if you appreciate honest and humble folks with very reasonable prices and great workmanship then visit Don Rafa and his wife Luca . I have tried many bicycle shops in San Francisco over the years and this shop is the best of all of them. read more

Small shop with good service and reasonable prices. I first used them over 20 years ago. If you require high-end components, call first to see if they have what you need. read more

I took my bike here to get serviced for burning man and my friend also ordered a tricycle online that needed to be assembled. They were very kind, thorough, and did a really good job at a really reasonable price! Highly recommend them read more

Favorite bike shop in the city, cheap prices and great location, I dropped my bike off here to get tuned up and replace my totaled back wheel costed 50$ and took an hour great service great prices total mom and pop shop love Don Rafas read more

I've brought my kids bikes here since they were very small. Usually always a great job at a decent price

Honestly, I've never received better service anywhere else. I built an electric bicycle by myself and I took it here whenever I had problems with any step in the process. They helped me out and charged very reasonable prices! If you need help with an ebike conversion, or any maintenance help with your bicycle, go here for some of the best prices in San Francisco. read more

Don Rafa's Cyclery - Bikes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Don Rafa checked my college kids bike out when we got to San Fransisco and made sure it was safe for commuting in the city. They repaired a derailer and replaced the cables in the bike. When I asked for an estimate they gave me a worst case senecio price but the actual cost was a lot less. They are honest and do good work. read more

I don't write a lot of reviews but these guys really went above and beyond. I came in a bit late for same day but my brother had a big birthday ride the following day and they didn't bat an eye and turned it around same day. The prices were ver my reasonable and the work was done right. Thanks so much for the help. Great place. read more

Excellent, quick repairs, friendly staff, and prices far lower than any other bike/repair shop in the area.

Very kind people. They were able to help me with my very heavy E-bike, replaced the chain and cleaned it up for an extremely fair price, in 20min. Highly recommend them. Thank you so much. read more

I've been here two times and both times the people were very nice. Today I came in on one of my bicycles to get an innertube for another bicycle that I got flat on yesterday while on a nice bike ride through the city. I told the lady I only had five bucks in my pocket, which was true, and she said perfect the cost of an innertube is 5 dollars. ;) Buys: 1 bicycle innertube Cost: $5 cash Happy customer. The city awaits read more

With many moving motorists, potholes and uneven pavements, riding a bike in any metropolitan citites .i.e. San Francisco can be a challenge and ineptly be dangerous. My day-off and enjoying the beautiful Friday weather, I've decided to slap on my "extra-tight" tights and ride my four-digit road bike around the city. As I was riding my bike along South Van Ness Ave, I ran over a sharp object. Thus puncturing a hole on my thin rear-tire. Luckily, there is a bike store on 16th St. and South Van Ness Ave. The bike store, which is operated by a friendly mom and pop, does only repairs and sells accessories. On the other hand, they do sell used bikes and they do have a ton of them too for entry-level riders. You're definitely not going to find dazzling and advanced bikes from Lance Armstrong or Levi Leipheimer from this place. The mom complimented on my high-end road bike and did all the necessary repairs on my baby. She replaced the inner-tube on my rear tire and made sure the rear tire is strong enough to support my fat ass. The whole process took only ten minutes and cost $10.00. I also gave her $3.00 for tips. Cash only for this place. "And that was my burrito money too!" read more

There are a half dozen bike shops in this general area / the Mission, and they all have good points and bad. Go here if: You know how to correctly price / evaluate used bikes and parts and are looking for something very cheap. You have a friend you can bring who knows how to correctly price / evaluate used bikes and parts. You like treasure hunting. Price is the most important thing to you, bar none. Don't go here if: You don't know how to evaluate if used bikes and parts something are a great bargain or falling apart pieces of megamart junk You need repairs I've never decided if the store prices their used bikes so oddly because they don't care (selling grey-market and auction-sourced used bikes) or if they don't know how to correctly evaluate the bikes, but their prices are all over the map. They have a HUGE selection of used bikes, and a tiny selection of new, or like-new bikes. Also a selection of parts and accessories in the back that you have to ask about specifically. Prices are negotiable, but they don't honor Bicycle Coalition discount cards. They're definitely friendly, and not at all pretentious. I would never recommend them for repairs, because if price is the only thing that matters to you in bike repairs, you should learn how to do them yourself. read more

