I LOVE this place!! I recently bought a (Marin) bicycle from them after visiting 5-6 shops. In addition to buying a new bicycle, I also asked if they could swap some of the really good parts from my old bicyle to put on the new one. Usually a request like this will cost extra cash and it should be expected because of the additional work that needs to be done. I was expecting this would come at a really high cost. To my surprise, it was a lot less than expected. I feel as though I made out like a bandit in this situation. They're really knowledgeable and extremely patient. I was hit by two cars a few years ago. My body has changed because of that and I had a ton of concerns over this big purchase, They were able to address my concerns. They totally went beyond and above what I expected. I was on cloud 9 as I walked my brand new Marin out of the store. I would recommend asking for either Eric or Pat. They are the best at what they do and totally worth checking out. You'd be pretty dumb not to. read more

Eric was super helpful! First time stopping by- will definitely be coming back for any future needs.

It's been a couple years since I last wrote, so wanted to update my review. They continue to be an excellent shop with friendly staff. I appreciate how quickly they welcome customers in and I'm always happy with their work. I "Raleigh" appreciate you, Tip Top! read more

Great neighborhood bike shop. I've purchased a mountain bike here and have been getting my e-bike serviced here. Great service and staff!

I used to come here all the time when it was under the original owners, (a man and a woman) who were great! After the store was sold I came in a few times and did not have a great experience - it didn't feel friendly anymore for women, I felt brushed off when I tried to get info. I got a few services, but it wasn't my go-to place like before. Well, I needed a simple thing and was passing by, so I thought I'd check it out. For all I know it has a new owner since the last time I was there. Well, it was a change! I was greeted when I came in, the person asked if I was looking for something, he showed me where it was, asked someone else if they needed help. I saw another person on staff asking someone else if they needed help. If, like me, past experience or some of the reviews here leave you disinclined to come in, give it a try anyway. I'll be back too. read more

Pat went above and beyond to offer support to me to get my e-bike that I ordered online built and ready for me! He was very kind and helpful. Everyone at the shop was also friendly as this is my first time owning an e-bike! My e-bike is now built and I can tell they did an excellent job putting it together, it feels so smooth! I am very grateful for the support I received and how easy and seamless they made this process for me. read more

Tip Top Bike Shop - Bikes Near Me - Oakland, California

I've been coming to this shop for 15 years, and it's hands-down the best in the Bay Area. The team is meticulous and and genuinely enthusiastic about bikes--but what really sets them apart is how kind and honest they are. Whether I've needed a major repair or just had a weird noise I couldn't figure out, they've always taken the time to help without any pressure or upselling. They treat every customer with respect, no matter your level of experience. It's rare to find a place that consistently delivers top-notch service and makes you feel welcome every time you walk in. I wouldn't take my bike anywhere else Five Stars. read more

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Fast walking service for a flat, and diagnosis of repetitive problems. And great with servicing folding bikes, like my Bike Friday. And Bromptons!!! I'm pleased they're in my greater walkable neighborhood. read more

Went in after work and they helped me right away. Easy fix for them on something I had been trying to fix myself for hours. Super friendly and great service. read more

This place ROCKS! "Stone Cold" Eric and the crew took great care of me and more importantly my ride. Great quality, very professional, and a good vibe! What more do you want? Brought my bike in, they diagnosed a broken shift lever, ordered a new one and replaced it. It was time for a tune up and now my bike has never ridden better. As a small and local business owner, I put my money where my mouth is and was rewarded with a great experience. Thank you very much Tip Top! read more

Customer service is horrible! All I needed was help with a rear flat tire and brakes. The guy took my bike to the back came back in less than a minute and said. I can't work on it. I guess that's the type of service you get when you are not white. read more

Friendly folks and they often fix my bike right on the spot. Much appreciated! They aren't looking to gouge you on the repair cost. Very refreshing. They'll recommend a more cost-effective solution, if there is one. read more

Super helpful! Cream of the crop technicians in a high class facility. Will come back for more repairs!

was expensive and was charged incorrectly but the service on my bike was great. I can tell they care about what they do.

