A few years ago I brought my beat up bike in. The male owner asked me immediately about buying a bike instead of fixing it, I explained I was working on building my own but needed this to get around. He was generally short with me. We agreed that I'd leave it to replace some parts and he abruptly asked about a deposit, which was fine. As I went for my wallet he abruptly asked to inspect the bike, again fine but he seemed annoyed. He saw a dent and handed the bike back explaining he can't be liable. I said nothing stood head down thinking about purchasing parts or not. Then the lady owner, who I didn't know was an owner then, approached said, "do you need help" his reply "can you tell this gentleman to leave, I can't work on his bike". I have no idea why he said this. No clue why he was so rude and short through the whole exchange. I understood his reasoning and said nothing against him or his decision. The lady owner responded to this post a year ago saying they told me multiple times they couldn't work on my bike. A complete lie, and I don't understand why they would act like that and then lie. My best guess is I was wearing my work clothes and they must treat poor people extremely disrespectfully. Don't go to a place that would treat anyone like this. This is 100% accurate description. And I'm not struggling with it. I'm just informing the public, if you just want a repair you will be treated horribly I never questioned safety. I understood the comment, but tossing me out while quietly considering my options deserves an apology, not lies from you. After an apology, I'll consider not posting this anymore. For anyone who has gotten this far. Check out the other bad reviews here. The "lady owner" doesn't understand how to treat a bad review. Considering she completely lied about my experiences, I now feel sorry after reading a Number of other disgruntled customers experiences. They are an entertaining read; to see a pretentious, lying business owner at work. "Now please move on" ..... I mean come on, how old are you.... This is pettyness and lies. Bad reviews happen when there is very disrespectful customer service; learn to take criticism, improve from it and move on...... see what I did there read more

Rick F. and Hudson B. Are great! So helpful! I got my mom a new road bike for her birthday and had it shipped to them from Arizona. They had it built quickly and we couldn't be happier. I don't live here anymore, but as someone who works in the bike industry, this is easily the top shop in town. read more

Since I got kicked out of their store for no reason(s) at all. It made me very sad and depressed. I really do missed going to Bloomington Cycle and Fitness Store on E Washington Street. I really wanted to be their customer unless they decided to accept me as a return customer again. I never bothered anyone there. I have a e-bike from another store for $1,600.00 to trade in for that one e-bike I wanted to get from them badly. I only had my e-bike for 1 year, 1 month and 8 days now. My e-bike is excellent condition. I hope one day they, hopefully would accept my return so that I can trade in with that e-bike they had there I wanted to get badly. The other e-bike will be going out of business in the 15th of this month. I don't have other bike store/shops to take my e-bike to. I hope Bloomington Cycle and Fitness would let me back to be their customer again. It is closer to my apartment. read more

Not only did a good friend of mine have issues trying to spend over $3k on a brand new bike (the kid helping, didn't know or help at all) but then I went in trying to spend around $1k on a road bike as well and know I got the same kid that was LESS THAN HAPPY to help me out. He answered one question and that was all I needed. I have never bought anything from these guys but with shops like Vitesse and Wilson Cycle in the same town and I know for a fact those shops are HUGE on customer service, I would advise staying away and going to see Michael (owner/operator) at Wilson Cycle. read more

I've been having a few issues (knee pain, wrist issues) when riding this summer and finally went in for a bike fit. Scott did an amazing job! He made a few minor adjustments and gave me some tips for a different hand placement on my grips. I feel so much better on my rides now. All the issues I have as having are gone. Scott took the time to explain what he thought my problems were and how the adjustments he made should help me. He also said that I should come back in if my problems weren't alleviated or if they got worse. Everyone that works there goes out of their way to help customers and you never feel like you are asking a stupid question. read more

Where do I start? I purchased a bike 2 years ago and I'm very satisfied with it. At that time the customer service was great. However, my last two visits were extremely uncomfortable. I went to set up an appointment for a tune-up and it felt like the person I was talking to was being dismissive. This afternoon my daughter and I went in to purchase a bike. It felt like we weren't wanted in the store. We tried to look around and was told not to go upstairs because they were practicing social distancing and trying to keep customers in one place. I have no problem with that. The problem I have is that it was only three people in the store at the time and that's not including employees... read more

