Highly recommended. Super shop and super guy. I've been in here a few times to buy things or just marvel at his bike collection. He's helpful and knowledgeable, and I appreciate getting some high-end vintage parts at non-collector prices that are are in daily use on a couple bikes. I recently ordered a custom-built wheelset from Black Mountain, and Mike was emailing with me on Sunday night about specifics. I'd cal that above and beyond (thanks!). read more

I've shopped at a LOT of bikes shops and bought my share of bikes and accessories, and it doesn't get much better than Mike at Black Mountain Cycles! If you're looking for a down to earth, honest shop that rides what they sell, this is the shop for you. I own two of Mike's bikes and about to order a third. Great customer service, expert knowledge, and no nonsense attitude that is hard to find in most places these days. Kudos to Black Mountain Cycles, I just wish I lived closer! read more

Black Mountain Cycles - Black Mountain Road, just an awesome riding bike! - Bikes Near Me - Point Reyes Station, California

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Mike and his shop are a local treasure. Many of my dear friends ride and love BMC bikes (I really should get one, too!) It's always a pleasure to stop in when I'm in the area, or just read his blog and posts on IG. Thanks for all that you do for the cycling community, Mike! read more

Mike knows how to make practical, affordable bikes that will stand the test of time. I contacted him about buying a frame set out of state and he was great to work with--even helped me sort out a few component compatibility questions despite not selling me the parts. He runs a shop I'm proud to support. read more

I own on of BMC's road frames and it's a great bike. Mike has a long history working in the bike industry and knows quite a lot about what details and features come together to make a bike ride so nice. This is a unique shop with a well-informed proprietor. I hope to ride one of his road plus frames soon. Thanks Mike! read more

Our visit to this nearly hidden gem in Point Reyes began with the need for a total bike overhaul. I'm a daily rider, and I don't take great care of the bike. Also, my machine (a Breezer) is 25 years old. Instead of saying that it would be "cheaper" to get a new bike (typical shops do this, because labor costs more than just replacing a bike) Mike meticulously brings the bike back to perfect functionality. He's a 35 year veteran of a the bicycle world, and knows how to repair, build, pack, and most of all enjoy riding the "joy machine". And, if ever I decide I want a new bike, he has designed a "house brand" of versatile steel bike perfect for long rides, whether gravel, road or mountain. Now when I swing through town on a ride, I stop in to thank him for letting my bike be great again, and usually run into a friend. BLack mountain Cycles is worth the search. read more

Proprietor Mike Varley has created a living museum of mountain bike history, synchronized to the 'T' near the same hallowed ground that housed Point Reyes Bicycles in the 1980s MTB heyday. The best part of Black Mountain Cycles is the care and attention to detail that Mike showers on everyone after they've crossed the threshold. His personal association with Steve Potts, Charlie Cunningham (both founders of WTB in nearby Mill Valley), Salsa founder Ross Shafer, Tom Ritchey, Mark Slate (another WTB founder), Joe Breeze and several other bike industry notables brings Mike's legit quotient up to a Mt Everest 10, in my opinion. As an added bonus, the cowboy town of Point Reyes Station is among the most charming to experience, and riding a bike there through the rolling hills of Mars-like Marin County is pure heaven. I've done it several times, and continue to lull friends along for the ride. Check Mike out here http://blackmountaincycles.blogspot.com/, then check out the shop in person. read more

Black Mountain Cycles - Tom Zirbes and Gary B. outside Black Mountain Cycles in August 2010. - Bikes Near Me - Point Reyes Station, California

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Best Bike shop in Marin, bar none. Mike is a crack bike mechanic, bike connoisseur, and a great guy, too. I have been taking my 40+ year old titanium mountainbike to him for the past 10 years because he was always able to repaired, find parts for and tune it perfectly. His prices are very reasonable and his turnaround times excellent. He never over-promises and is true to his word. Thank you, Mike, for the many things you have done for me and my trusty steed. read more