Don Rafa got the best prices in the city....well really i don't know about the whole city, but is sure way cheaper then Valencia Cyclery... Don Rafa: tube $4 tire $10 (used) realignment $25 rim (new) $65 and if you need to leave your bike at the shop for a bit while is being fix Don Rafa will let you borrow one of his many bikes so you can get around. (may not apply to douchbags) read more

This place sells cheap bikes. Most of them are in terrible shape- the guy greases them up and sells them for $120. I test rode three bikes, the chain fell off on two of them and the brakes didn't work on the other. I then bought one and took it to another local shop to get it road-worthy. Got an earful about how this place is a chop shop, pieces stolen bikes together and sells them for cheap. Turns out my bike had more issues than I thought (and would have been able to find on my own) making it incredibly unsafe to ride. Apparently people have seen their stolen bikes/parts here for sale. Now I'm paranoid that I'm riding a hot bike. Next time I'll be less cheap-ass and go to a reputable bike shop. read more

This is one business that has customer service perfected. When I set out to purchase my new, used bicycle, I had a few goals in mind. Those goals being, purchase from a small, family owned business, spend less than $300, get a quality roadbike and pick a place I would want to return to for any future bicycle related purchases I may need. Don Rafa achieved these goals and more. I was able to find a good quality road bike, and U lock for $280. That night, while riding from Market to Upper Haight, I discovered that the chain on my new, used bike, was definitely more used than it was new when it broke in half. My bus ride home was spent cursing Don Rafa and his shoddy bicycle store. The next day, I woke early and hastily worked my way, chain in hand, to the Mission. Upon arrival, I was promptly greeted by Don Rafa's son. Don Rafa recognized me immediately and rose from his chair to shake my hand. Upon seeing the broken chain, his son informed me, with an apologetic look, that all purchases were sold 'As-Is' and that I may purchase a new chain if I were so inclined. Had Don Rafa not brushed his son aside and took the bike from my hands, our encounter would have ended there, as would any chance of a return purchase. Don Rafa, however, saved the day. He promptly opened a new chain and began affixing it to the bike. Once the replacement chain was intact, Rafa proceeded to inspect every detail of my new, used bike, checking every nut and bolt, tightening and adjusting as needed along the way. After every inch of the bike had passed inspection Rafa checked the air pressure and tire quality then, handed the bike back to me. In a matter of minutes I went from googling bike shops on my Android to pulling out my wallet to pay Rafa more money. Of course, when he saw me reach for my back pocket he waved me off and told me to go enjoy the weather and my new bicycle. read more

I recently bought a very nice old Cannondale here. I've always wanted a Canonndale. I am very, very happy with this purchase. For no reason that I could tell, Don gave me the bike at the flat price (that is, without tax). He let me switch the pedals, and he took off the lame-o reflector bracket underneath the stem, just as I asked. According to Don's daughter (who's very friendly, and held the bike for me over night), Don speaks "very, very little" English, so expect to speak to her rather than the owner. The bikes here run a wide spectrum: piece-o-crap Huffys, pieced together fixies, commuters, fixed-up old rides like what I bought, and nicer/newer stuff. If you're looking for a used bike, this is a good place to start. read more

We visited SF with our own electric bikes, never anticipating a flat tire. Stoped by a different shop who was not at all helpful. Beyond reliefed that when we found this place. The staff was warm and incredible! Lupe was extremely helpful and willing to fix my bike with no hesitation. The place was boarded up and may not seem welcoming due to COVID 19 and recent concerns, but this shop exceeded my expectations. A hidden gem to say the least! Highly recommended! read more

i can assure you that these people are more than professionals in the market which surrounds the sale, maintenance and service of bicycles of all types, prices and brands available since i had contact with don rafael and his family in 1997, showing a little expected side in commerce, and it is honesty, loyalty, respect and friendship to those who approach out of need, curiosity or even to pass the time, providing all the knowledge and techniques to satisfy the needs that we carry with us and that you will always find a smile and solutions to satisfy your curiosities ... i highly recommend this place based on my experiences with them. read more

I like Don Rafa's They always have new bikes coming and going. They lady working there is really nice sweet and always helpful. The head guy is a little rough around the edges :-) he is always yelling prices and yelling at people. I have seen him move customers out of his way when he was tired of helping them. I know it must be rough dealing with tons of people and their crappy bikes but a little lovin goes a long wayyy I think its just his demeanor so I'll give them 3 instead 4 stars.. I do recommend people check the place out. just beware of the big guy. read more

