The other Yelp reviews are pretty much accurate. Prices are reasonable ($5 for a 29er tube, not bad!), but expect rude and incredibly awful service. I can't count the number of times where the staff was excited to help you with your biking needs. OH, and if you're looking for a rental, SKIP this place altogether... they have all of 8 road/MTB bikes for men and women, COMBINED. Good luck finding exactly what you need here. read more

Marco at Big Wheel Bikes is awesome! He helped me out immensely when he noticed I had some trouble with my road bike due to a crash. He spotted some trouble with the Ultegra derailleurs that no longer shifted correctly and Bontrager pedals (one pedal became loose, which was very unsafe). He also straightened my rear tire, and repaired my right gear shift which had moved to a bad position. Everything was all done at closing time in about 15 minutes! Marco's focus on safety made the rest of my ride a more safe and comfortable ride. Big Wheel Bikes at Lee Highway has quite a great person there on staff! Thank you! read more

So I've brought three bikes from there. About 7 years ago, I got a Marin (hybrid). I still use it, have had it serviced a few times and never had a problem. I live in DC, but I love the fact that I can always get parking and I can also drop the bike off, go to the Italian Store or Sbux and wait while the bike is being fixed. It's also right off the trail so it's good to be able to pop in and get something looked at. I recently replaced a road bike and had nothing but great service. I sent an email, got back some prices and models, and made the purchase. I even showed them a lower price on the Internet and was given the lower price. Since getting the bike, I have had some adjustments made (stem, tires, spacers) and a tune-up and Marshall (dope mechanic) has been a master. I feel kinda spoiled. I have a local shop I let touch my CX bike, but only Marshall will be touching the roadie. I also got 2 tix to a Nationals game with my purchase...can't beat that. Every bike shop has a personality. They aren't Wal-Mart or the Apple Store, there isn't a manual on how to treat folks. Cyclists or ppl who enjoy bikes (these are typically the folks you will find working at a bike shop) all have personalities. Bring yours to the shop, don't just make it about a transaction. It works for me! read more

Seems like a good, reasonably priced place. The reason I'm not giving more stars is that the people who work there--including working the cash register and talking with customers--do not all wear masks! I take it as a discourtesy that this shop doesn't take all the easy steps it can to reduce the likelihood of killing me. read more

Went in today to see about getting brake maintenance done on a wheelchair. Clerk declined to work on the chair for "liability reasons." Really??? and you rent out bikes!?! Poor attitude, poor service and surly to boot. "I don't know other bike shops in the area because I live in DC." No worries though, Conte's Bike Shop more than came through. I recommend you go there first. read more

Well I'm glad I didn't bother to read the reviews before I came here, because I rented a bike today and had a great experience! I'm in town for work for two weeks and had been complaining to a co-worker that there are so many great bike trails in the area but I had to leave my bike at home. He suggested I rent one and I googled up local bike rentals and found Big Wheel Bikes. I'm closer to the Bethesda location but I decided to go to Arlington due to their proximity to the National Mall (seemed like a nice touristy place to bike down to). I arrived about 10:15 AM and someone immediately offered help. I said I was interested in renting a bike, they asked where I was planning to go and said a hybrid sounded good (I agreed - that is what I had hoped to rent coming in) and picked out out of a stack of them that looked like the right size for me. It wasn't shiny-new but the shifters worked great and the brakes worked great and I got them to adjust the seat for me. The only hiccup came when I asked for a helmet and lock that the website had told me I could have for no extra charge. They said they don't give out locks. I insisted the website said they did and the salesguy looked and indeed it did say that so they gave me a U-lock and stressed that I was still liable if the bike was stolen. I promised I would keep an eye on it - I just wanted to stop for lunch on my ride but would sit by a window and watch it, which is what I ended up doing (sometimes I do that with my own bike back home in California too). I had a lovely ~25mi ride around local trails and returned the bike about 4pm. Once again, pretty much as soon and I entered the shop someone addressed me, returned the credit card I had left as collateral, and I paid $36 and change (including tax) and thanked the folks for their help. I would definitely rent a bike from these folks again if I am in the area. read more

Swung by this afternoon because we needed some minor adjustments. Figured we'd have to wait and pay. Turned out we were wrong on both counts. Marco had us out and rolling in five minutes. You guys rock! read more

