After my partner discovered that our bikes had flats, we quickly called this place to see if they could take us in. Chris was extremely friendly and informative over the phone and we brought the bikes in. He gave us really helpful info regarding the bikes and helped fix our damaged tubes and helped so much with other parts of it without charge. This person is a pro and doesn't charge an arm and a leg like other places. We definitely found our go to place here! read more

Chris has knowledge beyond your typical bike shop due to his years of riding, racing and shop ownership. If you have a question he can't answer, you've asked the wrong question. He carries quality brands that I consider mid-life crisis quality. Instead of a Corvette, you buy a bike from Robinson. You'll save money and be happier and healthier in the end. read more

Great service ,great selection, great help even just to change an inner tube on a tire.

100/100 Chris is amazing! I came in with a unique situation with a rim replacement and he fixed what nobody else could! Worth every dollar! He walked me through the entire process and any "what if" scenarios. I felt great leaving the shop with my bike and a future plan to bring back my neglected MTB. If your serious about taking care of your stuff and want someone who knows absolutely everything there is to know about your bike come to Chris. I can guarantee you won't find another shop like this. He made a lifetime customer out of me! read more

Professionalism at its best. I was having trouble shifting. Chis realigned the rear triangle and it shifts better than new.

Brought my daughters huffy in. The gentleman was so helpful, pleasant. Put the chain back on the bike and filled the air on the tires. I'm grateful to have this place closeby. The service was excellent and the shop was clean. read more

If you need a professional in bike field, this is your shop. Highly recommended for everyone read more

I just wanted to thank Chris Robinson of Robinson Wheel Works in San Leandro, CA. I bought this old Sycip race bike - which had clearly been ridden hard and put away wet. The BB was shot, the BB threads were shot, the cranks were shot. It needed work! I wasnt able to get the threads free and clear enough to install this wonky BB - which required some special tools that I don't have. Chris took great care to get it done and do it right. As a former mechanic myself - I appreciate great mechanics - and Chris clearly is one! read more

I don't drive so I finally decided to buy a used bike to just get around and run errands in the neighborhood. I brought it in thinking I would have to get a tune up since it was several years old and supposedly sitting in a garage all this time. I was a bit nervous going in since I don't know anything about bike maintenance. Chris was so nice. After assessing, he told me I didn't need a tune up but should probably get new tires in a few months. I decided to get the tires now since I was there. I was comfortable enough to ask him several questions. He answered all my questions thoroughly, with suggestions on how to get the best out of my bike. I'm sure he talks to newbs all the time who know nothing about cycling. I appreciate his care and enthusiasm in helping me. Great person and service. Oh and he also did some adjustments on my bike with no charge! read more

I can't say enough good things about Chris Robinson & Robinson Wheel Works! I've been around bikes & bike shops my whole life and this is a unique experience. From the bikes on the floor, to the thoughtful selection of parts, the TV with race coverage in progress, and the espresso machine on the workbench, it's immediately obvious:  Someone who knows and loves bikes works here.  Chris is a wealth of information about bike fit, frame geometry, ride qualities, wheels, components, etc., not to mention the bike industry in general and most everything bikes. He's also a very cool guy, which if you've spent much time in bike shops, isn't exactly the norm. Chris guided me through the design and build of a custom Seven road bike (which are amazing, btw) and the bike is perfect. If you're looking for a new bike, or top notch service on your existing bike, or a parts upgrade, do yourself a favor and pay Chris a visit. read more

My husband had just recently went to this location and get service for our son's bicycle. His bike had suffered multiple tire flats within the past 4 months. Upon reaching the shop for the first time, my husband stated that he was met with a gentleman by the name of Chris. He states that Chris showed exceptional customer service, shared his knowledge of products for better preventative measures, and his understanding and passion for all things bikes. My family is very grateful and appreciative for Chris' kind service and made a final decision that Robinson Wheel Works will be the only location to serve our family's bicycle needs from this day forward. read more

This is a bike shop from a time when bike shops were unique endeavors made possible by an individual with a deep passion for cycling and all that it entails. You can talk to all the chain store employees you like, watch all the YouTube you want, and read all the articles you can, and you won't be able to replicate Chris Robinson's depth of knowledge and expertise, earned over decades of working on and building bikes. I've found him to be generous with his time and his knowledge. He does good work and stands by it. Simply put, I highly recommend Robinson Wheel Works. read more

