I've purchased 3 mountain bikes from here over the last 2 years, and wouldn't purchase a bike anywhere else.
My first mountain bike was a Trek Marlin that I decided to buy from A&B Cycle ~3 years ago whenever I wanted to get into the hobby initially. It felt like I was dealing with salesmen at a car lot, just trying to get a sale off me as quickly as possible and out the door. They didn't tune the bike to my fitment. They tried selling me extra unnecessary items. Scratched the crap out of my black car trying to help me install the bike rack that I told them I could do. Overall, was an unimpressive experience. They also had failed to mention the limits of the Marlin, so not only had I had a bad experience at the A&B Cycle, I also came out of Sac River in so much pain after just one run and without having all that much fun.
A year after that, I decided to get a full suspension and spend a bit more money, along with trying a different place. I visited Sunshine Bikeshop where I talked with them about my issues with ABCycle, my issues with my Marlin, and asked for advice.
Instead of trying to sell me the highest end mountain bike, or tell me I'd be fine with the lowest end due to my "lack of skill" and boot me out the door, they sent me home with a Giant Stance. I don't think the Stance could've fit my skill level and price range better than it did. I rode the Stance at Sac and Two Rivers every time since. During the purchase, they helped with tuning the suspension to my weight, and adjusting the dropper post to my height (never realized how important these are to tune). They didn't try pushing unnecessary upgrades. They weren't crowding me about making sales. Overall, they made it a very pleasurable experience which kept me coming back.
I returned a few months later looking to purchase a decent hard tail (anything better than the Marlin). They were having a sale on a Salsa Timberjack at the time, which I decided to purchase after explaining my skill set and needs/preferences to them. Absolutely love the Timberjack still, and they were again extremely nice and helpful.
Just a few days ago I decided to search for a mountain bike that could handle my more confident riding style downhill. And although mountain bikes are hard to come by now, they managed to have a carbon Santa Cruz that fit me just perfectly. During the purchasing phase, I had a bit better idea for my riding needs. So, I asked about wider tires, higher dropper post, and some better pedals out the door. I came back the next day to find one of the mechanics had preinstalled some tires of my liking just for fun, and it just completed the sale for me. He had also installed a 200mm dropper for me that day, along with pedals. We then tuned the bike, made some proper adjustments, and had me out the door within a couple hours! Went to Two Rivers the next day, and I don't think we could've customized a better bike out the door for my dimensions/confidence!!
These guys will work with your every need and get you out the door feeling satisfied that you visited. The owner is insanely nice, willing to work with you however he can. They don't push for the most expensive items, but rather what they've had the best personal experience with. Heck, they even wave at you whenever you see them at the parks and ask how the bike is holding up! read more
