Great bike store. Welcoming. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. They love to chat and share about everything bike. read more

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The absolute best customer service! So happy I stopped by on my quick visit to Toronto. The staff here really are true gems, they know so much & were so incredibly helpful when I didn't know much about the town. Dani and Christian were amazing in showing me what they had around the shop and also genuine about their experiences about the parts. I'd just flown in with my Brompton electric, without it's battery and they were kind enough to pilot their battery rental program with me! It was so amazing being able to use it to tour around the Toronto Islands, it truly was such a gift. Dani was also so resourceful and went through the bike map with me so that I knew the safest routes around Toronto. I also was able to nab a Brompton tool kit on sale & it was a stellar deal! They also carried a lot of post-market brompton parts that are kind of difficult to find so I would pop in and see what you can find. read more

I cant say enough about this great store and its staff. I've bought bikes, equipment and had them serviced at Curbside over 20 years. I will go nowhere else for expert advice and service. Recently the staff went beyond the call of duty when my lock froze across the street and they came over to help. Eli is a gem, helping me with a warranty issue and getting a replacement mounted. No hassles. If you rely on your bike why go anywhere else but the place that keeps you happily on your way. read more

I don't know the name of the person who helped me, but I want to send a shout out. A couple of weeks ago, my bike seat kept slipping and I could not get it tightened. I literally walked in off the street to Curbside with my bike. A lovely human immediately came to greet me and when he heard what was happening, fixed it right away and sent me off with a smile (and no charge). I am grateful for the kindness when I was so frustrated! Thank you! read more

I admit to being very critical of bad shipping practices. A company should give accurate info on how long an item should take to arrive, hold their shipper accountable for delays, and basically recognize that shipping is part of the customer experience. Unfortunately that is not what I experienced from Curbside Cycle. I don't recommend this shop for anyone in the U.S. as their preferred shipper has a poor track record - delaying packages for weeks in their warehouses "sorting" before handing them to USPS. And when I contacted them to track down the package, their answer was "not our problem, that's the shipper". read more

I just purchased a pair of Blivet pogies from Curbside cycle. The pogies are great and the customer service was fantastic, I would highly recommend both. Thank you read more

My front tire was flat, and my kickstand was swivelling. Eli (I hope that I have his name right) offered some help, and was about to help me with both issues. I didn't think that he could help right away (it was close to or around 5 p.m.), but he shone and helped me out, even at that time. Lucky me!! I rode out of Curbside with a bike that was in much better condition, than when I first rode in. Thank you so much again, Eli. You're awesome and great at what you do!! So appreciated. :) read more

I brought my Brompton in to Curbside Cycle for a light upgrade to a Spanninga dynamo hub. When I got it home, the 'Axendo battery backup' on the front light was not working. The rear light stayed lit after I stopped pedaling. I called the shop for instructions to be sure that the front light was on. They told me that the switch setting was to the extreme right. They'd set it that way when I picked up the bike. I clicked the switch a few times to be sure it wasn't defective. I then said I was going to bring the bike in again and that I did not expect to be charged for the repair. This got a snotty response from the dynamo expert. He claimed that I was 'being rude'. Never mind that they originally charged me double for labor (they did take the charge back) and that this light had not been tested before I picked up the bike...or that I had to cancel whatever else I was doing today to bring the bike back to the shop. I rode it back and asked two other cyclists en route whether the front light stayed lit when I stopped. They told me that it did not. The rear light worked fine. Both lights were supposed to stay lit, with a battery backup, for safety. I dropped off the bike and asked them to please check the wiring, that the dynamo was going on intermittently while I was running the bike down a hallway. When I came back 20 minutes later I was treated like a fool by the very arrogant Dynamo Expert. "WE DID NOTHING!" he announced proudly when I came back to see whether it had been fixed. "The light is working". Apparently the repairman took the bike out for a spin to check the dynamo. The light WORKED when the dynamo was in motion. The 'SAFETY BACKUP' that is supposed to stay lit when the bike is stationary after a 10 minute ride wasn't working. The repairman (*who was polite throughout) was explaining about the three switches on the light. No one explained to me that there were three settings. I asked for the manual for the light. 'THERE IS NO MANUAL, HE'S EXPLAINING IT TO YOU NOW!" the Dynamo Expert said, with real venom in his voice. That is not true. The Spanninga site states that there is a manual in each light package. I will be contacting them to get a download of the manual. As I was leaving this same person told me with the same venomous, patronizing tone that IT MIGHT BE BETTER IF I WAS MORE POLITE next time I came in. "It might be better if I took this bike to another repair shop," I replied. I will bring it to Urbane Cyclist for tuneups in future. I've been taking bikes to them for eight years --including the Brompton-- and they are professonal and I've never had any problems with their repairs. YaBikes! is also terrific. I will not be going back to Curbside again because they clearly did not give a damn about giving me the correct instructions for this light (see final note) and obviously do not want me as a customer. There are better bike shops out there. They actually had the nerve to send me a nasty email saying that THEY WERE THE ONLY SHOP IN TORONTO THAT HAD PARTS. Needless to say, this is not true. You don't want my clientele, I take my business elsewhere. Urkai in Burlington will be my go to shop for any repairs needing spare parts. It's where i bought this bike! And I've been riding bikes with dynamos longer than this Dynamo Expert has been alive. ADDENDUM: I got the manual for the light from the Spanninga site. It seems that the Curbside repairman gave me the wrong instructions: if you leave the switch in the 'on' position it doesn't remain lit when you come to a stop. That only works if you use the 'automatic' setting, or the center button. IF THEY HAD JUST GIVEN ME THE INSTRUCTION SHEET when I first picked up the bike, I would not have had to come back. The bad review remains and I'm well rid of them. read more

