My husband has been looking at recumbent road bikes online for years. He said it's difficult to choose a bike without actually getting on it to see how it feels. Recumbent road bikes/trikes dealers are very specialized and rare to find. We did a search and decided to drive an hour to AlphaBent in Sacramento. We were very glad we did because the owner Hugh was a delight to work with. His expertise helped my husband decide which type of recumbent is best for him. He was able to try several recumbents out in the parking lot. Hugh spent hours with us and my husband selected a great trike that he is so pleased with. AlphaBENT stocks upper end recumbent bikes but mostly trikes, many motorized. His lines are not those budget Asian bikes that are online. He stocks recumbents made in the USA and Germany. If you are considering a precision high quality recumbent road machine, give AlphaBENT a try. read more

AlphaBENT - A happy AlphaBENT customer on the electric trike he purchased. - Bikes Near Me - Sacramento, California

Really rude owner. We called and explained we were looking at a used ICE trike for my husband and would he have time to set it up for a test ride and go over it to make sure everything worked and was safe to ride. We also wanted to buy some accessories for it. He said it would be 150 an hour to adjust it and we could bring it over. The minute we walked into his empty store he acted like we were annoying him. While we waited for the seller to bring the trike we tried asking some questions about the trike and accessories and all we got were short rude answers. My husband actually asked him if we were bothering him by being in his store. He kept asking us what the scope of the work was even though we had already told him. When the seller got there he immediately started making rude comments about the trike and the wires ziped tied and he would have to cut the zip ties to adjust the trike. We all looked at each other perplexed that this guy was a business owner. We quickly decided we didn't want this guys help in any way and will never be back. Instead of trying to help a new rider enter the sport and gain a new customer who will buy accessories, parts, service and down the line maybe a new trike he made us feel unwelcome. I guess because we were not buying an 8000 trike from him. Now take the owner from Laid Back cycles. We had a test ride the other day and he happened to call tonight to ask if we wanted to buy the trike. We explained we bought a used one. He was very happy for us. Asked what we bought. Told us if we needed help setting it up to bring it by and he would be happy to help. He understands getting new custimers into the sport and gaining a customers business. He also has a real joy for the sport. Guess who is getting our business going forward. read more

Hugh Kern of AlphaBENT is an expert regarding recumbent bikes and trikes. I received excellent information, advise, and tips from him, enabling me to make my choice of make and model. His customer support is outstanding. As a customer, you have his full attention; you never feel being "dismissed". His store AlphaBENT has an impressive selection of recumbent bikes and trikes. Yes, I honestly recommend AlphaBent as the place to buy a bike and to receive service. read more

This place is great & has A1 cycles! Custom fit to you, height & length. Also reasonably priced.

I had a great experience at AlphaBENT. Here's my story: I have a recumbent trike (an ICE Sprint X Tour) that was having some serious shifting problems for about a year. Certain gears were noisy, and the shifting would hesitate frequently. It was really annoying. I took it to my original trike dealer, and they were't able to fix it. In fact, I think they made it worse. I had them look at it a 2nd time, and they couldn't fix it. Then I took it my local road bike shop, and they only moderately improved things. There was some problem with the derailleur that nobody could figure out. After a year of annoyance and several attempted repairs, I contacted AlphaBENT, and asked Hugh about getting a whole different gearing system (a Rohloff hub.) I chatted with Hugh a few times, and he encouraged me to attempt one more repair of the derailleur. I took it into his shop, and within an hour he had it running smoothly. Now it's shifting like butter! While I was there he also fixed some issues with my parking brake, and he improved the alignment of the front wheels. Now my trike is in great shape again! In short, AlphaBENT fixed a year-long problem that I was having, and I'm so grateful! Hugh really knows his stuff! I'll be hiring AlphaBENT for my future service needs, and if I purchase another trike, I'll be purchasing it there also. read more

My service for my trike is outstanding. I have purchased three trikes over the last 15 years. The best place in Northern California.

