First thing to know is this store has newer management so some of the old reviews may no longer apply. I just bought a bike for the first time in years. I popped in almost 8 weeks ago and met with the new owner. Asked him for a recommendation and he steered me towards the least expensive Marin, explaining that is all I'd need as a weekend rider. He was honest that the bikes were on back order and it took far longer than either of us expected, but he kept in touch. Once they were in, I tried a few models and wound up upgrading. The folks that helped me were nice, low pressure, and genuinely wanted to be helpful- whether you're spending a hundred or thousands. Great service, good value and good selection. I prefer this bike shop to others in the area- and it is right off the bike trail. They rent bikes by the day too. read more

A big shout out to Big Wheel Bikes of Arlington! I rented a bike to ride the GAP/C&O trail. The bike worked like a beast and the pickup/dropoff was seamless. They deserve an extra star for customer service because I had opted to use my own saddle for the 8 day adventure and forgot to take it when I dropped off the bike (doh!). Unfortunately, I had already left town when I realized my error. I contacted them by email and they worked with me to ship it back to my home address. Side note: if you are bike camping the GAP/C&O, you will want to use your own panniers as the ones BWB supplies are too small to accommodate camping gear. You may want to rig your own fender system as well. read more

Great job fixing up my bike. Quality repair shop. Also use them for regular tunings. Reasonable prices for the area.

This shop had the bike I wanted and Eric was super helpful. I'll definitely be back for any tuning in the future. He even hooked it up with a tubeless setup! read more

Big Wheel Bikes - Marin San Quentin 3 - Bikes Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Phenomenal!! Best bike shop around by a long shot. It appears I'd left my bike out too long in the elements and the oil had hardened in the freewheel hub making it impossible for the pedal to engage the rear wheel. These guys determined this in maybe a few minutes which really speaks to their expertise. Here's the thing, I had gone to Conte's bike shop as well as an REI both of whom quoted me at the $150-$200 range to get this fixed. Conte's told me just for them to inspect would be $50... utterly ridiculous and a scam. Conte's staff seems to have a bit of an ego too. Big Wheel is the saving grace, all and all the final price was only $30! I am beyond pleased, their staff is so welcoming and respectful. Wish I could give you guys a rating higher than 5 stars Truly terrific on all counts. read more

This place used to have good customer service, but recently the customer service is absolutely horrendous with really bad staff. I went there with my wife to get our bikes appraised with a possibility of buying new bike. Ben, the employee at this shop has the worst customer service attitude you can imagine. We simply asked to appraised our bikes, and he was rude and abrupt. He had the type of attitude that we are trying to hassle him. Also, he made no attempt whatsoever to sell anything to us or the availability of other bikes. The bottom line is I would go elsewhere, because Ben has the worst attitude and would not accommodate the customers. read more

Great service, answered all my questions! Got the wrong tire initially and they helped me find the right one. Even helped me put it on for free. read more

I've been going to Big Wheel Bikes for a few months now, and I've never had a bad situation. Eric and his team were extremely helpful and knowledgeable with everything ranging from building my bike to random drop offs I would place on them last minute for servicing. Everything was done in a timely manner, and at an affordable cost. I've also recommended other cyclists to this location and they've all shared positive experiences as well - especially the fair turnaround time compared to other shops. read more

I went there they served me right away very good customer service.. they got me the bike i want right on my size.. the guy who works in there is very nice and the young lady... even we are in pandemic time they are still there trying to help.. thank you guys.. keep up the good customer service.. read more

