I just have to say, I signed up for a yelp account purely so I could rave about these guys. (I shouted their praises on Facebook months ago but figured it time to go even more public.) And now that I have an account, I plan to go tout my other fave local businesses and spread some love--because when something is awesome it deserves to be appreciated! I'm somewhere between a novice rider and bike racer, and I've hit my fair share of shops around Seattle and the Eastside. I've had several great experiences and many TERRIBLE ones, but I've NEVER had a bad moment at The Polka Dot. Leschi can be a bit of an exclusive bike scene--particularly as a consistent stop on the serious riders' scene. And I was a little nervous the first time I stepped in to check out The Dot. But I'd heard they were expert Campy guys, and I needed some help in that arena, so I ventured in. And I haven't gone ANYWHERE else since. I've never felt more welcomed, laughed so hard, been given such sound, thoughtful and spot-on advice, and actually ENJOYED the geeky side of bike mechanics as I have at The Dot. (This girl just likes her bike to work.) But Matt and his team are phenomenal. TRUE CRAFT mechanics. Campy experts. Guys who have experience racing and riding, and know the industry. And who are always up to share, or listen to, a good bike story. No question is too big nor too small. And they NEVER make you feel sub-par for not knowing certain names or functions of parts... :) And because of that, they're building the first bike I've ever had built. Which is a BIG deal for me after a VERY intense crash and recovery last summer. I needed a shop I could trust implicitly. And after telling Matt a bit about what happened, he walked me through every last detail of the build, helping select parts and piecing it all together. And within my budget. And to this day he is continuing to work with me on fit, maintenance and making sure everything stays dialed in. Basically, building back my confidence in bikes, and riding, one piece at a time. A gift I will never be able to repay but at least I can start here. So, yeah. Whether you want craft skill and expertise, or an awesome place to hang out and talk shop for a bit, this is the place. So go see the guys, say hi and test 'em out. I guarantee you'll be impressed. read more

This over-the-top recommend is loooong over due. As committed bike racers (Cat. 2) we spend most of our free time on two wheels. I trust Matt and his team, with not only my race results, but literally my life and safety. My girl-friend and I give them ALL our bike business. The Polka Dot Jersey sets the gold standard for what a local bike shop should be. Matt has been in the industry on the build and wrench side of it for years, learning under the best in the business. And that smart "pro" attitude about the soul of bikes, makes his work worth every penny. Of course, they offer a wealth of mechanical knowledge for entry level and high performance bikes, and they always hit important bike repair deadlines form me, and they do so at a very fair price. But so what? Beyond that they have the magical "vibe" that makes it a place you want to do business with. I'd call it love and passion. It's shop where group rides meet up, fellow racers stop by, and mom's with kids learn to ride. At the center of it all, between all the jokes and bike nerd talk is Matt, and his friendly smile, his tireless efforts and genuine care for the riders he works with. Long live The PDJ! read more

Yelp made me give this shop one star, I would give him zero. In May 2013 I gave Matt Telmosse $2500 as a deposit on a custom mtn bike. For a year he lied about the progress of the bike, he misrepresented three other bike companies in the process, and when I finally confronted him about his lies he admitted to lying and he made a promise to pay for my bike on his "dime". Sadly he lied about the last promise as well. Be aware about Matt and his shop. He will take your money, lie to you, claim he is an honorable person, tell you more lies, beg you to give him another chance, use his family as an excuse for not delivering on the product, admit to the lies, and lie some more - and through all of this he maintained his cocky attitude and could careless that he wasted a year of your life. I still believe in small businesses, I still believe people are good, but Matt and his shop does not deserve your hard earned money or your time. There are plenty of great bike shops in Seattle don't waste your time with Polka Dot Jersey or Matt. MATT IS A LIAR, he has no moral compass, integrity, or honor. The way the shop does business is based on lies. read more

I've had service at and bought from almost all of the bike shops in Seattle, and I'd follow Matt Telmosse anywhere he went. The guy really knows his stuff - and unlike some mechanics who don't know how to do something (or why something works that way) but have their ego tied up in their work, he will admit when he doesn't know something and then goes off to learn it. So you can trust him to tell you the truth. Also, I know many customers of his who have had service from him but had to come back a week later with a modified issue, but he has helped them out without saying it was their fault or charging them for a new issue. Plus, he rides his bike a lot, so he's gets it when you come in with a last-minute request! Not that I promote doing this to him, but he's stayed late a zillion times to help me out after the shop was officially closed. You can tell Matt is one of those guys who really wants to stand behind what he does. read more

