This is a fun way to pass an hour--rowing a boat in Aquatic Park. It's easier than expected to get…read morethe boat moving, harder than expected to keep it moving. The boats are maintained (and possibly built) by young people at Waterside Workshops and basic but sturdy. The hour rental ($40 total with life vests included) was plenty enough to row from one end of the lagoon to the other and back, with a quick snack break. We are not skilled rowers, and it was fine. I would check the schedule ahead of time, especially during the off season. We went late in the afternoon and were the only ones on the water. Because of our inexperience, I was glad that we weren't sharing the water with any water skiers or a crew team. Just egrets, pelicans, and cormorants.

We had a truly excellent experience at waterside yesterday. We went to get our 11yo a bike for…read moretheir birthday. Tobe helped us out and he was so patient, knowledgeable, and good with kids. We ended up getting a used Novara model called the Tractor, and our kid decided to call their bike "Tobe the Tractor." Thanks so much for all the work you all do for the community, the inclusive and welcoming environment, and for the wonderful experience in picking a new bike! We will be back for future bikes, service, and open workshops!

Rating: 5/5 Stars If you're heading to Sports Basement…read moreBerkeley to gear up for the season, do yourself a favor and ask for BRANDON C. I came in needing a full "head-to-toe" setup for winter sports, and Brandon provided the kind of elite, professional service that is rare to find. His technical knowledge of snowboards, skis, and bindings is extensive; he doesn't just know the specs, he understands how the gear actually performs on the mountain. What really stood out, however, was his approach. He took the time to listen to my specific needs and concerns, making me feel both seen and heard throughout the process. I walked out (after 2.5 hours that flew by) not only with the right equipment but with the confidence I needed to get back out there. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, I'd recommend Brandon C. to anyone. He's a true professional who knows his craft inside and out. Thank you again Brandon C and SB and NIN.

I came here specifically to leave a review for Brandon, and it's clear I'm not the only one who's…read morehad a great experience with him. Buying snowboard boots is usually a daunting process for me because of my wide feet, but Brandon made it easy. His knowledge of boot fit and foot shapes was incredible, and he patiently walked me through what would work and what wouldn't - no pressure, just genuinely helpful guidance. I ended up with a pair of K2 Maysis boots, took them up to the slopes this past week, and they were excellent. Best boot-buying experience I've had. To Sports Basement management: you've got a star on your hands. Take care of him. Five stars all around.

The staff is amazing…read more Leave your bike, Shop, run errands and know that your bike is safe and secure.

Super easy FREE parking for your bike. Just fill out your name and number on a tag on an outside…read moretable and bring it in. You can also get an access card for self parking that costs 3-5 cents depending on the day/time. All the employees are very nice - Donald is great. Overall awesome experience and helps us get out on our bike more.

I went to Biketopia Community Workshop for the first time to do a thorough check and tuneup of a…read moregood bicycle. I was greeted, welcomed, and given the lay of the land of how this workshop works, by a bicycle volunteer. Biketopia is just what I need: Bike stands, coaching and the right tools. I paid for an annual membership - which is about what I could have spent at professional bicycle repair shop to accomplish what we got done and will do next time. I went to my car and brought in the Fuji endurance road bike, and was immediately to able to put it up on a free bike stand - so we could begin to see what was Up - and calling for attention. The volunteer - a veteran Berkeley cyclist - was friendly, observant and a very good coach: He observed and let me do - what I could do with relative ease - and he showed me how to do the Next Thing - right. He carefully checked the brakes, and showed me how to see exactly what was going on with the front brake . He knew how to do both the fine and gross adjustment of the brakes, and had the proper tools for each. And showed me how to adjust and fine tune the adjustment of my brakes, so I was able to do the work and have him check my adjustments. He heard and understood my report of some recent shifting issues and gear jumping. He checked and showed me how both derailleurs were shiifting and the simple adjustments we cojuld make. He offered to measure the wear of the chain. Since the chain was about 50% or 60% worn - I decided this would be a great time to replace it. The volunteer found exactly the right chain from their small inventory of new parts. He showed me how this chain's magic link worked, slighly different than the link on my current chain. Then how to install the new chain. He and i worked on the getting the derailleurs to shift just right. It took some skill I did not have - but soon I learned. Then he showed me how to check my rims for true - and how to adjust them - using their simple wheel truing apparatus and a spoke wrench and the right technique. I took good enough wheels and made them truer and better. We put the wheels back in and did a final adjustment on the brakes and derailleurs. Ready to ride for 50 mile runs - up and down the Berkeley hils - safely and smoothly. Next time I will work on improving the dish of my front wheel. This is a great place, if you want to learn how to take care of your bicycyle in a tightly packed community workshop.

