I posted this a week ago and took it down, deciding to give Marc the benefit of the doubt. But a week later, he has not responded to any (multiple) communications, so here it is. This Bike Shop has closed (both of them)! First, I have purchased a few High End Bikes from Marc previously and while he's a little prickly, his advice has always been sound, if not a little off-putting. Even years ago it was hard to tell if the shop was going to be open or closed, so you had to call and make arrangements ahead of going there. It was one of those places where advice was good, but customer service was always lacking. Now, if you go to the old website it links to a new site called Seven24 Bicycles. The new website lists some pretty attractive bikes at very good prices, but it fails to mention that these are all old models that he's attempting to move on to clear out his stock from the stores. This presents two issues: - The shop is no longer listed as a dealer for the bikes he sells. Not sure if these bikes come backed by any manufacturers warrantee. I seriously doubt that any of the manufacturers will warrantee a 2021 model first sold in 2026. I'd confirm my suspicions with the owner, but he refuses to answer any calls, emails, or texts. - Marc (the owner) is very difficult to get in touch with, if you call it says to email, if you email he replies saying to text. Took a few attempts, but finally got in touch with him. Made arrangement to meet him at a non-retail facility on a Friday after he said it was the best day to meet up. Friday morning as we were in route, he cancelled on us and said we'd need to meet on Sunday. Sunday morning we drive to his "warehouse" (30+ minutes each way) and he's a NO SHOW! Waited a half hour and called and texted with no response, I have called, texted for a week now, he refuses to respond. We ended up buying one bike from Trek there in San Marcos and one from REI in San Diego. Don't bother with this guy, it's a waste time your time. It's pretty clear he doesn't need customers. read more

The day prior I was reading over Mark's website. I noticed he was closed according to his store hours in San Marcos as well as Escondido. His website states he'll open on days he is closed per appointment only, so I went ahead and gave him a call requesting an opportunity to visit today Sunday, April 16th at 3pm latest. Sure enough he was there for us. At the end of the visit we ended up purchasing three BMX bikes. Although we went to his Escondido location, I'm certain he has a wide selection in San Marcos. Thank you for the personalized assistance Mark! read more

This place is permanently closed! Drove 22 miles as it said open on Yelp! Looks Like it's been closed for months! read more

DO NOT SHOP HERE!! If you can avoid it. Owner has decided to only communicate via email and if you're lucky, you will get a short response every few days. I was a willing buyer with cash in hand and still couldn't get ahold of anyone. I called other Kona dealers and explained my frustration and apparently this shop is notorious for bad service. Aside from the lack of communication, the owner sent me a price for a bike that was $100 more than an active listing online (from their shop). Edit to owner: too bad you don't put the same level of effort into responding to customers as you do in your yelp replies. Your Facebook comments are even worse. read more

Been looking for a bike for my son for months and was about to give up. I took a chance and emailed Marc asking about a particular Kona bike and he emailed me back in about an hour letting me know he actually had one. Marc built the bike and just picked it up. His customer service was fantastic and I'm very happy with my purchase. Give him a call if you are still looking for that needle in a haystack. He might save your Christmas! Thanks, Marc! I'll be back for sure. They are taking COVID seriously which I was also very happy to see. read more

Horrible customer service when my family went in today. The guy was speaking over my father in law and very rude. They also don't work on bikes you have not purchased there. Go some where else for bike service and a better customer service experience. read more

Last week bought my bike here and the service was too notch!!! This is the place to buy a bike and get personalized attention. Thank you Semei Coronado read more

Great bikes at reasonable prices. Marc was very honest and helpful in helping me find the right bike for me. read more

Centre City Cycles - Bikes Near Me - Escondido, California

This is a wheelie great bike shop. Especially if your after a Kona. Customer service was excellent. Perhaps the best i've received in ANY bike store and that's from someone who goes to the bike store 5-10 times a week.. It makes a pleasant change to deal with a friendly dude who knows his bikes rather than the usual bored looking 20 somethings who THINK they know everything. I ordered a frame online and Marc shipped it to me within hours of my purchase. When it arrived I was kinda bummed with the frame as it was not appropriate for my style riding (XC). Anyhoo I saw they had a ton of other Kona bikes and frames online so i decided to return it. The next day I made the two hour drive to City Center Cycles from LA. When i walked in I was not dissapointed. There were Kona bikes as far as the eye could see of every shape, color and variation. Yes not much space in the store. Because its PACKED with Konas!! After looking for a while i found a bike i was ok with but then Marc suggested i check out the Scandium frame he had out back. i.e. The 2014 Kona Big Unit. Immediately seeing it i knew it was perfect for my style riding: light and fast! It was also a difficult model to find as they stopped making it. The frame was actually worth about $100 more than the one i originally bought but Marc didn't charge me any extra AND i got a cool free T- Shirt. Cranks so much guys!! read more