If you are ordering in the U.S., be aware this company uses a shipper with a poor track record (UPS Mail Innovations). When packages reach the destination warehouse, they can languish for weeks in their warehouse (flagged as delivered to USPS) before they are actually turned over to USPS for delivery. https://www.reddit.com/r/UPS/comments/hbr11m/ups_mail_innovations_did_they_lose_my_package/ This is bad enough, but then they take no responsibility or accountability for the delivery delays, and just seek to shift blame to the shipping company (who they chose). read more

I really can't say enough good things about Curbside. For years they have serviced my bike with care and attention to detail. Today I picked up my bike (a bike which I bought from them that has served me so well) and not only was my bike fixed up, it was gleamingly clean, with a new bungee cord, riding smoother than ever. And the staff is always so friendly and so knowledgeable. I trust them enormously. Highly, highly recommend. This is my place. read more

I came in here the other day to purchase a new bike, and let it be known that not ONE staff member gave me attitude! Not one! What is this magical trickery? Not only did I ask a series of moronic questions, but the guy and girl helping me (over the course of two days) answered each one calmly and patiently. They showed me products of course, but didn't try to force anything on me. I want to dance through the hills with them singing the Sound of Music song (is it called the Sound of Music? idk) I had to come back the next day to pick up the bike since the mechanic had to build it...again, the staff were very nice and patient with me. We even exchanged stories about toppling over on our bikes and having people laugh at us; it was a great bonding moment. I got a cool basket and an expensive lock because having your bike stolen blows, and I rode away into the sunset (for real, it was about 6:30pm so the sun was actually setting and I couldn't see where I was going). If this location was closer to where I lived, I would go here repeatedly but unfortunately I'm way down by the lake. I am in love with my bike and we are planning a winter wedding and you are not invited. read more

The people here are awesome!!! This shop has a variety of bikes including ebikes and foldable bikes! The girl was so kind giving me more info on ebikes and she even let me ride one outside of the block just to try it out and give it a feel! I can say that their ebikes for sad are good products, as well as the other products they have. P.S. If your looking to get a cute basket or any basket for your bike, don't go to Walmart or other stores, come here cause they have A TON of options! read more

Sales and Service - 4 stars Maintenance - 2 stars Curbside has some pretty cute, great, cool, etc. bikes and accessories. We've bought 3 helmets there, a bike horn, and a bike bell. They're a touch expensive, but given the Annex locale, it's not too surprising. The sales people can be a bit odd, but have always helped us out and answered any questions we've had. No issues there... BUT, I'm not very impressed with their maintenance guys. I brought my bike in because my back wheel was moving back and forth on the hub. The guy at the back told me that I'd need to buy a new wheel for about $75. Something about his demeanour made me a touch suspicious that he wasn't being totally honest, so I brought it down to Brent at Europe Bound (now on King across from MEC, but previously at Front and Church). Brent fixed it within a few hours and charged me a whole $5. Five. Bucks. Versus $75. I will never go to them for maintenance again... read more

