The quality of work and equipment at this shop is solid, and I've used them in the past when I needed a reliable repair and components. However, the pricing structure is a major drawback. Service fees are extremely high--what should be a simple 15-minute job (a change of brake pads) was projected to have a week-long wait and a quote nearly double what I ultimately received elsewhere. As someone who knows bikes, I found the pricing to be misleading and not reflective of the actual labor involved. While they do good work, there are more transparent and reasonably priced shops out there. read more

I had a great experience with Firehouse. When the frame on my bike cracked, they agreed to help with the warranty claim and were very helpful throughout the process, keeping me apprised of updates and quickly responding to any questions I had. When the replacement bike came in, they had it assembled and ready to go within a day or two. Definitely recommend checking them out! read more

OK great sign and great location good with old bikes and im trying to think of 85 words to write

Nice and professional. You have to climb up a long staircase with your bike to get there, but it's worth it. read more

I had an opportunity to stop in to Firehouse and put all these great reviews to the test, after having read so many raving fans of this place. When my bike tire went flat, I was in the area and was able to walk it to this shop. It was around noon on a Sunday, and I didn't think they were open - due to the outside sign saying Tues-Sat 9-7. But I figured I'd take a chance and walk up the stairs anyways, and luckily they are open Sundays 12-5. The guys were super-friendly and greeted me and quickly asked what they could help with. I mentioned about my flat rear tire, and that I've had a few flats there in the past couple months and wondered if they could sell me a more flat-resistant tire. I wasn't expecting miracles here, with them being a relatively small-looking shop. But I was thrilled when Brian (hoping I spell his name right) had just the tire for me, an American-made Schwalbe tire. Brian explained to me that my old tire was wearing a bit thin, and how the more exposed wires may play a part in puncturing the inner tube. I was amazed that he had a cross-section of the tire with thumbtacks in the tread, and it still hadn't gone through into the underneath tube area. Anyways, I was happily sold on the tire. Brian was super-fun to talk with, and I noticed that he took a couple extra steps in checking & cleaning my chain, and being sure that the gears were running smooth and the brakes weren't rubbing the wheels. Really a well-rounded check while the bike was on the shop stand. Prices here are quite reasonable, as other reviews have mentioned; and the location is fantastic, out there on 50th Street & Baltimore Ave - no other bike shops around for many blocks, but a great area to have one, being all the college-age-range folks being heavy users of bikes in the area. The bike shop I live near went out and turned into a more expensive Trek company store, and their prices for service have been raised. So I'm convinced to take my business to Firehouse, from here on out. With Firehouse Bicycles, you are at a great local business where the guys clearly love their work, love the biking field, and don't go crazy high in pricing their services and sales. I can't wait to visit them again, for some upgrades and maintenance on my current bike! read more

Firehouse Bicycles - Go up the stairs to enter Firehouse Bicycles on the second floor! - Bikes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"somehow" (i.e. yelp deleting 5 star reviews of businesses who don't pay them a kickback) my previous review got deleted.

Awesome place! The staff is super helpful. Really my only qualm is I think they are pricey for bicycles. Services are cheap though. My wife got a brand new bike from here and they really made her feel at ease. This was her first time ever buying a new bike. It's been 2 years and the Nike is still as good as New. So maybe I think she paid too much but really 2 solid years with no service? Riding at least once a week summer, spring and fall? They definitely didn't sell her a lemon. read more

Get your upper body strength together because you'll be taking yo bike up some steps. The spot is a cute second story store where you can wait to be serviced on the rooftop patio. The staff was friendly and fixed up my flat tire in a matter of minutes. For a good price too (y'all I was scared they were gonna up charge cause folks are wild like that). I will most definitely be back for any of my bike needs. read more

Went back to Firehouse bikes after avoiding it for a while due to dishonest/incompetent service (see previous review). This time, service was great. Ben helped fix a flat (replaced the tube), replaced a tire & adjusted some brakes for us. He was fast, friendly and helpful. If Firehouse remains staffed with people like Ben, I'll be back. read more