Chris is the exact kind of local business owner I love to support Approachable, funny, knowledgeable and has good prices. Now most importantly, he seems genuinely honest with no other motive than helping you out. He helped me last minute on a busy Saturday fix my tube and taught me all about my bikes issues and how to maintain my bike being I'm relatively new to cycling. I got the work done same day and aligned my rear breaks for free. Great guy, Great service. I'll definitely be back. read more

This is a long delayed review I owe Chris. I owe him because he deals with my overbearing, doting, constant nagging. I got into cycling during the pandemic so I am literally "Johnny-come-lately." Probably an insufferable noob and have terrible trail etiquette. Sorry, I haven't found that YouTube video yet. Dear reader, understand that when the first Fast and the Furious movies came out, I was a poor Filipino kid. Fast forward decades, I am still Filipino, with significantly more disposable income, but unfortunately less sense. So my philosophy towards all wheeled things is: put a wing on it, apply stickers and live my life a quarter mile at a time. Jk. I install all sorts of nonsense on my bike. It is probably to make up for my feelings I'm inadequacy in my chosen profession and constant work related stress. (If you like, please recommend a retail addiction therapist.) Anyway, I have had Chris install all sorts of probably needless upgrades to my bike. I have taken it to him to adjust derailleurs, install handlebars and wrap, mount tires, re mount tires after I didn't like how the new ones I bought felt after riding for less than 100 yards. I want to say Chris' prices are fair. I replaced a handlebar at Centripedal in Fremont and I recall it being about the same. But Chris gives you the peace of mind. He's approachable, he's got a bike reclusive guru type vibe. All the things he's installed and adjusted hold up well DESPITE my cycle-condria and my inseccant fake news inspired second guessing. He will not advise you to do unnecessary maintenance and will give you a no nonsense assessment of things that need to be replaced or changed. Also his turn around time has been no longer than a week, even when he is "slammed." Kudos Chris, you keep me rolling during these unprecedented times. I hope this email finds you well, insert your inane COVID email platitude here. Stay safe! Stay rolling! read more

Robinson Wheel Works - See, there's a motherluvin wing on the front. - Bikes Near Me - San Leandro, California

Fast friendly service! Free 2hr parking in a good neighborhood. Will be back for future bike maintenance.

Chris is the best! He got my bike in on short notice to install new bar tape and it looks great! read more

Robinson Wheel Works - Chris is the best! He got my bike in on short notice to install new bar tape and it looks great! - Bikes Near Me - San Leandro, California

Hands down the best bike shop in Bay Area. I have bought bikes from Chris for many years. His knowledge and skills are unparalleled. Great bikes, amazing owner and the best service. read more

