I went into the store with a question about a broken piece on my bicycle and ended up buying a $20 part cash. Easy negotiation and great team customer service. Thank you! read more

Skunk River Cycles - Handlebar break lever. - Bikes Near Me - Ames, Iowa

The workers were super kind! I came in with little knowledge, but I instantly felt comfortable, and they fixed my problem very quickly!

Least intimidating bike shopping and repair experience I've had in a long time. Great selection of high quality bikes for sale, mostly new but also occasionally used. Repair situation is great. In my experience, most repairs have been quick enough to take care of while you wait, which is completely unknown in my previous experience of bike shops. (I'm sure some repairs don't allow this, but it's never come up for me so far.) It's right downtown, which I mention only because it would be a pain to have to ride my bike to a part of town that isn't all that bike friendly. Pricing for repairs is also reasonable and in some cases they've simply not charged me. Hope to never be back! (hahahaha) but if I do, I know there's a reliable repair shop close to my house. read more

I enjoy doing business at Skunk River Cycles. The staff there is always extraordinarily friendly and helpful. I showed them an older bike that I had purchased from Facebook marketplace; it wasn't as comfortable as I thought it would be on my test ride, and I was worried I'd wasted my money. They helped me adjust it, and with a small investment in a new handlebar stem it's now my favorite bike for longer rides. In addition, the staff took the time to explain some basic mechanical maintenance items to me. They have a wealth of knowledge about vintage bikes and don't mind sharing it. If you've never been in a real bike shop before, don't be shy! Go say Hi! read more

We got our two bikes fixed at Skunk River, we picked up my husband's bike and had to take it back bc they didn't actually fix it, but they charged us. We picked it up two days ago and the chain fell off the gears. Descent work done on my bike but I've had it with them. read more

Skunk River Cycles - Bikes Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Stopped to drop off a bike that needed some small repairs and they took it in on the spot, made the repairs, rode the bike to check that it was good, and charged me a reasonable amount of money. Impressive! read more

Sure, you can find a cheaper bicycle for your kids at Walmart. If quality selection and high level of service is of interest, however, Skunk River is a much better choice. They carry a variety of cycles for all ages and abilities. I've been on the periphery of two recent transactions at Skunk River, prompting this review. One, the special order for and thoughtful treatment of, a special needs individual. The other, the repair of a dog stroller. Yes, a dog stroller. Unique situations. Both handled exceptionally well, with skill and patience, and at reasonable cost given the personalized attention given. If you're in the market for a new bicycle or in need of a bicycle repair, I suggest you shop and compare at Skunk River. read more

Skunk River Cycles - They can fix anything with wheels! - Bikes Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Great place!! Very respectful of Covid etc. I recently purchased a bike which is near impossible as you know right now of your looking because of short supply. Anyway these guys were still helpful with all my questions. We order bike and love it. read more

I love store! Friendly knowledgeble staff, who have awesome bikes both new and used to buy! They also do a great job of tuning bikes up and helped me get my bike I bought for 25 bucks up to road speed if you know what I mean! I also love how they treat you, they do not look down on you if you are less knowledgable about biking! This is a great store! Thanks for making my bike seat bearable to sit on! read more

I'm strictly a recreational bike rider, while my brother does triathlons. So when I needed some tire parts and repair advice, I listen closely to him. We ended up at Skunk River Cycles, they spoke the same language, and we got what was needed with due haste and service. That is all. read more

I want to give a shout out to Skunk River Cycles! I am not from Iowa and had my bike shipped there for RAGBRAI. Some major technical difficulties were discovered Fri afternoon. As I needed to leave Sat morning, with my bike, to get to the western Iowa start of this week long ride, I was stressed out & basically needing a new bike. Ron and his staff were patient, informative and very helpful. They listened to what my needs were and steered me in a great direction. I was nervous, because my old bike was tuned to my body's needs (protecting back, shoulder & knee). Ron made some adjustments as he built the bike, and nailed it! I had a wonderful week long 430+ mile ride, on a brand new bike, that I saw for the first time on the day I left for the ride. Quite the test ride! read more