I'm updating my 2008 review from 3 to 5 stars. To be honest, when I looked back at my initial review I felt bad. At the time, what I wrote was true, but there have been a lot of very positive changes at Bloomington Cycle and Fitness in the past 4 years. In December 2008, Scott and Caryn Davis took over ownership of Bloomington Cycle & Fitness and have turned this shop into my favorite bike store in town. They have a loyal customer base because they take time to get to know their customers. My wife had a great experience with Caryn when she went in to look for a road bike. Caryn took the time to explain what to look for and Scott helped make adjustments to the bike setup so that my wife would be riding efficiently. With her purchase, she was given 10% off accessories and she can take the bike in for brake and gear adjustments at no cost. I was recently in the market for a commuter bike and Mike helped me narrow it down to a couple and ultimately choose a bike that I couldn't be happier with. After about six weeks of riding, the brake pads were wearing out, which I thought was odd, so I took the bike in over my lunch break. Mike gave me a discount on some nicer pads and had the bike ready in a few minutes. Another story: I was in there recently and a guy brought in an old beat-up Huffy. Scott checked it out and suggested they not fix the bike because it needed too much work. He could have just fixed what the guy requested and taken the money but he knew that the bike would still have problems and perhaps not be safe. I appreciate that kind of integrity. Some other great things about this shop: - They have an annual cook-out and sale early in the summer. Check it out. - Are you a lady? Well, there are Friday evening Ladies Nights. - They carry Specialized, Schwinn, Surly, Felt, Salsa, GT, and a few others. - As I mentioned--free brake and gear tune-ups for bikes bought at the store. For life. - Scott is also a Body Geometry Fit technician, meaning that he can help you make sure that you and your bike fit nicely together. read more

This is during the whole COVID pandemic so understand that. Called the shop and nobody answered the phone, 2pm on a Saturday. Listened to the recorded message which told me the hours during this crisis. I need a few tubes so thought I could stop by and pick some up. Arrived and knocked on the door, Caryn Davis answered. She asked if I had an appointment or if I had called ahead. I told her no that nobody answered the phone. She immediately got defensive and launched into how she is doing her best to protect her employees (not sure what that has to do with answering the phone). She asked what I needed I told her three tubes and gave her the size, she acted like I was an idiot on the size and questioned me repeatedly about the size as she didn't think it was right. Then she disappeared into the store and I stood there for five minutes not knowing what she was doing. I finally walked away. She's completely rude, and condescending, my wife who was there with me couldn't believe how she acted and told me to never go back there. Well I won't go back, you're a bike shop, you aren't curing cancer, and there is never a reason to act like she did. From the other reviews I see that it is pretty normal behavior from her though. read more

I bought my bike here 10 years ago! Great Customer Service! Fantastic people to do business with. I come back yearly for brake adjustments and an occasional tune up! Don't go anywhere else in town to buy a bike! Simple as that. read more

Karen, Carly and Jennifer are the greatest! They are super helpful, knowledgable and very helpful. They care about their customers and take care of them. I wish all small and big businesses made the effort to serve their customers the way the people at Bloomington Cycle & Fitness does. read more

Bloomington has great bike shops and a large biking community, but BCF is truly awesome. Caryn and her sales team are always friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and go above and beyond. They have a great selection of gear and bikes that would rival any large city bike shop. And Scott and the mechanics are terrific from small repairs and tuneups to more extensive work. And BCF is great in the community sponsoring damn near everything, plus the various organized rides out of the shop for all comers. Friendly, knowledgeable and fun. Two thumbs up! read more

I purchased a Specialized AWOL from BC&F a few years ago. Very nice and helpful people. They sell quality products. Techs are always helpful to answer questions, give advice and fix any problems I can't handle. Of the two shops in town I've had experience with - BC&F and Vitesse - I much prefer BC&F for the product selection, personnel and repair shop. The attached coffee shop is nice too when you are there for a quick adjustment, which they've often fit me in without notice. read more

