I came in here to rent a bike, and I walked out the door in less than five minutes with a fitted helmet and an amazing price to boot. The person who helped me was extremely nice, polite, and efficient. They definitely get my recommendation for bike rentals but they also have an impressive selection of bikes and gear to purchase, so I'll be sure to think of them when I need a new bike or accessories. read more

Mike, the owner, is just a stand up up person. He greeted me outside after I came back to pick up my burner bike and helped me put it onto my bike rack. With burning man coming up I came in last minute hoping to have my back tire looked at since it was feeling more wobbly than normal. He took a quick look at it and said he'd fix it for free no problem. Because of this, I brought in my other commuter bike since I just recently got a flat. I also needed a new bike seat since mine was 10+years old and practically falling apart. He picked one out that was ergonomically good for my size. I recommend this shop for anyone who is looking for a decent bike mechanic. He's not out there to scam you out of money. Just is welcoming and willing to help. Thanks Mike! read more

My niece and nephew were here for a month vacation. I signed them up for a bike lesson as they do not know how to ride without training wheels but we do not have a bike. I tried to rent kid bikes but no luck finding one.I went to Bikes on Solano, Mike let me borrow two kids bikes. I was so touch! My niece and nephew were so happy too. Thank you for letting us borrow the bikes~! read more

Well according to their web page they open at 10! I walked a mile and a half to get there 10 after 10 still not open.Walked a mile and a half back. If you can't open your business on time maybe you should get the hell out of it and find one more suitable to your hours. read more

So sad. The owner Mike is great, but the older mechanic (Art?) is such a liability, I cannot continue going to this shop. He was condescending and disrespectful of my "Frankenstein" bike and my situation. I was hoping to drop-off my bike and PAY any reasonable price to have it fixed, but he suggested I tighten a barrel adjuster and fix it myself. Now I will have to get a ride from Mike's Bikes when I drop my bike off there for repairs. Contrast the other reviews below who mention Mike and Art. Mike, you should either try to find a mechanic who is nice to customers when you are not there, or forbid him from dealing with customers. He is hurting your business. I've spent hundreds of dollars there over the years, but cannot keep using your shop if I can't be sure you will be there when I drop-off my bike. read more

TL;DR Took 1 MONTH to replace my bottom bracket, mostly due to an inability to contact a manufacturer themselves. Brought a broken bottom bracket in, asking to remove it, and install a new one. He tried to remove it, and had trouble, but doesn't reach out to the manufacturer, instead asks me to ask them for help. I reached out for help, but before I hear back he figures it out. I asked him to replace it with one in stock, and he says he can put the warranty replacement in when it arrives, and I agreed. When I bring the warranty replacement bottom bracket, he tells me that he lost parts from the previous bottom bracket but "I will look for them, and let you know if I can't find them." I wait from Friday until Tuesday and when I call he says, "oh I was just about to call you. I can't find the parts, can you call them and get the parts replaced?". I tell him to call, since he knows more about what he needs from them, and he lost the parts in the first place. When he gets back to me, he tells me that the manufacturer will not work with him, since he is not a vendor, and I have to call them. I contacted the manufacturer and asked them directly if the shop was able to reach out for help, and they were very clear that all that needed to be done was a very quick on boarding as a vendor, and they would have been more than willing to help. After all this, I drop off the part on Monday night before they close, and he said "It will be ready tomorrow afternoon." Tuesday, no call. Wednesday, no call. Thursday Thanksgiving. Friday, I call at exactly 11am, no answer. I text the mechanic directly, no reply. I tell him I am going to come by and check on the bike, and he finally replies letting me know it is ready. Total time without my bike 1 MONTH. read more

Terrible service for a bike shop. I walked into Bikes on Solano asking to barrow an Allen wrench to adjust my handle bars. A simple fix. But the older guy with Doc Brown, Back to the Future, hair (possibly owner?) was a total douche bag about my request. He asked what I needed and said, "I'm not going to loan tools for a bike with one brake. I'll SELL you an Allen wrench but I won't loan you one" So he implied if I had two brakes he would let me use the wrench. "That's ok," I said, "I'll go to my usual shop Missing Link." As I was walking out he actually shouted at me, "that bike is dangerous! That's why bikes are made with two brakes!" I get he's trying to make money, and clearly that's his only interest.. Not accommodating customers. Just because I'm not buying a tool from you right now doesn't give you the right to lecture a potential future customer on your personal bike philosophy. After this experience, I'll definitely never spend a dime here. Find another bike shop and AVOID Bikes on Solano. read more