I had the cassette of gears on my old 1982 schwinn La Tour break on day 3 of Ragbrai on my way to Ames. Wasn't able to fix it on the road, so had to take the sag wagon in. One the support people highly recommend Skunk River. I called there, they were incredibly pleasant and told me they could help. Well they had me back on the road in minutes! With service and friendliness like this, why go anywhere else. I highly recommend Skunk River if you're in Ames or passing through. read more

I recently purchased a road bike on sale at Skunk River Cycles. The staff here was very well informed and helpful in making sure I was fitted well and answering questions about my needs as someone who is getting back in cycling. I had been considering buying a new bike for quite some time, but was being fairly deliberative about the purchase of the bike I had in mind over the span of a week. I got a great price on a previous year's model. It was sized for me well, and they told me to bring it back after a month for a free tune up. Everything here is well priced and backed by knowledgeable staff who will help you find good products, and will even try to save you some money. read more

The owner will sell you stuff you don't need to make an extra buck. For example, I went in with my bike to look at pumps and he convinced me I needed new tires immediately. This was before I knew anything about bikes, so I listened to him. He said it was a safety issue. Later, I would learn I did not need new tires at all. There was actually still tread left. read more

Stopped by here on a rest day riding from Colorado to Wisconsin. Was hoping they could clean and lube my chain while I waited. Jacob jumped right in, completed the job in 10 minutes and then wouldn't take my money. Thanks guys. I wish I could be a customer for life. But I can give you two thumbs up. read more

I love this bicycle shop! I bought a Marin Bobcat Trail there several years ago, and they were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They helped me find the right size and let me test drive several bikes to find the proper fit! Also, when you purchase a bike, your first tune up is free! Their prices are fair and reasonable, and I highly recommend this shop if you are in the market for a new bike or if you simply want to get your old bike repaired! read more

This is one of the few places I always visit when returning to Ames. The owner and staff are extremely helpful and not pushy at all. I've bought two bikes from them and several accessories over the past decade, and I would highly recommend them. read more

Skunk River Cycles is one of the best bike shops that I have experienced in Iowa and across the country. Ronn and his staff are dedicated to supporting bicycling. The shop has a great selection of new bikes and accessories, but they also have the knowledge and spare parts necessary to service classic and vintage bikes. They helped me restore a 40 year old vintage bike. The cost of parts and labor was very fair. Their wise advice helped me build a better bike. They made my two-hour travel time to their shop well worth the drive. The shop itself is a bright and a pleasant place to shop. There are several other small business on Ames' Main Street to spend your time while waiting for your bike to be repaired. I highly recommend Skunk River Cycles for new bikes and accessories, as well as servicing vintage and classic bikes read more

I walked in looking for a Raleigh. I knew exactly which one I wanted and I knew the price and they had it. But after talking to the owner (cannot remember his name) and telling him what my goals for use with the bike were, he recommended a different bike that I was hesitant to get. I like Raleigh and I test rode the Raleigh I wanted and it felt like an absolute dream. But my goal was to have an all year commuter, and he said "this bike will go almost as fast, be almost as smooth, but you can put a much bigger tire on it with more tread for winter use." And I test rode it and it was just as he said. Not quite as fast or as light or as smooth. But he had a point. After buying the bike I also got a new bike lock, and they showed me the best way to hang the lock on the bike without hitting your knees or the wheel, which was actually quite helpful. I ended up not getting the Raleigh like I wanted (still want) and got what he recommended, and changed the pedals for my tastes. Right after I went for a 10 mile bike ride and I am so glad I got this bike. It may not be the same ride but it is so close, and it is still very smooth and very fast. Also, the option for the bigger tire in winter is very appealing and I will be coming back. Overall, I would definitely buy from here again. read more

All around the best bike shop in the Ames area! I went in to get a new bike this fall and was greeted with fantastic service, knowledgeable employees and skilled mechanics, and an extremely friendly, chummy atmosphere. Prices are reasonable, and they didn't try to upsell me. Plus they have a store cat, so what's not to like? read more

The best bike place in town! Amazing service, done by people who genuinely LOVE bikes and want you to have the best experience possible. Saved my bike (/life) multiple times; always high quality work, always done for an awesome price. I can't describe how much I love this place. read more

Great service and a great store. The employees are very knowledgeable and helpful. This is the only bike store I shop at.

This bike shop rocks, they have the best mechanics, and the owner certainly cares about his clients.