I just picked up my bike from BW and wanted to add an additional review. I am breaking this into two parts. What happened and then how I felt and interpreted it. As you can read from my last review Mike and has team fucked up on their initial few tries at repairing my bike. Then Mike called me and asked me what happened and offered to give me a bike odometer. I thought that was too much but today I took him up on his offer. Yesterday we stopped by and he said he could do it on Friday, today, just come by. And he would make sure my brakes were a bit tighter. I dropped my bike off (LeMond Road) and they said come back in 30 min. The bike repair guy spoke with me about how tight I wanted the breaks. Less than 30 minutes later I came back and it was waiting all done. The guy there set the computer, time and settings. Second part: Mike came over and asked me again what had gone wrong with my experience. His voice was soft and his demeanure was easy. I told him everything and then he proceeded to tell me that he is gruff and short guy. I totally understand being from NY as well, sometimes we are just not personable. HE knows it. He knows he is a short, gruff guy. And he believes in repairing bikes well and making sure he delivers a quality bike. He should not have to apologize for his up bringing and he is clearning doing what he can do be better. I did not really want to take his offer of a computer and I am well enough off that if I wanted one, I would buy it. I just did not want one. Now I have one and thanks Mike. If you have been there and got a rough shot of Mike, go back and give him another chance, tell him you would like to see his happy face and I am sure he will crack a smile. He is so close to our house I hope BW stays around for a long time. read more

I was referred to this shop by a friend! I came by on a Tuesday at 4:30/5pm and was second in line. I brought in my bike because my chain was slipping and I couldn't get it to stay on. Patrice, was the person helping me and he came around the desk introduced himself and shook my hand. He then began to triage my bike in the back and explained everything as he went along. Ultimately he decided I simply needed a derailer put on. He took care of my bike in less than 30 minutes and also recommended other products that I had questions on. Overall great experience! Great customer service! Very happy! read more

I have been going to Big Wheel for years and have loved their service. Just today, I stopped by because I had a problem with my gears and a plastic U lock holder broke and they took care of me immediately. The service is always friendly and location convenient read more

Excellent help repairing my bicycle - highly recommend. They custom built a screw to reattach a light - very impressive.

We rented bikes for 4 days. They held up well, were well maintained and Syd fitted me before I left the shop. She was patient with my numerous small adjustments. I have great bikes at home, so my standards are high. Everyone in the shop is really into what they do. Big Wheel Bikes has 5 locations, DC, VA and MD. I felt their prices were reasonable and fair. The owner was in the shop on a Saturday and spent time chatting with us. The shop had had a fire three days before we arrived and yet they returned all of our phone calls and gave great customer service. We love bicycling in Washington DC and Virginia (very bike friendly area, btw). With airlines charging so much to ship bike, this was the best way to go. I called many shops and not would commit to a a price on the phone, except Big Wheel Bikes. We stayed at the Arlington Court Suites Hotel that had a balcony. We walked to Big Wheel Bikes from our hotel and took the bike trail back to the Hotel. The trail came within a block of our hotel. The Hotel let us store our bikes on the balcony. We are planning on going back because there are hundreds of miles of dedicated bike trails along the Potomac River. http://bikewashington.org/canal/ read more

Stoped in on a Saturday in the middle of a ride because my hydraulic disc brakes were not working well after my bike was shipped across the country. Even though I didn't buy my bike from them, the fixed the issue and had me back on the trail in 10 minutes. Great service!!! read more

Man, I really wanted to like this place. Good location right off the trail. Unfortunately they were not adequately staffed and the customer service I observed was poor. approximately 15 people waiting for assistance and 3 employees. Funny the repair guy never left his bullpen to help and one guy was new a deferred to the sole employee at the register. He neither acknowledged the rush or the people waiting. Waited for 30 minutes and never spoken to. So much for renting a bike here. read more

I came here because my daughter's new bike needed some minor assembly assistance (needed front "quick release" brake hooked up and one screw tightened on the handlebars). Both (I assumed) were very quick fixes that required maybe 5-10 minutes of work. Since the bike had come preassembled, all I really had to do was tighten some screws, attach pedals, etc. Long story short, I ended up not having the bike serviced at the store because I was upset about the price for what I was looking to have done. I wrote a yelp review giving the store 1 star because I felt the owner had attempted to take advantage of my situation. Later that day, the store owner Mike called me and clarified the situation, which was greatly appreciated and improved my rating of the store to 3 stars. He explained that the price was standard for assembly and tune-up, and that they wouldn't know what was needed for the bike until it was on the rack. He even offered to have me bring in the bike the next day and have a full adjustment done, free of charge. The next day, I went into the shop feeling a bit sheepish. The owner immediately took the bike and had the mechanic work on it right away. He even let me watch the mechanic work so that I might gain some knowledge from it. It was evident that the bike needed additional work, since it was not ready to go right out of the box. The mechanic lubricated all the components, made adjustments to the front wheel since the balance was off, loosened the pedal mechanism because it was too tight, inflated the tires, and the list goes on. After a short discussion with Mike, it was evident that a miscommunication had occurred. While I was under the impression that the bike needed minimal assembly, Mike knew that it needed extra attention to have it in ship-shape condition and safe for my daughter. I appreciate Mike's commitment to customer satisfaction and eagerness to rectify the situation. I would highly recommend this store, or any Big Wheel Bike location (5 total). 5 stars! read more