I am hesitant to write a bad review about a local bike shop, but it is warranted. I do generally like the store, and I've patronized them more than once, but... The situation: I had quite a few repairs done in the fall on my 3-speed internal hub bike, including replacing the chain, late last fall. Total about $500. This summer, the chain had stretched and was falling off periodically. So I call them. I say, look: you did these repairs for me not that long ago, the chain is falling off, can I come in and get you to adjust it? Clerk: Yes, you need to make an appointment. Me: Ok, it's not a very complex fix, but I need an appointment? It says on your website that appointments are only for tune-ups. Clerk: No, you can disregard that, you need an appointment. Appointments cost $10 so we can be sure you'll show up. Me: Ok. I make the appointment for $10 - very specific time, the next available. I show up and explain to the service tech the situation with the chain. He puts it on the stand and recommends another $50-80 of work. Me: I'd really just like the chain fixed. Him: Ok, I'll need the bike until end of day tomorrow. Me: Oh, but on the phone they implied that it could be fixed today, which is why I paid $10 for the appointment. Him: No, I'll need at least 24 hours with the bike. Not great for me. I ended up speaking to the manager who did refund my money without any quarrel, but: 1) Why charge $10 for an appointment merely to "drop off a bike" for a very brief repair (that was a follow up to $500 of their work within the last year); 2) Why tell me on the phone (I actually called twice to confirm and spoke with two different clerks) that I needed to book an appointment for such a brief repair, even though the website says otherwise? 3) They had empty bays, and my usual LBS will fix things in a few hours, so why not just fix it - especially since it was their work in the first place? And while the folks at Curbside are generally less condescending than most bike shops (horray!), I got a bit of it from the manager. "It says very clearly on the website..." Does it? Thanks, appreciate the tone. Also, it says that "One of our expert mechanics is always on hand to diagnose and complete small repair jobs..." and your staff didn't say it would take a day to adjust their previous repair when I *paid $10 to book an appointment...*. So, my review: an ok place, obviously the place to pay a few grand for a Brompton, but waaaaay better places to get work done on your bike. I went to my usual LBS repair guy and it was fixed quickly and correctly. No hassle. No attitude. No upsell. read more

At the request of my wife I have edited this review. Safe to say it was a lot more scathing the first time around. One of the owner's is extremely unpleasant. He was in fact, disgustingly rude to my wife, after she decided not to go ahead and buy the bike he was trying to force her to get (the bike she paid $1k deposit for was out of stock despite insisting the day before it was in stock and in the desired colour). He huffed and puffed about not being able to refund to a debit card and would have to get cash etc even though he was informed earlier by email of my wife's decision to get a refund. I find it absolutely abhorrent for shopkeepers to take money first and ask questions later. Personally, I would cause a fuss and demand two days worth of interest at LIBOR + 2 and take him to a small claims court if he refused to cough up (but then again I'm a lawyer and a complete pain in the arse), but my wife, lucky for Curbside, is of a more gentle persuasion. It's a shame, because the other people working there are VERY pleasant indeed and a year of free servicing with every new bike is fantastic. So in short AVOID. Go to Urbane Cyclist or Bikes on Wheels. read more

Love them. I needed a new wheel yesterday and during this budding bike season, it can be tough to get a repair done quickly. Since I ride my bike everywhere, I needed it done stat. The girl on the phone was somewhat helpful, but couldn't tell me how busy the mechanic was. She transferred me directly to the mechanic who was a wonderful guy. He told me that if I could get the bike there before 5 pm that he could have it done in 30 minutes. HELLO! I was there in 10 minutes and he even called me when he was done! The whole shebang cost me $83 inclusive of parts and labour. The Cycle Shoppe wanted to charge me $118 and couldn't tell me when it would be done. Again, Curbside saves the day! Thank you to all the people in this shop who work so hard to keep us on two wheels and don't rob us blind to do it! And an extra thanks to the sweet Bike Mechanic! read more

