I am their customer for 15 years. However, my recent experience with them was very disappointing. Unfortunately they are overcharging, double charging and very untrustworthy. (1) They replaced the kickstand for $12.70. Then few days later it became very lose-I felt it needs to tight the screws. Since I do not have repair tools, I brought the bike back to the store. There was an Asian woman in the front desk and she took a tool and forcefully screwed the nails and said "It is OK now". At that moment it was fine but just few hours later when I first attempted to use the kickstand, it was not working and it was very lose again. I did not have a time to take the bike to the store immediately. Next week I took my bike to the store. The guy took my bike behind the desk and wanted to find out what the problem was. I said it was a new kickstand since this store replaced it 10 days ago. He took out the kickstand and replaced with a new one. I was hoping that it was their excuse and free to charge if it has ever needed a replacement of the parts or fixing since it was completely related with their earlier repairs. After putting a new kickstand he said "It was broken; I replaced it" and wanted me to pay another $12.70. I was very upset. How come it could be broken, even I did not use it since it was very loose and their employee tighten the nail. If it was broken, their employee should be responsible. He just ignored me and constantly saying the same thing: "The kickstand was broken; I changed it" He did NOT show me where the crack or break was; and NOT return my old kickstand. I paid another $12.70 in order to take my bike from his hand. Since then I decided not to go there for any kind of repairs other than buying the bike parts when I needed. (2) Today I went there to buy one barrel for my brake. The guy find out one from the bike garbage and sold it to me for $3.19 (On the Internet, 10 new barrels was for $6.50 ; Thus .65 cents for one barrel). Interesting the owner was there and he told the cashier $2.50 but the cashier (The guy with strange holo earrings) picked the price from his gut whatever the number came to his mind. In summary, I do not trust them anymore. I won't go there. Be aware! read more

Very good work, honest, careful. The care of staff in setting up repairs makes for longer prep time, but worth it. My bike badly needed a tune-up-- phoned Cambridge bicycle as the place closest to where I live to ask the routine-- was told to bring in my bike so they could assess it and that I'd be given a date at that time on which drop it off. Didn't like having to make 2 trips (one for assessment and one for actual work) but they explained that pre-assessment is necessary so that no surprises (extra on bill, parts needing to be ordered) sprang up once bike was already out of my hands. Got there and waited a full 25 minutes for someone to look at my bike. Irritating, but I could see that they were busy and two customers were before me. Personnel didn't try to hustle through their interactions with other customers in order to get to me (and other person who came in after me)-- again, irritating from my POV, but I appreciated the fact that they tried to do right by all of their customers and so I could assume they'd do the same by me when they finally got to me. Which they did. Clear and honest assessment of what my bike needed; average price for tune-up and new chain. I was told to drop off bike in morning on the following Tuesday. It was ready by that evening. They did superb work-- the bike is a pleasure to ride-- and the prices are fair, AND they seem to respect the fact that a lot of people rely on their bicycles for primary transportation and thus really can't afford to have them in the shop for long. Will definitely use them from now on, and recommend them highly. P.S. What's with all the "hipster" comments in these reviews? I'm distinctly un-hip myself, with a VERY un-cool bicycle (umpteen gears, woman's frame, milk crate on back, etc.). Call me thick, but I noticed no bad attitude. The people at Cambridge Bicycle know their work, they do it well, and they're pleasant to deal with. Seems like the commentators who sniff at too-cool-for-this attitude are carrying the chip on their shoulders into the shop with them. read more

I feel bad about this one. Like a bad person. I went to a number of bike shops all around Boston after my bike was stolen and far and away had the most luck getting knowledgeable, helpful, and tailored service at Cambridge Bicycle. I didn't end up buying a bike from here. The reason the elusive 5th star was almost absent is due to price, so I would go 4.5 but some ignorant reviewers have previously given them short shrift. I essentially bought an older version online of a bike I test rode at their store. I hadn't budgeted a new bike purchase (stolen!) and was really trying not to spend above $400 and the bikes there I was looking at were right at that level. I found a model online for $250, I couldn't pass it up. Their selection is good, not vast. They have quality offerings that can outfit any rider well, better than the other stores I went to. They make good use of their space and can find something that fits you (size, needs, and personality). It remains to be seen whether I'll be happy turning to the soulless internet in lieu of supporting a small business (like I said, bad person), but we'll see. That being said, there's not a place in Boston that I would trust to repair my bike nearly as much as this place. They also offer a year of free tune ups with any bike purchase and I'm stuck assembling my own bike when it comes in the mail. Now we'll see how my awkwardness takes effect after I've wasted buckets of their time and then didn't buy a bike if I need repairs. I'm assuming they'd still be glad for the work, I just feel like a schmuck. And who doesn't love hipsters? read more

