just a bit too high. My ride passes by the store so I stopped it and the manager helped me fit the seat right then and there so I could get back on with my ride. A couple of days later I ended up getting a flat and I called and asked if they had all the stuff i needed to build a good road kit (walking home sucks)and to fix my flat. I came in and they had everything I needed to fix up my flat, and I also picked up some co2 cartridges and a couple other things to make sure I wouldn't have to walk home next time. These guys run a solid store with friendly reception and a pretty good stock on hand, I will defiantly continue coming back. read more

I have grown up seeing Big wheel bikes around D.C.and its a darn good thing they are still around,they are a Washington area landmark institution! My Dad bought me a Fuji S-10,my very first road bike,at the Georgetown store in 1988 and we have always had very good,no GREAT service from the owner.He even remembers my Dad by first name every time he stops in after 27 years!!! Reading into all the bad reviews here reminds me of my early days in Kindergarten with the whining and crying from all the other kids.Sure,the employees can be brusque and straight to the point but hey folks,we are all adults here get used to the real world and thicken your skin a little!To me its a refreshing break from the arse kissing name tag wearing know it all hipster drones in other local bike retail establishments! nuff' said.CUSTOMER FOR LIFE. anyone know,why does Yelp filter my reviews!? read more

Big Wheel Bikes did me a huge favor. I went in the day before Thanksgiving to have two tires on my B.O.B. jogging stroller replaced so that my family could run the Arlington Turkey Trot the next day. I only live a 1/4 mile from the store, but had never stepped foot inside. I bought the replacement tubes at another store. Their staff replaced my tubes and found a hole in one of the tubes I purchased at another store. They gave me the new tube for free and replaced both tubes without charging me anything. I literally walked in and took up about 15 minutes of labor, used one of their brand new tubes and walked out without paying a dime. I also learned for future reference that their tubes are $2.00 cheaper than the DC store I had bought my tubes in. I am definitely a customer now. I need to buy my son a bike for Christmas and I hope to purchase it there. read more

This review isn't about the store but about one of its employees--TJ. I'm a 62-year old woman and I was biking on the Custis Trail on my way to work and some guy stopped me to tell me that the quick-release lever on my back wheel seemed to be in the wrong position. Amazing he even noticed that as he was passing me going up the hill :0) . Well, I stopped and he checked it and sure enough, the lever had popped open and the rear wheel was in extreme danger of falling off. He fixed it and also checked my brakes etc. I asked his name and he said he was TJ and worked at Big Wheel Bikes in Lyons Village in Arlington. If he's a representative of the business, I'll definitely be trying Big Wheels for my next spring tuning. Thanks TJ! You went above and beyond (and my still unbroken bones thank you). read more

I'm pretty new to the area and it was a beautiful day out. I decided to buy a bike for this spring and summer. I drove to my local bike shop which is Big Wheel Bikes (never been in). I walked in and I quickly received help by one of the employees. I was interested in a hybrid but also wanted a bit of performance. They showed me a simple, great looking Fuji Absolute 1.0. The bike looks great, rides and fits perfectly. The sells person told me a some quick facts about the company, which surprised me that Big Wheel Bikes has been a Fuji dealer since 1971.. Anyways, the shop offered me a one year free service as well and then I quickly decided to go for it and purchase the bike along with other accessories. Big Wheel Bikes was a very helpful with me and I definitely recommend coming to this shop. read more

I recently had two bikes repaired and tuned up at Big Wheel Bikes. The guys who work there (sorry, they happen to all be male) did a fantastic job!!! It's like riding a new bike again - even though one bike is actually close to 20 years old... Everyone was also extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Dan actually took the time to answer all of my questions and address all the concerns I had (like was it worth to fix up a 20-year old bike intended for daily commutes). I'll definitely continue taking all my bikes to this store. Besides being a bike store that you can always rely on, it is great that it's located right next to the Crescent trail (which connects Bethesda and DC). Keep up the great bike work! read more