The selection is great, the tune up folks in the back of the store are great too. SO why the 2 star rating? Service. The service staff where horrendous and seemed to take my presence in the shop as an irritant. I was looking to buy a bike money in hand and somehow seemed as if I was doing them a disservice by being there. Bizarre. Really, really bizarre. I would have bought a lock and a basket but i couldn't rationalize spending more money there. Probably wouldn't shop there again. read more

As the days get hotter and brighter, my urge to explore the city with analogue pieces of steel on wheels increases ... but since I haven't bought an adult bike in almost 10 year the choices seem over whelming. I went to curbside and spoke to Allie. A super sweet super knowledgeable associate who answered all my questions and didn't make fun of my ridiculous demands in a bike: "I need a bike where I can easily mount and dis-mount" (I am 5'1")- Let's looks at a step-through... "And I wear a lot of dresses and skirts"- with chain and skirt guards... "I want something that allows me to brink my laptop or bad with me"- we have lots of baskets and rear mounts... We ended up looking at a few different options in various price ranges (I should note however that their bikes aren't cheap... but it is an investment). I test-drove the Pashley Princess Sovereign (how fucking fitting I know) and fell in love. This princess is hella expensive but Allie was understanding that I was still in the information stages and never once pressured me into the sale. Not sure if this will be my new bike but whatever I choose if these guys carry it I'll definitely go back. read more

Given my stature, it's really hard for me to find a decent bicycle. I have to ride a 20-inch wheel bike, a kid's size, and most children bicycles look -- well, childlike. It's the reason why before last month, I was still riding the same plain, green free spirit bicycle that I've had since I was 10. Having a heavy, 1 speed bike is not easy to get around the city in -- especially on hills. My department store bicycle was also falling apart. It was time for me to invest in a new one. I was on a mission to find a bicycle that would fit me and not look too childlike. I walked into Curbside Cycle and was greeted by Ally, one of the Sales Reps. Looking around, I didn't see many options for me. I told Ally what I was looking for in a bicycle -- a light, cruiser or cruiser-like style fit for me with gear options. Ally pulled information for me on the Lil' Dutchi, a children's bicycle that the store was getting that is the smaller version of the adult-sized Linus Dutchi. She told me that the Dutchi was a good commuter bicycle. It doesn't have a heavy frame and it would allow me to sit in an upright position, making a more comfortable ride. I loved the look of the bicycle and it matched my requirement of not looking child-like. Ally gave me a good estimate of the total cost of the bicycle with upgrades and a time estimate to when the store would the getting the bikes. After a few weeks, I called the store to check if the bikes were in and Ally, who remembered me, told me that they were in. I went to the shop and Aaron showed me the bicycle. He let me take it for a test ride behind the store and expressed concern in the fit of the bicycle for me. I told him it would take a little adjusting, but it would be fine. Now it was time to talk about upgrades. We went back into the store and talked to the mechanics who went through what they would have to do in order to upgrade the bike to have 3 speeds. There was concern in whether or not it could be done, but one of the mechanics, Rama, measured the 3-speed hub on a Dutchi and was certain that he would be able to make it work. All of the upgrades were going to be costly and including labour, the bike would cost more than an adult Linus 3-speed Dutchi. Without me having to ask, Aaron worked on getting me a deal and it was agreed upon that I would just pay for the bicycle and the price of parts (no labour), making cost of the bicycle with upgrades less than the adult Dutchi. The mechanics finished the upgrades in less time than estimated and Rama called me as soon as it was done. In my experience at Curbside Cycle, I never felt pressured to buy anything and everyone seemed genuine in wanting to make this bicycle happen for me, which I greatly appreciated. The staff is very knowledgeable in what they do. I will definitely be back for anything this bike requires, and I will be recommending this store to any cyclist that will listen. read more

Curbside Cycle: the best bike store in Toronto. For what must be the third time they repaired my bike for no charge. I went up to the front counter and said "you guys keep fixing my bike and not charging me for it." The owner asked me "what did we do?" gesturing to my bike. When I said "you fixed it" he yelled to the back, "ELI! How much?" To which Eli shrugged, and signalled "forget it." So I walked out with my freely repaired bike, saying "ok..." and the owner said "tell you friends." So here I am, spreading the word. On this particular visit their great bike mechanic explained what was wrong to me, and fixed the shoddy work of another TO bike store (that I went to b/c my bike was on warrantee). After I told him about my experience with the other bike store, Curbside's mechanic quietly asserted that he'd talk to the owner of the other bike store about the shoddy repairs. Integrity, professionalism, and smart marketing to women. Curbside Cycle exemplifies a store-wide commitment to biking for families, for transportation, for everyone. read more

