I was about to head out on a three day tour when Bob pointed out that the pannier rack I had clumsily installed would have broken my brand new carbon frame (he's right, it would have!) Anyway he spent ~45 minutes replacing the seat post, taking apart my pannier rack, bending the parts in his vice clamp, drilling holes, adding no-slip hardware, etc. He then charged me almost nothing for all his hard work. Having finished my tour, I can say with some authority that Bob is the best I have ever seen. His work held up over 175 miles and many thousands of bumps, no problems whatsoever. He saved the bike and my trip! Thanks, Bob! read more

Great communication, they put our bike together fast and did a great job. Excellent customer service. They even helped me put the bike into my car. Highly recommended! Thank you so much. Can't say enough good things about this place. Would do business again. read more

Had my tire replaced super quickly after getting a flat and appreciated the fast and professional service. Bike was ready within a day.

Two wonderful people work at this location. Immediately when you walk in you're hit with this warm, homey & welcoming feeling. It's a smaller business that takes great pride in dealing with all things bicycle. Brought an old bike here to get some work done to it and was completely satisfied with the results and then some. read more

I've been coming here since high school, but I didn't take his advice and still bought my new street bike from Wal-Mart. Bike turned out to be TRASH, he tuned it up to where it rides like a pro. Thanks man read more

What a gem of a place. Bless their hearts, every time I come in here they're so patient with my questions, so accommodating in helping me with my needs, the most recent of which was how to best secure my front wheel. I was leaning toward an extra U lock, and they explained the pros and cons of a locking system like Pinhead vs U lock. No pressure one way or another and so informative in a very non judgmental manner (which can be hard to find sometimes in some bike shops). Prices are super reasonable, staff is incredibly friendly. Would give 10 stars if I could! read more

If you're just a college kid hoping to maintain a low-grade bike as a means of getting around, don't go here. I've been in several times and each time it is unpleasant. They're always very condescending about bicycles, especially if you ride a junker like most college kids. I once went in to ask a simple question and get some air for my tires and the person I talked to kept trying to sell me things. When I insisted that I did not want what he was trying to sell, he said "fine" and completely disregarded me from then on, as if to indicate that I'm only worth his time if I'm going to drop $70+ on a 'tune up' when i just wanted air in my damn tires. The way he went about trying to sell the tune up in the first place was pretty condescending as well. Basically, he looked at my bike and said it was all poorly put together and needed to be fixed by them. yeah right... I went in another time to ask about fixing my brakes and to try to buy some tools so I could do it myself and they were somewhat rude about it. They ended up not helping me at all, other than saying that I don't want to use pliers in a very condescending manner. For a bikeshop located adjacent to a college campus, they don't seem very understanding about people who either a) don't know a great deal about bikes (i.e. you have a bike as a practical means of transportation) or b) don't have the money to buy and maintain a high-end bicycle. Maybe they're great for people who are serious road bicyclists, but otherwise I would advise going elsewhere. It has been unpleasant going there every single time. read more

Bob's been really great to me. I bought my bicycle from him, and whenever I need anything fixed or adjusted they are ready to help - often without charge. Recently I had some bad (or good) luck and my bike was stolen. Someone actually brought it into the shop trying to sell it! Bob recognized it as mine by the serial number and called me. Totally random, but definitely above and beyond! read more

Thank you for fixing my flat tire. Thank you for having the most mellow black lab, who is perpetually draped across the doorway, passively greeting passersby. Thank you for hiring the cutest boys. Thank you for not judging me even though I am bicycle-illiterate - it's a miracle I can make it from Point A to Point B without inflicting morbid injuries upon myself. Thank you for just chillin out in front all the time, providing College Street with a nice, neighbourhoody feel. Thank you. read more

A friend was looking for a specific bike and found 2 locations that had it. One being in state and the other was 2 hours away at College Street Cycles. The LBS couldn't guarantee it would be built and ready for a couple of days. CSC had the bike ready so we decided to take the 2 hr drive. When we arrived, the bike still needed some minor adjustment, however knowing we drove a distance to get there, Bob, the owner made sure the bike would be ready for us. Like a previous post mentioned, he doesn't try to sell you anything just to make a couple $. He's a very honest businessman, very rare these days. The prices are also very reasonable for accessories. The best part of the bike shop~ the 2 laid back guard dogs there! If you're looking for a bike or accessories, I highly recommend you check out this place. read more