Big Wheel Bikes - Inside the store - Bikes Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Simply the most rude of any bike shop I've been to. They waste the time of cyclists. FOR CONTEXT: I've lived on three continents and 9 cities. I've been riding bikes for 30+ years, and I've owned at least 8 bicycles. If you read through Yelp -- as I'm doing now -- you will see a consistent pattern of unhappy customers with an owner named Mike S. accusing customers of lying. SHIMANO's POLICY: I purchased and had installed a 105 group set for my titanium frame road bicycle back in early 2022. (IMPORTANT NOTE: This bike store had nothing to do with installing the group set.) The chain busted at one of the links. I called Shimano and submitted proof of purchase (Shimano products are warrantied for 2 years from time of purchase). On November 23, 2022 I called and spoke with Chris at Shimano (800 423 2420), and he said just take the chain in to the closest bike shop to my home, and they will swap it out and RMA directly with Shimano, because I'd already submitted all the documentation and and had an RMA number. Chris mentioned that "any good bike shop will be able to make this work." WHAT I EXPERIENCED AT THIS BICYCLE SHOP: So on Friday, November 25, in the morning, I called and spoke with Eric W., the service manager, described the situation, and he invited me to bring the chain in. 1-3 hours later, I arrive at the store (around 1pm), and Eric is no longer there and the junior staff seem confused by my request. He was helpful with another of my requests, but he declined to call Eric (only would text him) and just asked me to leave the chain and forward correspondence I had with Shimano -- which I did. Fast forward to November 27, 2022 around 11am, I walk in to the store and find Eric. I explain the situation, and his first response is "Shipping is on you." I explained that this was not Shimano's intention or policy, and he looks back at his computer to read the email I'd sent him (and that he'd not responded to). It was clear we had reached an impasse, and Eric was not especially interested in helping. He demanded to see proof of purchase, that I had already submitted to Shimano. At some point he said, "If you want, you can just take your chain and go." So that's what I did. What is the most galling about the experience was the tone, body language, and the waste of my time. I'd called in advance, I'd went to the store twice, none of these hoops were disclosed up front or even on the second visit. (They are also materially different from what Shimano expects of world class bike shops.) And I was spoken to as though I was some sort of fraud or scammer. The issue was never resolved. HOW I WAS TREATED AT ANOTHER LOCAL BIKE STORE: In stark contrast, I was treated with courtesy by a staff who understood Shimano's RMA policies at another bike shop in Georgetown. (I won't mention their name here, because I don't want to be perceived as promoting another bike shop, but it's one of the bike shops near M and 34th.) Easy. read more

This place has great service and a great selection of bicycles for every type of rider. They offer while you wait servicing and the techs who work there are very friendly and prepared to answer questions about your bike. read more

Was looking to purchase a Medium Hardtail Mountain Bike - which given everything that's happening lately is hard to find, called ahead and asked if they could keep an eye on any incoming shipments. A Mr. Eric let me know that he would keep an eye out and sure enough when the next shipment came he let me know; I was able to purchase the bike I wanted and was given pretty solid advice as I was shifting from BMX biking to Mountain Biking. I wasn't forced into buying anything new but given a timeline rather of what and when the next upgrades should be. Even though this store is out of the way as I live near Mason, they've made a customer for life. read more

First the goods :  This place has a good selection of bikes and a good place to check out Marin bikes in particular. The sales folks and (I believe) Eric - do not upsell. In fact they might appear a bit distant and rude but I can take that if the customer service and work product is not affected. They are also a good place to rent bicycles from if needed and waive the rental fee if you buy from them. This really helped me get back into biking last year and buy a Marin Lombard from them. The Bad : When you buy a bike from them, they promise you "unlimited" free servicings for the 1st year, which I was told is otherwise a $120 charge. This includes a washdown of the bike, readjusting brakes and gears and tightening up stuff.  I took it for my 2nd (and last) servicing this year and when I picked it back up, I noticed it was not cleaned up at all. When I brought this to the notice of the person at the counter, he told me that it was in fact cleaned and greased but he could remove the grease again if I wanted. When I pointed out that the derailleurs were still dirty and greasy, as were the brake calipers and just about everything else, I started getting excuses from him. It was clear that besides tightening of the brakes, nothing else was done.While sometimes things get missed and performing a free servicing might not be an attractive activity, ownership and resolution of the issue is important - and all I saw was pushback. The person at the counter was not even willing to accept that there was a problem. This is scary and points to deeper ethical issues. So while there are multiple goods and only one bad (that I experienced) I just have to downrate this business and stop recommending it to my friends, much less go back myself. read more

I've got to pile on here. Two experiences here of rude service in a dark cave that sells lesser-known brands of cycles and gear. Heck, they don't even take debit or credit cards for small purchases. Spokes, Conte's, Revolution, Bicycle Pro Shop, Capitol Hill Cycles - the list of better LBSs is almost endless. Two strikes and you're out for Big Wheel. read more