Had a great customer service experience here, which is not always the case at many of the bike shops in Toronto. I find the city is filled with bike snobs who blow you off if you're not willing to spend less than $1000 on a bike. They had a good selection of bikes and some great deals on last season's models. They installed my rack and fenders in an hour and a half were friendly each time I came in. And now, I have a beautiful new bike, who I've named Claude and I couldn't be happier. read more

Friendly and informative staff made my trip pleasant and informative well beyond what my immediate needs were. They have some high-quality merchandise that I've never seen in a store before...they also have a ton of that trendy bullcrap that seems to be the focus of the store. It reminds my of a bike store in Japan with a European style bent. Fedoras, Freiberg bags, and various crap like that that isn't bike related at all but would typically be bought by the same people who would buy a fixed gear steel road bike to commute to work in heavy traffic despite not being able to track stand or keep up with the flow...hipster idiots. But the cool-bike fad also provides a large enough customer base for serious cyclists like me to find the stuff they need in a store (like a floor pump that goes past 170psi) that I couldn't find in all the other shops I've been in (e.g. any place in Michigan). It's focus is a bit off mine, but the people seemed cool and real cyclists and so there are likely groups rides I'll join in on and maybe go here for emergency maintenance. read more

Come in here for the amazing bags, the bikes, the clean store, FANTASTIC, SWEET customer service, and .. overall good-feel. I love this store. I really do. They're so kind here, and helpful without asking for anything. I cannot recommend this place enough. (Love the bags. Just wish they carried smaller versions...) read more

i bought my first grown up bike here!!! i walked out of there spending about 500 bucks on a new hybrid, helmet, lock, front and back light and a great way to get around the city. yahoo. every time i come here whether its just to peruse the stock, or for a tune up, i find that the staff is very welcoming and knowledgeable. i also find that they have no problem advising me and directing me towards the tools and information necessary for me to do simple tune ups on my own bike (um, er, well, that i have yet to do...). the store is very spaciousl; there is no problem wheeling (even riding) your bike in there for a tune up. they have just about any kind of bike you could imagine - fold ups, delivery, road, hybrid, etc. They have bike bags of many sizes, styles, and fashions. I saw an attachment for a basket specifically designed for the upgraded Mrs. Gulch-I-just-stole-Toto basket. its a little cage top that fits on your basket so Toto cant get away. (i originally thought it was for baskets in case you flip over on your bike, your groceries wont fall out...). be certain that when you take your bike in there for repair they will be efficient and thorough. if you get it back and there is still some kind of kink, take the time to explain it, and they will listen, as they did for me. read more

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Basically, I came in to buy a $300 rain tent for my Babboe. The sales guy was semi-accommodating and offered to bring the product down for me to see it. He seemed quite informed about it, but didn't seem to like my questions, reiterating that it was the only one of its kind so take it or leave it pretty much. Anyway, I look through the product and see some random Velcro pieces and ask him what it's for. This guy straight up says "pass." Like, really, dude...this ain't no card game it's a 300 dollar sale! Shit. I "passed" on buying it at his store and am looking at blaqpaks or another shop. read more

When I am in the Annex, and I have a bike-related issue, I usually drop by this shop. My bike's left crank bolt fell out, along with the crank arm on a side street near this shop. I couldn't find the bolt, but retrieved the crank arm. Their service staff took a quick look at the crank arm, and realized that it was damaged, but still usable (it would mean that I would have to constantly retighten the crank bolt each time I used it). They gave me a used crank bolt, for free, and I was on my way (I had an 8mm allen key in my back pack, and reattached the crank arm myself on the street). I eventually replaced the crank arm at my local D.I.Y. shop, Bike Pirates. Every other time I've come here for an inner tube, or bought an accessory, such as bells, lights, and saddlebags, I had good experiences with the staff. I'd give it higher marks, but I have never bought a bicycle here, nor have I actually had my bike serviced here. So I can't really comment on either, other than the staff is pleasant and knowledgeable, and the store has good bike accessories. read more