The guys here have helped me numerous times with flats and other issues I couldn't fix on my own. They're always fast and very friendly. I don't know about the prices of their bikes, but the repair and parts prices are very reasonable. I always walk out with a good feeling here. The big black lab, Basso, is beyond mellow and fits the style of the shop nicely. He likes to be petted when you walk in and when you walk out (of course he doesn't really react much, but you can see it in the tail). You don't see many of these thriving, tiny businesses anymore. This is one that's definitely worth supporting and keeping around. Cycle Guys - thanks for putting together our hybrid bike yesterday and making sure it was in good working order for the spring! read more

This is our regular bike shop, where we take our aged bicycles for repairs and maintenance. In hot weather, we ride 50 miles or more a week. Not a lot by some standards, but the bicyles need to work, right? Anyway, College Street Cycles may not always get it right the first time, but bikes, especially old ones, aren't exactly standardized. In general, though, College Street Cycles is timely, willing to troubleshoot, they have all the tools, they can get the parts, and they are more knowledgeable than I am. That's better than most bike shops, sad to say. The owner is often on the scene, too. And when I do have some (errr . . . ) feedback on a particular problem, they listen carefully, without a lot of threatened-bike-repair-guy-attitude. Also, I've never had them try to sell me a new bike I don't need. Hooray for College Street Cycles! read more

I came in, asked how much it would cost to fix a flat tire. They said $20. I left my bike, did some gift shopping, came back, and not only my tire but the million other little things plaguing my bike were fixed. And they only charged me $18, not $20! Great experience, and my bike runs like new. Plus there's a dog. read more

I recently found College Street Cycles and can't say enough good things about the place. I was restoring a bike and looking for older replacement parts. The guys looked up the items on-line and were willing to buy from other vendors. Reminds me of Miracle On 34th Street when they provide service whether they have it or others/ I even stopped ere for a small screw after no luck at The Devil's Gear, they had it and hooked me up for FREE. Good selection of new and used bikes. Prices are a little better on the used bikes compared to other New Haven shops. read more

Very nice folks at College Street Cycles. I brought in a bent rear cycle wheel which I needed replaced. Bob advised me on an appropriate replacement and quickly ordered the part. But then, he also offered to straighten the bent wheel. What a kind gesture! read more

I came in 30 minutes before closing with a loose front wheel. I had reassembled my bike after it shipped from across the country, but I couldn't figure out how to reinstall the front wheel correctly. One of the staff promptly took off the wheel, tightened some screws, and reinstalled it - all within 5 minutes. When I asked how much for the installation, he said not to worry about it. Can't get much better service than this! Thanks for the quick fix, and I will be back soon! read more

Bob and Roberto kindly and patiently fit my inherited 28 year old heirloom bike to my needs and stature. All the changes were necessary and very fairly priced. As a professional salesperson I can smell "upselling" a mile away and this shop has built it's great reputation on satisfying customers, NOT screwing them. Their expertise, workmanship, advice, and pricing has earned my trust. This 79 year old " Dude" is ready to roll safely and happily thanks to Bob. read more

My bike chain needed to be changed and the staff was so nice and changed it right away, and fixed the break too. So impressed with their prompted service!! read more

Due to my lack of skills, I rely on the staff at College Street Cycles to keep both my road bike and mountain bike in good working condition. I've never had an issue, always received a fair price and have even learned a few things along the way. It's a small shop, so you may have to wait your turn while another customer is being tended to, but in my opinion, it is worth the extra few minutes to get knowledgeable input on your quandry. And Basso is cool, too. read more

I stopped in here before work to figure out what size bike I needed. The interaction with the employee at the shop was horrible. He made me feel like an ass for asking questions about size and fit as I am new to biking. I just can't see spending a very hard earned 1500-2k with someone that would treat a potential customer without any respect and fail to have some patience. I thought a business would take the time to teach which would make you want to purchase from them. I just got a "hurry up and buy or get out" attitude from this place. read more