I have spent many $1,000's of dollars in this store up to the point when Scott the owner outright lied to me and my girlfriend about the availability to order a bike and attempted to sell us a damaged bike he had in stock for very little off. I don't deal with liars. I went to Lil Abe's in Pekin and ordered the bike I wanted at a lower price than the damaged one Scott tried to push on us. read more

Wont take gift cards that are 7.5 year old, even though it says nothing about it expiring. Very bad experience. :(

Since a few of the reviews were written, Bloomington Cycle and Fitness has been taken over (2009) by new owners who are passionate about cycling. The owners and staff are friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable about all kinds of cycling. They are all experienced cyclists. They also do a great job on repairs and maintenance. Also, if you are interested in riding with others in the community, they sponsor many different bike groups: Mountain biking, Road racing and a Friday Night Ladies Only Ride. They can hook you up with other riders at any level if you don't want to ride alone. Great people and great bike shop! read more

After my little ordeal today (broken bike stuff) I was thinking I would be down for at least couple of days ... The bike shop owner really took care of me and got me back up and on the road few hours later... And the shop was slammed (bike fittings, selling bikes, bikes getting worked on) great service... One of the best shops I've been to... Thanks Bloomington Cycle ... I'm here racing from California so it's nice to find a good bike shop that can provide excellent service read more

Extremely rude staff! Came here after calling to see if they had a bicycle chain removal tool. Girl on phone said yes they had 1 left and would hold it for me after I told her I need it for a quick release connection. Came to the store and was told they didn't have the correct tool in stock. I was going to purchase a different tool and a new chain, after speaking with the reluctant sales guy and explaining my need over and over as he didn't seem to understand an older guy sick of his life because the only thing he could amount to being was a "bicycle technician" jumps in the conversation said I didn't have a clue of what I was talking about. I told him all I needed are the the chain removal pliers, I said I saw online with them it's easy to remove the chain. His arrogance lost the sale and I walked out. I will never recommend this place. Note to the owner, great product and service go hand in hand. Teach your staff better customer service! read more

Love this place! Never walk in feeling like I don't pass the "bike geek" test. Friendly, enthusiastic staff will answer the most basic questions with care and knowledge. Have now purchased two # Specializedbikes from them and felt so supported as I learn more about cycling. I highly recommend Bloomington Cycle and Fitness to anyone who is just learning how to cycle or getting interested in cycling. read more

Best bike shop in town! If you're a beginner you won't be talked down to. Employees here really know there stuff. With every new purchase you get a free bike fitting to make sure everything fits your body properly. Wouldn't go anywhere else and very helpful! read more

It would be my preference to address this to Scott directly, but an email address is not available. Yesterday I purchased two tubes for my bike. I installed them both correctly as Scott has shown me in the pass. The first tube blew out immediately while i was pumping it up... not more than 50 pounds of air. The second went smoothly. I returned to the shop not hour later to exchange the $8 tube and the young men said they couldn't warranty the tube because I had installed it incorrectly. I told them exactly what Scott told me to do... they agreed it was right. Joey went to exchange the tube but the other two went back with him to the repair room and apparently clarified my expectation was to have them replace the tube at the shop expense. These young men stood on business principle (thought I disagreed) and maintained a professional manner about them... Joey even offered to install the new tube for me free as a kind gesture if I purchased the replacement. I was agitated and stood also on what I felt was right and declined the free installation because I would have to buy a 3rd tube. I left and respectfully told him that I wouldn't be shopping there anymore. Keep in mind I've spent about $800 there in the last few days. As I left I ran into Scott (here is the major rub); the co-owner of the business. I told him about the tube and that it had blown out... that the young men didn't agree to replace the tube. He looked at the car I came in and said, "it doesn't look like $8 would break you!" I told him it was the principle not the price. He went inside and muttering something about, "the world going around..." When he came from the repair room he said it again, "handouts make the world go round." The comments were rude and likely racial. He spoke to me in an insulting manner and the comment about the replacement tube being a handout? Would he have made the same statement to a non-African American? I am a black man and I was not looking for a handout, nor was I looking to be stepped on by Scott. I called back later to talk to Joey to commend him and the other young men for standing on professional principle in a professional way. Scott on the other hand put an exclamation mark on my statement about not returning there to do business! As an African American leader in this community, one who gathers at this bicycle shop weekly with others for rides, I will lead others to shop and ride from other locations in Bloomington/Normal. We can disagree without being disagreeable! read more