Buying my first recumbent trike from Hugh was a great experience from start to finish. When I arrived for my initial appointment he had an assortment of trikes in front of the store facing the street waiting for me to try. They were basically examples of all the options available. He explained the differences and let me take my time trying each one. After trying them I decided to order and HP. The lead time at that point was around three months as the factory in Germany was backed up by covid. In the interim I was periodically emailing and/or calling Hugh with change requests all of which he cheerfully acceded to. Even when, near the just before delivery, I decided I wanted electric assist after all. In fact, he wound up installing the electric pieces himself and basically built the trike to my specs. The result was fantastic, I just love rolling down the river in the sunshine after a foggy morning. Finally, there were, of course, a few things that required adjustment. I returned twice and things were tweaked to my complete satisfaction. I can't recommend Hugh and AlpheBENT enough! read more

I meet with the owner Hugh last week. He spent servers hours with me explaining all the different bikes. I must have test road about 5 or 6. I am going back, next week, to buy a bike from him. Highly knowledgeable, professional, and easy to work with. Annette read more

Called on there off day by accident and talked to someone about my scorpion fs 20 trike! They had published an article on trigger shifters for people who are losing strength in there hands to change from twist selectors to trigger selectors! The person who answered politely basically would not give any ideas on how to approach the change up. When I told him that I was in Kansas not california he quickly stated your local bike shop can look at pictures to figure it out. Thank you for helping a senior citizen and veteran out! GOD bless you! read more

Just purchased my new Catrike from AlphaBENT in Sacramento. We drove from out of state to make the purchase. Hugh, the owner is very knowledgeable, was able to answer all of our questions, along with providing a number of different trikes for us to test drive. His price is very competitive with other dealers that we had previously checked out. I highly recommend buying from AlphaBENT if you are looking for a recumbent. read more

AlphaBENT - Catrike 559 Recumbent - Bikes Near Me - Sacramento, California

Hugh is all star recumbent dealer!! 5 star customer service and spends tons of time when I purchased my recumbent from him. Even being as busy as he is he took time to service my recumbent and get it back me in couple days. I would highly recommend going to alphabent if your looking for recumbent. I am more than happy with my recumbent and customer service I received!!! Would definitely recommend you go here and no we're else! read more

Hugh was very helpful and knowledgeable. We had a great shopping experience and even got to try out a few of the "bents!"

I live in Hawaii and have not visited the store. However, I found the exact bike I was looking for at AlphaBent and had them ship the bike to me. I worked with Hugh, who was very knowledgeable and gave me really incredible customer service. He did everything possible to make the transaction smooth and stress free. When a shipping issue came up, he immediately jumped on it and got it taken care of right away for me. I recommend them without hesitation. read more

Hugh (the owner) is a friendly, knowledgeable, professor-looking type. Actually he reminds me of Professor/Dr. Carlock, from the movie, Temple Grandin. He was generous in giving me a much needed small part for free, belonging to a Mirrcycle, a side-view mirror that lately seems to be a a stock item on many of these recumbent bikes. My impression once walking into the AlphaBENT shop was, this is another cycling world and this shop is an authority on recumbent bikes As soon as my house is ready to move into, I plan on coming to AlphaBENT to have a custom, fast moving recumbent trike built for me. read more

If you are new to recumbents , this is the place to go. Hugh had 6 bikes out for my wife to try. He has more bikes set up specifically for quick size adjustments than anyone else and takes the time to search out exactly the combination that will work best for you. This was not our first trike shop but by far the best to find out what would really work before forking out the cost of one. Hugh has 20 years experience (the owner) and his attention to you is incredible! read more

Came by to test ride an HP StreetMachine. I have never been on one before other than a Cruzbike. Hugh, the owner, was patient and kind. I am still not sure whether I will get another recumbent other than the Cruzbike that I already have. If I ever get one or a trike, I will buy from From AlphaBent, to support a local business in Sacramento and a nice guy. read more

Hugh, the owner, was very helpful in showing us his recumbent bikes and trikes. He was generous with his time, adjusted the bikes for trial rides, and discussed the pro's and con's of each bike. We will be back! read more

Highly recommend Alphabent recumbent cycles, my wife and I both went in there and bought two catrike 559s , excellent customer service. Road several other types of trikes and brands just to narrow down to make sure that 559 was the trike we wanted, they were very patient with our decision making and went above and beyond to exceed all our expectations. read more

Called on a Saturday morning to talk with someone about their assortment and pricing. Rudely told prices are all over the board and told just to come in. When I advised him I was a long distance from their location, again rudely told he was with a customer and to make an appointment. It took a less than one minute conversation on the phone for that person to completely change my mind about ever dealing with this store read more