I have been riding my Trek mountain bike for years and finally decided that I wanted to upgrade to a hybrid. I went to a few local bike shops, but my last stop was the location on Lancaster Ave (Wolff Cycles) first. I told the guys in the shop about my needs and how I wanted a decent used hybrid bike at a decent price. I saw a great number of used high end bikes within the $200-$400 range. I was informed that I should go to Baltimore Ave location because they have more used bikes at there. I went to the Baltimore Ave location the next day. The guys here were equally as friendly and showed me a few different models and was able to take them out on a test drive. The great thing about Firehouse Bicycles, I was able to trade-in my Trek bike and used it to lower my price on my new bike. Also, with the purchase, you get a free tune-up in the first 30 days. I feel that bike knowledge and the good customer service should be enough to have you check out this place. Great Bikes - Great Prices!! read more

Environment: Most certainly encapsulates the idea of West Philly/Cedar Park neighborhood. Absolutely love the style of this place, it's neat "home-made" feel to this place with the bike hanging on their hooks. I didn't even think to take a picture of it because I was dazed. Service: I literally had to go home and write a review immediately. My experience was fast, meticulous, and highly attentive. I most certainly appreciated this place a few times before, but I think this place is a clear winner for all my future repairs, purchases, etc. This is a place that CARES. If you are a regular customer, small tweaks, changes to the bike cost no labor because they actually care about you as a customer which meant a lot to me. They provide only excellence not only checking up on whatever you are repairing (e.g. repairing my brake pad misalignment) but they do a throughout check for the rest of your bike telling you other things you can improve on because they want the best ride possible for you. This place is an easy win for customer satisfaction and I am delighted to come back~ P.S. if you are looking for some performance bikes; believe it or not, they have pretty good sales on some of their Fuji products... (from $800 to mid $500 range-ish) read more

Great bike shop. No pressure and laid back, which goes a long way. Highly recommended. They have all the gear for serious bike people, but treat novices the same as the pros. Mike was honest with us and got us set up with the right gear. No up-selling or car salesman type treatment. I plan on going back and buying from these people again and will recommend them to all of my friends. read more

I'm writing a review on behalf of all the children in the neighborhood. As an adult, I have had nothing but exceptional service, and I bought a bike here. After talking with my young, exuberant, cycling neighbors, I now know how Firehouse Bicycles treats the young energy of the neighborhood. Terribly! One time, my 10-year-old neighbor, let's call him Sam, and I were chatting as he was trying to fix his bike tire. Firehouse was still open for another hour, but apparently, they close an hour early for children, and they are not very nice about it. Sam and I had frequent conversations about how poorly he and his paying friends were mistreated by Firehouse bicycles. Firehouse should be a place for Sam and all youth of color in the West Philly community to flourish in their passion for cycling. This happened a while back, but then just the other day, I was commenting on an exceptionally flashy bike to another youth who was sitting outside the shop in the freezing cold. He told me it had to be fixed. I peered into the empty bike shop and looked back at him. "They said only two a a time." Are you effing kidding me, Firehouse? Firehouse is a great resource but does not serve ALL of its community. Firehouse, you are your neighborhood children's early memories of youth oppression and racism. Congratulations! read more

I really want to like this place since it is in my neighborhood, but many of my experiences with them have been very unpleasant. During my most recent visit, I made the mistake of bringing in a department store bike that a friend had given me. The bike was a little old, so I wanted them to take a look at it and let me know if it was safe to ride. Rather than explaining her concerns about the bike, the salesgirl kept telling me, "I don't think anyone here would want to take a look at your bike." After explaining that I wasn't very familiar with bikes and asking for a more thorough explanation, she told me that the bike was missing pieces and was in bad shape. Worried by this explanation, I asked her if the bike would be safe to ride. She responded with, "I wouldn't say that," and walked away. I had a similar experience with the employees the previous time I went into the shop as well. I don't understand the elitist and condescending attitude that so many bike shop employees have. How do you expect to get customers when you treat them like dirt? Especially when your bikes are overpriced! The only reason I gave this place 2 stars instead of 1 is that I have had a good experience with one of the co-founders of the shop. I sincerely hope that they clean up their act a bit. Being nice to your customers can go a long way. read more