Great shop honest and reasonable. Excellent service without bike store attitude. Thumbs up. Also there's parking!!! And get a Starbucks or pizza or entree next door at the Italian store while they fix your bike! read more

Big Wheel Bikes was our 3rd stop and of course we wish it had been our first. The first two Falls Church bike shops indicated nothing could be had for less than 4 figures ($1100 +). At Big Wheels we got a great 16 speed Marin hybrid with some accessories and gear we bought and some Big Wheels tossed in for significantly less than what the Falls Church bike shops said was available. Drive to Arlington and be delighted by the knowledgeable staff, friendly service and wide selection. There's a reason they've been in business for 2 decades. read more

I have needed assistance twice in the past week with a bike I purchased at this location years ago. Couldn't have asked for better service than what Eric gave me! Today I was having trouble hooking up a new carrier on the back - took me an hour and couldn't get it lined up right - he had it done in five minutes. Thank you!!! read more

The staff is great! I forgot the name of the guy in charge but he is very nice and committed to properly making repairs and maintenance. After taking my bike in for service, there was a problem with the bottom bracket which would not go away. It took a couple times returning the bike for service, but he was always happy to take another crack at trying to fix the bike. He eventually found the problem and my bike works like new! Overall a very nice experience and will be going back! read more

Big Wheel Bikes did a very nice job on my recent bike build (Bianchi specialissima frameset). The staff was helpful in recommending components and accommodating in allowing a mix of parts I provided and parts purchased through Big Wheel. Overall a very reasonable price for quality work on a higher-end road bike. Recommend. read more

Bought a used Bianchi at a good price. I am very pleased with the bike! Since I hadn't moved into my apartment and couldn't take delivery I put a deposit on it and went back to pay it off about a week to 10 days later. My only disappointment was that it had been ridden and/or rented since I had put a deposit on it. Otherwise, it was well-serviced and delivered to the Old Town location as requested. read more

Big Wheel Bikes was incredibly helpful and supportive with my large rental order. The customer service was great, the bikes were solid, and the staff were quite fun and accommodating. Thanks for the great experience! read more

Eric was great! He was beyond helpful and patient. Answered all my questions and ensured I was able to get the right bike for my size and need. I highly recommended coming here for great service and multiple selections read more

Great bike shop. Have been dealing with them for a long time. Alway addresses my issues and is more than willing to explain things to me. Reading the other reviews, it just seems like people are upset when they are told "no" or when things cost more than they can pay. read more

Truly awful way to run a business. I went to about 6 or 7 stores in Northern Virginia, but Big Wheel Bikes was by far the worst. Despite that, they were the only one to carry the bike I felt fit me best (or so I thought). I typically like to reward stores with good customer service, but I wasn't willing to get a bike that was not the right fit for me to stick to that principle. I ordered the bike I wanted and they gladly took my money. A week later, I was called and told that they never ordered my bike because the manufacturer didn't have any more in my size. I don't know why it took a week to get back to me since they had told me my bike would arrive within a week. They instead tried to get me to buy the bike in a different size, which is absurd. I had previously spent most of my time trying to get fit for the right size. Then, despite having test-rode ~6 bikes at Big Wheel, they offered me on the phone to get me on a bike of another brand that they never had me test ride (and didn't speak particularly highly of when I was in the store). On top of that, after 2 weeks, I still hadn't received my refund, so I filed a dispute with my credit card company. I was charged $1700 for a bike I never received. Fortunately Visa was great about it. Believe it or not, the same thing happened to one of my friends. Not quite the same story, but again, they never ordered his bike. When he called to check on his refund after 3 weeks, they actually told him they didn't know how to do refunds. Were they ever going to tell him if he didn't check? At the end of the day, this all makes sense for a business that wasn't founded by a bike aficionado. The owner told me he wasn't much of a biker because of his knees, when I asked about prior to his knee problems, he said even then he wasn't a big biker. He had property for the original storefront in Geogetown and just tried to think of a business that could be profitable at that location. I have no problem with profit-seeking entrepreneurs, but most of the local shops have stronger roots with avid bikers, and I think that translates to more passionate sales process with better bike fitting and a stronger overall business model. I will admit the location is very convenient right off of the Custis trail and it has a parking lot with easy access off of Lee Highway, but those are the only real redeeming qualities. read more