Service doesn't get any better than BWB's Arlington store! I flew from Vancouver BC (Canada) on a business trip and came two days early to ride the Skyway Parkway in the Shenandoah National Park, a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. BWB's Staff had a great road bike, in my frame size equipped with the compact crank, cassette and pedals I needed all tuned and ready to ride when I showed up. I was late coming in from the Airport Friday nite but Staff there waited for me after the store closed so I could ride early Saturday. I am not used to this type of fine service in today's harried world! I can't say enough good things about the shop! HIGHLY recommended! DWM Langley BC Canada read more

This will be the 3rd time I've rented a tri bike at BWB and used it in the Nation's Tri. The experience every time has been fantastic! I'm a serious triathlete and come down to DC every year for Nation's. Such a relief to be able to hop into a quality tri bike at a very affordable price. Service was great (thank you Mike) which included bike fit and SPD pedals at no extra charge. The Arlington store is located in a strip mall right behind the bike path that goes along the river into DC. So I was able to ride the bike out the door, onto the bike path, get used to the bike before riding into DC and drop off at the transition area. Perfect start to a great weekend. read more

Customers come first at Big Wheel Bikes! I bought a bike lock here last year and recently a piece of plastic on the clip that attaches the lock to the bike broke. I went by to see if I could buy a replacement clip. I spoke to a staff person who said they did not sell replacement clips but thought he might be able to find one around the shop. He spent probably ten minutes rooting around, and lo and behold, he found one! It was exactly what I needed. Slipped it on my bike and it's now good as new. I am really REALLY impressed by the effort. I bought my bike here years ago, and when I am due for a new one I know where I will be going! Thanks BWB! read more

I highly recommend Big Wheel Bikes to anyone looking for a new bike. I recently purchased a road bike from there and was extremely satisfied with the experience. They built my bike fresh out-of-the-box while I waited, and stayed late (after closing) with me to answer all my questions and to adjust it to a perfect fit! Even though it was already on sale, they agreed to upgrade some of the components at no cost and threw in some extras, too (again, at no charge). All in all, Big Wheel Bikes gave me the best deal on my particular bike and their customer service was outstanding! read more

All around helpful staff. I came in frantically looking for my lost cell phone and, even though I wasn't looking for gear, they went out of their way to show me how I could use my Google account to find out where my phone was located. Even let me use their computer at the register to look it up. I was so thankful for their help of someone who wasn't even a customer. The next time I know someone who needs a bike shop, I'm definitely recommending this place. Thanks again. Much love. read more

From the second I walked into this store, I could tell it was a true BICYCLE shop. It wasn't one of those fake corporate haunts like Spokes etc or Performance. The assistance I received from the sales professionals was remarkable. They spilled a plethora of knowledge forth from the tops of their heads. Their selection and stock of brands and bikes was apt and proficient. All in all, this place was a joy and an impecable establishment. read more

Great bike store. I bought a hybrid from this store. They didn't try to oversell at all as I wanted a beginner bike. I ended up buying a better bike then they recommended. The other locations are also great. I have also been to the georgetown, alexandria, and bethesda locations. I was super welcome at these locations as well as I have a big wheel bikes sticker on my bike. I am so glad i bought my bike from big wheel bikes. read more

The owner of the store, Mike Sendar was very helpful. I had some bicycle questions about a bike I was renting, not from a Big Wheels store, and he was still willing to take time to help me! I have regularly bought gear and bikes from the Lee Highway location and have found people there friendly, and there is usually everything I am looking for in stock (which unfortunately is not always the case at other stores). read more

Excellent service!! I stopped by right at closing on a beautiful Spring day, hoping to get my wife's tire repaired so we could go for an evening ride. Even though he was ready to call it a day, Marco grabbed the tire and fixed it in minutes flat. Literally in and out in less than 10 minutes, and at a very fair price. Glad to know that my neighborhood bike store will be my go-to bike place from now on. read more

Holy cow! If you are in need of caring, supportive service for most anything bike related please check out Big Wheel Bikes Arlington. I had a modest need today - in search of a bike lock. Brian spent more than enough time with me explaining options and pricing. I can only imagine what I would get if I was buying a new or used bike. He knows his stuff and they take the time. read more

Went in to Big Wheel Bikes a few weeks ago to have some work done on my mountain bike (the crank arms had fallen out of the bottom bracket). The repair technician gave me excellent service, quickly diagnosing and addressing the problem as well as performing some other minor services on the house. I was very pleased with the service overall. read more