DO NOT COME HERE. The owner, Riley I believe was his name, is the biggest crook scam artist ever. My review will be a little lengthy, but it shows how shady this guy is. I had been hit by a car on my bicycle, and had my front tire/wheel destroyed. I came in and asked for a quote, he said around $200 sounds reasonable. So I left my bike with him, as it was useless to me and I needed to get the money from the girl who hit me. He calls me the next day saying the repair will be much more than $200 because my fork was also bent, and my back tire could use some help too. He requested the phone number of the girl who hit me so he could break the news of the costly repair to her, not me, so that it wouldn't be weird. I then get a call from the girl, panicking to me because this store owner just caller and told her the repair was going to be 800-900 dollars because so many things were broken, and he even brought up the idea of me "pressing charges" against her. He was legit blackmailing this girl to make her pay ridiculous sums of money on a whim. So I called the guy back and told him how ridiculous that sum of money was, and that I would not pay 800-900 dollars. Quickly, he tells me he never told her that, but that he had told her 500 dollars was the deal he would cut her. So i meet up with the girl the next day, and I get 500 dollars from her to repair my bike. Done deal. Then when I come in to pay for my bike, after the guy had already told me 500 dollars, he said "with taxes, and shipping, it comes out to 602.... but I'll cut you a deal and say 600". Typical con-man move "i'll cut you a deal". So at this point I was like "eh, only 100 dollars out of my pocket for this entire ordeal, I guess I'll just swipe". So I paid for my bike and walked out. But I thought about it and was like...."um no?", he said 500 dollars. So I walked back in and asked for a detailed itemized receipt as to how he got to 600 dollars. He wrote a from-memory, pen and paper bullshit receipt where he fabricated numbers for me to total to $600. I walked out again, having gotten what I wanted, a receipt for proof, but then I walked back in demanding to pay $500 dollars. At this point he told me he would "eat the shipping charges for me" because he felt he had "given me the wrong impression". So no official transaction or anything, the guy hands me back $65 like nothing ever happened. Just put the cash right back in my hand. Then after "eating the shipping charges", my bike was ready for me the NEXT day. Shipping charges, yeah? And when I came back to pick it up, since he had replaced my back wheel which was in pretty good shape, I requested to have my old tire/wheel given back as they are expensive and it would serve me down the line. The guy had the audacity to tell me "I think they already tossed it man. yeah I'm sorry." I told him to go get my wheel. He went back, got my wheel, and upon handing it to me said "look at that, in perfect condition. If you ever want to sell it to me, let me know I'd be willing to buy it." And thus as you can see, this guy will nickel and dime you on every single thing he can. The second he knows your bike knowledge isn't vast, you become his victim. Save your money and time and distress and go to a better bike store like goodbike or shwinn. The owner of this store couldn't be any worse. read more

I was an intermediate cyclist looking to finally purchase a quality bike that wasn't some cheap junk bought from Walmart. I walked in to Chain Reaction and was well received and got excellent service. The owner assisted me with trying various bikes out, asking me what I was looking to get out of...basically helping me hone in on what I was looking for. When I found a bike that I was very interested, the owner and I were able to work out a very fair price and I left with my new bike that day and could not have been more satisfied. Chain Reaction has a great selection of bikes. The employees are very helpful and friendly and willing to work with you. It's a shame to read other reviews about people having bad experiences here because it just isn't authentic at all to what Chain Reaction is about. This is a reliable and caring bike shop. Don't take the words of a couple crybabies who had to take out their frustrations with their own bike problems on yelp...trust the people who have good things to say. Chain Reaction is an excellent local business. read more

I just stumbled in there one day and just started chattin with the dude Matt, talking about how I just moved here and could use a used kinda shitty bike, next thing you know I got a bike for like 50 bucks. The bike ended up sucking too much, but its chill cuz they just took it back no questions. The owner is way rad, while we were talking, he was looking for a job for me haha (i was talking about how i needed one). Hahaha. Anytime I've got an issue, I bring my bike in there (my new bike) and they work on it, quick, professional and super super friendly. I gave this place an A ++ everytime. **Everybody at chain reaction automatically feels like your friend, it's that kind of vibe.. Anybody in need of any sort of bike, or repair. I seriously recommend chain reaction! Not only do they fix, they explain the issue, so you get it.. Chain Reaction is the best hands down. read more

Bought a used bike today and went to Chain Reaction to have them look it over. The staff were incredibly friendly, and although I understand they need to make sales, they were open to make some sweet deals on some parts I didn't need for trade or credit. Going in to service the bike tomorrow, but based on initial impressions, these guys are professional while being chill as hell, so I'd recommend them to others. They tried to sell me a bike with a better fit that was a closeout from last year which I might actually take advantage of, but they were also open to making my slightly big bike work for the time being. Super friendly, super helpful, and seemed like genuine guys. (I worked with Raleigh) read more

I recently took my electric bikes that I had purchased from Chain reaction back in to to see if they could help me figure out how to attach a Burley bike trailer to the electric bikes. I had bought a part off Amazon I thought might work but couldn't figure it out. Ben noticed my Burley trailer had a part on turned the wrong way and fixed it and then installed the part that connected the bike to the trailer. He did all of this in a matter of minutes and then didn't charge me anything. Ben thank you so much!! We will certainly be back. We have bought all the grandkids and ourselves bikes ( 12 bikes total) here and honestly won't go anywhere else! read more

