Did you know Heath Jackson, the owner of this store now runs Culture of Cycling in Fairfield? I…read moredidn't. It must take real effort to get an overall 2 star score after 65+ Google reviews but Heath managed it at Bike Force. Now I know why. A month after I ordered a product that was in stock, over the phone I gave up on the excuses - a part was missing, the delivery address was recorded incorrectly, the courier must have made an error, etc. I asked for my money back. It didn't end there: the sales system can't process refunds, internet banking requires a dongle that is inaccessible. It took nearly two months before I finally got my money back, and only then after the intervention of my card company. I've never had a worse retail experience anywhere. Don't buy from this guy - he's a fraud.

A down to earth and customer-focused independent bike retailer…read more Good things: - Engaging and conscientious staff - Variety of bike types and brands - Central location Not so good things: - Lack of test ride venues - Shop can be crowded when busy Had a run of good experiences with these guys. Although they didn't have a bike that suited me when I first went in, they gave a lot of options and test rides and didn't push the sale when I decided not to buy. The bike I got elsewhere has gone in a couple of times for troubleshooting since, and the Cycles Galleria team has been great. They're not snobby toward commuter riders and noobs on a budget the way some bike places are, and seem genuinely keen to help customers get the most out of their ride. Despite the trend toward single brand shops in Melbourne (e.g. Specialized), Cycles Galleria appears to have a handpicked selection from several manufacturers, ranging from cute hybrids with baskets and kickstands up to sleek full carbon road and cyclocross bikes, plus some innovative belt drive commuters. Their prices are very competitive even though the rent must be horrendous in a city mall, and they'll consider price matching where it's reasonable. As another reviewer suggested, CBD traffic isn't great for test riding bikes, although at quieter times of day the area is perfect for trying out climbs and descents. The small-ish shop floor also tends to crowd when customers are browsing and a few people have bikes lined up for service. Overall, Cycles Galleria stands out for customer service in a market that seems to be moving toward high-volume warehouse retailers and elite racing specialists. Highly recommended for novice riders like myself who need good technical advice above and beyond the usual sales pitch.

Friendly and professional advice (best price in the city) The only bad thing is there is not much…read morespace to test ride the bikes.

Am I reviewing the bike store here or the cafe? Hmm. Fortunately they're both three stars so that…read moremakes the situation less confusing. Rush is a great high-end bike store. It also has a pretty damn fancy-looking bike service centre. This is fine if you're sporting a Bian-what-ever-those-pricey-bikes-are-called. However, if you've got something a bit more, um, let's just say middle of the road, then it's not as good value. You can get a better service for your Giant, Kona or Malvern Star at the (confusingly named) Abbotsford cycles just the other side of Richmond station. Total Rush is for performance machines, whereas there they like to tinker. The cafe isn't too bad. The coffee is decent and they make their own snacks on premises. However, it's not outstanding. Decent, but I can't imagine why you'd head out to this corner of Punt Road unless you were there for the bikes.

Total Rush has all the most important elements of a quality bike shop; great service departments,…read moregood selection, knowledgeable staff, and even a cafe to grab a decent cuppa while you wait. My partner joined their monthly ladies ride, and has become a regular due to the professional and courteous team. Recommended.

The position for Smith Street cycles seems to be a short lease venture location, as the previous…read more3-4 ventures haven't lasted longer than 6 months. Smith Street cycles seem to be bucking the trend as it continues to serve the local cycle enthusiasts. The massive factory esque store has a huge number of new bikes for sale. There is also a decent size mechanics area where you can get you bike fixed or serviced. The choice of bikes is not large, as there seems to be more of a focus on quantity of a certain style. The actual space seems a little too big for the store. The walls are fairly bare and it doesn't have a lived in feel that most other bike stores have. The sales staff seem cool and willing to help, but don't try and ask a mechanic for help as I did, otherwise you're likely to have your head ripped off by the guy in charge, maybe it was just too early on a Sunday morning.

Smith Street Cycles is a massive bike store with a big variety of bikes on offer. The shop is in…read moresome serious need of repair (note the mouldy inflatable kids pool in the window that appears to be there for the sole purpose of catching water from their leaky roof), but that is no reflection on the quality goods that they sell. The staff are quite helpful and give solid advice about bike repairs and maintenance. My only criticism of Smith Street Cycles is the fact that, for such a large store, they only have a very small selection of bike-related equipment. For instance, they only sell one kind of bike light (it's a good quality one, but doesn't provide much in the way of consumer choice).

Stepping into Kustom Kommune I feel as if I am stepping into a world of unbelievable comrade, bikie…read morechic and am just waiting for a camera crew to pop out and say goodnight as they head home after a full days filming. Part bike mechanic store/club house/part cafe/bbq smoke house this place has something to offer everyone who's not afraid of the slighty dirty side of life. Someone has taken a lot of time to put together the cafe space. There's a variety of table sizes and heights. Lots of raw unpolished wood and quirky touches. The bar stocks Tromba tequila and 3 Ravens beer, as well as a very small wine selection. This place is for bourbon, beers and whiskey sours. Worth taking a walk down Easey Street to try the special Mac & Cheese!

First time we walked past this place, it was intimidatingly hipstery. We were the only peeps…read morewithout sleeve tatts, and it just had a vibe that it was a little too cool for us, so we kept walking to another bar. Those generalisations are on me though, because next time when it was a little quieter we went in and loved it. It's linked to a motorbike workshop store next door, and it's not unusual to see guys at work on their bikes through the glass as you have a $6 tinny on the other side, perhaps enjoying some American Style BBQ, or just chilling in the little lane. Bar-staff were super nice guys too. Unique, and very Melbourne, don't be intimidated to pop in when in the neighbourhood.

Cannot rate this company high enough. Would give it a 10. Rented a bike a year ago and this week…read more Gave them my Bike's measurements and the pressure I wanted in each tire and was delivered to my hotel exactly as specified. The team there could not be nicer.

From the owner: Travelling interstate or international to Melbourne and want to keep up your training schedule or…read moretake in the best road cycling that Australia has to offer? 10Bikes offers experienced cyclists who travel to Melbourne a quality 'ride' delivered to them, set up and ready to go. It's short term bike rental made easy.

My pair of him sneakers were on their way out and i needed a new pair asap!…read more Sports Junction stuck out to me, the vibrant coloured sneakers in the front window called out to me. Inside there was a huge variety of colourful designed sneakers for all sporting needs whether basketball or running etc. I was greeted by staff and asked about what type of shoe i was looking for. They were helpful and genuinely knew about what shoes goes best. The store is located on bustling swanston street and usually has a lot going on so take a look around the store and someone will eventually get to seeing you.

There is a period in my life that I am not proud of. I went through a 'stage' in which I only wore…read moreConverse sneakers... I owned 22 pairs of them in varying colours and shapes. Where did I get so many pairs of Chucks? Sports Junction. They always have the latest designs as well as the old classics, and even a few that I had never seen before. Sports Junction also stocks comfy shoes from all brands and they are conveniently located on Swanston street (and another on Elizabeth!) So if you suddenly have a craving for some brightly coloured, comfy sneakers now you know where to head (or you can borrow one of my 22 pairs.)