Unassuming shop with a steady flow of customers. Unclear if open from 11-6 (per online) or 12-6 as the sign on the door says 12-6. I arrived around 12:15 and the store was completely closed with no one answering the phone. Waited 5-10 min before someone showed up - turns out the staff member went to walk his dog. Seems to be a one man show most days. He was nice and friendly though and prompt with the repair. Reasonable prices. Agree that they don't seem to try to upcharge or find other things to fix! read more

Revolution Bicycle Repair - Bikes Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

I brought my wheels in and the very professional man fixed them. The price was right. He was pleasant. I had a good experience

Kind and knowledgeable, fair prices and good work. These guys really passionate about bikes and are the first ones I'll go to in the city. The shop looks awesome too and has a pretty wide selection. read more

Honestly, I was feeling nostalgic and wanted to know What old sasseroo was up to and...it didn't disappoint. I only wanted to see his responses to 1 star reviews and it made me laugh so hard I cried. You are a true gem Sassy. Don't ever change. read more

Stumbled upon this awesome shop this afternoon. I rarely go to JP but I think I'll keep going here even if I move out of state! My brakes needed some adjusting. The guy (owner I think) put it up on the stand and flawlessly fixed my problem. He then adjusted my friend's poorly mounted front breaks (by a different bike store) in seconds. I got such a good vibe from this place! I can't imagine I'd ever want to get my bike worked on anywhere else. read more

This is an excellent bike shop. James is a colorful character, and also a master at his craft. He examines bikes carefully and figures out exactly what they need, and then tries to help the customer make choices that are within their budget. I've been there often, and I just went back thinking I needed a chain and cassette, but he played with my derailleur a bit and the bike is now working great at no charge. Thanks James! read more

Owner is a total jerk. Refused to help me, pretended he knew more about bikes. He's a hack even after I ordered parts ahead of time he wanted to argue about the correct use. Total waste of time, don't give him business. He even accused me of drinking, which is a self report because I've seen him stumbling into the local liquor shop on the regular. Stay away read more

I called them for chain installation. The guy who answered the phone seem not interested. Seemed like answering the phone is a bad chore. He said I could bring the bike anytime and they'll fix it whenever. WHENEVER? so I asked politely if I could get a time estimate. He seemed annoyed he said, "Well do it if we find the time". Done deal. Bad customer service. I won't be surprised if they will do a bad job. Or even not to the job at all. And I'd be waiting forever. My response to WHENEVER? NEVER EVER!! read more

James is hands down the best and greatest business owner I've ever met in my life. Just not for my bike but also as a person. I really enjoy going into his shop and talking 2 him he's the greatest business owner in boston. And just not cause he does great job about fixing bikes. I've actually learned a lot from him as customer I would give him 10 stars! read more

Have brought both of my sons' bikes here for small bumps and bruises. Price to fix is always between $10-$20 and they never try to upcharge or sell me anything extra. Always a 5 star experience! read more

James does great work and his rates are very reasonable. He explained the issue with my sons bike, fixed it and called me when it was ready to pick up in basically a day. Most of the critical reviews seems to be about an interaction rather than his work. I was respectful, friendly, and reasonable and he was the same way with me. This is a small business run by essentially one busy guy. read more

I've used Revolution a few times, mostly for quick and easy fixes to my old bike. I've also recommend this shop to others who had more significant bike repair issues, and those people have also been happy with the work. James loves fixing bikes, and he cares deeply about the community that he serves. The price is usually lower (sometimes substantially lower) than the bigger, more recognizable area shops. And he never tries to upsell or sell anything that I don't ask about. His shop is clearly designed for bicycle service than for equipment sales (though there is a small selection of bike accessories for sale). James can seem prickly at times. He takes a no BS approach to customer service, and seems to appreciate the customer who wants to come in, specify the work, and leave. A person who wants information and recommendations and lots of friendly chatter is likely to be unhappy. But for reasonably priced bicycle work, this shop is tops. read more