I realize that Mr. Robinson has great online reviews, with only a few negative ones. Admittedly, those negative reviews came off kinda crazy & unreasonable. Sadly, I will be adding to his rare list of negative reviews today. Hopefully mine will be seen as more sensible & constructive than those others.  I am a new bike owner in San Leandro, who had recently ordered a bike that I had put together at a local bike shop in downtown SL (NOT Robinson's Bikes). The other bike shop did a decent enough job, but I found them to be a bit disorganized, took longer than I felt they should have, & I was overcharged from the price I was originally quoted.  Now a month later, I am looking into upgrading some of the parts on my bike, & instead of going back to that other bike shop, I did some searching online, & came across Robinson's. It's a bit further out from me (the other bike shop is just around the corner from my house), but after reading the online reviews (the majority of which were stellar), I decided to go on Robinson's website for more research.  The owner's site is very organized, & he lays out his impressive resumé, of decades of being in the business.  As a new casual bike rider, I thought this would be the perfect place to not only upgrade my bike, but give me a few tips & pointers to start me on my biking journey.  I reached out to Mr. Robinson via email, to request info on his prices & services, as well as give a brief rundown on what I wanted to have done to my new bike. I was quite impressed with how prompt, professional & knowledgeable his initial response was.  I replied again in greater detail, answering the questions he had asked, by giving him a list of the components I was interested in. I told him that I was looking to swap out several components on my bike, & that I was looking for a specific line from a specific brand.  In his next response, he shut down any possibility of a transaction, stating: "I've had clients in the past not satisfied with the {brand in question} level of components performance as often expectations are higher than the components can provide and this, in turn, reflects negatively on us.Thank you for reaching out to us for the opportunity to assemble the group yet this is a project we would not take on at this time." This response was problematic for me, for a few reasons. 1) While I don't question Mr. Robinson's bike expertise & acumen (that was the reason I reached out to him in the first place), I must respectfully disagree with his assessment.  While I am a new rider, I have had experience with my current bike, as I used the exact same model (with the same parts I was requesting) in my previous role as a *Security Patrol Guard*. I was in this role for several months, & those parts performed admirably. Not only that, but I was not the only guard that used that same bike; I shared it with other guards as well, some of whom were pretty brutal with it. The bike, as well as the parts (again, the same ones I am requesting) all took a licking & kept on ticking.  Also, I had informed Mr. Robinson in my 2nd response that: "...I know {brand in question} isn't necessarily the top of the line, but I'm not exactly an elite rider. Plus, I like the functionality and aesthetics of the {brand in question} line." Im not sure what his previous clients are/were doing with their bikes, but I won't be scaling mountains or doing acrobatic tricks with my bike (I'm too old, too big, & not coordinated enough to do either). Just casual riding with my wife on the weekends.  Not to mention, during my months long research, the reviews for the brand in question, across multiple websites, have been stellar, & don't reflect his assessment in the slightest.  2) I'd also mentioned in my 2nd response that I was open to his recommendations/suggestions on my choices. This, in my mind, would have been the perfect opportunity for him to upsell me, by offering alternatives to the suggestions I made. There was no "might I suggest xyz brand, instead of the abc brand that you're looking for?" He didn't do any of that.  I realize that all businesses reserve the right to refuse business to/from any patron, for whatever reason. However, in my mind, the reason should at least be, you know.... a reasonable one. This didn't sound like a valid reason to turn away my business. I have a theory or two, as to the real reason, though. Needless to say, his reply, while not rude, did come off as slightly elitist.  I could easily say "oh well, his loss", but the fact of the matter is, more than one person lost out here; I'm still missing out on an expert bike service, and Mr. Robinson is missing out on not just one, but TWO potentially loyal customers, as my wife would have been coming to him to have her bike serviced as well. I have a feeling that's of little consequence to him, though.  Oh well, I guess back to that other bike shop it is, then. read more

Simply the best, a true partner with amazing professional background, stories, humor.... (Well...), Personable and honest. read more

Robinson Wheel Works - My bike chulo is his creation! - Bikes Near Me - San Leandro, California

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I am not much of a biker, but I do use my stationary bike for a quick workout often. Unfortunately, the right pedal broke off because the threads were stripped on the crank arm. I tried contacting many repair shops but no one would help because it wasn't a regular bicycle. That is when I came across Chris, and Robinson Wheel Works. He was more than willing to make a house visit to take a look at the bike, and within minutes he had a solution, an alternative plan, a time frame of repairs and a cost estimation. He removed the crank arm, took it to his shop for repairs, and a few days later made another house visit to install it. My stationary bike works as good as new. Chris was very professional, responsive, had great communication, great service attitude, and very friendly. I will be coming back to request his help for all my stationary bike repair needs from now on. 100% recommended! read more

Fantastic shop. I came in with a few issues, starting with a wheel that was bolted on too tightly. He loosened the bolts, told me exactly why the other issues were happening and how to fix them, and didn't charge me a thing. I've just moved to this area and will definitely be back for any bike things I need. read more

Chris Robinson and his shop are jewels. Chris is expert and kind. He's a throwback in that he cares about you and your bike personally. If you want great service and a personal touch and follow up...this is the bike shop to chose. read more

I do recommend this business. I meant to click on yes. My apologies. They were very polite and helpful over the phone. I wish them great success. read more