Murphy's law struck hard today. With no tools on hand (which is really unusual for me) of course the Bike Gods cursed my ride and gave me a flat in West Marin. Fortunately it was shortly before the shop opened so I made my way there. I was greeted at Black Mountain Bikes by a middle aged man with grey braided pigtails who started by lecturing me about riding without tools (I'm still not sure why he thought that was helpful or necessary). When I repeated my request that he fix my flat tire he scoffed and offered to sell me the stuff to fix it myself instead. Finally, he begrudgingly agreed to fix my flat (aka do his job) but he was clearly offended that I had the audacity to try to hire him to perform a basic service that falls well within the normal scope of his work. Mr. Pigtails if you despise fixing flats so much & resent the customers who come to your shop for that very common service then please find a different line of work. If (like so many other grown men who work in bike shops) you won't or can't do anything else with yourself then I suggest finding a therapist who can help you re-evaluate your life choices or at least your attitude. read more

Mike is a fantastic bike builder and mechanic. He won't talk your ear off about his bikes - you can read about them on his website. He won't upsell you on components - you can make your own decision about whether you want to pay more to upgrade from good to great components. He won't rip you off but he also won't sell you anything that's not good - if you're looking for cheap stuff you're in the wrong town, let alone the wrong shop. read more

Love my bmc monstercross. Mike's designs are perfect for me. I admit being a bit of a retrogrouch who lives skinny steel tubes on my bikes. Keep it up Mike. If you're reading this and have a chance to get yourself a Black Mountain, go for it! read more

I came in with a broken spoke. When the mechanic trued the wheel, the rim began to crack. So he fixed the spoke and marked the cracks. So he charged me 40 bucks to fix a spoke on a broken wheel. I went to the cafe across the street during the repair. Signal is poor so maybe he called, but didn't leave a message. Had I known the rim was already wrecked, I probably wouldn't have ok'd the work. read more

Mike doesn't just know his stuff, he is one of the most knowledgeable bike mechanics I've ever met. Not only that, but despite his uncanny ability to solve the most obscure problems for the most expensive bikes, he always seems more than happy to fix up the bike you just ride around town. Go in to his shop, if just to marvel at the museum of bikes he has sitting around, a real history of mountain bike innovation. In case your interested, his blog http://blackmountaincycles.blogspot.com/ read more

Mike is a legend in the norcal cycling scene because he cares deeply about his customers and puts a lot of thought into the awesome bicycles he designs. I know numerous people who own his creations, and they all love their bikes. It's rare to find business owners who care more about their customers than they do about making piles of money, and I have endless respect for him because he does exactly that. read more

Excellent service and a good human being. Hang in there Mike. Things should go back to normal or the new normal in about six months with hopefully more people re-discovering bikes. read more

My favorite bike shop by far - Mike's great & the shop's great - I hope to have another bike built up soon!

Great shop. Reasonable prices. Expert bike mechanic. We're fortunate to have this shop in West Marin. Mike is a real pro.

My bike chain broke while downtown Pt. Reyes this past Saturday, and Mike at Black Mountain Cycles fixed my bike quickly and gave me important pointers to help avoid future problems. Many, many thanks to Mike. You saved my day!! read more

I love my Black Mountain Cycles bike and like everyone else says Mike is a great guy who knows his stuff, stands behind his products and is super friendly. Check him out, you wont be disappointed! read more

Now thats a real bike shop! Mike is very professional and probably the best wrench i've seen in years. Point Reyes really is complete with a rad bike shop/museum like this. Black Mountain Cycles really is perfect for this community. If your bike needs service Mike is as good as it gets! read more

Guy was slightly unfriendly. I got a tube and patch kit felt like an intruder, I think I was mocked when I left the cool shop. Gave it 3 stars because I'm not a vindictive person. I wasn't a local, but I am a bicycle fan. Surprised by the cool welcome. read more

Mike knows his stuff. He's a clean, well-informed person that will get your bike up and running in no time. Plus, he doesn't try to sell you what you don't need. He can do everything from a full bike build to changing your tubes. He's also a nice guy. Can't ask for more from a bike shop! Drop on by and see what he can do for you. read more

Easily the greatest shop in Northern California. With so many bike shop options in the Bay Area, I literally make the trip up from San Jose specifically for BMC and Mike V's knowledge and expertise. Its difficult to find such experience coupled with genuine friendly service now a days. This shop is an absolute must for any cycling enthusiast. read more