Centre City Cycles - Kona Unit single speed custom build. Frame purchased from Center City Cycles! - Bikes Near Me - Escondido, California

Just purchased a Kona Big Honzo DL from Centre City Cycles. Marc the owner was great to work with through the whole process from ordering the bike to picking it up. I would recommend you check this bike shop out for your next purchase. read more

For those of you who take reading these reviews seriously, I hope you take the time to see some of my other reviews on businesses and my focus on customer service. As I do not take this area lightly. With that preface, the interactions with Marc at Centre City were outstanding, knowledge-filled, and enjoyable. The experience started with an email asking for a bit more information and if a bicycle was in stock. I got a reply the same day, with the exact information I was looking for. With that, we scheduled a time to meet at his shop, and complete the transaction. Upon arriving to his store, I was able to find parking right behind his shop. Parking around the shop can be sometimes hard to find since it's mostly street parking, but he has a dedicated lot just for his customers. He was able to walk me through some tricks of the trade while assembling the bike which was great for any knowledge seeking individual. If you're looking for a one man shop who knows the cycling business and all things two wheel, Marc at Centre City is the one! read more

I called Mark on a Saturday morning with a broken chain, I made an appointment for that afternoon, Mark installed it quickly and was really fair on the price. I will always call Center City Cycles for all of my biking needs. Thanks Mike Carroll read more

I've bought 3 bikes from Marc, he has given me better deals than any bike shop around. He was fast attentive and super nice guy. Highly recommend this shop. You won't find a better price for a bike. read more

Centre City Cycles - Bikes Near Me - Escondido, California

This store sucks!! I ordered an ebike online and payment went through and I got really excited because I really wanted and liked the bike. Then I get an email saying that they had to cancel my order because they have the bike reserved for another customer. Then why was the bike still up on the website then? If it was reserved for another customer then they should have taken it down from the website!! I suggest to everyone not to shop here, take your money and buy somewhere else!! read more

Other negative reviews are right. Marc is a poor businessman. I have been in communication via email with Center City Bikes for a few weeks now. Email only as he doesn't ever answer his phone. I planned on purchasing a bike Marc "said" he had in stock. But I could only get one or two word answers via email only. As I was willing to travel to his shop to purchase the bicycle I needed to make an appointment, well that's another area that Center City Bicycles is vague as he doesn't reply promptly to resolve customers questions. Forget trying to have a dialog with the guy. I was hesitant to purchase online as he doesn't accept PayPal so if the guy is fraudulent, there is little recourse. He will claim that the PayPal fees are why he doesn't use PayPal, well he charges an additional 3% fee for a credit card purchase anyway. Go figure. Marc is either a sloppy businessman, or a scammer. So I decided to take my business to a reputable dealer who was happy to be prompt, thorough, and actually lower in price (as well as without 3% CC fees!) than Center City Bicycles. Its interesting though, as other would be customers of Center City Bicycles have left concerns such as this. Marc is willing to reply in length to say his side of the story. (Albeit I wonder how honest he is in his replies). Marc, why not communicate with the customer thoroughly initially and make the sale, rather than lose the sale to poor communication and have to defend your poor businessman ship after the fact, and make nothing? You may actually get the sale! Reply to Marc's reply: Gee Marc, you actually confirmed my point in my review. Your weak on correspondence when the potential customer is inquiring about purchasing a bicycle from you, But your quite long winded reply after the potential customer gets frustrated with your vague communication only to walk away, leave a negative review and shop elsewhere. If this is your business model, and per other reviews it is, there is a pattern here that acknowledges that behavior, it's poor businessman ship! You obviously frustrate the potential customer, creating doubt about your legitimacy as a business owner that communicates clearly to ensure the customer that you are a sound business. That's exactly what happened!! Especially in this climate of wide spread on-line fraud. So wake up Marc!!! Spend the time answering your customers questions so they gain confidence in your shop. As you have mentioned "your so busy" in a few other defensive replies to posts. Maybe hire some assistance?? Excuses don't get the sale. Good business practices do! A potential customer that bought elsewhere. read more

Very good online ordering experience. Purchased late friday night, called Saturday to confirm and they explained there shipping process. Bike came in about a week, and was packaged well. Only issue was my seat post clamp bolt was missing, i assume it just rattled off in transit... but i was able to pick one at home depot so no worries there. Very happy! read more

Great guy and fast service on the repairs. Appreciate the instant turn around.

