I recommend Ray's Bikes to anyone in the market for a new bicycle. They stock some very nice bikes…read morefor really competitive prices. The staff were super knowledgeable, happy to give tips and answer any questions that I had along the way. The atmosphere is friendly and interested, which is great because I'm easily put off when I go into a store and I feel like I'm being pushed into a sale or buying extras. I ended up walking out of the store with the bike that I had enquired about on the phone, with a lot of confidence in my purchase, and a few freebies that had been thrown in as well! Highly recommended, and will be going back myself for future purchases.

I went into Samson Cycles today to have my front bike tyre looked at because it never held air…read morewell. I phoned ahead and clearly explained my issue, was met with friendly service over the phone and told to bring it down right away. Popped the wheel in my car and took it down to the shop which is only 5 minutes from home. I'm in a bit of shock over how I was treated by Ryan on staff here. I introduced myself when I walked in and explained I had spoken to him on the phone only a few minutes prior. I reiterated that I don't know anything about bikes, it was rarely ridden, and the tube/tyre on the bike was the one that came with it when purchased. He had a good laugh at my expense, and the proceeded to condescendingly question me about everything to do with the tyre - despite having clearly explained the situation to him twice already. Why was the tyre flat? It doesn't look punctured? This tube is the wrong size! Why did you put this on? Why can't you just replace it yourself? Another man in the shop added in "Don't you have a boyfriend to help you?" That last question didn't even warrant an answer, I just looked at him incredulously. I'm not sure what his issue was with me, if it was because I was a girl or some other problem, but I was not impressed with how I was spoken to and I won't be returning. Sad, because apart from the poor attitude, the service was fast, efficient, and affordable.

All my heart ever wanted was a bright red bicycle. I wish I yearned for more from this fine planet,…read morebut I am a simple gal and a bright red bicycle will do. I had purchased my first bike two years ago from Reid Cycles - a cute little vintage style bike with a wicker basket on the front, but when I asked for it in red, I was laughed at. "It's a good six-month wait for the red." So alas, I went home with a mint green (which was totally cute anyway.) But this week! Finally! I found my red bike at Samson Cycles! My mint green had done it's day and it was time to find a younger model. There was no six month wait. I walked in, stared at it for about three minutes and then told a staff member "GIMME". They allowed me a test ride to ensure it was the right height and even knocked off $10 as I didn't need another wicker basket. But the best bit? It was a HELLUVA lot cheaper than the competing stores selling this type of bike. While they have bikes for all styles (including people that take their cycling very seriousy) if you're looking for a cute vintage-style bike that is still affordable, Samson is the place to be.

Now I've heard some mixed reports about this joint but my experiences have been good…read more The shop stands proud on the corner of the Capital City Bike Trail and Nicholson Street -- a prime spot for a bike shop -- and they fill a large space that used to be a failed chain video store. My dealings with Velo centre around the fact that I and my partner ride what would be accurately described as 'old bangers' and they generally need a bit of work. I've taken our bikes in for minor shit like broken chains and the likes and they've fixed them for free or very little money. The best bit is that they don't pull that 'you really should upgrade' kind of bollocks and they don't strike me as the usual bike shop wankers. Also of note is that they do a discount for RRR subscribers, which I am and ever will be. Any business that does all right by RRR is all right by me yo. They'll also give you a Metcard or replacement bike while yours gets fixed! Sick!

Velo was the first place I visited on the hunt for a new bike last year. The staff there were…read morefriendly and thorough when it came to matching a bike to my size and providing general advice. After a few more days of hunting around Melbourne, I was compelled to return to Velo - they were easily the most generous with their time and knowledge and happy to price-match on a bike i'd seen elsewhere for a little less. I've ridden the bujeezus out of my bike since that day and they've always resolved any issues with minimum fuss. Friendly and insightful staff and a solid range of accessories, plus the location couldn't suit us any better.

I've recently purchased a new bike after my last beautiful red bike was stolen *shakes fist at sky,…read moreloses faith in humanity*. However, upon my first ride I realised something was not quite right... My back brakes were sticking making for a slightly challenging pedal. I rang the distributor of this particular bike and was told it was a two-week wait to get it looked at. TWO WEEKS?! Ain't nobody got time for that. So I set off down Lygon Street, hoping that the friendly fellow at Bikes Please might be able to help. He did. Upon looking at my bike he instantly knew what was wrong and took it into his shed. 10 minutes later he rode back out, pumped up my tires, tweaked a few gears and sent me on my way. "But let me give you money!" I screamed. He would only take $5 off me, saying it was an easy gig and he couldn't possibly charge me anymore. Easy or no, that level of customer service has ensured that I will be a repeat customer to Bikes Please anytime something goes wrong. A general fix-up of your bike will only set you back around $35 regardless. Fast, efficient and friendly are three unbeatable characteristics of any local business. Bravo.