Black Mountain Cycles in Point Reyes saved my day on a ride today. I was on an all-day organized bike ride that has strict time limits at checkpoints, and early on I had a mechanical problem where I was stuck in the same gear. After I rode like this for a while, I thought I wouldn't be able to finish. I got to Black Mountain Cycles and explained my situation. They immediately got to work on diagnosing the problem, fixing the gear shifter and installing a new shifter cable. All this was done so efficiently that not only was the bike working again, it allowed me to finish the ride which meant so much to me. Great place! read more

I have a BRAND new bike and it fell over..simple right... not really. Bent Derailleur hanger and another issue. I was stranded out in Point Reyes and Mike got on my bike found the problem(s) and really saved the day. gave me the instructions to get it fixed when I got back to the city and overall just a really cool guy. Highly recc.! read more

This is the best bike shop I know! I drive all the way from San Francisco every time I have a serious bike work that needs to be done. Mike is the most knowledgeable person I know. He will spend the time needed to investigate problems and will come up with recommendation I can trust blindly. Not like many city bike shops that will just squeeze you in and spend as little time as possible on your bike. I have seen Mike spending hours trying to diagnose an issue I had with my brakes leveraging his network in the industry and doing research on forums and with manufacturer. I have also purchased my all-around bike from him (Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross) and it will probably be the one single bike I will not ever sell. read more

Everyone in the bike industry should take a customer service lesson from Mike Varley! I ordered a BMC Monster Cross frameset online today, and Mike was extremely helpful throughout the entire process, patiently responding to each of my many emails with thorough explanations, diagrams, measurements, and expertise. By the end of our correspondence, there was no question that I would purchase a frame from Black Mountain Cycles -- the only thing left unanswered was which color I wanted! Mike truly embodies what "personalized service" is all about, and I would unequivocally recommend him to anyone considering a bike purchase, whether online or in person. Black Mountain Cycles is a true asset to the cycling industry and the cycling community. read more

Luckily, the only bike shop in Point Reyes is also the best bike shop in the known universe. Mike is a really good guy, extremely knowledgeable and will take very good care of you. His prices are are very fair and he has an excellent selection of quality parts and accessories. He's very meticulous and equally friendly. He will work on a crazy expensive bike and turn around and fix your daughters' tricycle, truly a full service kind of guy! Highly recommended! read more

Cool shop with a solid owner/operator who designs/builds fantastic bicycles. I stopped by the shop on a ride and was interested in one of his Monster Cross framesets. Unfortunately he was out of stock (they tend to sell quickly), but a couple weeks later I came across someone selling (used) the exact size/color Monster Cross frameset I was looking for. I scooped it up and have been stoked on it ever since. The frameset is well designed and well built, and the beautiful pink paint job is the most durable I've ever dealt with. I've taken it on many adventures and can confirm it takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'. Mike is very friendly, and his bikes are rad. Whether you're in the market for a road frame or a cross frame, you can't go wrong. read more

Mike produces a great product and follows up with great service. He deserves more than what he charges for his time, and his calm modest personality belies his ability to pull off any bike related skill. read more

I agree with all the above 5 star ratings. He is all those things. Weather you need a simple repair, a tune up, component replacement, wish to buy a fine bicycle, or just wish to ask a question, Mike takes the time to help you with a smile. read more

Mike is terrific! I can only echo what other reviewers have said: Mike has a deep yet instinctive knowledge of bikes and a wonderful low-key willingness to help by doing exactly what's necessary without overdoing or overselling. So many bike shops are the opposite: they do too little and charge too much. Not Mike. Today (Sunday morning) he fixed a rattling cassette that had just been installed on my bike. He knew (Lord knows how) that despite a fully tightened lockring the cassette was missing a spacer that should have already been on the wheel. He also knew that the spacer was missing because my previous cassette was Dura-Ace, which among all cassettes doesn't require the darned spacer! Go figure. . .He found the necessary part, reinstalled the cassette and adjusted the derailleurs, too. No fuss, no attitude (except a helpful one), a few dollars for his time and I'm out the door and back to my waiting ride buddies in less than ten minutes. Now the cassette shifts like butter. Mike is the man!! He's also got a great dog named Sport who acts as semi-official shop greeter. Be there! read more