I've rented from Big Wheel about four times now, when I've been visiting my family in Northern Virginia. I've looked everywhere in the area for bike rentals, and nothing compares to the selection that Big Wheel gives you. They rented me a high end road bike (all carbon, dura ace!) in my size, put the pedals on it that I needed, and did it all with a smile. I've used them to make sure I get some training in while I'm visiting, as well as for renting a bike for local triathlons or bike races. They are flexible and will work with you to get you the bike you need. I wish this existed in the other cities I travel to. read more

The staff here at Big wheel was very accomodating, yet predictable, in a comforting sort of way. I'd gone in to (surprise) look at bikes, and to possibly make a purchase. Normally, the purchase process is a harrowing one for me, as in a former life I was what you would call a bike snob. I spoke to a newer guy, Dan, who was busily scrambling to and fro, seemingly trying to avoid answering tough questions. The shop manager, Mike, interjected when he viewed my apparent expression of frustration. Getting a guy to pony up a G for a bike (even though a G isn't really that much for a bike anymore) takes work, Dan! You've got to sell me. Well, Mike sold me. He was patient, soft-spoken, and he knew about bikes; enough, at least, to know how to trade my money for his product. Highly recommend, if you're in the area, if you're in the market for a good bike (Kona, Orbea, Fuji), that you check them out. read more

Last year I went to the store and had similar experiences with the people behind the counter. This year I was solidly considering a new bike and wanted to check out any place I could. I came here. The people I talked to were knowledgeable and passionate about what they were doing. Granted there were a ton of people all wanting to buy bikes all at the same time. And there was a group of children ringing the bells for about 10 minutes before someone said something. My buying experience was just great. No pressure and fun. And Sarge is a great addition to the staff. From what it looked like, they have fun. I would recommend going some day other than on the weekends. And because they do test rides until 8:00p when they close it makes it easy. I liked them. You might too. read more

I skidded out on the Custis Trail and my bike was un-ridable. These guys were awesome. They charged me $25 to fix a whole bunch of problems and get me back on the road again. read more

I bought my bike here from them less than a year ago. I wasn't impressed with their customer service from the moment I walked in, but for the particular bike that I had my heart (foolishly) set on and after being told that it was a good choice for my particular needs, I got it. The price was better than other places had in town... Anyway, since then I've learned that their customer service is just horrible. If you're like me and don't know much about biking, they will make you feel completely idiotic. My most recent experience with them was when I took my bike in to them the other day (less than a year after purchase of my $700 brand new bike; less than 10 rides total) due to the tires not maintaining pressure. They tell me that BOTH my tires have slow leaks and that I'll have to pay to replace them. How can this expensive (to me) bike that has been ridden less than 10 times in less than a year already have leaky tires. Grumpy and not helpful at all employees is enough for me to never send my business here again. read more

I hesitate to write a negative review of anything, but reading the experiences of others confirms my sentiment in my mind. I went here to buy an air pump and it wasn't very busy, but the person who helped me, I use the term loosely, didn't seem interested. He just sort of grunted where the pumps were. They only seemed to have one brand/style, so i got it. I would have preferred to go to Revolution in Clarendon, but wanted it right away and this store was open earlier on Sunday. I probably should have waited. The same person rang up the purchase and seemed equally uninterested. read more