Bad experience! They sold us a new city bike stock and when we received it had some marks and stripes, we went to get the piece changed, they said they did not have the spare and they would call us and after a while we would never have fixed it. Very bad service, also when we were sold it was poorly adjusted. read more

Really poor customer service. I came in asking for advice for a cyclist gift and got a "I really couldn't help you." Attitude and not even a touch of friendliness. Amazed this place is still in business. I venture to Contes a lot with my family, and they are just much more helpful and kind. Only perk of this place is that it's next to the Italian Store. read more

Just have to say that the customer-focus at Big Wheel Bikes is wonderful! Any bike issues - go here! I had an basic problem with my bike, they went above and beyond in fixing it for me along with taking a care of a few other obvious fixes needed - doing so quickly, well, and with a smile. Kindly offered use of their grease-removing soap as well for the black smears on my hands from my failed self-repair attempt. Thanks for your kindness and making my day so much nicer! read more

Brought my 23 year old Specilazed all-purpose beater in for a tune up and these guys did a bang up job on it. It rides like a brand new bike. The bike will most likely outlive anyone reading this. read more

Ok selection and the mechanic was friendly. However, the owner is NOT a friendly guy. I talked with him about a trade in price. He gave me a price that I didn't agree with (which is normal in negotiation, eh?). After I told him I wasn't interested, he just rudely walked away without saying anything. read more

Yep, i'm going to hop on the band wagon, and throw salt on BWB's game Poppin my cherry when it comes to doling out the 2 star review So let me drop some English here. I've been to this place several times now, and not thought it to be so bad I even preferred it to those cock smoker's at Revolution in Clarendon However, the taste was slapped outta' my mouth recently with my visit. I returned to have a flat fixed on my bike A latino man in the service bay gladly took my tire in and began to put in a new tube. After a worryingly long time, I began to observe what he was doing to get my tire on. Mind you, the reason I pay $20 for them to install a tire/tube is because my tires are a bitch to get on, so I prefer a pro to do it so I don't fawk it up. Anyhow, back to the latino man that was jacking my tire up, he was being awful rough and tumble, and used the work bench as a pivot to muscle my tire on. I'm not too savvy on appropriate methods of installing a bike tire, but I've never seen that shit pulled before. Deary me. Anyhow, it get's better. The latino man having triumphantly finished installing my tube/tire then performed a quick check on my my axle, only to find it to be slightly loose. He then pronounced, "problem man, your axle is loose'. He then put my wheel on the ground, proceeded to take his shoes and shirt off, throw them in the laundry bin, and take off. I checked my watch. 6:00PM on the dot. Sweet customer service, dickwads! read more

Big Wheel Bikes is about 2 miles from the center of the action of Clarendon/Courthouse/Ballston, yet they are trumped in Customer Service by every single bike shop in the area. Seriously, these folks have no customer service skills (though I will give them a small benefit that the 8-10 times I have been here, there have been some truly dumb customers). Sadly, I bought my Bianchi here and from the beginning I should have questioned why I was giving this branch $1500. They seriously suggested that I test ride a fixed gear, no brake bike to "get the feel of a Bianchi," since that's all they had in my size. I mean really, if I'm buying a bike w/ gears, brakes, etc, why would you even suggest this? Secondly, the set up of my bike was horrendous. My brakes barely worked, the gears made grinding noises with every shift. Luckily I brought my Park Tool and was able to limp back to Big Wheel. When I arrive, they were utterly confused about the problem ((we only offer the best service...blah)) and then say I can leave the bike for 2 days to get set back up!! HELLO?!?!?1 I just bought the bike and rode about 6 miles and it's falling apart!!! Additionally, when I stopped by to get a quick gear adjustment after about 6 weeks of riding, I was given several stank eyes, despite all of the service department sitting around BS'ing... The good news about this story is that while riding the Mt Vernon Trail, I found the Alexandria branch of Big Wheel and it's a PHENOMENAL shop. These guys in Alexandria are legit, Arlington just steals your money! read more