I'm seeking practical road bike to replace my useless heavy mountain bike that I bought for 5 bux at a yard sale some 7 years ago. Riding it around the streets of Philadelphia gave me a good workout, but I found it hard to keep up with my urban biking buddies with sleek skinny tires and a lightweight frame. The folks were very helpful in helping me figure out what I was looking for, which I really appreciated because I've been intimidated by the gearheads in other places. I test rode a short used bike around the neighborhood, and it was like a dream! I left wanting to shop around a little more because I didn't think their prices were fair or inexpensive. I might be wrong, but what do I know? read more

The reviews were great, so I came here to get my chain replaced. The guy who worked on it told me I should replace my back gears, which I was told the last time I changed chains, so I gave him the green light. I have a 2011 bike with new black quick release pins. When I got my bike back, it had an old, silver quick release pin, something I didn't realize until later that day. My immediate feeling was that it wasn't an accident. How could it be? It's clearly NOT my pin. Still, I decided maybe somehow it was. Emailed the store and stopped by the next afternoon to have it replaced. The guy who worked on it was there but wouldn't so much as look me in the eye, even though he recognized me and overheard me telling another tech why I was there. At that point, I realized it wasn't a mistake. I'd just had a bike accident and wasn't really hawking over them as I apparently should have been. The other tech, although nice enough guy who wasn't there when my pin was stolen, gave me a pin that looks like mine but is older and slightly rusted. I had too much going on in my personal life at the time to fight with them, but really should have. Stealing parts? I won't be back. If you want to watch over your bike pieces like a hawk, I recommend them. Otherwise, stay away from the thief who works there. read more

I am a bicycle noob and going into cycling shops can be intimidating, especially when you're dealing with snotty cyclist elitists that are employed in said shops. I am teaching my kid to ride and I can't be pulling this Rocky Balboa shit running after her. I need wheels. I always walk past Firehouse on my way to acupuncture so I decided to give them a shot. I wasn't sure what I needed, wanted, what suited my height... I am a bike shops worst nightmare: the girl who knows nothing. But hey, we all start somewhere and I appreciate the boys working there not treating me like an imbecile. They were nice, helpful, informative and not pushy. Maybe I got lucky? I would think it wasn't just me though cause I saw how they serviced other customers and I didn't notice any attitude like the other reviews mention. I ended up settling on a model that was a little more than I had intended to spend but I was assured I was getting a good bike/deal. I think I did. And they also helped me stash it into the back of my car. Nice guys are nice, I like this shop. I shall return. read more

does Firehouse really not have a review? I'll just go on and give in 5 stars since it is a great landmark in the neighborhood, great use of space, and nice punky folks work there. I bought my bike here, it wasn't a brilliant amazing deal but it was good, well-informed, etc. They have a lot of used 3-speed-type bikes for those on a budget who need to get on the go. I splurged a little now that I am a grownup and need to speed over potholes and lug my bike up and down train station steps a few times a week. but really, you can't go wrong in this general neighborhood.. coffee below, bikes above, and I hear some brewpub is moving in to the downstairs and I hope that is a good, if slightly different vibe too. edited to add that the times I've needed little repairs on my bike, they have been insanely cheap and fast. read more

THE BEST PLACE TO GET A BICYCLE AND HAVE YOUR BICYCLE NEEDS ATTENDED TO IN PHILADELPHIA, AT ANY LEVEL OF BIKING EXPERIENCE. I was looking for a hybrid, something that I could use to commute around the city but that could also take me on some nice bike trails and had gears (because I've only ever ridden bikes with gears and really like that sort of ride). I visited Keswick (40th and Locust) and although they were nice, their bikes were expensive for what they (the bicycles themselves) offered and they were kind of pushy (which, for an indecisive buyer who mulls things over a lot such as myself, is not something I enjoy). I tried the Bike Church (on Locust Walk) and although they were very friendly and helpful, their selection of bikes wasn't all that great for me, as I have short legs and finding short used bikes is apparently a difficult task (I would come back here for repairs when I don't want to make the trek to Firehouse, though). I called Firehouse asking about their used bike selection for short persons, and they said they had plenty. I headed over and boy, is there selection great! They have used hybrids, coasters, you name it, all neatly lined up. In addition to having a very wide selection of used bikes, all in very good condition, they also have many new bikes in varying price ranges - but the prices were much cheaper than Keswick, and the bicycles offered a lot more bang for their buck than the ones at Keswick did. Everyone was working on bikes behind the counter when I came in, but I was immediately greeted with a smile and helped when I explained my quest. I was shown two of the used hybrids and allowed to ride them around to see how they felt in exchange for a photo ID. After trying both used bikes, I tried a new one that wasn't much more expensive, and wound up getting the new one, but only after I took it for a test ride as well. All my questions were answered, I got the best advice about biking in Philly and winter conditions, and the customer service was amazing. I came in today to get my seat adjusted and to get my Kryptonite lock holder installed and they did it for free with a smile in five minutes. And I can't forget about my free tune-up after 30 days. Firehouse is definitely going to be my first stop for any bike issues that I have and for any other biking needs I might encounter. They're all super great and friendly and I cannot rave enough about how much they rock. read more