I would agree with the first review that I have felt as though i was talked down to. While Scott, the owner and head mechanic may really know his stuff, he should stay in the shop. He is definitely not as personable as his wife. He has rubbed me the wrong way every time i have been in, almost to a point where i thought he was being rude on purpose. I have also felt that I was given the cold shoulder since i didn't buy my bike from that particular shop. All in all, great selection of bikes, not so much on the components, seems kinda like a club you have to earn your way into. read more

Best shop in town. Run by good people with the customer's best interest in mind. Also the best mechanics in town. Have done all my business here for a decade now. read more

A wonderful bike buying experience!! My son loves cycling so we came to the store to get him his first adult bike. What a breath of fresh air compared to the other stores around! Excellent people and high quality products are just two of the highlights!! We had such a great time! read more

I recently went out looking for a simple hybrid. The owner Caryn was very helpful and let me test ride a couple of nice bikes. The bikes were supposedly on clearance sale. Was I surprised to see the clearance price was the actual MSRP for the bike I liked! C'mon!? Really?! Over $100 mark-up over MSRP?? Everyone has the power of the internet. No sale on the "sale" I purchased at a different local shop. I have also had so-so service there. The young staff members want to blame every shifting problem on cross chaining! No, that isn't it... read more

When I went there, the customer service was beyond rude. It was disrespectful and mean. Both owners don't know how to apologize but are fine with treating customers like garbage. I am intentionally using plural here because when I explained my experience there to friends of mine I found this type of conduct is typical for them. Wilson or Vitesse will treat you like a decent human being from my experience. read more

The team at BCAF really know their stuff. Excellent customer service and a real interest in getting you the best bike for you. Don't waste time on a crappy bike. Come to see Caryn and Scott at Bloomington Cycle... you won't be disapointed. read more

fantastic service, pleasant people, and HONEST, not out to get a quick buck, they do care.

This is a great bike shop. It's located right on the Constitution Trail and they often help with minor problems without hesitation if you ride in. I purchased my bike used out of town but they've always been helpful. Scott ran me through the fitting process and made adjustments/recommendations for an issue with numbness in my feet. Whatever he did fixed the problem. My next bike will be from here! read more

Incredibly helpful and accommodating. They really get customer service at this location. They were very busy and the bike repair guy stopped what he was doing to replace an inter tube for us so we could get on our way. We will definitely visit them again and would refer anyone we know to them. read more

I brought two bikes in for a tuneup and as needed repairs. I told them it was not a priority as I was going to be out of state for a wedding. They called me and told me I needed additional repairs and quoted me $$$ on the additional work for which I was fine. Stephaine called and said the repair was done and I told her it would be awhile till I returned and could get over to the shop. Upon my return she called again and I told her I would be over after work to pickup the bikes. To my surprise on the bill I was charged an additional $60 for storage since I did not pick them up after 3 days. I then inquired why did she not tell me that charge was going to be added and her response was simply that their work order states storage charges can be added but nowhere does it state how much. So I guess it is up to the owners discretion. It would have been nice if she would have told that prior to paying the bill. So beware if you have any service done at Bloomington Cycle have your attorney read the fine print as they will make up a fee schedule that benefits them. I should have known better next time Vitesse Cycle Shop. read more

I believe that providing excellence in customer service is paramount to any business. I will no longer support Bloomington Cycle & Fitness because the store owner was unsuccessful in handling the return of their products, made rude comments to customers, and demonstrated an appalling lack of emotional discipline. At the very least, an empathetic apology may bring about an outcome where their reputation is not tarnished as "boldly unprofessional". read more