I went into bikes on Salono on a weekday morning to get a bicycle looked over before a cross country road trip. They said they'd have it done by the afternoon, but I didn't hear from them all day. I called in the evening and they said they'd had a super busy day, and that they hadn't gotten to the bike, but said I should come in 35 minutes later (at closing time) and they'd have it. When I Showed up there were no other customers in the shop and I was charged $115 for an adjustable delta rack and labor (which, given the fact that they hadn't gotten to the bike when I called ran something like $120/hr). At the end of the next day, after riding 60 miles, a screw had fallen off the rack, the arms had started to bend, and my bicycle frame came apart. Bikes on Salona may know their way around a bike, but they really don't care about your safety as a rider and won't hesitate to skimp on services. I sincerely hope that the Bay Area isn't plagued with many shops like this one. read more

The owner of this bike shop and his shop staff were super cool to me and my daughter! Amazing how nice they were and went above and beyond!!!! I would give 10 stars if I could! Thank you Albany bike shop! read more

In a day of almost instantaneous gratification with some online retailers offering same day delivery, we have lost that connection which is so valuable. No longer do people walk up to a seasoned and experienced professional when we have a question. We no longer get to know the person on the other end of that (click) on an app. Instead what we have is a call center with pre scripted responses, no warmth, no real knowledge. After many years of just that, I came across a wonderful bike shop. That shop is Bikes on Solano in Albany California. The minute you enter the shop, you are immediately greeted by Mike who owns the bicycle shop. Mike takes the time to talk to you, he's genuinely interested in making sure you are taken care of. Instead of trying to simply make a sale, Mike and his staff go out of their way to learn what it is exactly that you are looking for. Be it a quick flat tire repair or a quest for a new bike, you are always treated like you are the only customer in the store. My personal experience with Bikes on Solano started a day when after a long ride, my brakes started making a scraping noise on my way back. I stopped in and spoke with Mike himself and he immediately put my bike on a work stand and got to work. When I asked how much I owed him, he said it was fine and he would not charge me that time. That started what has now become a great relationship between myself and this shop. Every time I have needed a part or work done, I go out of my way to drive out to Albany even though there are several shops closer to me. I go out of my way because the staff at Bikes on Solano go out of their way to make sure I am taken care of. I will continue to visit Bikes on Solano from now on and if you are looking for an honest and caring experience, I suggest you pay them a visit as well. read more

Just know that these jerks are not open at the time it says in their phone message nor on this site. I understand they have to modify hours, but it's not rocket science to change the listing so someone like me (or maybe you) doesn't go over there and waste time to find out they're closed. Yet they say it's "too hard" to change the message. With service like that, you're on your own if you actually buy something here - I imagine they wouldn't have the time to actually do anything you needed, either. read more

As someone who hasn't owned a bike in years, I'm grateful for how approachable Mike was, and how thorough he was in helping me get back on the road. He was generous with his time and services, and helped me think through all the things I would need to get back to bicycling. Although the rainstorms have prevented me from using my new bike has much as I'd like, in the times I have ridden it, Mike's handiwork has paid off. Professional, accommodating and friendly. Five stars all the way! read more

I earlier gave him (Mike) a 5 star rating for how he helped me. I have bought numerous little things. I just bought a new $500 bike. His suggestions & help are perfect for me. He runs his biz by the Golden Rule. He puts his all into helping people. I've seen him with grandmothers buying for their grandchildren to dedicated bikers. They all get the first class treatment that I received.I LOVE the new bike as I love the the repair work he did to my old bike. He is very knowledgeable. He gives complete answers including the why & how. read more

NIGHTMARE EXPERIENCE!!! I bring my 60+ year old bike in for service on a sunday for a safety check,adjustments, and to repair a flat tire. Mike was friendly, but that's about all I got out of that place. He told me it would be ready on the following thursday. Thursday comes and goes but no word from Bikes on Solano. Friday goes by and still, NOTHING. So I call them up Saturday and he says the bike is ready. I ask him for a rundown on what he did and he left out changing the brake pads- which is one of the things I told him to replace. He tells me to give him a couple of hours so I head on in there Saturday afternoon to discover that the special valve stem cap is missing, the crank freely spins because they UNadjusted the simple stermy-archer 3-speed, and the stainless steel rear fender support was completely bent. Mike admitted he didn't even take the bike out for a test drive-I was so pissed that I had to leave before I caused a scene inside the place and told him i would return on Sunday to pick up the bike. I returned on Sunday, NO apologies-no offer for discount, NO NOTHING!... and he still managed to leave a nut loose-which I originally told him needed tightening when I brought it in. It was the WORST bike shop experience I've ever dealt with-hands down. Don't waste your time & money at this place, unless you enjoy a piss-poor experience!!! My bike sure won't be going back there-get your act together Bikes on Solano- your dysfunctional shop was a huge disappointment. read more