After going to the bike shop down the street, I was on the hunt for some panniers (bags). I was impressed with the selection of their bags, and more so with the number of staff who helped me.......4 altogether......everyone is super friendly and helpful.....I take a long time to make a decision and was approached by 4 different fellas asking to help me! What great service. I was also impressed with the Stompin' Tom being played, as he had just died that week! I found the bags of my dreams......reg. $80, I got a doubled sized pannier bag for $30!!!! What a deal! I wheel be back! read more

Thank you so much for the speedy shipping to California! I have been trying to get my hands on Authentic Brompton apparel for months. I stumbled upon the Logo collection and was happy to see that you had a great stock of the shirts! I may have to order again and stockpile these things! I am so thrilled I can rep Brompton on and off the bike! Thank you! read more

I popped in on a whim today to look at bike baskets. I wound up stumbling upon some deeply discounted bike grips that were right up my aesthetics nerd alley. Aaron was an absolute gem to deal with. He offered to put them on for me because I don't own the tools and was awesome at explaining his process of installation. I was also in the market for a new seat and he took the time to talk me through some options. He also took time (despite it getting suddenly busier) to talk me through bike baskets vs panniers. Not only that but, the bike techs are super sweet too! My front wheel was making a grinding noise which turned out to simply be the brake pads being too loose. He fixed that and made a quick diagnosis of another issue I'm having with my bike. One other guy was working with a woman to try to modify a kids bike seat to work with her bike set up and was keen to share what he was doing when I asked what was going on. Curbside sells a variety of bikes most notably Linus and Bobbin bikes. Their prices are on par with everyone in the city, but one other thing that sets them apart from other places is that they regularly have deeply discounted accessories and bike components. I plan on going back to Curbside for more bits and pieces as I start to modify my bike to further suit my needs. read more

Nice bicycle shop on Bloor with a good selection of bikes and accessories, including a number of Dutch bikes and folding bikes. Big, well-organized shop and they do service, too. The staff was friendly and seemed to know their products. They also rent bikes for $35 a day (less for a half day). read more

Curbside Cycle - Bikes Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I have popped in here a couple of times because it is super close to my office. The first time was to buy a set of fenders for my road bike and the second time to get a quick tune-up when the bike when my bike was acting up. While this place doesn't blow me away, people were friendly enough and they serviced my bike on the spot. Prices seem a bit steep for most of the merchandise but my tune-up cost $10, so I can't really complain. So I'll give them 3 stars. Haven't blown me away yet, but I have no reason not to go back. read more

Sure you can bike accessories and things anywhere, but if you want something cute, stylish, and unique, Curbside has interesting bags, helmets, and other gear that many other places in Toronto don't have. Helpful chill staff who helped me pick a new helmet without much fuss, alongside a decent series of urban bicycles to buy or rent. They certainly excel at getting you set up for city biking in style. read more

We rented bikes from Curbside Cycle today and could not have had a better experience. All of the staff was very friendly and enthusiastic to help. We are experienced city cyclists, but had just arrived to Toronto and did not know the city. The staff not only provided details to enjoy our day in Toronto, they also gave us recommendations for our trip to Montreal and Quebec. They even provided our rental bikes with a basket and gave us helmets (but only because my girl made me wear it). Also, the bikes were very cool. read more

I purchased a reasonably priced Gary Fisher mountain bike a few years back from Curbside. Great bike for a great price. I'm in the area from time to time so I pop in a few times a year to see what's going on. I was recently in the market for a new saddle for my road bike and a new helmet so I wandered in and had a look around. The prices were simply outrageous and the quantity of options poor. To be fair I'm not a fan of retro city bikes with outrageous prices however I recognize that this store is marketing towards people of a particular mindset, but what ever happened to hybrid street bikes made with the strength of the triangular frame? That was my last visit. read more

Came in with a bicycle that I bought from somewhere else. While guys from the front-desk were friendly, the repair person (Spanish accent) was completely unhelpful. He told me that he doesn't even want to touch my bicycle as he doesn't want to have any responsibility for it ( he didn't trust the bicycle company - Critical Cycles, brand new bicycle). While he suggested for me to go to Bike on Wheels, I think he could've helped since I was clearly in help. After all, it wouldn't be a free check-up so it's not like he would be working for free. read more

Great service from the repair section of the shop. A knowledgeable mechanic works there who is able to solve the issue of my bicycle's rear brakes not resetting after braking, in a prompt manner. People bringing in their bikes for minor adjustments/repairs are usually done on the spot within a day. Really appreciated the complimentary quick wheel-truing as well! read more

Eric and the folks over at Curbside are the best. They know their stuff and have lots of great gear. I would recommend them anytime.