These guys are great, as they will take care of your bike regardless of whether it is a high end bike or one bought at Target (mine). I keep coming back here as they never complain about having to fix a standard store bike. Also, they are usually pretty up front about the cost of repairs....and sometimes they will not charge you if it is for something minor. This place rocks! read more

I am a complete bike novice, and needed a fair amount of help finding the right bike for me. Firehouse Bicycles was really helpful and I left the store happy with my selection. The service was a highlight of my experience. Walking into Firehouse Bicycles I was upfront and let them know what I was intending to use a bike for and they were more than willing to help me find the right one. The employee that attended me (Sam) was incredibly helpful, giving me the run down on different types of bikes, both used and new. They even let me take them out for a spin (just need a drivers license for security). The store itself is a sight to see. It has an artsy/hipster feel to it with bikes basically spilling out the door. I can't comment too much on the price. I had done some shopping around and looked online and it looked to be about average. A nice plus is that they also throw in complimentary 30-day tune up/repairs with a purchase. Firehouse Bicycles has a pretty wide selection of new and used bikes, large selection of parts and does repairs. Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a bike, even just to see the store itself. read more

Great repairs at a great price. I came in for a $5 pedal replacement and they topped off my tires with air and fixed a small derailleur issue that I didn't know I had for free. I had a bottom bracket issue and brought my bike in to them. They did the easiest fix for free and when that didn't work they set up an appointment to fix it for a good price. They gave me a call when my bike was in the shop to let me know of a chain issue they found and gave me the replacement and labor cost transparently if I wanted them to fix it while my bike was already at the shop. The employees here know their shit and have passion and customer service that I haven't seen in any of the other bike shops in the city. I love this place so much that I wrote my first review about it now. read more

This is a great little shop on a busy corner of West Philly. I first went there to check out the bikes and to pump the tires of the bike I was borrowing. Folks were really nice - not at all snooty - and I noticed lots of different customers coming in and out of the shop: seniors, kids, and everyone in between. It really felt like a community space. The next time I went there, a DJ was set up on the upper deck playing soul tunes, and there was the same beautiful range of customers checking out bikes, buying bike parts and pumping their tires. I found the prices of the used bikes to be pretty reasonable compared to the other shops I visited, and they were offering discounts that day as well. As a bonus, I got a free pint glass with my purchase - can't beat that! I don't even live near West Philadelphia, but I'd go here to get my bike repaired, buy parts or scope out other bikes for other purposes. This is a GREAT shop! Thank you, Firehouse! read more

Brought my bike here for a tune up and was told it was going to take 2 weeks to get out back...mean while there no bikes being attended to nor were there any bikes at all behind the counter to be serviced.sorry I'm just not into a place were it's clear the person behind the counter smoked themselves stupid ( not that I have a biases against smoking God's gift...just don't be obnoxious about it) and give me some fabricated story to aleaveat yourself of responsibility to a customer in need of service. I now walk myself over to a different bike store that's further away for a more attentive experience. Your operation is simply not worth the time I have been suggested to wait for an issue that could be taken care of with in a timely manner read more