Review #900! I'm not a traditional cyclist...and honestly, if that's you, then get down here lickety split. They will take care of you and not make you feel "less than" like most of the bike shops where I accompany my cyclist hubby. In fact, I literally made the decision as to where to purchase my electric bike strictly based on how they treated me when I came in to take a look. I had called several shops, from SF to the Peninsula to Marin and even test-rode one on the Peninsula. I didn't buy from them because I really hated their attitude towards me - and I needed a relationship with a bike shop where I would be taking it for tune-ups and repairs. Pro tip: never buy a bike directly from the manufacturer if you don't have the skills or time to make repairs or follow up on warranty issues. From the moment I purchased the bike, Tip Top helped me navigate everything. I'm here to tell you that I likely wouldn't buy a Blix again. Many reasons...but one of them is how hard Blix made Tip Top work to replace the failed battery while still under warranty. The number of phone calls they had to make to replace the battery was ridiculous. First for the problem, then they got the battery in and it didn't work so Blix pushed back, then they finally sent a new charger for the battery, then tried to make us pay for it, even though they had been told it was under warranty still. And all of this went on without me having to do anything but listen to the voicemails that Pat left me. He simply updated me, but never stopped proceeding forward. Everything finally came in, and I picked up my bike (which had it's free annual check-up/service), and the new charger and battery, and went on my merry way. Thank you, Tip Tip...you are an absolute gem and I truly appreciate you!! read more

Tip Top Bike Shop - Blix Aveny - not recommended (my own fault). Tip Top Bike Shop IS recommended!! - Bikes Near Me - Oakland, California

Thanks guys, you made my day! This talented and professional team fixed my bike immediately, on the spot. I found them to be friendly, efficient, and skilled. Extra bonus: free silly dad jokes. read more

I live very close to Tip Top Bikes and am loathe to ever come here. Scam artists or just careless - it's not my problem, I'll let it be theirs... The past six (no joke) times have had to come here, I had to get the same repair or an adjacent repair related to their work done at a more reliable shop not 48 hours later. It's always a small but crucial detail they overlook, but they are sure to drive home that it's never their fault. Because it's been so consistent, I try to be really clear to them about how to be more careful. The most recent simple repair I had done here was a simple flat. I had the same issue a day later only to find that they used an inappropriate tube for my mountain bike tire, and used a crappy, single-layer piece of rim tape on a rim that is meant to have a more solid one. As usual, I went to one of the more reliable bike shops with friendlier service in the are the next day and they rolled their eyes (As they all do) when I mentioned Tip-Top. Seems like everyone in the bike community knows about them in infamy. I called the shop back- not to ask for money or a repair, simply to give them the feedback that the tube and rim tape was wrong and caused a flat that same day. The person on the phone was not having it and not happy to hear it, reiterated that it was not their fault, told me to go somewhere else (that advice was the best service I've ever had from Tip-Top) and hung up on me. I bet they are exhausted from feedback like this, as it's probably very common. OR their rudeness and carelessness is part of the reason thing go this way here. The wait times are off the charts. For better service, options, and more broadly-experienced and friendly service, go to one of the many places out 580 in Castro Valley. Locally, Mike's bikes in Berkeley, or a spot off of Piedmont Ave or on MacArthur in Laurel are usually available too. I would skip Tip-Top if I were you so you don't have to learn through negative repetition like I did. ;) read more

Friendly, capable, reasonably priced. I had a hub repair which David and John took care of while I waited. Great place

I'm extremely grateful for what help I got. I walked in without any money, to get a quote on a break replacement. With out hesitation, one of the Gus tool my bike and proceeded to replace it. Trusting on my word only to pay him later, so I did 3 days later. Where else do you get love like that from strangers! I'm grateful! read more

I love this bike shop. The folks there always take care of me in a timely manner and for a great price. However The last few times I've gone to the shop, one of the employees finds a way to be snide, condescending and sarcastic with me when answering some or all of my various questions. Honestly...are we still doing this stuck-up hipster-bike-guy thing? Please stop. If you want to look cool, be kind to people. I am coming to your bike shop to pay money for a service that you offer. The last thing I want is to be made to feel like you think I'm stupid for asking very basic questions. I do not know a lot about bikes. That's why I come to your shop. Please consider how your tone and the words you choose can make people feel. To the stocky gentleman with the dark beard who helped me outside after the fact - I thank you sincerely for your clarity, kindness, and respect. read more

It's been two years since I purchased my bike from here and me being the anxious person that I am have waited this long because I wanted to make sure my bike wouldn't fall apart... But it's still in one piece! And rides so smoothly. And has had no issues at all, despite the sometimes bumpy roads Oakland provides. I don't remember the name of the guy who helped me out, but he was VERY tall. Thank you, very tall man, for helping me to find a sturdy bike to meet my biking needs! He let me try out three different bikes and listened to me go on and on about how I wasn't willing to spend over "x amount" of money. I'm honestly thrilled with this purchase. THRILLED! read more

Tip Top Bike Shop - Marin bike! On Treasure Island. (that's not where tip top is, but my bike got me all the way there and back safely!) - Bikes Near Me - Oakland, California

Always very helpful/responsive, and super communicative re: service and whatnot. Great selection of accessories as well, even though it's a bit further it's becoming my go-to! read more