After looking through all the local bike shops pages of rentals and the cost/stipulations for each I decided BWB was the best deal and most convenient location. I called and asked about making an appointment to come in and be fitted for a used rental - the girl who answered (never identified herself) said I needed to email Mike and kept repeating this each time I asked a question - I don't know why I had to email him all the specifics were spelled out on the website. Mike didi respond within the hour and told me to come over to the store. Upon arriving I expected to be fit for road bike and head home with something - the store was empty and the young female employee walked to a bike, told me to straddle it and as I did she said ok that works fine. No fitting, no sit and pedal, no take the bike for a ride, NOTHING. Then after paying I was told to leave my drivers license (I'm sorry what?) I certainly understand wanting to know who your customrs are but leaving the collateral of my license seemed to be overkill. Being a newer rider I just sucked it up, paid and went on my way. After a few rides it was clear that some adjustments needed to be made. I went over to the store and was told to email Mike. Not sure what he was going to do but I tried - and no response. The following week a fellow teammate went ot BWB Arlington to purchase a new road bike - she did a trade-in and was hoping to walk out same day with the new bike. After 3 hours and several customer interruptions (understand one person can only do so much) she made the purchase and asked to pick it up and was told 2-3 days. Finally they managed to get it for later that evening but not without an argument. She went back at the 4pm time that was discussed and the bike was not ready, it had not even been built. They quickly assemebled it (too quickly it turns out) and she left. She went back 3 day later and bought her fiance a road bike. Same experience of being ignored and treated like her $1800 bike was meaningless. Yesterday I emailed the illustrious Mike to seek some info on extending my rental or purchasing my new bike at a different location and over 24 hrs with no response. I understand that some people are dropping $8-10,000 on these bike and my measley $1800 isn't much but it is to me and I want to be fitted properly and treated like a customer not some low life. Needless to say after returning my rental I won't be back, even the $100 rebate isn't worth it. read more

I would push my bike home with a flat rather than give this shop my business. I cannot say enough bad things about the Arlington location of Big Wheel Bikes. Over the years, I have personally witnessed: 1) a hard-sell for an obviously wrong-sized bike to a customer 2) an attempt to send a bike out on a test-ride with a loose stem 3) bait-and-switch rental tactics 4) ridiculously rude behavior to customers And that's just my direct experience. There's not enough room on this page to repeat the stories of other people's experiences with this shop. There is not, as best I can tell, a single redeeming thing about this place. read more

Ugh, the man that I interacted with today was a horrible asshole. He started off our interaction by insulting my choice in bar tape, which I was willing to laugh off, but when I came back a little while later he had only wrapped half of my bars and refused to do the rest of it. Um...hello? He simply refused, saying, "well, YOU could do it but I won't." (A bike shop - Spokes - that I went to later did it exactly how I wanted.) He also provided unsolicited - and incorrect - advice. He scoffed and said, "your front derailleur isn't working - have you even ridden your bike?" Dude, you're an idiot. Yes, I have ridden my bike, and if you turned the screw on the shifters 45 degrees it would have worked for you, too. He then proceeded in the most patronizingly obnoxious way to inform me that, "it's our policy not to work on bikes that are unsafe." To which I replied, "then I'll never come back here." Pretentious douche bag! Sorry that my bike didn't cost $1000. You're an asshole and I am glad that everyone on Yelp agrees. read more

Stopped in for some quick maintenance accessories (lube and cleaner) and the guy behind the counter couldn't have been less interested. Understand it's a small sale in their world, but really, help a gal out. After asking which product he'd recommend for a road bike, all I got was "somewhere over there...on the shelf". Have you been in a bike store? There are shelves of little trinkets and accessories everywhere. I did make a purchase of degreaser and lube, but I should've voted with my feet and spent my $20 elsewhere. read more

1128am on 06-12-14. Store not even open yet, even though sign says 11am. Three people waiting outside. Unreal. Not even ONE employee is here. Consistently the worst bike shop in Arlington, VA. Period. read more

Marco helped my husband find the perfect bike for trail riding. He was patient, knowledgable and great to work with. We've brought our bikes here for tune-ups as well. Good place for people who are looking to buy or to have work done on their bikes. read more

I've had nothing but great customer service with BWB. Patrice sold me my bike, and unlike other bike salesmen at different shops, he didn't try to constantly up-sell. Instead he listened to my price range / desired features, and did a great job finding the bike that worked for me. Additionally, since I bought the bike, the customer service for tune ups and gear recommendations has been great. Brian has done an excellent job getting me set up. To conclude, BWB has a great location and great staff. Couldn't be more pleased. read more

I don't get Big Wheel Bikes, their customer service was well below par. I was completely ignored by the employees and eventually left and took my business elsewhere. read more

We bought a bike here that they needed to order in and said it would be ready in a week. Called them on the day it was supposed to be picked up and they hadn't even contacted the manufacturer! Then we find out the bike is no longer available so they offered a bike that was "step-up" from the original one with no cost. The next day they said they didn't have that bike either and we were forced to get a model that was a step down and one that we had decided not to get in the first place. They did give a refund back though and were helpful after the first mistake. read more

My experience with this place was horrible. The service is terrible. The owner was rude. Most bike shops in the area are hopping. Your first clue is that the only bike parking is at terrible bike racks. Your second clue is the signs in the parking lot threatening people if they use the bike trail. Your third clue is that the place is dark. And finally your fourth clue is that the place is emply. I think I have had one repair done there, which I then had to redo myself. I tried to buy a bike there and the owner was no help at all. Have no idea how this place stays in business. read more