Heads up, frugal bikers! This place is awesome and the prices cannot be beat. I got my derailer replaced for $40. They would've had it ready for me in 30 mins, but i had to head to Dolores Park to catch sunset. They told me to come get it on Monday, until 6:00 PM. When i showed up at 5:30 they were already closed! I returned the following day (in the rain!) to get it, all prepared to be pissy but then the warm smile and sweet service melted away my anger. "So sorry about that," was all she had to say. There's something about a married couple who run a bike shop together; a true mom n' pop after my heart. So, i paid them (half of what Valencia Cyclery would've charged) and rode on my merry way. read more

Let, me see if I understand you Roxane S. You think the bicycles are stolen based on nothing and yet you bought one anyway to perpetuate bike theft. That's idiotic on your part. Fact. The prices here are fair and they have a good selection for such a small shop. read more

This is one sketchy-ass shop that once charged me too much money for repairing a flat and then I found out the wheel was put back on incorrectly. Go to Box Dog Bikes, or Valencia Cyclery. Hell, even go to the Bike Kitchen, but just not Don Rafa's. read more

Remember when you lived somewhere other than san francisco and bikes were less than $100 for a piece of crap cruiser? Go to Don Rafa's Cyclery and live the good old days. I bought a crappy huffy from like 1982 for $60. As an added bonus, it's slightly more on the up-and-up than buying a bike from the homeless dude who just stole it 10 minutes ago. read more

I like Don Rafa's. Looks to be a husband & wife owned and operated store, which is cool. The wife is very nice and helps you with whatever you need. - You can test ride bikes. Prices are usually fair (and if they're not they can be made more fair with a little haggling haha). Some reviews said they have stolen bikes there, but my response to that is "what used bike place DOESN'T have something stolen in the pile?" So go check 'em out! Small place but lots of bikes & very nice people. read more

Don Rafa's Cyclery is a tradition in the Mission District. *If you are looking for a local family operated business: that's your place! *If you are looking for a byke mechanic that is very knowledgeable and honest: that's your place! *If you are looking for an inexpensive byke or recycled parts for your byke: That is your place! read more

Don Rafa's Cyclery - Bikes Near Me - San Francisco, California

I was way into this shop, or so I thought. She speaks the Lingo, & so does he, right...?! Anyway, I wanted to be into this place, but the whole middle person thing just leaves one dubious!! Had spent a little cash there, bits 'n' bobs, you know. Then hobbled in there with a flat, got a tube, paid for it to be installed, cool!! Then walked away, cruising, still walking (window shopping!) down by 21st., pop went the tire! I turned & walked back to the store, explained the scenerio, he looked & determined that I needed a new rim liner now, charged me for that & a New tube, but spared me Installation fee!! Wow, Thanks Buddy! Good Re-Looking Out!! Nuff of that B.S.!! read more

Don Rafa helped me change a flat very quickly. He was kind of nice about it. He also tightened my handlebars and gave me a new tube cap for free. It was super cheap: $16 for two new tubes, a tire changing tool, and labor on changing the tire. I don't know shit about bikes or bike-selling ethics, so this place was perfect for me and I like supporting small businesses in my neighborhood. read more

EDIT-10/4/09. I keep going because they're on my block. Don Rafa and his wife are really nice. There should be more small places like this. I am going to raise the review back to 4 stars HOWEVER I will buy my own parts and ask them to install in the future. For people talking about stolen stuff, please, have proof or don't spread rumors. Old used bikes may have uncertain provenance but it doesn't imply dishonesty... people who make a living with their hands by recycling from garage sales and auctions are doing an important job. ---------- EDIT- 7/7/09. I'm gonna be a little nicer and raise this a star again. I keep going back. Why- they're on my block, cheap as hell, and friendly. They fix my stuff pretty much on the spot. Only thing is, I'm going to watch out for what parts get used and if there's any concerns about the quality, I'm either buying my own and doing it or going to a too-expensive place. --------- -EDIT- dropped from 4 to 2 stars. Still nice people, but they used crappy parts on my bike (derailleur and chain) that, with 2 replacements, both broke inside 2 weeks. My old one lasted 3 years. Guess you get what you pay for- my bargains were just wasted money. ----------- No frills, no expectations, no hassles, no complaints. It's a little hole in the wall with 1 aisle packed tight with bikes on each side and up to the ceiling, back to a plain counter with a personable lady handling your requests and a capable guy working in back. The stock is motley, but among the thrift store stuff, I saw plenty of nice bikes from very reasonably priced to fairly high end. If you want to bargain hunt then go here. My only neutral comment is they couldn't take my credit card, just cash. read more