Ugh. My first experience here over a year ago was a good one. Every experience after that has been terrible. I bought my bike from BWB in May 2012. The guy working at this location (tall, skinny, real friendly white guy) didn't carry the particular type of bike I was looking for, but referred me to the Old Town location. I went to that location the same day, met all the friendly, helpful staff there, and left with a brand new Marin hybrid. Over the past year, I've taken my bike in to get small adjustments (e.g., brakes tightened, etc.) and every time I've brought my bike in, I'm met with the look of "Huh?" by any and every staff member at this location, as well as Georgetown's. One time, at the Georgetown location, the employee who fixed my bike said, "Yeah, brakes needing tightening. Your tires need air." Uhm, what? You fixed my bike, right? You couldn't have added air to my tires? (I didn't have an air pump yet.) That's just bad customer service. Most recently (yesterday), I brought my bike to this location for a full tune up, and to also get re-fitted since I have bike shoes now. The young girl working the counter was either stoned or had just woken up. She wasn't unfriendly by any means, she just wasn't "there" at all. I came in and said "hello" and then she just stared at me, and didn't ask what she could help me with or anything. I stood there dumbfounded. I think it's important to have at least one person working at a business that can communicate effectively instead of not at all. It was just awkward. I will say this, BWB's Alexandria location is a lot better than this one and Georgetown's. If it was more convenient, I'd go there. Friendly, helpful staff who love working on bikes. What more could you ask for? Perhaps the other locations should take note of this. read more

Deeply unethical organization. Sold me a bicycle. Weeks later told me my size wasn't available. Tried to talk me into a different size. Refused to provide a refund as they "don't do refunds". Took months of dispute with my credit card company to achieve a refund. Should be prosecuted. Avoid at all costs. read more

Don't shop here. I was in a bind (needed an inner tube for blown tire), and the owner couldn't have been less helpful. I got my tube eventually but not before I got a whole lot of attitude. Even with an infant I couldn't get a smile. There are so many great bike stores in the DC area (Bike Rack in Logan is my fave) that it's hard to believe this place is still in business. I will not be going back. read more

Buyer beware. Charged $95 for changing one bike tube. Triple what I was quoted. Owner confirmed tune up done wrong and parts not replaced that I was charged for. Owner hung up on me when trying to resolve w/o visa disputes. read more

I am bike-shopping and stopped by. I saw some cool rides, but I was shocked at the prices. $750 for a used, steel-framed Terry with Sora and Tiagra? I don't know the manufacturer but you can get a lot more bang for your buck on almost any other make. There were nicks and scratches on the frame, too (which according to the salesman this bike was "almost new.)" Unlike the other reviewers, I got good customer service. The guy approached me and pulled out bikes so I could test the fit. He also told me about some online spots for the make I love (Motobecane) and told me bike assembly was $99, which to me is a good price. I might go there if I order a flat-packed bike and can't get my ex boyfriend to do it. read more

The mechanic shop is great for a quick fix. Not overly priced, but not cheap either. On the other hand, the few times I've looked at merchandise I have been ignored. The last time I was in I was ready to purchase a car rack, but couldn't get any assistance. I took that to mean they'd rather I shop at Amazon than their store. read more

Dropped off my MTB for a mini-tuneup. Was hoping it could be done on the spot since the mini-tuneup consisted of just adjusting the brakes and the gears. Was told it would take 3-4 days. The next day, received a call saying the bike was ready. Picked up the bike but the brakes don't feel it was adjusted and I haven't had a chance to change through all the gears because of the weather. While the service fee was decent, can't really say I'm fully satisfied with their service. Finally the weather is good enough to test my bike and guess what- I still can't shift through all the gears. So I went back and the guy at the cashier says I need additional parts and labor to go with it. At least the mechanic was able to adjust without additional parts. Seemed like nothing was done in the 1st place, except to add more air to the tires. read more

The other Yelp reviews are pretty much accurate. Prices are reasonable ($5 for a 29er tube, not bad!), but expect rude and incredibly awful service. I can't count the number of times where the staff was excited to help you with your biking needs. OH, and if you're looking for a rental, SKIP this place altogether... they have all of 8 road/MTB bikes for men and women, COMBINED. Good luck finding exactly what you need here. read more

Super easy to buy a bike. Staff was pretty good, no complaints. The second day riding the new bike I noticed the front wheel was wobbling. I stopped and noticed every ever single screw on the bike was 20% tightened. It seems they only fully tighten the handle bars. Its not exactly difficult to put together a bike and you would think a bike shop could do it properly... perhaps not. Buy somewhere else. read more