I've been here before for a u lock and it was fine. Brick and mortar is always gonna be more expensive but I was fine supporting a local shop. I came back this past week to drop it off and get a quote. It was something around 75 for labor and parts which also seemed fine. I come back to pick up and am told it's 112$. I asked why the price was higher and he told me it was because a tune up was 70. This is where my five stars drops to two. I didn't ask for a tune up. In fact when I dropped the bike off I came in and told him I wanted the quote so that I was sure I could afford the work and avoid future confusion/arguing. If he had called to check/suggest the extra work without doing it that would be great but he didn't and that's more money out this week than I'd have liked. Yes - my fault for not getting it in writing but it feels lame to have hoped for mutual trust along the process and it get it. The work seems to be good - no problems yet but going off old reviews I'd agree and say yes, come here if you need something done fast. I'm not especially sensitive but the whole time I was picking up he kept saying how my stock bike was only good on the assembly line and how now it'll be so much better. Dude thats awesome that you're proud of your work - I'm all for self promotion and confidence but not everyone would be okay with that. If we were good buddies that'd be different - shit on the bike and what not. I'm mostly upset about the money and because I feel like I was 'bait and switch'ed. I wasn't going to pick a fight in his shop because then he would have to take apart the bike and put on old parts etc so I said thank you, I'm trusting you, have a nice day. To customers - do your homework and shop around. Get it in writing the first time. Have thick skin. To the shop - please get the green light to do work before doing it. That's how you build trust in your customers and keep them coming back. Keep the sense of community going and listen to the people you talk to. read more

Took my wife's bike in with some messed up front wheel bearings. Service was professional, absolutely instantaneous, and incredibly cheap. No upsells, no BS, he just saw the problem right away and fixed it with zero hassle. The bike rides better than ever. Would absolutely recommend. read more

I came in to change my pedals and I left with my air pumped, chain greased, and a bike way faster than it was before. The person who helped me (James) didn't try to pedal me anything and was real nice about talking about maintaining my bike pressure. The customer service was great! read more

Ever since Jim at Revolution tuned-up my boyfriend's bike and replaced both wheels, we've had FOUR FLAT TIRES on the back wheel -- two in the middle of long rides, rendering the bike useless and causing me to walk it home for miles. Brought it back to him three times and he blamed the flats on running over something and charged for new tubes. The last time, Jim kept the bike for 2 weeks and never called to say it was ready. We brought the bike to Maine and got the 4th FLAT in 2 months, so brought the bike to a Maine repair shop that examined the wheel and told us that the rim strip Jim had used wasn't even the right one for the bike and that it had a sharp edge that kept causing the flats! The Maine shop replaced the rim strip (NOT the tube) and we haven't had a flat since -- and have ridden the bike many miles without issue. To add insult to injury, Jim's girlfriend hangs out at the shop and answers the phone. Last time we called about the 3rd flat, her snarky response was, "Learn to change a tire!" and hung-up. Jim approaches his customers with the attitude that he's doing you a favor by working on your bike. Do yourself a favor and take your business elsewhere! read more

I went here first in Feb '10 for some reflective velcro bands. the staff member's attitude was, let's say, not friendly. I picked up the merchandise fine though. My second trip was in April '10 for a helmet. A different staff member helped me and did a better job of making me feel welcome and valuable. I wanted a white helmet and since they had none in stock that same staff member checked online for one to be shipped and ordered it for me. He gave me the date it would arrive and took my name and number, telling me I'd get a call in 5 days when it arrives. 1 day after it should have arrived and having received no call I called them and was told that they sold my helmet and I should have put a deposit down for it (though I was NEVER asked to do this when I ordered it). Not only did I get this wonderfully snide and ultimately unhelpful comment but I was also not offered an apology or re-order offer, just a dial tone. They get two stars instead of one because two out of three employees I had contact with made me feel unwelcome but one gave me decent service (despite neglecting to follow through on the store's deposit policy). read more

I don't know what the eff people want out of this place! It's perfect! You need your bike fixed? They can do it, and they're cheap, quick, and honest. You need a light/helmet/other accessory? They have a decent selection of the basics and will order whatever you need if it's not in stock and even call you when it comes in. They have bikes for sale. And there's usually a dog hanging out. They have always been friendly to me when I've gone in, and even remembered my bike. I can only assume it's because I treat them like real human beings. Here's a secret for all the whiny complainers: get over yourselves and just be nice. read more

People that are reading the reviews on here should realize that the 1 star and 5 star reviews are about the same people. This shop is the epitome of "hit or miss". The owner is cranky. He is a good mechanic. If you don't have a hard time getting along with people and you want to get some good work done for what could very well end up being less money than other places give it a shot. Also, advice to bike shop customers in general: You need to get over the fact that staff seem unapproachable. You need to get over (within reason) that the timeline you're given for when things will get done is not what you might've hoped for. Finally, don't be afraid to go to different bike shops for different things or if you don't like the quote you're given, without completely writing a particular shop off as horrible. read more