Some people are intimidated by bike shop staff. This is the number one complaint I hear from friends about a bike shop. You can relax at Tip Top because they are not there to jerk you around, oversell, or show off how smart they are. I find that I come in with a problem, I get a quick diagnosis and solid suggestions. They are patient with all of my questions. Tip Top has been my bike shop for two years since I moved to Oakland. I have two somewhat unusual bikes, a Brompton folding bike and a converted electric mountain bike. Tip Top services both of them for me and has done an excellent job on both. Even though I live further away now I still come back for their excellent service. I appreciate the skilled mechanics, knowledgable staff and I never get any negative attitude from anyone there. The staff is always friendly and helpful, and I feel that my bike is in "tip top" shape when I leave. They have really helped me when it comes to commuting with my 3 year old. When I brought my toddler in to get a new helmet, the woman that helped me was so nice to him. I brought in my Brompton folding bike with a child seat attached. This is really unusual, the bike has 16 inch wheels and seems too small to mount one but the Yepp Maxi (or mini, not sure) fits and my Tip Top mechanic was not afraid to adjust it for me. I had a bike shop in SF that told me on the phone "we will not install a child seat on a Brompton nor will we sell you one". Later I bought a used electric mountain bike to transport the child. It had no attachments for a front rack, but with a child seat on the back I needed a front basket of some sort. They offered what they had but it was not what I wanted. Finally I found one online that would do, I asked them to order it and install it for me and they did just that. After a year with this bike, I brought it to the shop because my brakes were not good enough for the steep hills around my child's school. They replaced my brakes with some really nice dual piston hydraulic disc brakes which are so much better. I'm so glad I found Tip Top. read more

Awesome place to get a bike. They have everything you need and can customize or repair anything. I got my bike fixed and they were super friendly, easy going and reasonably priced. I would highly recommend this place for all of your bike needs. read more

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Just had an excellent experience buying a bike from Tip Top. Being 5ft2 I often find it hard finding bikes my size. Tip Top had several bikes in my size and I was able to test ride them before deciding which bike to choose. They also have a test ride helmet that you can borrow while trying bikes out. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable and only showed me bikes that were in my budget. If you are planning on going to the shop during the weekend I'd recommend getting there right as they open at 11am as they are very popular and if you arrive later in the day they might not have folks available to customize your bike. read more

I called ahead to make sure they had my bike and they did. I went down and it took about 15 minutes total to ride away with my new bike. The guys were friendly and they seem to help lots of people as they came in with flats and service. Go here if you know what you want and you want easy service. read more

There's a reason this place has so many great reviews. I started looking for a gravel bike and emailed them to see if they had any inventory. They responded promptly and the person I spoke to was very knowledgeable and patient and explained the differences between all the models. He was very generous about letting me try out and ride the different models too. I had a very positive experience here and will likely end up purchasing from them after a bit more research. Also get this, if you buy from them, you get free service for life! Woah, that's incredible. UPDATE: I did end up buying my bike from these guys. A Surly Disc Trucker! I literally don't know didley squat about bikes but these guys didn't make me feel stupid. I may have bought way too much bike for my experience level, but it rides so well and the staff who I trusted really recommended it highly, so I went with it. Will definitely keep going here! read more

Not thrilled with how Tip Top is handling COVID. Back in May and June I emailed them twice to find out about hours and availability. No response. I called them. No answer. Finally they updated their website announcing they were open from 11-3, so late in July I stopped by to have them put a new chain on a bike I purchased from them last year. They said they'd do it, but would need to take the bike from me for two weeks. They seem to have decided that if they don't answer the phone or respond to email that means they can spend more time repairing bikes. Maybe that works for them, but it wasted a bunch of my time. We should all cut businesses a lot of slack at they cope with COVID, but failure to communicate with your customers is not okay. So now this is the part where I say I called Mike's Bikes and they answered the phone and told me to come in Sunday morning. They replaced the chain in under ten minutes - Tip Top wanted two weeks. read more

I just purchased my first ever bike here since my teen years! I believe John helped me out and he was amazing, helped me with everything and answered all my questions. I was able to ride around (and recommended) to test the bike and could've tested more if I had time. Having heard great things about Tip Top since I moved to Oakland, I'm glad I finally visited to buy my first bike which was also in my favorite color- totally meant to be. Also, they offer free tune ups for life which is a great perk so I don't know what you're waiting for, come here and check it out :) read more

Tip Top Bike Shop - Bikes Near Me - Oakland, California

Went to but new cross tires for my commuter ride. Pat helped me with a few options. I went for the Rocket Ron's. He installed them on a Friday evening and I picked them up when they opened the next morning. He cleaned up my brake and oiled my chain without me asking. This is my third great experience with this shop. Tip Top for sure. Pat was GREAT to work with. read more