Surly service people. Will only work on bikes they've sold. Inside store inventory is in disarray. How this place stays open is a mystery to me. read more

Pretty off putting experience. Mechanic couldn't even figure out what crank my bike needed. I even had the bike with me for him to look at, still had no answers. Anyone have a better place to go for crank replacements? It's extremely unprofessional to turn my honest review (unedited above) into a personal attack. My review was accurate and not rude or hurtful in anyway. A one on one parenting moment and learning experience between my daughter and I is none of your business and has no place in your reply to my review. Furthermore to elude that I was an unhappy customer due to being racist against your mechanic is extremely outrageous and inaccurate. Shame on you for spreading the idea of hatred. I don't stand for racism and never will. Every company receives negative or less than desirable reviews once in a while. How you react or handle those reviews is something that will set an average business apart from a great business. I'm disappointed that one simple yet honest review led to this type of reaction on your behalf however I will say that I apologize if any part of my original review (unedited above) has offended you. Best of luck to your store and its future customer relations. Take care. read more

Aknowledge your clients and don't let them wait because you were talking with someone else about if your location was a pizza place or not. Response to the owner: You do love to talk! I stood there for almost 7 minutes listening to your conversation. It doesn't hurt to say " good morning,I 'll be with you shortly" instead of you and your previous customer starring at me. Good luck with your life! read more

Marc is awesome. I bought 3 bikes from Centre city cycles earlier this year. The prices are great and Marc had great customer service. He is insanely knowledgeable and helped recommend exactly what we needed. I was just in again recently because I wrecked and broke the rim on one of the bikes. Marc ordered a new one and had it in stock in a matter of days. Then he installed it for free!! I will be a customer for years to come. I would recommend anyone in going through Centre city cycles for any and all of your bike needs! read more

Excellent, only shop in the area who had the part I needed. 5 stars for that. Thank you for saving our biking weekend.

I was looking for a Kona Rove St and couldn't get one locally in any other color than purple. So I was searching the internet for a dealer that could help me out. I came across Centre City and more importantly Marc. The trick is I live in Hawaii and most shops aren't willing to work with you, well because shipping can be an issue. Marc took the time to research options and numerous emails back and forth we worked out something that worked for me. He shipped the bike from his shop to 'Ship to Hawaii' for me in Carson, CA. Marc went above and beyond in this sale to help me out and save me money on shipping costs. Thanks Marc for all your patience, keep the shiny side up and your knees in the breeze! Aloha! read more

Fixed my mountain bike cassette and aligned derailleur better than when it was new. Service was extremely quick. Owner was very knowledgeable and friendly, and helped out even though he was already slammed with work. Truly appreciative. read more

Marc was very quick to respond to my inquiry about a bike I saw on the website, and got me set up with the exact bike I have been looking for. It is appointment only due to COVID-19, so confirm a time with him before visiting. read more

Centre City Cycles - My new ride: 2020 Kona Rove ST - Bikes Near Me - Escondido, California

Visiting from San Jose. Forgot my shoes. Crazy. They had two types of shoes; cheap ones for spinning (that'll do!), and these really nice Scott shoes that are a terrific value. I opted for the Scott's as a backup pair (it takes days for shoes to dry when you're in the rain..) The next day my SRAM brakes broke (no surprise there). So I went back here. They had me fixed up in 10 minutes for 10 bucks (removed the offending piece, but I have to flat my tire to remove it. Since replaced with Shimano) OK, good enough. So why 5 stars? This wrench guy spent minutes on my bike. I went out for a ride the next day and I was surprised by a few details: - the tech adjusted my handlebars. They were just ever so slightly off-center. he decided it didn't meet his standards and fixed it. - the tech adjusted my brakes. They felt new. OK, he was working on them. But *both* brakes felt new. - my shifting was super responsive. Better than ever. So that's how this guy works. He's clearly not fixing what you want for a reasonable price - he has standards that have to be met before giving the bike back. So this is my shop next time Im in Escondido. By the way, he did this in a hurry because his new frame came in. He and the owner were admiring it and taking pictures. They are passionate about this. He fixed up my bike the way he would want his bike fixed up. Nice f'in work. read more

