Best Cycle Shops In Los Angeles
A biking resurgence for both short and long haul trips have two-wheelers taking to the streets and hills of sprawling Los Angeles by the droves. Fun-loving fanatics are flocking to a few trendy and dependable shops for great service and quality equipment. With that in mind, consider the following bike shops next time you are looking for a two-wheeling adventure.
Hours: Mon to Tues - 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Thur to Fri - 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sat - 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun - 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Not only does this little Silver Lake gem, located next to a charming 1920s church, peddle awesome bikes, but Golden Saddle Cyclery is a friendly outpost. Known for fast service done by laid-back pros, the folks who run this place are totally trustworthy. With that in mind, it's safe to say neophytes won't be overpaying for this excellent service.
Related: Guide to biking along the LA River.
Hours: Mon - 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Tues to Thur - 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Sat - 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun - 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Call this shop a co-op. Arguably the most notable place in Los Angeles for those who not only want their bikes fixed, but want to be the fixer. Bicycle Kitchen cooks up a great way to get that done. At a recommended $7 per hour donation, clients are privy to the shop materials, tools, and advice. Tons of trading as well as replacing goes on all year long. Biking friendships are sure to be made during this engaging process.
Hours: Mon to Fri - 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Certain serious cyclers swear by Cynergy, an all-purpose shop that's super luxurious and filled with enviable eye candy, like the 2012 Venge from Specialize. Not only are the latest and greatest bikes on offer, but the service is one of a kind. This place rocks with mind-expanding expertise and extraordinary product for the two-wheeler set.
Hours: Mon to Sat - 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun - 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
If you like to dig through rusty piles to uncover superior treasures of the two-wheeler variety, this is the place to visit. Customer service at this Pasadena-based spot is short and to-the-point, but the trade in for not being pampered with small talk is finding that illusive bike part. Special knowledge from biking guru Steve, a man who potentially knows more about bikes than anyone else in the Southland, is an added bonus. That said, get ready for the Open Road, a curious sight because this place is meant for getting really down and really dirty--all in the good name of this very on-trend (and on tread) sport.
Hours: Call for hours
For bargain prices on repairs and upgrades, Athena Bikes is aces. Howard, the owner, takes care of his customers. Not only does he offer great deals, but he also goes above and beyond to fix bikes and keep his customer satisfied. Howard's other claim to fame: His assortment of vintage rides that don't carry ridiculous prices.
Related: Best biking trails in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles travel writer Jane Lasky contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.