They charged me $50 dollars to adjust my derailleur (all they did was probably adjust the limit screws). I thought they had done a full look over but I came to find out that that was simply not the case. I talked to a male friend of mine and he said they did the same repair for only $15. I don't trust this place anymore. I have given them many chances. This place is sexist and will rip you off. Ever since they undertook new management, it now has a bad vibe and is run like an auto-repair shop (no customer service). A gray haired guy was making fun of my last name (which was weird as hell). These men are immature and will take advantage of you. There are many better (and amazing!) bike repair shops in Oakland, please consider visiting them before you think about going to this bike shop. read more

I walked in today as a complete bike novice that was looking for a bike fitting. I've tried walking in to a few shops all over the Bay Area and have walked right back out due to the bad vibes and outright unfriendliness. Tammy was super gracious and approachable from the moment I walked in, and they helped me test ride a few different bikes. I ended up not purchasing today as I wanted to think on the decision a bit more, but the experience was so wonderful that I had to jump on Yelp to give Tammy a shoutout. Thanks Tip Top! read more

I just brought my bicycle into this shop to get an estimate for a tune-up. The mechanic put it on the stand and did a bit of testing. Estimate, $283. I said I'll think about it. He took it off the stand and I left. I got about 3 blocks when the pedals seized up and the whole rear derailleur and chain snapped off. Just a coincidence? Maybe. read more

Bit pricey but great service and good selections for sale. There is street parking (usually paid) in the area.

I love this place! They are super friendly, fast and open to explain alternatives for fixing your bike for those who don't necessarily know much about bikes, besides riding one lol. Will definitely recommend this and will continue to bring my bike in whenever needed. read more

Subpar, terrible... Overpriced for bad repair job. Other bike shops in Oakland might boast a high price, but at least they know what they are doing. This bike shop doesn't seem to know what they are doing. The only people who utilize this spot are techies and/or people who know nothing about bikes. read more

Tip Top used to be a really great bike shop under previous ownership and I would venture most positive reviews here are for the original owners, but under new owners things have gone downhill fast (with no brakes). This was my neighborhood shop from 2008-2012, and the original owners Richard and his wife Charlotte, and their staff, were great, and did 2 frame-up bike builds for me in that time. I would have given previous ownership 5 stars all day long. Looks like new owners took over in late-2018 or early-2019, and unfortunately the new owners are extremely disrespectful, kind of incompetent, and the shop has a totally different (I.e. bad) vibe now. Go elsewhere. New owners just don't care about providing competent service, treating people well, or building community. Another unfortunate loss for Oakland. read more

A bit disappointed yes they fiixed bike, but seat issue when went to choose seat they didnt have ANY slim seats and no one said i could bring in own seat for them to install (found this out with other customer while i was picking up bike) so i chose one of the only options they have to only find out its marked over double the price if i were told properly could bring in own parts etc. $70 alone for seat (no free returns etc) that doesnt include install tax etc to find out seat is only $30 bucks on amazon with free returns and cheaper at most other retailers. i feel like i got the wool pulled over my eyes. and seems a bit shade. So yes fixed bike but not to honest about things its a realy shame as most people i know are on budgets and would love to know they can get a seat cheaper if NOT purchased at tip top. DAMN SHAME. GOOD FAITH and Integrity is lacking at tip top. Always double check prices online or with other bikes shops as tip top over doubles the prices for certain things like seat Also you dont get anytime of paperwork when drop of bike NOTHING in writing. they wrote my name and bike issues on piece of binder paper. I got not drop off Receipt or proof of estimate/ proof they took bike etc so a bit nerve racking with no official paperwork till after you pay. they didnt say come back if had any issues, didnt even care if i do test ride before paying, most places i know would !00% ensure this. but than again if its only about the $$$ you dont need to ensure if customer is comfortable with fixes/ upgrades etc, dont need to care about someone coming back with problems as they already paid. read more

Oh my god. Can't praise this shop enough New to area had a flat 9 miles from house but 2 miles from Tip Top Walked the bike all the way there and they took me in immediately Referred me to an awesome taco shop while I waited for bike Such a great loving crew at Tip Top I'm glad I got a flat and walked it 2 miles Everything happens for a reason !! read more

Can't comment on the pricing or the actual quality of their existing bikes, but the service is awesome! I had brought in a bike in bad condition I had bought for cheap online, and they were super honest about the bike not being worth repairing instead of trying to charge me to fix something not worth fixing. They told me the pricing and compared it to getting a new version of the bike, and it just was not worth fixing. Instead, they recommended I "run it into the ground", and fixed up a few quick things to get it running again! Although I didn't actually pay anything and kinda wasted their time, they were professional, friendly, and honest. Will be coming here to a trustworthy shop for my future bike needs! read more