Cool little bike shop that has friendly people and reasonable prices. They seem to focus mostly on selling used bikes and services bikes, so I don't think its really a place to go if you are looking for a high end road bike. They get a big range of people in the shop, hipsters, old people, young people, serious bikers, etc. I mostly went here to have my bike serviced...new brakes, tubes, etc. They always did a good job. I always looked around at the bikes for sale and felt that I could find a better deal on craigslist...but odds are the bike from firehouse is going to be in better condition since they have probably given it a good once over and a nice tune up. They will probably also work with you on prices and my guess is you'll get some love on future servicing and purchases if you buy your ride there. The biggest downside of the shop is that it is a second floor location so you have to carry your bike up and down the outdoor staircase to have your bike worked on. As big of a bummer as this is, it isnt as bad as you might think, because just below the shop is Dock Street...so you can have a beer or two to help build up your strength to carry your bike up and down the staircase. read more

They always be hyped to help everyone else except my boy Corey,everytime real bike life need a repair the don't care

This is not a real review; I've only been to FB once and only to buy a pair of bike gloves for my (four-year-old) daughter. Plus: They were polite and helpful. They ordered the gloves and called me when they came in, like they said they would. Minus: Closed Sundays. I tried to take my bike there last Sunday for tuneups and found out it was closed after I carried the bike up the stairs. Crap! Added 2010-11-14: Have now been there twice for real bike work. Today I took in a secondhand bike and asked them to attach my moose rack and to look it over for stuff that might need fixing. The bike guy said that a tuneup was usually $45, but after looking it over he did not see anything really wrong except that the rear derailleur was misaligned. He did not laugh at me or take advantage of me even though I was obviously a bike dumbass. He put my rack on within two hours, so I got to ride my toddler around the same evening. I give Firehouse a thumbs up. read more

I've gone there a couple times. Never really got too much service either. I bought an overpriced saddlebag and left to find another bike shop. I give 3 stars because they have compressed air and tools outside that are easily accessible. read more

I'm big into "take what you're given and don't complain". I have a free bike, its not perfect but neither is my car, dog, or mom. So, I'm used to getting creative with what I've got. I have free bike, free luggage carrier for my free milk crate. Neat! I went to Firehouse for some advise on how to attach my crate to the carrier to the bike. What I got was, you can't use that carrier, get a new one. I road my bike for 2 years in North Carolina with the crate strapped to the carrier via BUNGEE! I just wanted something more stable. The guy and Lowes was more helpful than Firehouse Bikes. Bummer, right? read more

The girl that worked on my bike seemed very snooty and short. The guy working was nice, but this girl was just rude. They have a large selection of bikes, most overpriced. The "as-is" bikes seemed nice and fairly cheap. Because of the close proximity, I will probably go back and deal with the poor customer service. Also, a new tire, tube, and labor cost 20.33 with tax included. 20 dollar minimum to use a credit card. read more

Exactly what you want out of a local bike shop -- honest, affordable, and friendly service. I came here in search of a new bicycle when we moved to Philly a couple months ago and was able to take a few different types of bikes out for a test ride. The people working there were clearly knowledgeable about their stock and not pushy in the least. I ended up coming back a couple days later after trying bikes out at a different shop to purchase the first one I tried at Firehouse. They bought my old bike back to help defray some of my costs and also offered a free tuneup after 30 days, which I took advantage of. Since then, I went back with my girlfriend to revamp her bike a bit (new tires, grips, etc.) and again the Firehouse employees were helpful and honest, not trying to sell us anything she didn't want/need. Definitely recommend! read more

Firehouse Bikes sells quality, complete, used & new bikes at appropriate prices. They do have cheaper, lesser quality used bikes, as well. However, their higher-priced used bikes are typically good brands kitted-out with solid parts, and are assembled with skill and care. Quality used and new parts & accessories are also available. I purchased a steel Nishiki Sebring 9-speed a few years ago from Firehouse. A year or so after my purchase, I had them convert it to a fixed-gear. I've had no issues with my bike due to faulty parts or to poor assembly. Friendly staff. Every time I talk to any of their staff at length, I've noticed that they listen and answer questions and concerns I've had; offer technical advice; make reasonable purchasing recommendations; and, sometimes their own personal insights and perspectives on biking in general. Much of their attitude is matter-of-fact and frank. They don't sell to you. Also, I believe the staff takes pride in their work. When I bought my bike, the guy that was helping me choose one was actually the one who built it, and he told me about the parts that he chose and why he chose them, and just seemed very happy with his work. Did I mention they sell winter & summer bike caps and gloves? As well as ReLoad bags? read more