I wish my car mechanic made me feel this cared for. I arrived at Revolution loaded down with the jumble of parts that was once my bicycle; after years spent in storage units and months being dragged from one friend's basement to another friend's patio, my poor little two-wheeler was a pitiful site. But the friendly helpful dude behind the desk took it off my hands and, as if by magic, began to reassemble my sad ride with the greatest of ease. He chatted with me about my bike, talked about parts I would need, and gave me none of that biker dude attitude (you know, the "you're not deserving to even own a bike, you treat it so badly"). He was clear about the charges and how long it would take. Tune up cost me about $45. I don't know jack about parts and equipment so I can't speak to whether their selection was good, but they did have for sale a number of charming old school rides with colorful fenders and lovely metal kickstands. If you're local, and thinking about polishing up your ride, this is a great little haunt the check out. read more

Two things right off the bat: 1) The guy is a good mechanic, and the place is a good value, but 2) The owner/main guy is a complete jerk. So, you must ask yourself, are you willing to be treated like an idiot because you're a square, white-collar capitalist slave to the man who knows nothing about bikes (or anything at all for that matter) to save some bucks on a good bike repair? I was. Bikes not bombs was trying to charge me $245 for a repair on my not very valuable bike. F that. This guy did it for $180. Admittedly, the BNB people were super cool. They put my bike up on a stand, brought me behind the counter, and patiently explained everything to me. Also, BNB is somehow related to a charity, so I think that any money spent there does go to a good cause. But I'm poor! $65 is a lot of extra cash for me! Anyway, the rude dude at Revolution said my bike would be done in two days. Five days later, my bike is done (barely), and the dude is acting like I'm being a huge burden on him because I need my bike back. But the work was A+ quality. So, the choice is yours to make... read more

I came here to get a repair done on my bike. The guy had mentioned when I picked the bike up that he had put air in the tires. A few minutes after leaving the shop my front tire burst. My roommate had a similar experience after going to revolution for a flat repair where his tire burst within an hour of leaving the shop. I came back the next day letting him know what happened, and that my roommate had a similar experience, and inquired if it's possible that he overinflated the tire. I was initially met with condescending questions attempting to trip me up, which evoled into animosity, aggression, and personal insults. I eventually left after he called me a "fucking idiot." When I got home I removed the tube from the tire and found a four inch long tear across the tube. This could not have come from riding over a sharp rock as he had tried to convince me. I'm sure he does a fine job most of the time but if you ever come in to raise issues with his work expect the worst customer experience of your life. read more

Someone gave me a free Lemond, and I thought it was in the WORST condition. After new brakes, tires, tubes, some cable adjustments, and about $80, the bike rides better than my car. :( Each time I've stopped in for a quick estimate on a simple upgrade or minor repair, they've been able to throw my bike on the lift, and take care of it within minutes. I wish there were automotive mechanics like this!! :( Two weeks ago, I popped in minutes before closing for an estimate on a repair. At first, they thought my entire cassette had to be replaced, and possibly my chain (based on the problems I was experiencing, and the condition of the parts). After a quick cable and housing replacement ($14) and new seat I picked out while w8ing (free installation), I was back on the road on what felt like a new bike. A week later, I stopped in while they were closing up (I felt like an asshole), the guy located a pinhole leak in my tube, and changed it ($10). These guys are honest and upfront. They tell you what needs to be repaired, what can be improved, and what you can hold off on fixing. BNB kind of scares me -- I know there are good intentions behind their cause, but the prices for ancient, heavy bikes freaks me out, and I get confused when clusters of urban youth leave the warehouse, and return with *2* bikes each to throw in a pile next to Ula. WHERE ARE THEY GETTING THOSE BIKES!?!!!! :'( Revolution just doubled their showroom, and they have pretty good deals on NEW and used bikes + all of the parts and accessories you could ever need. read more

I took my bike here because I needed a new chain and tubing. Not a hard job I know, but I am clueless and busy so I decided it was best to have a professional do it. Everyone here was very nice, and it was very laid back. The guy didn't make me feel like an idiot for not changing the tubing myself which I appreciated! I get very nervous about these thing. He finished it in about 10 minutes while I waited. I thought the prices were really fair ($15 for labor + the cost of parts), and I just really like the shop! I will be back if I ever need anything taken care of again. read more

The guy who runs this place is pretty awesome. I took my cheap bike to this place to get it fixed to a certain degree. On the phone he told me a tune up would be 60 dollars. When I went to the store, he said it would take a couple days. Since I bike to school, I told him I needed it as soon as possible. So instead of a tune-up, he fixed the wheels, spokes, brakes, and my stupid handle bar for 40 bucks, but right on the spot. I came back a few days later since my pedal somehow got loose. Fixed it up right away. Great service. Fast. Knows what he's doing. and has cute pets there too :) read more