I purchased two bicycles today and couldn't be happier with the service I received. Marc took his time to build my daughter's bike and to help me with getting a mountain bike. Thank you again for your time, I appreciate the friendly customer service I received. read more

I recently went to Centre City Cycles to check out the Kona line of bikes. They are the only shop in SD that carries the entire line. I wanted to look at a cross bike. The owner was gracious enough to allow me to test ride his personal bike (the same bike I wanted) that's way cool! We spoke for a while and I realized that the owner has been in the San Diego bike scene forever, and knows his product line very well. A week later I called before hand to see if he had a Kona Satori in stock and he said he would build up the 2013 that had just arrived, and that it would be waiting for me...even though I wasn't sure if I was going to purchase it. Way cool again. I ended up buying that Kona right then and there, he made me a great deal too. Shop has a wide variety of bikes for just about anyone, good clothing line, and parts too. Funny to read the comment from a dude in Washington State complain about mail order issue...when clearly the shop isn't a mail order place! A solid shop! read more

CCC had been our families go to bike shop for years. Has been a crucial part of our cycling experience. From years ago helping us as when we had no cycling experience to keeping us geared up for today. This shop encompasses what biking is all about. Fun!! Truely a home town bike shop. read more

Definitely would not recommend this place... First off this new place is way too small no place to walk around... I walked in and was asked what I wanted... Told him I needed parts for my old bike and was looking into a new MTB as well... He rudely said he couldn't help me because he was helping someone else and had someone outside waiting too... Showed me out and locked the door behind me... My wife who was outside was surprised to hear what he said to me and also heard him lock the door behind me... Wow... Sorry I know it's tough Covid times, but try being more courteous... Didn't even ask my name or contact information for a better time... My wife said hopefully he will in the future post something outside his store like every other store has... But with that attitude... Good luck... I'll take my business elsewhere and avoid this store for now... *UPDATE: 5/16/20 Reply to owner: You're response speaks for it's self. It's shows how rude and unprofessional you are. Calling me a "Yelp Loser"... Also, claiming I didn't have a mask on and jeopardized people's lives?? I, myself, being a first responder taking care of people I have to wear a mask and gloves day in and day out... I wore them the WHOLE TIME inside AND outside your store. When I finally got a break during this crisis and hoped to ride this weekend is all I wanted to do... I get rudely told to get out. If you had kindly told me your appointment policy, I definitely would have understood and clearly done so and came back at a different time. You didn't have a sign posted outside Saturday saying anything about appointments (which you probably just put up today). That's probably why another gentleman, who was also wearing a mask, walked in a minute after I did. Maybe tomorrow you'll post up your PPE guidelines too. My wife, who was also wearing a mask waited right outside the door. She saw the guy who you claimed was waiting outside... walked in and out twice while you were helping the dad and his two kids. HE, by the way, was NOT wearing a mask. I'm surprised you even let him come into your establishment. I'm sure you overlooked it since he supposedly bought 3 bikes, right? This "new" store location compared to your old store down the street is definitely a bit smaller... We all have our stories, tough times for everyone as well... Glad you're hard at work meeting the demands off the 100 new bike'$... But locking the door with a crowded walkway seemed unsafe and with those people inside? Watching everyone stepping over stuff and not being able to keep 6ft apart.... Talk about jeopardizing peoples lives. Why lie about my mask and say "god bless"... both on a Sunday? Shame on you, sir! Your 5 star review? Manuela?... Manuel?... Or was it Michael??... Wow... You should edit that. Nice guy clearly stated he left you a 5 star rating JUST for having the part he needed. I'm leaving an HONEST review for the poor and unprofessional service I received. I was taught to always respect my elders and to always treat people how you want to be treated... There's a professional way to talk to customers and not be rude about it. **JUNE 2020 Update You just can't own up to your poor customer service you delivered. Your responses are untruthful, unprofessional and sarcastic. Roll the footage and refresh your memory. You will definitely see that you're straight up lying. I definitely was wearing a mask AND my wife, who was also wearing a mask walked in right before I did. Just because the guy came back from a bike ride doesn't justify why it's okay to not wear a mask in your store... Especially with that dad and his kids in there. Did you not see that he was putting everyone in jeopardy? Are you trying to say as long as you test ride one of my bikes, it's okay to have your mask "pulled down" inside my store? He shouldn't have been in there at all without wearing a mask! Now you're changing you story sir. First you said I was putting your customers in jeopardy for not wearing a mask when I clearly was. Now you're saying it's okay that the other customer had his pulled down inside your store because he just came back from a test ride. Test ride or not, he should have been wearing a mask inside your store just like how we were. Your negative reviews and you comments on here and on fb shows the person you truly are... Of the 10 commandments, Jesus observed them all except the Sabbath. The Sabbath was simply a foreshadowing of the coming "Lord's Day." The Lord's Day is the first day of the week (Sunday). It's the day Jesus rose from the dead. Thus it's the day Christian worship and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Praying for a change so everyone can always have a peaceful enjoyable visit no matter what day or even time even on Sunday after church... read more