The young'uns in this bike shop might be keen cyclists themselves, but they don't seem hellbent on…read moreproviding a level of service that would ensure happy cycling for their customers. I've no doubt that the staff here are very knowledgeable about all things bicycle related, it's just that they don't seem terribly enthusiastic or pleased about making sure the customers get what they need, which is unusual for a bike shop. Most other cycle shops I've been to in the area have staff who are supportive and encouraging to anyone who shows a like-minded interest in cycling. So that's a slight downer, but the store itself is great. Lots of good stock, prices that are pretty much the same as other shops in the area, a large range of new bikes for sale, and with the shop floor space to show each bike in its best light.

I bought a new bike from this shop and last week I went to pick it up. I was very impressed with…read morethe service, the staff were knowledgeable and helpful when I was looking for a bike. When I went to pick it up at the end of the week you could see they were very busy but they were very professional, especially the bike mechanic who was keen to answer all my questions and was friendly as. I have never written a yelp review. I specifically signed up to send this. Thanks

So I go to get a bicycle crank screw at this store in Sydney rd. I wasent shore if the size was…read moreright for my bicycle peddles crank since mine is a newer model. So I go with a standard puller. I ask the actual manager if I can return it if the crank puller dosent fit. And he tells me yea we are more than happy to give u a refund if the item dosent fit. So I go home and try it on but the screw is loos and the thing won't budge. Later I return to Rays and ask them to get a refund. Then one of the employees tells me. "Ow we were told by our manager about you and we are sorry but we can't give you a refund" I ask about a phone number and was given a store number instead. I told them this was unfair since "the manager told me I could return it and here he is telling his employees not to give me my money back if I returned" If they told me I couldn't return it I wouldn't have boaght it in the first place. It's entrapment.

I went to Ray's to get my gears fixed and a basket added to the front of my bike. $100 later it was…read moreas good as new. I only wish that I hadn't had to pay quite so much.

I went to Lygon Cycles with a broken axle rod on my bike, and I am sure you understand I went there…read morewith trepidation - because a broken axle rod sounds serious to me. Well they fixed it for an easy $20 and even tightened my brakes and greased up my chain as an added bonus. The guys at Lygon Cycles really are friendly and happy to help you with any advice you may need. I also like the fact that they offer three options of bike service - bronze, silver or gold - so you know and understand what level of service you are paying for. Because between you and me I am sick of paying to have my bike serviced and paying upwards of $70 only to find that some places will literally just tighten your brakes and grease your chain for this amount of money (all whch these guys did for free for me). I also like the fact that they tend to service the bikes pretty quickly usually getting it back to you the next day. If you are in the market for a new bike - they do have a rather small range. But it is worth checking out and I have found that the advice they give at Lygon Cycles is far more tailored to fitting you to the right bike rather than trying to sell you a dream. They also have a range of second hand bikes for sale if you want something a bit cheaper.

Lygon certainly cycles. Every second person in the hood has a bike and I'm proud as punch to live…read moreamongst so many two-wheelers. There's nothing special about my bike but I do love it, and I like to know that other bike lovers are helping me to maintain my bike and that's why I like to bring my bike to these guys. Everyone who works here are cyclists and you can see that they're pretty passionate about it. It's a small shop so there's probably not as much stock here as there are at larger stores, but they've got all the essentials and you will find whatever you need for your bike here. And if you don't have a bike, you can buy one here.

I have taken my bike to the guys at Uni Bicycles twice now and each time I have ended up with a…read moresmooth running machine and paying less than expected for the work. The first time it needed a full service because I'd got it off a friend who hadn't used it for 6 months. Having expected to pay $100 to get it in tiptop shape, they serviced the bike and got it running great for $60. The 2nd time I went to get my bike looked at was after having quite a nasty crash. A few different things were bent and it needed a good amount of work. On first inspection I was quoted $100 but when I went to pick it up was only charged $80. It was running smoothly again and I haven't had any problems since. Hats off to the guys at Uni Bicycles. I'll go there whenever I have any problems I can't fix myself. NOTE: they are moving after 13 years from the Union Building to the Sports centre on Tin Alley on November 1st (not very far).

Rude staff. Horribly overpriced store that targets students…read morewallets. Even after buying lights from them and going in a week later to see if I could put some air in my back tyre I was told I could not use a pump for a bit of air. They would have happily sold me a bike pump though. Do not get ripped off by this bike store.