I've visited here a few times, i do sense that bicycle snobbery that seems so pervasive in alot of bike shops. I find this bizarre. I also find those chubby high end road racers with the way tight spandex disturbing. My experiences have been all positve. I go here for parts and to check out their selection. I thought there used bike prices were fair, especially compared to some craigslist prices. Like anything learning to do your own repairs is going to save you money and grief. read more

I've been going to them for years, they're honest (even when they know you're not going to like what they say), their prices are reasonable, and most importantly I trust their work. They get the job done, these are the guys I always go to for bike work in West Philly. Also - they were the cheapest and fastest tube fix, back before I learned to patch my own (which they even taught me how to do!) read more

Friendly, helpful and honest. I was having issues shifting past a certain point without the chain jumping (I had a chain break, but didn't replace the cassette). They had the repair done within an hour, were honest about not needing a new chain and even tightened up my loose headset. Totally would go there and recommend them to anyone. Also, was incredibly reasonably priced. read more

Every single time I've come to this place they've given me such awkward experience. I'm pretty sure it has to do with me being African-American. If you are black or brown I was suggest shopping elsewhere because they always make me feel very uncomfortable and I've been helped by three different people. Please take your money elsewhere period. read more

My go to bike shop in Philly! They helped me get an insurance quote for damage when I got hit by a car, offer the cheapest tune-ups that I'm aware of, and also sell essential parts and tools (tubes, tires, chains, etc) for VERY cheap compared to other shops in the area *cough*KESWICK*cough* (ie. a pair of cheap plastic tire levers at Keswick will run you $12, but you can get the exact same pair here for $3) My favorite thing about Firehouse is that they won't bullshit you to buy new parts if they think you don't need it. They will always try to get you back on the road for the bottom dollar and will tell you if the repair is simple enough for you to do yourself. As an amateur bike fiddler, they also are incredibly knowledgeable and are willing to answer any questions you have about repairs, bikes or parts. read more

If you are looking for a used bike I would check out Firehouse bikes. The people who work here are not overly friendly but they are helpful enough. They have a nice selection of bikes in the store and it's well organized. They have a lot of loyal neighborhood customers and it seems like they do good work on their bikes. I bought a gently used road bike here and I am happy with it so far. I will let you know how the 30 day warranty works when I try it... read more

Excellent customer service! I'd purchased a bike that was, frankly, a little too much for me- I'm a noob, and inexperienced. I couldn't have been more pleased with the kind and gentle way the staff handled the return. (I'd only kept the bike for a day - stored it inside, etc- and had kept it as I'd purchased it). I'd made an effort to travel outside my neighborhood to visit the shop, and keep my purchase local/Philly based. The way I was treated on both sides of the transaction made the trip worth it. When I'm ready for the right -size bike I have no doubt Firehouse will be my shop of choice. Kudos to the excellent staff and management. read more

Firehouse Bicycles is _the_ place in Philadelphia to buy a nice cheap used bicycle. The guys here are _really_ nice. Super duper nice. They're serious bike enthusiasts, but very nice to people who know nothing about bicycles (like me). Not intimidating at all! Just friendly and nice. The bikes here are cheap ($300-$400 for a nice road bike), and they are very helpful in helping you figure out what you actually want. My bicycle that I bought here 2 years ago is still going great, and we returned this week to get my girlfriend a new one too. We're both super happy with our bicycles, and we couldn't have got them for a cheaper price. Of course you can get something cheaper on Craigslist - but do you know exactly what size frame you want, to the centimeter? Do you know how to make sure everything is well fitted? Do you know how much of a difference the right sized bike actually makes (they'll let you test drive the bikes for a while too, so that you understand this!) The guys here are super nice about helping you understand what you want, and getting you that, for a cheap price. The included 30 day "come back and get anything that's not 100% fixed tuned up for free" is also very nice. The prices for tune ups and flat tire replacements are very low too. It's a great place to get a bike, or to get your existing bike fixed up. read more