Once again, the PDJ saved my butt, and bike, for me at the last minute! I've been there before for a few tune-ups, but like clockwork before a big race something major always goes wrong. They are helpful, courteous, affordable, and don't make my bike-novice-self feel like an idiot when I go in requesting "a simple tune" but actually need the bearing in my wheel hub completely replaced. (Guess the fact my wheel wouldn't spin wasn't just "user error".) Without their great service and competitive pricing maybe it wouldn't matter as much, but my favorite thing about PDJ is how quickly they fix or tune my bike and set me on my way, all with a smile and without an appointment. Most of the big shops can't ever get you in for a week or two, but when something is wrong with your bike 14 days of waiting won't cut it! These guys are great. I'll be returning again, and again, and again... read more

Since the departure of George and Il Vecchio, this neighborhood has needed a good basic shop that can cater to anyone. Met Matt while dropping off some build parts for a friend's bike, and found a shop that was not over loaded with glitzy over priced impulse items, but rather, necessities, service, and an honest personality. He built a bike for a friend, and was just down right good, including hangning on to parts, the old frame, etc. Bought some pieces that were not the cheapest, but let's be honest here, if you are not shopping at the warehouse three letter brand, or, the massive chain bike store, you need to pay a little more for the LBS experience. Matt is a good guy, honest as the day is long. You can see that I shop other bike stores, and his store is now in my rotation! read more

Matt and the Polka Dot Jersey team are the BEST!! I've been in the shop quite a bit--for tune-ups, bike build, once-over after a crash, etc. and have always found the service to be top-notch! Matt takes the time to get to know his customers and always includes a personal touch when I stop by (asking about races, etc). I've always found his pricing to be fair/honest and the service to be excellent. Matt really cares about the Seattle cycling community and he's built a great team who feel the same way. Can't rave enough about how much I love PDJ and always recommend them to my friends. Next time you're in Leschi, make sure you swing by the shop! read more

TPDJ is a much needed addition to this high-traffic location. I was very happy to see the shop open last year. The two previous shops that closed their doors (Il Vecchio and Tri-sport) were absolutely useless for the bike commuter or enthuast looking for a quick repair, tune up, or practical advice. Matt and his crew have saved my day on multiple occasions with BB replacements, wheel trues, and other work at a very reasonable price, and they always drop everything to help get a stranded cyclist back on the road. read more

I have used the Polka Dot Jersey for various projects from bike builds to quick repairs and these guys are great. They know their stuff, they get it done right and they're pleasant to deal with. How many bike shops in Seattle can you find where the owner is wrenching on your bike? This is not some Specialized or Trek behemoth but a local, owner operated shop that will take care of you and your bike. Next time you roll through Leschi stick your head in and say hello. read more

I love PDJ and Matt and his crew. Matt has been my mechanic for years and has never let me down, and I see him a lot because I put in thousand of miles commuting, training, racing and riding for pleasure. I trust him and his crew with all of my bikes. I always feel welcome in his shop (as a not-so-young woman, I have found this not to be the case in every bike shop). Matt has given great advice, excellent service, and has hooked me up with some sweet equipment. read more

Suffered an unfortunate incident coming off of I-90 from Mercer Island... the bead separated from the tread of my rear tire! With the tread toast I was left to consider my options. Luckily a quick Google search suggested I walk my bike to this shop. The two gents staffing the place were courteous, knowledgable and had me on my way within 15 minutes! I'll definitely be considering The Polka Dot Jersey for future repair work and tune-ups! read more

The service in here is good. Really good. Andrew and Matt know exactly what they're talking about (even when I don't), and they'll take the time to explain it to me. They also stand behind their service and products, so if you ever have a question later, or something's still squeaky a week later, go right on back and they'll remember you and help you out. Thanks, guys! read more

Matt and his team have built and serviced three bikes for me at The Polka Dot Jersey. I have had nothing but exceptional service and outstanding results with all of these builds. They have earned my trust. This is my shop of choice in Seattle! read more

I got a flat on Madrona and rolled into the shop for help with no money on me. Matt fixed my flat immediately and with only the promise that I would pay him when I got home. He's a nice, great guy. Thanks Matt!! read more

This place rules! Great advice and service from the owner Matt and his crew. This place is right on your route on lake Washington. They put some PDW fenders on my bike for winter, Super cool. Thanks guys! read more

Stopped in earlier to get a knocking noise eliminated. Matt found the cause, got it on a stand, and fixed the problem in about 15 minutes while I waited. Great service in a very convenient location. read more

This is a GREAT new bike shop in an underserved area. The service is fast, friendly, and professional, and they are up front about pricing. I will definitely be coming back. read more