I've been going here since I picked cycling back up about 3 years ago. I was much larger then, riding a *-mart hybrid. Bob the owner treated me very well and helped me understand a lot about the problems I was having. When it came time to move into a real bike, he helped me pick a reasonably-priced used road bike rather than sell me something I didn't need. Over the next few years he and his staff have treated me like gold, with good prices on the parts I need and very quick service times, very often while I sat around chatting and waited. They've actually talked me OUT of spending almost as much money as I have actually spent in the shop by steering me away from things I simply do not need. In August of 2011 I "graduated" to a much nicer level of bike...Again, Bob was right there to help me get the absolute most I could for the money I was spending. I've fallen deeply in love with cycling, both for fitness and for fun, and I think a lot of that is knowing I have a great bike shop to count on when I need a part, a repair or just some advice. And, if you go when Bob is working, you'll probably get to meet Basso the dog, who is maybe the most well-behaved dog I have ever met in my entire life. If you are worried about the size of the shop...don't. What you see is literally like the tip of the iceberg. Underneath your feet is a massive space with hundreds and hundreds of bikes. And they rent them too, so if you;re in New Haven and want some cheap transport, stop by CSC. read more

I race bikes often, and this is the shop I trust to maintain my machines. I generally go here when something breaks, but I also take my bike in periodically between races to get it ship-shape. Best mechanics in town, and they care about getting your bike dialed. read more

Bob was super nice and gave me an awesome deal on a bike for my nephew! It was so easy and I left feeling really good about my purchase. My nephew loves his bike and rides it all the time. Super excited to get him into biking. Would recommend this shop to anyone :) read more

So after I started riding my bike, I began having horrible knee pain. I figured it would go away, that I just needed to build my strength back up, but it continued getting worse. Last Saturday I stopped in to see if I needed to have it adjusted, and I was told that the bike is too small for me! Shouldn't they have mentioned that BEFORE I bought it? They were closing, so I said I'd go back later. I'll update again after I go back and see how they plan to rectify the situation. read more

This is a great small bike shop. The guys here are always willing to answer any questions I have about my bike. My front wheel got stolen a few weeks ago and they were able to slap a new one on it in less than 5 minutes so I could bike back home! read more

Because College St Cycles is the closest bike shop to my home, I have been going there for the past six months for repairs. I have experienced consistently bad service, and will no longer return. I was sold a $15 tire for $30. I always have to wait for someone to finish a phone call. I have been sold the wrong tube. I recommend going to Devil's Gear (Chapel St.) instead. read more

I had a very positive experience. It started off right with immediate recognition from the staff when I went into the store. They talked with me about my bike and cycling and were personable and professional. I had them tune my bike and all was good. I won't go anywhere else. read more

CSC fulfills all the worst cliches of a bad bike shop. The people who work there are rude and act as though you interrupted them when you come in for service. They also try to use as much jargon as possible in their responses to you (perhaps to cover up poor workmanship). When I went in they gave me an estimate, and then kept adding repairs after I was already committed. They twice tried to give my bike back to me before they had actually finished the repairs, and only after I noticed that something was amiss--like loose brakes!--did they reluctantly finish the job. The convenience of their location isn't worth it. Make the trip to somewhere else and go to a decent bike shop. read more

I haven't ridden a bike since I was 5. I needed something to get me to and from my apartment to the hospital and these guys helped me find just that within my price range. Not only were they so very helpful but also very patient with my million questions on bike etiquette, safety, and how to use the bike/lock it up. Very grateful for the knowledgeable and friendly staff! read more

Howard got my bike tuned and slapped some new tires on in about 90 minutes. Nice job, nice bike shop!