Ordered my bike online and chose this shop from references of fellow bicycle club members. I do have a regular bike shop I use near my Pinole location, but the wait time to have my online bike purchase assembled, was well over a month. Called this shop and was helped by Chris, who was able to assemble and guide me on suggestions and in person appointment consultation over the course of two weeks. Unfortunately after getting all the adjustments and fittings done, I realized that the current gears weren't to my liking, Chris informed me what work it would take, along with the possible cost associated to achieve my goals, so I decided to return the bike to online store. But I may have made $3500.00 mistake without Chris guidance, this shop is definitely worth the long drive from my place, to receive exceptional professional level guidance that matches my desires and abilities. Chris handled the unpacking and assembly of new bike, as well as the complete repackaging and shipping back to the original store. Thanks again for great and exceptional service. read more

Robinson Wheel Works - Bikes Near Me - San Leandro, California

Awesome bike shop! The owner (Chris) and one of their technicians (Stephen) all know their stuff. I've brought in my 2 road bikes, and my wife's bike all in for service. Not only did they make the bike ride better, but they shared proper riding technique as well. So, in addition to the equipment, they provided proper knowledge on how to use it. This is one of those places where you leave your bike at the shop, have them take care of it. That's the trust I have with this shop. read more

Chris was great! He was so helpful and quick to service my bike. Considering everything being closed and COVID being top priority, he was extremely accommodating and fast fixing my bike. He explained all the charges and even gave me some pointers. I would recommend Robinson Wheel Works to anyone. read more

Took a couple of tries to get in touch but- I know this a busy time for bike repair & such. The real problem is that I asked for help with a couple of flat tires and a brake handle replacement, and I was quoted $124 plus tax. Just got all that done easily & well for $30 at another place. read more

There only a few bike repairs in San Leandro. Chris was awesome. He was busy when I called and I left him a message. He called me back to set up a appointment due to the covid 19. We discussed my son bmx repair and after following up on the appt, he took the bike got it done in the promised time. We discussed future purchase and also parts. Chris knows his bike and even helped me out with additional pointers. Thanks Chris for the quick and your funny commentary. read more

Chris built both my 2018 Santa Cruz Bronson (with RWW hand built custom wheel set) and my 2017 Orbea Orca and I can't say enough good things about the two of them. I came to RWW a year ago because my dad recommended Chris from his dealings with him 20+ years ago and I will go nowhere else for my bikes now! From initial inquiry all of the way through final delivery and then on to bringing the bikes back for tune-ups I give Chris and Rafael 5 stars across the board! There's a reason RWW is getting close to the 30 years in business mark, they treat you right and make it a pleasurable experience that leaves you you wanting to come back! read more

Robinson Wheel Works - Bikes Near Me - San Leandro, California

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The staff at Robinson's are not the smoothest bunch but what I need is expert service and knowledge. Chris Robinson is the best bike mind in the East Bay. He diagnosed my creaky wheel in 30 seconds (a broken eyelet), and he also rebuilt my 15 year rear hub too. His bike lines are only the best, Seven and Santa Cruz, and if you want a high end bicycle with impeccable service, Robinson's is the only place to go. read more

Chris is great! Always willing to help out with a great sense of humor. Very knowledgeable and not condescending.

Fair prices for the parts quoted, but I didn't have a pleasant experience trying to purchase a pair of threaded brake pads for a road bike: Me: Do you have Kool Stop threaded brake pads for road bikes, the ones with the holders? Guy at counter: No we don't stock that, what kind of brakes do you have, Shimano? Me: Yes, I need the Shimano type. *He rings up a pair of Ultegra cartridges at $13, I know this is too cheap for ones with holders. Me: Do you have these with the holders? I only have the non-replaceable stick in a piece of rubber ones right now and I'd like to replace them with the Shimano holders. (wanted to do this to switch to more economical cartridge replacements.) *He gets confused now: what kind of rims do you have? Me: Cheap aluminum Alex road rims... *He then brings out these non-threaded Jagwire mountain bike brake pads, and this totally throws me off. Didn't I ask you for road brake pads? The kind with the holder where you can replace the pad? Threaded? Me: uh, I'm looking for road brake pads, threaded, do you sell the replaceable ones with the cartridge style holder? The guy gets short on me - I'm the only customer there - remarks that there must be a mistake in my terminology, and asks me to bring in my bike. Nope... please don't waste my time... read more

Mr. Robinson reached out to me about this review which is commendable. .5 star for that. The initial note was a bit inflammatory, but we sorted out why he's not the right shop for me. read more