They have maintained my 1990 Cannondale touring bike since they opened. All of their repairs have worked. Most of my accessories on were installed by them. The manager and employees are so friendly and helpful. I look forward to a long tour knowing that my bike won't fail me thanks to them. read more

A local bike shop is like bread and butter. Paul and Mike are so supportive and helped get our bikes back in riding shape in time for upcoming bike trips. Thanks for the help guys! read more

This place is amazing. I took my daughter's pink girly bike in for air in her tires and tightening up the frame -- they did it for free. One guy, Mike, was exceptionally nice and courteous, pointing out bikes that may be a good fit for me as an inexperienced bike rider. I will definitely be back when it's time to purchase one! The other man behind the counter that some of the reviews have complained about was also very nice. People are too sensitive, sheesh. read more

Owner is nice and very helpful. Mechanics are unreliable. I brought my bike in to have a bottom bracket replaced. I paid $200+ for the bottom bracket plus more to install it. The bottom bracket they suggested was a bit overkill, but I went with it and I have no problem with paying extra to have a local shop do repairs. However, the repair has to be done correctly. About a month later, the bottom bracket started creaking quite a bit. When I pulled the crankset to investigate, I discovered the bottom bracket was barely finger tight. This should not happen so quickly, no matter how the bike was used. The shop gets good reviews and I don't like leaving a negative review. I really like to support a local bike shops. However, I guess I will have to find a different one to support. read more

Mike is awesome and incredibly generous. We went into his store to buy two bikes for our little boys. Mike noticed they were both in between sizes and he quickly loaned us two bikes for free. No deposit. No conditions. Just a free loan. He fixed up the bikes for us and took off the pedals so they could learn to balance first. He is a genuinely nice guy who is excited about biking and wants others to enjoy it too. He has a nice selection of used kids bikes and a lot of good tips for helping our little ones learn. We will definitely be going back and purchasing bikes for the whole family as soon as they transition to larger sizes. read more

I really don't know much about bikes but I bought what I thought was a beater from a friend. It turns out the bike is actually pretty nice and worth a lot more than I thought it was. I was pretty intimidated by the idea of walking into a bike shop without having much knowledge but I knew there was something wrong with the bike and I decided to just take it in. The mechanic who helped me was Arthur, he was extremely nice and basically told me what was wrong with the bike, what he could do to fix it, with or without all the bells and whistles. In the end I just got the necessary repairs done and a minor cosmetic detail for a great price. Not only that but it was done in less than a couple of hours. Also, when I walked out I noticed they had even thrown in a nice headlight. How awesome are they? I was very satisfied with the service and will definitely be returning and recommending this bike shop. read more

Unbelievably condescending salesperson. We were told to go to walmart, so we drove across the bridge to shop at another store where the salespeople are decent and spent 4k cash. read more

I stopped in because my mountain bike's fork was leaking. Travis took care of it quickly, and I got excellent customer service. The whole team at Bikes on Solano rocks. Whether you need a new bike, a used one, or service on your ride, these folks will take great care of you. read more

I have been here at least five times and have found the staff super helpful and caring, whether I'm spending money or not. They seem to prioritize your actual biking needs over selling you new stuff you don't need. It's a great shop and I'm so happy it's there! read more

If you're tired of aloof bike shops that charge too much and serve up a dismissive tone while they sell you expensive accessories you don't really need, give this place your business. Friendly, courteous, helpful and reasonably priced, this place is my favorite bike shop. The owner is humble,knowledgeable and always ready to help everyone from seasoned enthusiasts to beginners. If they don't have what you need they never hesitate to recommend where you might find it. I'm so glad I found them and I think you will be too. read more

Excellent customer service! Bikes On Solano is the best. Most helpful, courteous, and friendly owner and staff. Great work repairing and maintaining all of my family's bikes. They go the extra mile. I am so glad I can count on them whenever I've needed help or advice with all thing regarding bicycles. read more

A wonderful bike shop. Mike the owner and his staff were very helpful and friendly. I test road one of the bikes and Mike showed me an ebike he built himself that could reach up to 45mph which was very cool. Nice shop nestled in the middle of downtown with a small hometown setting. read more

Friendly, helpful staff always makes for a good experience. The crew at Bikes on Solano are nice and easy to deal with, and they're up front about their prices, which are reasonable. It's great to have a bike shop like this in the neighborhood. read more