This place is honestly amazing. I gave my friend a bike for burning man but wasn't sure if it was…read moreup to par. I saw this place and decided to check it out with her before she left. Turns out it's a community bike shop where people can bring their bikes to get repaired and even learn how to do it! We learned so much about bikes that we didn't know before. I can actually repair a bike now myself if needed. Everyone was so nice and willing to help. They have so much supplies, everything we needed was taken care of. Despite our labor taking over a hour and multiple things being fixed, we were only charged about $25. Well worth the price and quality. I appreciate this place so much and will definitely be back.

Careless customer treatment won't bring me back here…read more New, not so knowledgeable clerk showed me e-bikes, arranged to get the model he sold me on, then let store sell it to someone else. Glad I learned that's how they roll before I bought from Mike's Bikes Berkeley. I can imagine getting service from them is probably similarly sloppy and inattentive.

Another 5 stars. These guys are great. My new brake line (that I tried to install myself with no…read moreexperience or proper tools) ) wasn't working right. So I had to come back to the folks at Mike's today for some help. I dropped it off when they opened at 10, and it was ready for pick up the same day. They helped me with my chain, and the brakes, now I have a brand new 25 year old bike...money. They also informed me that I had some other things going on (broken spoke, head set needed attention), which I appreciate...a little extra step goes a long way in my book. Thank you again fellas...hard work is not always the norm nowadays. I will have to bring something by for y'alls to enjoy on the barbecue. Peace. Peace

I had a great experience with Stay True repairing my road bike's disc brakes. Stay True got my…read morerepair done in about a day (fast), did a good job, and didn't upsell me. I thought the service pricing was very affordable.

Just wow! Went to Stay True Cycles for the first time to get some specialty tires installed. Benson…read morewent out of his way to make it happen! Friendly, helpful, smart, kind! If you're anywhere near Berkeley, this is the place to go for all things bicycle. They are just off Shattuck with lots of good food nearby.

My son wanted a bike as an 8th grade graduation gift. Totally in support of that AND find bike…read moreprices astronomical, especially for kids who are still growing. Bikes on Solano sells great quality bikes at reasonable prices, pre-loved but in good condition. My son was happy and while I was there also grabbed my older son a bike since he likes to ride. The staff were super helpful, and we were in and out in under thirty minutes. I'm thinking about buying a bike for myself as well to get back into riding.

Everything. Excellent work on repair of my bike. Owner and staff could not have been more…read morehelpful. Unfortunately they have moved a bit farther from my home. They are now at 2031 University in Berkeley. I we old personally go anywhere for their service. Sonja Farar

My lunch got dropped when I fell off because the seat was higher than when I dropped it off …read more I went to get on and fell face forward I went in to tell them , got blown off and requested to see the manage. He simply debated about my seat being fine , said sorry I don't know what to tell you attitude . Going to the Doctor , getting it documented if it's more serious than i think . I can barely walk and still have to walk home .I could have died for their carelessness

12 years ago I purchased my first bike from Blue Heron. This week I purchased my second; an e-bike…read more In between I've gone in for service and supplies. I'm consistently pleased with the customer service I receive. Thanks to Rob and Jordan for making my purchase so easy and successful. They treated me with patience, knowledge and a commitment to match me with the best bike for my needs. Never disappointed in Blue Heron and very grateful to have a neighborhood bike shop I trust and can rely on.