My wife and I bought two new bikes from Raleigh. He was so helpful. Gave us a great deal. I got a prodeka and my wife got biria. Both electric assist. The biria was great since it was so low to the ground to cross her bad knees through. Raleigh installed a hilltopper electric kit on it. Very nice. Very helpful in setting them up us for us and gave us quite a few free upgrades. My wife decided she wanted a longer range battery. Raleigh gave it to us for the cost of shipping plus a return on the old one. Couldn't have asked for better service or price on these bikes. Would highly recommend you go there for anything bicycle related. read more

This place is great! When I came in for the first time looking for a new bike, the owner Rawley was very friendly and helpful. He helped me find the perfect bike, as they had tons of great bikes to choose from. The prices are great for the consigned bikes, and I got a great deal since I got hooked up with a few extra goodies from the shop. Maintenance and tune ups are free for returning customers, which is fantastic. Totally recommend Chain Reaction, all the other places just don't have the same friendly vibe. Anyone who has written anything negative about this place obviously must have had some rare misunderstanding. read more

I went into the shop a few weeks ago pretty randomly one day after class looking for a new helmet and some bike lights for riding at night. I met the owner and asked him what the most cost efficient options were for what I was looking for. Initially the lowest prices were still too high for me as I am on a budget, but once I told him that the owner of the shop was gracious enough to offer me a very nice student discount. If you're looking for good customer service and an owner who cares about who his customers, definitely swing by and check out the shop. I got a great value for my money. read more

I brought my GT Pro to Chain Reaction for some needed repairs so I could do a quick flip on it. Matt and Raleigh really took great care of me and the bike. They fixed the bottom bracket, put a brand new brake system on it and threw on a pair of brand new tires for an incredibly low cost that still left me plenty of margin on my flip. These guys are awesome people to do business with and are really passionate about bikes. Don't even consider going anywhere else in Gainesville. Chain Reaction is your one-stop shop! Awesome shop, great people, low prices, you can't ask for more. read more

I want to thank Wally at Chain Reaction for the great customer service I received last week at Chain Reaction, the bike shop located in mid-town. I purchased my second bicycle there well over a year ago and never made time to ride it. Took it for a long ride today and came to the conclusion that it was a size too small. Called and spoke to owner, brought my bike in and he exchanged it for the same model (brand new) of a larger size. No receipt, nothing out of pocket, and quick... And no arguing required! All of things that are basically unheard of these days. read more

Only bad thing is that there is no way to turn into the lot when heading east on University, and if you go around the block it is one way (exit only) on the back side. I really like both bikes I bought there. Repairs are very inexpensive or free. If you buy a bike there all tune ups are free for life no matter how inexpensive the bikes are. They have lots of sales and you can get an all carbon for as low as $999. Make sure you call before picking up the bike since it isn't always done on time. read more

6/19/24 Just wanted to let everyone know that the bicycle that I bought from Chain Reaction over 3 years ago is still running strong. I just put another 20 miles on it this morning. I usually ride it 2-3 times a week at 16 to 20 miles a pop. It is a Jamis hybrid and I use it on the local rails-to-trails. Also, I just had an out-of-round wheel trued by Chain Reaction that another bike shop almost ruined. In my book, Chain Reaction bikes and the repair shop are the best in Gainesville. read more

I went here looking for a used road bike for my husband. I didn't know much about bikes, but brought along my friend who is a bit of an expert. The staff was very helpful and kid friendly (I had my 2 year old in tow). They showed me a wide selection of bikes and worked within my budget. The proprietor ended up selling me a bike that retails for $700 for $400. It was quite a steal. I was very satisfied with the service and am happy to support this local business. read more

Just found my "perfect" bike, picked up a Scott foil and am very satisfied with it thus far. I read a million reviews on this frame, did a test ride and found it to be exactly as reviews stated. Picked up over 2 moh with the same effort. I have had a LOOK 566 , Cannondale six 13, Felt, Giant, and a couple of others over the past several years, and this Foil beats them all in many ways. read more

Just went down to Chain reaction with My daughter and saw Craig.I cannot fault them they were so helpful and even in Covid times we couldn't go into the shop but he was more than happy to bring out any bike we wanted. He really knew his stuff and even better they build them ready for Pick up !!!! Service was impeccable Best bike shop in the shire read more

Top notch staff and service. Raleigh the owner is very honest and great to work with. Great service after the sale for tune-ups and assesories. I have been very satisfied with all my purchases and would recommend to all serious riders looking to buy a bike. read more

I went to a few different shops in town but got really personalized help from here from a few of the staff. I'm definitely glad I went here to get help from guys that have been here for a while and know what they're doing. read more

With every purchase or service,that I have experienced, the staff and owner has treated me like family. I 100 percent recommend this bike shop. Thank you guys for all you do. read more

Great selection, low prices, awesome service!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Right next to campus! Great service! Great employees! read more