I just moved to the area and had to get my bike tuned up before I could start using it for transportation/= and leisure. I took my bike in and they had it fixed up within 5 minutes. Very attentive and friendly! I will be going back any time I have a problem or any questions about my bike. read more

We recently moved to Arlington, VA. I needed to drop my son's mountain bike off for a tune up, and Big Wheel Bikes is right around the corner. My first visit to the store to drop the bike off for service was a disappointment...I spent about 10 minutes waiting for the service team (talking amongst themselves) to assist me (there were no other customers in the store) and was helped only after an irritated manager came out of the back office and told one of them to help me. We went to pick the bike up yesterday and received the same poor, indifferent customer service. We waited for assistance and waited again as the employee at the register surfed Facebook while I waited, card in hand, to pay. Once payment was complete, I was not told where to get the bike and found it myself before walking out of the store. Given the significant number bike shops in the area, I recommend against this place--find another. The service is terrible. read more

This is what you get for an $85 tune up: a flat tire and no tire caps. These guys have one thing going for them: convenient location. You can go to Starbucks or the Italian store and wait while they overcharge you for crappy service and work. My recommendation? Anyplace else read more

I would love to know who's the owner of this shop. He/she has a prime location in the bicycling Paradise of the East coast, and continues to consistently provide horrible service. About once per year I give it another try and go into BWB for a part or some service. Each time I go in I get the same bad service from some moron who has no business selling bikes, or even having a sales job. I wish this place would go out of business, or sell to someone who knows how to run a bicycle shop. read more

Big Wheel Bikes was very disappointing! The customer service was horrific: the staff was rude and didn't know much about bikes. They are more interested in making a sale than providing guidance and helping you understand the options. Also, the prices are very high; the salesperson attempted to sell me a bike for $100 more than other stores. I had a bad feeling when I walked in to Big Wheel; I felt worse when I left. Don't waste your time here! read more

I've always had a great experience with the big wheel. They are quick to help out, don't try to oversell you, and really know their stuff. Thanks!! read more

I love bikes and I hate to give any local bike shop a bad review, but this place really is a rip off. Not only is the customer service bad (see the other testimonials below), but they overcharge on both bikes AND bike service. $150 for a basic tune up -- what the hell? If your bike is in basic working condition and just needs brakes tightened and some lube, this is completely jacked up. Oh, and I'd be wary to trade anything in, too. I had a 3-year old $1200 (MSRP without all of the various upgrades I made) touring / commuter bike I looked to trade in -- they offered me $250 for it! Ha ha ha, no thanks. Their used bike prices are generally waaay jacked up as well. There's an old raleigh 3 speed that is NOT in fully restored condition (tires need replacing, rust everywhere, who knows if it works) they are trying to pawn off for $375. You can get one in great shape for $150 on craigslist. Ludicrous. read more

Buyer beware! Do not be taken in by these guys. Their sales tactics are deceptive and they don't offer refunds. Them: "Yes- this bike has a full Shimano Ultegra group set." What was built was a different matter. Admittedly, I bought the bike while it was in the box, because the price for a carbon fiber bike with that component set was too good to pass up, and I didn't want to chance someone else getting it. What was built had a combination of Ultegra & 105's. Now, mind you, Shimano 105's are still good, but they shouldn't say that it comes with a certain component set when, in fact, it does not. Them: "Oh, the 52cm should be the right size for you." When I got on the bike and tested it, I was too stretched out. They did a small adjustment with the stem, but that was *NOT* sufficient. I took the bike to another (better) shop for a complete fit. They added a new seat post and yet another stem. In sum, take your money to a shop that allows you to try a bike for a few hours and allows refunds. read more

I went into this shop looking to upgrade my 5-year old daughter's bike. I'm not a cyclist and don't know a whole lot besides the fact that the cheapo Huffy we bought at the big box store is not a great bike; I wanted some guidance from a knowledgeable person on what to look for. Apparently this place doesn't need my business, because the sales person (turns out he is the owner) who helped was rude and dismissive. On top of that, there was only one 16" bike to choose from and no new 20" bikes to try. He insisted that my 5 year old was ready for a 20" bike, which I would have been open to considering, but my daughter clearly was more comfortable on the 16" bike. His response was that I should "overrule her" and "mandate" the bigger bike. My guess is he never raised children. So, whatever merits this place has for serious cyclists, don't bother going there if you are a novice or are looking for kids; they clearly have no interest in helping. read more