Be very careful when you take your bicycle here for work. The estimate is worthless. They decided a different part was needed, one that was twice as expensive and didn't call to authorize the increased cost. In fact they didn't call when the work was complete. I had to call them to discover why my bicycle wasn't ready and I was informed that a different part had to ordered, but the increased cost wasn't mentioned. I called a week later to find out the status and was told the bike had been ready for days. It was only when they took my credit card that I discovered the new higher price (50% higher than the original parts and labor quote) I had to pay to recover my bicycle. read more

Best bike shop in the Bay Area. Repairs are always on time and staff is always friendly. They even comped my first service because I bought the bike from them a few months back! Businesses like this are few and far in between. read more

Mike has taken great care of us as we have been keeping up with our daughter's growth spurts, making sure we had the right size bike for her. He's been really patient, listened to what we wanted and super helpful and responsive. Even though there are closer shops we will keep coming back here. read more

There are many bike shops around but in my experience, few are expert. This shop really is!They just completely rebuilt the drive train on my not-new but beloved Italian bike, and the result is amazing. The job turned out to be unexpectedly complcated because of incompatibility of various parts but the guys kept me informed of each hurdle and ultimately worked it out beautifully. I would not go anywhere else to service my bike! read more

I am grateful to Bikes on Solano, and to Mike in particular, for first-rate service. I acquired an unusual bike while visiting from out of town and Mike very generously installed a couple of accessories, furnished a box, and disassembled it so I could transport it. This is the kind of friendly, helpful service that distinguishes a great neighborhood bike shop. Thank you again! read more

An earlier review said it perfectly: Mike is friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and seems to genuinely care ... in my case that I get the right $18 worth of tools and lube. He must have spent 10 minutes going into great detail on how to mount a stubborn tire/rim/tube combo for the first time (your tip to sprinkle talcum/baby powder inside the tire and around the tube worked great, Mike!). I'm putting together a commuter project right now and will be coming back for sure to support this local owned business. read more

Great bike shop owned by Mike, a guy who will go out of his way to help. I had my bike stolen recently, and he helped me put together an estimate with all the accessories I added over the years for an insurance claim. Super friendly staff. Mike also has an urban farm with many chicken and a few goats right in Berkeley! the other day when I was in the shop, there were several people who came in for help that he and his guys did on the spot...from showing someone how to adjust her seat to helping a dad change his sons flat in time for an evening ride! read more

I've been going to Bikes on Solano for many years ( during previous ownerships as Wheels of Jusice and Solano Cyclery ). I knew the former owner, Charlie well, seeing him on centuries when he set up help stations. The new operation is the best yet. I find them extremely helpful, giving prompt service and very reasonable prices for their service. For the last couple of years, I've been exclusively working with Art for all the accumulating problems with my old Trek 5500. He has worked miracles in getting my 9 speed cassette working properly, even digging up used shifters for short term fixes. He knows my bike like no one else ( also knows my name although I may not come back to the store for months ). He has always been pleasant, easy to talk to, with intersting insights into the unique aspects of my bicycle. I can't recommend him and his workmanship more highly. If you want someone with years of expert knowledge to work on your bike, Art is the man. read more

These guys are really great. I came into their shop ignorant and self conscious about my lack of knowledge when it comes to bikes and was taken care of by a fella named Arthur. This guy was patient, engaged, and knew his stuff. He had me test ride a couple of commuter bikes until I found my baby- a beautiful silver coda sport Jamis that now gets me to work and just about everywhere else. The shop had a good vibe, like a club house for bike people. All the employees are helpful and laid back, they don't push you to make a sale and take a genuine interest in doing right by you. I highly recommend going here for a tune up, a lock, a helmet, a new bike, or just some advice. Much appreciated guys. read more

I am new to biking and contacted Erik C. at Bikes on Solano for buying advice and general knowledge about getting into biking. He is very knowledgeable and considerate. Gave me beginner advice and informed me on bike maintenance. Great guy, great shop, great help. read more

Had the good luck to visit the shop today. 100 % impressed with the customer service! I will return when bike issues arise!

Quite possibly the worst bike experience in the 10+ years I've been going to bike shops. Art felt the need to lecture me twice for 90 mins a piece on why I should never bring a bike he didn't build to his shop. He tried hard to overcharge me on parts but then wouldn't hear me out when he tried playing detective on the history of the bike. He didn't want my business when I got fed up with his chastising. Not sure why I stuck around for so long and I will Never be coming back. Save your money go somewhere else. Not only did I feel disrespected as a customer but I can't believe he tried to steal from me by overcharging. Take my advice and Go Elsewhere! read more

Do not go here. If you want to get lectured by an old man about how you know absolutely nothing about bikes and "meeting you half way" in a absurd $100 bike tune up, by all means come here and waste your time. I will never be coming back to this excuse for a local bike shop and will be telling anyone else with bike needs to go somewhere else. read more