Hugh is the nicest guy when you are buying a trike from him. If you aren't he is rude and unwilling to answer any questions. My first experience was testing trikes and he was nice as can be other than asking my wife if my grandson was still breastfeeding. My daughter and her 2 year old were with me. I wrote it off as eccentric. My wife had other things to say. I was looking to buy a used Kettwiesel and asked for advice. His response was " you are calling me to ask me about a used trike I'm not selling". He then told me he knew nothing about them and basically wanted to get off the phone. He sells these trikes in his shop mind you. The second time (giving him another chance) I was looking for a folding mechanism for my trike and he was yet again extremely rude because I wasn't buying a trike from him. Even though I was going to buy the parts. He will have all the time in the world if you are buying a trike but everything else is a waste of his precious time and his true nature is shown. I for one will never shop here again and tell anyone I know to avoid this place. read more

Hugh is the gusto go and see on recumbents. Great information and very knowledgeable. Each time we have shown up Hugh has taken his time to help us get our trikes rolling again. This shop is full of the latest trikes and recumbent bikes. SOOO much stuff! Thanks Hugh! read more

We have purchased several trikes from Hugh - various models. Hugh is always willing to spend whatever time is necessary to allow for questions and test rides. Sometimes when we are in town, we pop by just to chat and see what's new in the shop. Hugh has always been more than willing to share information and triking experiences. While we don't anticipate needing another trike in the near future, we will always drop by for advice, and maintenance issues. AlphaBent is the best! read more

I came in to test some trikes and Hugh was super helpful in finding the right one for me. He was super patient as I tried several different trikes in the parking lot. He explained the differences in each build, before landing on a Catrike. If you are in need of a good recumbent bike, definitely come here! read more

Just spent a pleasant and informative hour or so with Hugh Kern at AlphaBENT. Hugh is laid back (this is a recumbent shop, after all),very friendly, and knowledgeable on all things related to bikes and cycling. Hugh took time to introduce me to the unfamiliar world of recumbent cycling, got me set up to test drive a couple of different styles, and gave me advice that kept me from crashing in the parking lot. If you're anywhere near Sacramento and thinking about a recumbent, stop here first or stop here last, but by all means stop here. Thanks Hugh. I'll be back. read more

Hugh was very helpful. He provided me with information on various bikes, which might be best for me, considering my brain injury. And have me the opportunity to test ride three different bikes. Thanks for your great customer service, Hugh! read more

Best bent shop. Owner is very knowledgeable and customer oriented. If you want a bike or trike its the place to go.

AlphaBENT is a major asset to our local cycling community - and we're lucky to have them. Want to look at recumbent bikes, but not sure what to ask for or what kind to buy? This shop has all your answers for you. Highly knowledgeable and all around good guy Hugh Kern puts his heart into this shop and it shows. Just read the reviews. None of that "I'm too busy being cool to help you" attitude here. A bike shop that finally gets it right. Ahhh. Where have you guys been??! read more

Hugh was great to work with. I stopped by a couple times for test rides for my most recent recumbent purchase and he was always attentive, patient, friendly, and helpful. read more

Hugh was so helpful and knowledgeable about the bikes. He took time to explain the different components and performance!

I went up to Sac from Vacaville, to check out these 'Recumbent' trikes!. I went for a short spin and was sold. I bought one that was under $2,000 and am blown away how really good it is built and how fun it is. I got my foot out of a cast a and a boot after seven weeks, knowing that I need to exercise and this is perfect. I run my Golden Doodle pup down the bike trails with it too. The shop owner, Hugh and assistant are personal and much more than I anticipated, as far as info that I needed, as a first time buyer. Thank you, Hugh, Jerry Linscheid read more

This is the most unique bike store ever! It's a bike store for Adults 40+. Say good-bye to bad back troubles stemming from riding straight up. Say good-bye to fears of falling off and hurting your self like I did years ago when I broke my right collarbone. These bikes are fun and safe to ride. I have over 1700 miles in just 16 months, so unlike the other bikes getting rusty in my garage, you are going to use this bike a lot. The fun stems from these bikes being part go-cart, and part roller coaster, and you are always having more fun on the trail then all the other cyclists who look at my bike with more attention and envy each and every day. AlphaBent offers exceptional service and quality trikes at reasonable prices. I keep adding more and more quality features to my bike, as it has kept me in incredible shape, kept my weight down, and kept my pre -diabetes from going over the line. These bikes are the best kept secret in fitness, and I guarantee you'll ride more, have no back pain, and enjoy cycling more than ever before. Ed Krampf read more

I was looking for a bike shop that sold recumbent trikes. Wow was this the place. I counted more than 30 trikes of 3 or 4 brands. Hugh was the definitive no pressure guy. He offered to let me ride a number of trikes to find the right one. I returned several times, when Hugh was gone Guido was there to answer questions and continue the help. In the end I chose a beautiful HP trike. Customer service was simply unbeatable. They went the extra mile to modify and customize my ride to get me just what I wanted. If your shopping for a recumbent there is no better place. read more