I'm writing this review in response to a couple of interactions I've had with these folks. As a longtime cyclist and dabbler in the bike industry, a few observations: 1. You guys don't really know a whole lot about bikes. Now, I know that you're hipsters and you don't really RIDE bicycles. But when someone comes in looking for chain ring spacers...something which is more-than-likely something you took off of your crappy 80s Nishikisonicyata...and you have to ask three people what they are...and the MECHANICS are scratching their heads...they shouldn't be fixing them. 2. The attitude. I really dislike the attitude. Seriously, you're recent converts. How long have you been riding bikes, maybe...2 years? You've never ridden road bikes. You've never ridden mountain bikes. You've never ridden cross bikes. Heck, you don't even ride your own bikes. I wouldn't ride the bikes you own, either. Chances are I might have built one or two of them, those bikes you're riding that were made before you were born. You're not deeply-connected in the cycling community. You are merely hangers-on and everyone knows it. 3. Your bike selection, which other people seem to think is "impressive", is horrible. If you're a "bike shop" and the core road, mountain and bmx riders avoid you, you need to reevaluate. 4. What's up with the "shop photo" you put up of the shop "employee" and the kid? I bet there's a story there...shiver. read more

Josh & the Ace Mechanic team really did a great job for me today. I had a mildly traumatizing event - my bike was molested at Copley Square by thieves who tried to take it apart while it was locked outside of Sugary Heaven. I took it, in pieces, to Cambridge Bicycle today and Josh & team fixed it right up. No wait, and no cost. He had extras of the pieces that were missing, and I had purchased the bike from them 2 years ago. I thanked them profusely, and felt this was an experience worth writing about. But this is nowhere near my first great experience with them. This place is right near my house, which is why I started going there years ago. If I ever move to any other neighborhood in Boston, though, I will still make the effort to continue to use Cambridge Bicycle. The manager, whose name I can't recall, has also been great and helpful. I can't thank Josh & Cambridge Bicycle enough. If you've ever had people mess with your bikes, or steal them, you know how much it sucks and how bad it affects you, especially if your bike is a part of you, like it is with me. They really came through for me and helped me out on what had been a pretty shitty week. read more

I have to say I don't know much about bikes, but when I recently moved to Cambridge one of my first stops was to pick up a cheap bike to ride around town. I came into the store and was a little overwhelmed by all the different bikes so I told one of the guys working there what I was looking for and he showed me a bunch of different bikes in my price range that would work. I test rode a couple that jumped out at me and fell in love with the jamis commuter. it was light and fast and didn't break the bank, I even got 20% off because I luckily came in during a winter sale!! My sales guy, I think his name was Zack, then helped me pick out a helmet and lock, apparently you need a ulock or your bike will get stolen, which are a little expensive but I was told it is the only way to go in Boston. They also said I should buy lights but I decided to come back and get those later. All in all it cost less than $500, and I even get free tune ups for a year. I would totally recommend this place if you are in the area and are looking for a bike! read more

I've been to many of the bike shops in Cambridge and Boston proper and I can safely endorse this as my favorite. Their service is excellent, employees are accomadating, and I'd say their prices for big-ticket items are notably below average as well. Their hours are later than many other places, which I value as a working stiff; on one occasion I was able to find help for a flat at 7:30 in the evening. Essentially what I'm trying to say here is that if god himself were to create a bike shop, this would be it. Already I hear the wailing moans of readers: "How could you presume to set this institution astride the lord of hosts? Does it not paralyze even your perverse logic to reduce the incomparable almighty to so mean a scope?" My reply would follow summarily: "The existence of god is a matter of debate, my good man, but the caliber of Cambridge Bicycle is beyond question. I don't know where I was going with that. But yeah, in summary, two thumbs up! read more

I got my Jamis Commuter 2 at Cambridge Bicycle last fall, and I LOVE it! The buying experience was great, too. I worked with the owner (Kip), who was very patient as I tried bike after bike. I used to ride road bikes, back in the day, but after a few car accidents, I needed something a little more gentle. So... Kip steered me to the Commuter 2, and I must say he steered me right. It's comfy, smooth, and overall a great ride! Kip also helped my daughter find the perfect bike. She was nervous about riding at all, but he helped her feel comfortable, and now she loves her bike and rides it as often as possible. We got a couple t-shirts while we were there, too, and they're so soft! As an added bonus, it felt great to support a local business, instead of a corporate-owned chain or franchise. I highly recommend this shop! read more