I have only gone to this place three times. It is a bit messy but who cares, I get really good prices on wheels and tubes, and service is really good. The only reason I don't go to this place more often is because of moved 2 miles west and now it is not as convenient to get there. The person who helps you gives good advice about maintaining your bike. read more

this place is wonderful i don't have a bike or anything i just come in for the eye candy THESE BOYS ARE SO CUTE!! read more

This place is pretty awesome. If you're looking for a quick fix for something, come here. DO NOT go to Ferris or Bikes Not Bombs. I don't think those people understand that bikes are some folks' main way of getting around and you can't go without your bike for a week while they take their time fixing it. The prices are almost always lower too. I love the anti-establishment angriness on the website. The dude here is super friendly and real, though perhaps that's because of all the yelp feedback? I do wish that they would actually be open when their website says they are. Several times I've gotten here at opening time and he's no where to be found. Or is taking a long lunch break. I don't have simple bikes and he does get a bit exasperated with me. Totally understandable, but maybe keep the grumbles in? read more

Horribly rude owner. I called beforehand to ask whether they have bikes in stock that are within my budget and my size. I did this out of concern for the safety of myself and others since there is currently a pandemic going on. I wouldn't want to come all the way in just to find out there is nothing there that is my size/within my budget like most bike shops in the area due to the current bike shortage. Not to mention that I have no means of transportation and it would take me over 2 hours to walk there. First, I asked whether they have bikes under 500 dollars. He said "yep" and HUNG UP on me. I called back thinking we had been disconnected by mistake. He told me "I am too busy to talk about bikes on the phone" and to come in in person then hung up again. I simply wanted to ask what sizes of bikes he had but he wouldn't even wait to hear the second question. This was extremely rude and unhelpful, not to mention irresponsible. Forcing customers to come in in person during a pandemic just to ask a simple question which could easily be answered over the phone puts both staff and customers at risk. read more

Fast, friendly, and inexpensive. Today, I brought in two bikes in need of some minor repairs. I didn't have cash with me, and the credit card machine was broken, so after fixing my first bike, the guy let me ride it to an ATM. By the time I had returned, he'd fixes the second one too. At no extra charge, he then did some extra repairs that weren't strictly necessary. The total bill? Just $15, or roughly half of what I would gave been charged elsewhere. read more

Is "bike-side manner" a thing?! I've lived in the neighborhood for five years and have tried to bring my business to this bike shop a handful of times. Literally every time I've walked in, I've been greeted (if you can call it that?) by the nastiest attitude I've ever experienced from a business proprietor. It seems no matter the inquiry, he treats customers as though they've asked the DUMBEST question he's ever heard. I'm by no means a bike maintenance expert, but I'm not a new kid on the block either. For goodness sake, I'm trying to give you money to sustain your small business! Help me out?!? I give up. Bikes Not Bombs it is. At least they care a single iota about customer service! Good riddance. read more

I've brought two of my road bikes here for minor adjustments repairs (e.g., fix broken spoke) and for bigger repairs (replacing the bottom bracket). Each time the repair was done very quickly. Two experiences stood out: (1) I had a repaired spoke break the day after it was fixed so I went back and he replaced it for no charge, (2) my front derailleur was stuck and he looked at, tried to loosen it, and then recommended that I soak it in degreaser...and he didn't charge me for his time AND his recommendation worked. The prices are very reasonable when compared to other bike shops in the area and the service is quick and professional. The atmosphere is definitely more laid back than a place like Landry's, but the mechanics know their stuff. read more

I give this place an emphatic 5 star raking. I took my bike to Revolution to have (1) my rear tire break adjusted and (2) my rear tire re-aligned. In the past this same job at a larger bike shop near BU cost $50 (a rip off). James worked on my bike for under an hour and fixed it, while making minor adjustments my breaks for free, all for a fraction of the price I had been previously charged. His customer service is A1 and I highly recommend this Revolution Bicycle Repair to anyone that values quality service that is reasonably priced. read more

I made a Yelp account just for this review: I brought in a old bike and the repairs were an amazing deal, $100 for new rear wheel and tune up and assembly of a few parts. My tube had a hole in it later after my first ride and I came back and James hooked me up with a new one for free! And on the spot! He seems like he really cares. Also, the dogs and cats are a plus when you are waiting. read more

This guy is super informative. He's basically a bike doctor. Gave me his honest thoughts about my bike dilemma (yes, it was a dilemma) and really helped inform my decision. Also - he has this super cool little terrier and a cat that hangs out at the shop. It's a win-win. Oh, and his tune ups are $70. read more