I would've rated my first visit to Curbside a 5/5 without hesitation. It was last summer: A younger woman helped me sort out an (apparently very labour-intensive!) problem with my wheel, and even stayed a few minutes past closing in an effort to ensure that I left with my problem resolved. She was friendly, polite, knowledgeable--as was the other bike mechanic that was working on it--and she left me feeling confident that I'd be a repeat customer. Recently, I was experiencing some issues with my bike again (entirely unrelated to the ones before), so I figured I'd go back to Curbside, since they were so great to me before. This time, I had an experience almost entirely opposite from the first time. First, bad selection; I'd only discovered this on this occasion, since my previous visit didn't involve parts, but only labour. The clerk pointed me in the direction of a $70 bike saddle for which there was no cheaper alternative. (This, of course, isn't the clerk's fault; but perhaps the store should consider getting some more moderately-priced alternatives for things like this.) But everything's overpriced in bike stores; this much I've come to expect. The second problem, however, was what left me truly dissatisfied with my experience. The main problem I was having was my loose bottom bracket. The clerk very quickly replied, without further inspection, that it was broken and that I would need a new one. He then shooed me off to the mechanic in the back. The mechanic took a quick look, and within 30 seconds, he suggested that I "scrap my bike for parts", and that it was "no good". I don't deny that there are issues with the bike; this is, after all, why I brought it in. But to tell a customer that his bike is worth little more than scrap parts is a verdict that should be handed down more delicately, and certainly not with a huge grin, since it is almost certainly going to jostle any customer that hears it. To treat the matter so dismissively, and then send the customer on his way (I would have been willing to pay for the repairs, had he shown any interest in providing me with the details!), this seems to me like a bad way of doing things. At any rate, this verdict of totaling out my bike seemed to provide him and all the other nearby employees with a great deal of pleasure. There wasn't any effort to provide me with alternatives to consider, or ways to make it rideable temporarily; rather, it was a very curt "nah, just scrap it", and that was that. Unfortunately for them, I had a handful of nearly $100 worth of bike parts I was ready to buy, and I also had every intention to go check out the bike lights, which of course would have added a bit more to my overall purchase. So my total--including the fact that I could have very easily been convinced to drop $200+ for repairs--could have easily surpassed $350. Instead, the condescension and disinterest on their part caused me to leave without purchasing anything. The two guys standing at the front of the store were smirking and giggling at my bike as I wheeled it out. I took it across the street to Sweet Pete's, where I was met with a helpful team who gave me a detailed list of the cost for repairs. Ultimately, they quoted me $150, which I am happy to spend to save a bike that I love, and I felt respected, appreciated, and welcome the entire time. Maybe this was an isolated experience; as I said, I had a great experience the first time I went to Curbside. But given that this recent experience went poorly, what motivation do I have to go back, now that I've seen how it compares to its competitor across the street? read more

Some good things about this place, some bad things. The good things: solid location, and if you need some lights or something in a pinch, you can get them here. Also, if you're more into the urban-chic cycling thing, you can get that stuff here. The bad thing is that, though this might have changed in the recent past, I found the staff here to have attitude. Not all of them, but a number of them. I generally avoid and go to Pete's down the street, but I'll go in here to see what they have once in a while. The owner seems like a nice guy, and has been to me for a while now. read more

Curbside Cycle brings a little Queen West to Bloor Street. Equal parts funk and function, Curbside's main focus is on inner-city commuters and casual riders looking at injecting a little style into their predominantly steel steeds. This is not a high end bike shop. You won't find expertise in road racing machines, triathalon bikes or high end mountain bikes. You will however get a great assortment of otherwise hard to find European imports from Holland, Denmark, Italy and elsewhere including retro-styled offerings from Batavus, Koga and Pashley. "Standard" company offerings like Devinci and Marin focus on their commuter / City styled bikes. You will also find a few lifestyle fashion items, funky helmets, and retro saddle bags and bike accessories. read more