Went in looking for a bike on a Friday afternoon. I was very impressed with the service from Ling. After describing my past history of bikes, and roughly what I was looking for, she really zeroed in and showed me exactly what I was looking for. She encouraged me to test ride a number of bikes, and clearly contrasted the differences between each including what you get for the additional money. She proved herself very knowledgeable whenever I asked questions, and was very patient while I contemplated my choices. When I finally told her I needed more time to think about it, she was wrote down the information about the bikes I was looking at, and encouraged me to research more and come back whenever I was ready. Couldn't ask for better service! read more

Doesn't get much better than this place, especially for fixed gear and single speed bikes, everytime I come in they have some crazy new stuff I didn't even know existed, plus they are always doing custom bikes and displaying them in the window and its funny to watch people drool all over them. They are also really friendly and helpful with repairs. I have seen everything from titanium road bikes and huffy's up in their repair stands so it appears they will work on anything. Definitely the most chill place to go, and if you want to know whats going on in the boston bike scene you should ask them because they also have race teams and put on lots of bike related events!! read more

It's like they don't even want our business. My interpretation is that they're running a super-cool hipster club, and they just happen to leave the door unlocked during the day. Don't try to stroll in here asking for their advice about anything. Expect them to be condescending and generally unhelpful. For example, I walked in here a while back looking for a messenger bag that has a padded laptop compartment. After looking at the few on the wall, I asked if they had an advice on what brands would be good to look at for such an item. The guy at the register said flatly, "Well, a messenger would NEVER carry a laptop." Thanks buddy. That's helpful. read more

pretentious, unhelpful, hipster shop, and extremely overpriced. snapped the chain on my road bike, came here only b/c it was open on sunday and i wanted to ride again the same day. maybe it's b/c mentioned my bike had hears, and they regard anyone not riding a fixie/ss with disgust and contempt. i walked to the counter and waited while 3 staff just talked with each other (abt how much Pabst they crushed the night before), until one finally asked, disappointed i hadn't left already, if i needed help. paid $22 for a Z chain, and got out as fast as possible - went in to Community Bicycle Supply on Monday, just to compare, and the same chain was $18. read more

I had a great shopping experience here! I didn't know too much about road bikes before coming, but the salesgirl spent over an hour and a half with me explaining everything. She set me up with several bikes to test ride and patiently answered every single annoying question I had. There was no pressure to buy anything, but I did end up getting a road bike that I'm very happy with. I explained what my price range was, and there was no pressure to spend more than I wanted. A new bike comes with a year of free tune-ups, which is a nice perk. read more

I had a disappointing experience at Cambridge Bicycle. The staff seemed disinterested in helping, and when they did offer advice, it felt rushed and unhelpful. I ended up purchasing a bike based on their recommendation, but it turned out to be a poor fit for my needs. When I tried to address the issue, they were unresponsive and dismissive. Overall, the customer service was lacking, and I regret my decision to shop here. I would not recommend this place to others. read more

This shop has everything for every style of urban rider. I try to get my tune ups done in the off season to avoid the crowds. I mainly ride my cruiser townie bike but also have a fixed gear and they definitely have the biggest selection of that stuff in town and seem to be the most knowledgeable on the topic. They built my phil wood wheelset and its amazing!! I love the laid back vibe of this shop, I never feel any pressure!! read more

People in this palace has gotten serious attitude problems. People treat customers with arrogance and they do not seem to care about making customers wait. I am not sure if they are skilled either because I got 6 flat tires in one winter and I mostly came here for fixing. Unfortunately, this place is the only one near my school, but if I could avoid it, I definitely would. read more

Awesome place and great crew working there! I was looking around for some hard to find bike parts and stopped into Cambridge bicycle to ask whether they could help me out. Josh and the ace mechanic squad were incredibly helpful and scrounged up the parts I was looking for. They were super helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. I would go back in a heart beat! read more

Super nice staff that knows what they're doing and don't overcharge. I wrecked in the snow nearby their shop and they were super helpful in getting me back on the road. They trued my wheel and noticed and fixed some problems that I had asked a previous bike shop to fix - all for less than the other shop cost me. read more

Very very very rude and unfriendly, The girl with the glasses at the repair shop !!! So rude , even to kids , we are 5 families that we used this shop before , and all of us agreed that as long as you keep that girl working there , we will never come back !! No need to have that kind of customer service ! read more