This is really just an echo of the other reviews. Hugh - the owner, is a no-nonsense, responsive, communicative, and overall excellent person to work with. I came into the shop and expressed my interest in test riding a few two-wheeled recumbents, and he had me riding several examples within minutes. The shop has a really great selection of some of the best recumbents and trikes available and a good price spread for different budgets. I called back a few weeks later after the initial test ride, and placed an order for a HP Velotechnik Streetmachine GTE. I ordered it as a frame kit, because I like to work on my own bikes and build them to my specifications. When I placed the order, Guido, their shop mechanic, had a fully equipped recumbent disassembled and ready to sell to me within literally 3 hours of my putting a deposit with them over the phone. I was so happy to be able to pick up the recumbent frame the same day of the purchase. I sent Hugh a few pictures of the progress of my bike build, and he even gave some pointers on how to tweak the recumbent for best results. I can't recommend this shop enough, and we will be coming back soon to order a trike! Happy trails! Bobby read more

The owner, Hugh Kern, is committed to making you a satisfied customer. Three cheers for Hugh!!! If you are looking at recumbent bicycles or tricycles this is the place to go. HUGE inventory. You have to ride them to understand them. I took one bike out for a test ride and when I came back to the store another bike was parked outside the door for me to ride. When I returned from the second ride I found a third bike parked out front. This kept happening until I had ridden five different bikes. I knew which one I wanted! Outstanding! I bought a recumbent bicycle from AlphaBent and wanted a kickstand. They installed an aftermarket unit which was too bendy and scratched the paint. I installed the bicycle manufacturer's kickstand which was only marginally better, but still unstable. Hugh stepped up to the plate and made some modifications after talking with the bicycle manufacturer and created a truely stable kickstand that looks like it belongs with the bike. This is true customer service and needs to be recognized and celebrated. read more

Hands down the best place in the greater Sacramento area for recumbent cycles. My husband and I bought our trikes from Alphabent (at the old Dixon store) and were thrilled when the shop moved within easy riding distance of the American River bike trail. The selection is very broad - which is why I initially went here to choose a recumbent trike. One stop shopping. The staff is very helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. I have owned a trike purchased from Alphabent for the last 5 1/2 years and have been recommending Alphabent as long. read more

We drove from San Jose to be able to have the experience of using a Recumbent Trike and were not disapointed with the service and the experience of using a trike. I recommend the store and the staff. The recumbent is very comfotable and I expect it to provide the opportunity to excercise outside of the gym in comfort. Riding my bike just became too painful and uncomfotable. read more

This a great shop! Hugh Kern was a great help to my father, who was still riding his trike at 92! My Dad was not mechanical and Hugh was very patient and enabled him to ride even after walking became very difficult. Riding gave my father great pleasure and kept him healthy in his later years. thank you Hugh! read more

A enjoyable experience. Not knowing a thing about Recumbent Cycles; others shops did not want to spend the time but Hugh was different. The shop is different in Alkaline Flat: near Amtrack lines; enabling friendly waves, among architecture that is being restored--a prime environmental location of on-going concern and trending opportunities. I tried many trikes/bikes. I didn't know which I would like. (wonderful selection) I found out; I like stability, a smooth ride (suspension), shifting at the natural low position and riding, riding, riding. It's fun for this baby- boomer who has a Hybrid Specializied and just wants to have the fun.... on both. Perhaps the greatest asset to AlphaBent is Hugh, who is kind, caring and most welcoming to ALL. Thank you. (This is truly a random review--I do not know Hugh. I did not know of this shop....I am relating my experience, I am not related and I have no self interest.) read more

We love AlphaBent. We purchased our recumbent trikes there in 2013 and are still having the time of our lives riding 4-5k per year. Too bad we didn't discover the world of recumbent trikes and Hugh Kern earlier. There is no better place to start exploring recumbents. If you are looking for knowledgeable service, no pressure and friendly laid back atmosphere, look no further. Every time we visit, we learn more about great rides, route details as well as interesting tools, tips and gadgets. Lots of experienced riders drop in while we are there and offer perspective and exchange of ideas. We also meet plenty of newby's who aren't yet aware of all of fun times they have ahead of them. Always a pleasure to do business with Hugh and his hardworking and friendly staff. read more

I had a great experience with these folks. Recumbent bikes are expensive...period. These folks take some of the sting out of the maintenance required to keep one up and running. Bravo! read more