Great Bike shop. The owner was very quick to get me out of a jam with my bike. Thought I was going to have to special order parts but he saved the day. Great selection, knowledgeable and very helpful. Will return. read more

Great bike shop. I had an awesome experience. Didn't have the model I wanted but order it from the manufacturer and arrived in three days. Got a great deal on a past year model. It was the best price in San diego. Check these guys out you won't be disappointed. The owner is very knowledgable and very friendly. Will be returning for future purchases. read more

The owner, Marc has a load of passion for bikes. He is the real deal and not some corporation owned shop. Great place to buy a bike and parts, etc... He took time with me to explain the bikes and which one was the best for me. Spend your money here and support your local bike shop. Thanks for being a good local bike shop! read more

Best bike shop with inventory in town! Marc knows the industry and is super knowledgeable.

Likes to to talk unless he owes you a credit. I spent around $2000 on a mtb for a friend. Because Marc is under organized, I was sent two bikes. Unfortunately, some poor kid didn't get his bike because Marc was distracted. Marc had trouble getting UPS to pick up and offered me $50 to deliver it to a shipping station for him. Once I Completed my end of the deal, he will not answer my call. Bad business. I understand you like bikes. You are not a business man. Hire someone to help organize you. I don't like people that back out on an agreement. Don't trust this business. read more

Found Centre City Cycles through a Craigslist search for used MTBs. Saw that they had new Kona MTBs on sale and decided to take a look and glad I did. My wife and I found the buying experience there to be pleasant and no pressure. The owner explained everything we needed to know about our new bikes and made sure that the fit was spot on. He even helped find a way for us to use our road bike carrier to take our new bikes home. I would highly recommend anyone interested in getting a new MTB to visit Centre City Cycles, you won't be sorry! read more

I purchased a Kona mountain bike from this bike shop in August 2018. The bike arrived via FedEx ground ten days after I ordered it and it was damaged. Upon inspecting the box, it was obvious that the box in which the bike had been shipped was mishandled by FedEx. I immediately filed a claim with FedEx. After almost two months of back forth emails and phone calls with FedEx, I was informed by FedEx that the claim needed to be filed by the seller, in this case Centre Cycles. I contacted Marc the owner, who confirmed that the claim against FedEx needed to be filed through him. I provided Marc with the FedEx claim number and pictures of the damaged bike and box. Marc assured me over the phone that he would file a claim with FedEx. I have followed up several times with Marc inquiring about the status of the claim. In his last email to me sent on 12-6-18 he stated: "I did check on it yesterday, but was put on hold for 35 minutes. I will try again today." Since the last email, I have reached out to Marc twice and he has not responded. I admit that I should have filed the initial claim with Centre Cycles and not FedEx. But don't tell me you are filing a claim to then drop the ball and not follow-up. read more

Centre City Cycles - Bikes Near Me - Escondido, California

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The manager whom I called over the phone was so rude, we decided to take our business elsewhere. We called around 11.45am on June 29, 2014 and asked what bikes they carried for toddlers. He gave two names and when we asked if they carried another brand he banged the phone saying I already told you the bikes we carry. Don't even bother dealing with this business. If they are so rude over the phone I cannot believe how they will deal with you in person. Hi Marc: You are full of lies. Instead of responding to bad comments in Yelp you can help customers. I see so many bad comments in Yelp about you. I wish I had checked this out before I wasted my time calling you. read more

Dirty, unorganized and bikes all over the place, you cannot even walk around the shop! I am surprised bike companies sell him product they way it's displayed. He would not sell a bike to a customer since he posted the wrong price on craigslist. Better bike shops in North County like Bike Bling. read more

Friendly, courteous, and helpful, this bike shop is all that and more. Small in size, but big on service. The selection of bikes is not huge like a mega store, but if you are looking for a small, hometown shop that caters to your every need, this is the place. read more