Don Rafa is very kind and can fix bikes quickly. Also, you can practice your spanish here. Que bueno! I had to lower the review to 3 stars after the 3 tires I bought from him had S L O W leaks... too bad. read more

Say what you will about the possible metaphorical temperatures of the bikes here- they will rock your bike for cheap if you bring it in for repairs or a tuneup. Also, if you're looking for bikes to ride hell-and-gone through the desert, don't tell them your plans. It hurts their feelings, kind of. Just buy the cheapest bike there and faux-fur it up in the privacy of your own home. read more

I went in at the last minute last night to try to grab a bike in the $200 range. I found it. They had at least three bikes that were $195. It's not the finest thing since sliced bread, but it's pretty dope - works well, looks good, getting me around the city - totally legit. They only deal in cash, so I ran around the corner. Lady said no hurry and seemed to mean it. Lady was very nice, allowing me to test ride two or three bikes and encouraging me to ride and test more. She adjusted the height of my seat. I paid. I'm out. I'm now a big fan of Don Rafa's. I'll send everyone there. $195 for a decent bike - I got coaster brakes. It's totally legit -- best deal in town. read more

It was my first time coming to this place from a friend's recommendation. My experience was very positive. I needed my cable to be replaced and the break pads to be readjusted. The job was done promptly, the quality was great, and the price is super reasonable. There are not much customer service tho but I am okay with that. :) Will definitely come back! read more

A wonderful local spot to get your bike fixed at good price and promptly ! Highly recommended for friendly and efficient service and a great way to support small neighborhood business ! read more

so happy to have found such a beautiful previously owned girl's bicycle at this lovely family -owned shop in the Mission!! plus I was able to get training wheels installed!! (credit cards accepted) read more

Don Rafa's Cyclery - thank you Don Rafa's Cyclery!!  we LOVE this beautiful girl's bicycle that we bought at your shop!!  and thank you for the training wheels!! - Bikes Near Me - San Francisco, California

I would LOVE to support a local business.....aaaaand, it is general knowledge amongst the bike-loving community that Don Rafa's is known to sell, umm, bikes obtained without the most integrity (ya know what I mean?). To one who has some general bike knowledge, it's pretty obvious what is going on. Ugh, it's really too bad. Their prices are cheap........for a reason. read more

I just bought a bike from here and then took it over to Box Dog Bikes to double check if it was safe. In retrospect, I should have done this before I bought it, so this review is mainly to be helpful to others. The lady at Don Rafas assured me it was safe, and in good condition, blah blah blah and I rode out of there on my new bike. After taking it to the other bike shop, they told me it needed several things to ride better but because of the frame condition (i couldn't tell, i'm new at this bike stuff), it probably shouldn't have even been sold. Buyers beware! read more

I came in with a flat and a hole in my tire and they fixed it for me in 5 minutes and gave me a great deal!!!!

This man sells what seems like refurbished bikes from stolen pieces. He claims he buys them in auctions... My boyfriend and I moved to SF recently and needed bikes to move around looking for apartments. We came across this shop and bought ourselves two overpriced used bikes. The man in the shop told us he would give us warranty for two years, so we trusted that. A week later, both of my tires got ripped while I was riding downhill. Not only one tube got flat,but the tires got torn and broken and unusable!! I've never seen such old tires, the rubber was coming apart. So I called in to ask about replacement through the warranty he promised. His answer was that we had no warranty, that used bikes never have warranty and that I should not have bought such old tires. First of all: I am no bike savyy so I could not have told these tires we so close to their final days. And 2nd: I was not riding rough and my life was put at risk. I recommend you dont buy here, and DONT BELIEVE HIM if he promises you a warranty to justify the high costs. He will take it back as soon as you need a repair. I wish I had known that. read more

So many people accusing this place of fencing stolen bikes. Not a whiff of proof. Since others are making wild accusations, allow me to join you. The reason many think this place sells stolen merch can be summed up in two reasons. 1. Don Rafa sells cheap used bikes. 2. Don Rafa is not white. If you have better proof, post it. Better yet, go to the cops. Otherwise, don't spread unfounded rumor. This place is the Hyundai of bike shops. Valencia Cyclery is the BMW. One has high overhead, the other does not. One buys bikes at flea markets. The other does not. One pays its employees. The other is family run. One markets itself to high-income people, the other to working class. One is a lot cheaper than the other. Go figure. read more