Took my bike in because of chain skipping. After talking with the mechanic, I agreed to get the cassette and chain replaced per his recommendation, as well as brake pads replaced and front wheel trued. He included the cassette in the cost of his estimate, which I payed when picking it up. I specifically asked about the cassette when I picked it up because it looked dirty to me, and he pointed right to it and insisted he had replaced it. I later noticed the chain was still skipping, and upon examining the cassette realized it had NOT been replaced. Just to confirm my perception, I took it to another bike shop where two different mechanics took a look and verified the wear on it indicated it was not a new cassette. He lied right to my face to scam me. He denied everything and insulted me when I confronted him. You don't need to take my word about this guy's character. Scroll down, click the 'other reviews' link, and check his response to Rick B.'s critique where he lashes out at "fucknuts," " pussy shitheads that are too stupid to figure out what tire they need," and says "This guys smelled like a rapist," (yes, about his own customers) if he hasn't deleted it by now. Can't believe he has any business. read more

I'd like to add, if you write a bad review where you mention the trouble you had, you get a personal message from someone, who's to say who (James himself perhaps.. whoever is masquerading behind the screenname Sweet T)... telling you never to bother coming back because he doesn't want your money. No apologies, no I'm sorry things didn't work out you should've come in and I would've made it right (although he was clearly annoyed I didn't go back and allow them to fix the minor mistakes: little does he remember that when I said something about one of my concerns I got a blank stare)... instead there are accusations of a personal gripe. So be it. Edit: and then you get a second message where he calls you names and makes other unpleasant comments that aren't repeatable here. If you don't believe me read James' response below (before Yelp removes it) and you can see what his attitude is towards his customers... read more

I took my bike into Revolution Bicycle Repair to have new pedals put on my bike since I was unable to remove the old peddles myself with the tools I had. The worker was very rude to me from the beginning and began belittling me for wanting yellow pedals on my bike. He began to pry on the peddles (without taking much care for the protection of the rest of the bike) and they still weren't coming lose. He then started using a blow torch to "loosen them up" and he began to pry on them more until he bent the crank on the bike - "Well now the crank is fucked". He began to look for a replacement and tried to put an old crank he had laying around in the back that were mismatched color and not to the quality of my current crank (My bike would have one of my original cranks, which is silver, a black crank and then a white chair wheel). I told him I didn't really want to put those sub-par parts and and he told me my only other option would be to have him order a new crank and that it would cost me $60. I told him I wasn't going to pay $60 for a new crank when he's the one that had bent the original one. (likely because he weakened the metal with the blow torch) He began to cuss me out and telling me that I should have known it could have happened because "it's a fucking mechanical part, idiot" and continued to belittling me for wanting new peddles on my bike for cosmetic reasons (the new peddles would also help my peddle clips fit on better). He then told me "I'm not fixing shit" and shoved the bike back at me while tossing the parts he had taken off on the ground. I had to continue to ask for all of the parts he had taken off my bike as they were still scattered around on the floor behind the counter. He gave me a handful of the parts and I asked him if that was everything and he said "No I kept all the good parts for myself off your shitty bike" He began to yell and belittle me more and I left the store and quickly as I could as I began to fear for my own safety since he was getting very aggressive. Please do not give this guy a minute of your time or a single cent. read more

The one in JP rules. The guy is super nice,very knowledgeable and prices everything very reasonably. I've been in there a bunch of times and will most certainly be in there again if I need more bike help. They are really informative and want to help you have a better ride. read more

Brought my bike in for a very minor repair, which they did on the spot. I needed a tuneup, so I figured I'd leave it with them for that. I was going out of town for a few days and wouldn't need it. The guy told me it would be ready by 3pm the next day, and I said I wouldn't be able to pick it up until Monday. The guy agrees, hands me my slip, all is right with the world. So Monday rolls around, and I'm all antsy to get back on my beloved bike and walk on over... And discover they're closed. What the fuck? I go home, defeated and bike-less. I called from work the next day to make sure they'd be open when I got out (they always say their hours are until 7, but after walking over for nothing the day before I wanted to be certain.) They said they would be, and they were (Gasp!). But I was told they "needed more time" on my bike. What, now? I was told 3pm Saturday. I told them I'd be picking it up Monday. Both had passed. So why wasn't my bike ready? I told them I'd be picking it up the next morning. It was actually ready, but the guy (the same one I've dealt with everytime I've been in there, I'm hoping he's not the owner) was surly and rude and asked me if I've ever had a tuneup done in under 4 days. I told him that I was going with what I was quoted: 3pm Saturday. I will definitely NOT be returning to this shop, not with how unprofessionally it's run. read more