My first "modern" road bike purchase had my wallet a little terrified, but I bit the bullet and went with a friend's enthusiastic recommendation to Robinson. Chris and Tim are friendly, knowledgeable, and tremendously unsnobby. I wound up with a steel Seven Axiom and a great build for a 5'2" female, especially w/r/t handlebar, stem, and brake sizing and adjustments. They have lots to say about bikes, so take advantage of that by calling or going in when you have plenty of have time, but with that chatter comes years of experience and a genuine concern for the fit of your bike. Their fit warranties are excellent, and they're still giving me phone/email advice 4 years and 3,000 miles away. No discounts, exactly, but 4 years later my bike has turned out to be a great investment. The way Chris set it up allowed me to adapt it (with very minor adjustments) for things I'd never thought I'd be doing with that bike (loaded touring, crit and road racing, and even cyclocross). My repair/maintenance costs are tiny compared to most racing cyclists, and 4 years later I'm still riding the original drivechain except for the chain. Wholeheartedly recommended if you're looking for a custom frame, a great fit, or just a custom build. read more

Chris and Steve are hands down some pretty cool guys! Walked in and was greeted promptly. When ordering your bike they will customize the bike to YOU!! Height, inseam, shoulder width, and so forth. They really get to know you and what your style of riding is. My brother and good friends recommended them and I can see why! These guys KNOW bikes. You can feel and sense the passion! They sell high end bikes but don't let that scare you. They will work around your budget. read more

Robinson Wheel Works - The build up.... #SantaCruzBicycles - Bikes Near Me - San Leandro, California

Last Saturday I did a 130mile ride and since I am disorganized I was still in need of extra tubes on Friday at 6pm when I got out of work. I checked out yelp and saw that this bike shop, which is close to my house, was open until 7pm. I got there at 6:45pm and the door was closed. I saw on the door that yelp was wrong, it actually closes at 6:30pm. But since there was still light inside and I really needed tubes, I knocked and Chris came to open the door. I explained my situation and although the store was closed, Chris let me in. We chatted for a while about bikes and I bought my tubes. I don't know of a lot of places which would have done the same. Chris clearly cares about his customers and knows a lot about bikes! I will come back! read more

These folks know what they are doing. I have always wanted to get my bike ergonomically fitted to me. I stopped in on a whim one day and asked them about that service and Chris really sounded like, not only was he totally into it, that he really knew what he was talking about. So, right after getting my bike tuned up I went in to get my fitting. Wow - Chris is serious about this stuff - you have to answer a pre-fit questionaire and once you get there he has got the plumb-bobs and the laser lights measuring your every which ways. I took a ride yesterday and I have to say, I feel more comfortable riding and it feels like I'm using less energy to get where I'm going. Yay! My only complaint is that is took them a little too long to get back to me when I was trying to set up an appointment. read more

Chris is really great at what he does, build great bikes that last. I have a bike that he custom built for me 25 years ago. It's still riding great. I've had little to no problems with it. I've beat the bike up, crashed it, rode thousands of miles on it and it's given me no issues. If you are on the market for a new mountain or road bike, he won't let you down. You will marvel at how problem free the bike he builds you will go. read more

Chris was fantastic! We went in on a whim to look at helmets and met Chris, so knowledgeable and helpful. I was interested in finding a helmet and Chris took the time to explain the differences in quality and pricing and why some helmets are just better than others. I decided on the Lazer helmet, they didn't have the exact color of the one that I wanted in stock but Chris ordered it for me and it came in only after a couple of days. The whole experience was great and will most definitely go back to Robinson Wheel Works for any biking needs. read more

I bought a new "used" bike and took in in there right before closing to get some new platform pedals put on. They offered me a few different pair and then brought out a really sweet set that had been ordered for someone and were having to be sent back for some reason. They offered me their dealer price on them. Then the poor mechanic had to sit there and screw in every little traction screw... like 50 of them right before closing. No complaints though.... he hooked it up while answering my questions. He also offered some good advice on where I could go on upgrading my bike without being condescending about some of the lesser parts on there. I am going to be bringing my bike for for some tune-ups and to have them help me do some upgrading. It is nice to have a local, friendly bike shop. Remember people, you can buy stuff off the interent, but you can't get your bike tuned up on it. Support your local shops! read more