I am a *long-term* customer of College Street Cycles. Bob (the owner) helped me with my first mountain bike when I was a grad student here almost ten years ago. He started an addiction. After returning to New Haven a second time, Bob was eager to help me continue with my passion. Bob is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He doesn't push sales on you. Every friend I have brought him with a problem he or his staff has fixed on the spot (they were small problems though). Everything I need I order from Bob -- I don't order from Amazon. His expertise is well worth it. If you live in New Haven or are a Yale student, your cycling needs are simply met on College Street. read more

CSC was my go-to shop when I lived in New Haven. The owner, Bob, is a great guy and very approachable if you're looking to get into cycling. The shop is also a gathering place for local roadies and a good destination if you need some racing-related work done at a reasonable cost. read more

I don't understand the negative reviews on this shop. I came in with wheel that needed repair and they turned it around quickly and competently for a reasonable price. Came back again when I had a flat and they were friendly and took care of it right away. read more

This place rocks! Friendly, honest, superior service, esp compared to the surliness of a closely located competitor. I will always come back to CSC. And there are the two most friendly dogs ever to greet you. read more

Fabulous shop, equally fabulous staff and owner. I'm a long-time cyclist and have lived in the New Haven, CT area since 1985. During the decades since, I've partaken of the services and products offered by all local shops. College Street Cycles is the best. Great service, great products, great staff, and, most importantly (to me) great people. John Thomas read more

Completely agree with Chris T : "If you're just a college kid hoping to maintain a low-grade bike as a means of getting around, don't go here. I've been in several times and each time it is unpleasant. They're always very condescending about bicycles, especially if you ride a junker like most college kids" One of the two guys that works there always manage to make my bike worst off after I brought it in...fixed what I asked them too...but created many other new provblems...wheter is the gear-changing system not working properly any more, a tilted mudguard or the breaks... and then they blamed it on the bike being old or not professional enough...is something is not professional is them.... maybe if you have an expsnive bike thoguh they may be alright... read more

Wonderful experience. I was given a great price (in comparison to ebay, bike forum classifieds, etc.) on a used lemond chambray which was lovingly tuned up by one of the employees. The staff was understanding and helpful and came with absolutely none of the usual bike shop elitism. I recommend them wholeheartedly. read more

Need a new bike? They got it. Don't be fooled by the tiny storefront; they have a showroom full of bikes. Inexpensive bikes all the way to top end race machines. Need expert repairs on your old bike? They do that, too. The owner Bob is a superb mechanic. Want to meet the friendliest dog on the planet? Well, you're in luck! Come in and say hello to their black lab mascot, Basso. read more

I went here to have my bike put together that I shipped from Seattle. I went into the store twice, and neither time was a good experience. The first time I went in, I stood in a three person line for forty minutes, while the guy behind the counter nonchalantly flipped through whatever papers he was looking at, in no apparent rush to help anybody. After an hour in the shop, I finally got confirmation that my bike was there and in the process of being put together. The second time I went back to pick up my assembled bike. Once again, I waited an unreasonably long time while the guy behind the desk (an unpleasant youngish bald guy who appeared to be in charge) went about his business in absolutely no hurry to assist anybody in his shop. Eventually a younger and what seemed like more novice worker who appeared to be capable of proper customer service helped me and went down to the store room to get my bike. While I stood in like (again, for another 35 minutes) to pay for the assembly and tune up, I was looking over my bike. Idont know much about how to put together a bicycle, but I'm pretty sure that the handlebar isn't supposed to be shifted all the way over to one of the grips before its tightened on. By the time I was at the front of the line, there were three different issues that I had noticed with how that had put together my bike that I asked them to fix before I paid for anything. Ridiculous that I paid the fifty or sixty dollars that I did when I ended up having to show them three issues in how they had messed up the job I paid them to do. For a sixty dollar assembly and tune up, I would have expected someone to notice that the handlebar was off center. Needless to say, I will not be coming back, I have heard much better reviews from friends about Devil's Gear bike shop nearby. read more

Ok so after reading some of the reviews about one of the best bike shops around I felt it was time to add my two cents. I have been riding my bike for only four months and every time I need something fixed, questions, or to teach me how to put my rear wheel back on I go to Bob and Lacker at College St. They are always friendly and willing to help. There has never been a time when I had to wait to have my bike repaired, lubed or just checked out to make sure everything is working ok. They are also reasonably priced with their repairs and equipment. I know times are tough and someone is always looking for a break but come one guys give the local bike shop some love and get your butts down there!! Once your in it's like hanging out with your closest friends. And where else can you watch Sports Center or any major Tour while you get your bike fixed??!! College Street Cycles is great!! And if you don't believe me, get down there and try them out for yourself!! read more