Amazing shop! We stopped in for a tire repair (for a friend) and as we waited I was casually shopping for my first bike. We spoke with Ryan and Paul - we were immediately impressed with their service and kindness. Ryan showed me a few different bikes and let me test-drive them. I left with my dream used bike at an insanely awesome price. All-around perfect experience! Thanks to the Switchback team!! read more

Switchback Gear Exchange - Used Cannondale - my first bike in over 20 years - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Absolutely fantastic experience! I hadn't even heard of Switchback before until a coworker recommended it to me, and they've already made a return customer out of me. My usual bike shop was quoting 6 weeks out for a tuneup, but Switchback was able to get to me in 3 weeks, and boasted a 24-hour turnaround once they had the bike. Sure enough, I dropped my bike off on Wednesday afternoon and got a text on Thursday afternoon saying that my bike was ready. Everyone in the shop was friendly and professional, and I felt like the price was very fair for the service provided. I felt listened to when I was describing the issues with my bike, and I'm happy to report that every single concern I had been resolved by the time I picked it back up. To top it all off, I took a test ride when I got home, and I don't think I've had a ride that smooth since I first bought the bike. The gear shifts were buttery smooth, there was no squeaking or rattling from the chain, and my brakes were firm and responsive. Needless to say, I've found a new usual bike shop. Thanks, Switchback! read more

They put my E-bike together and I have had my tune up here in the past few years, they do great work here, very satisfying. Thank you for being the best. read more

What a cool spot - part bike shop, coffee shop, bar, and music venue, Switchback Gear Exchange has evolved over the years into a fun neighborhood hang out place. I'm not a big bike person, but Nate has gotten into e-bikes recently so we've gone in for a few items and gotten drinks. On our most recent visit, we enjoyed some soothing live music out on the eclectic patio. I like that they offer non-alcoholic options in addition to beer, cocktails, and coffee drinks. They also sell locally made pastries and other goodies, including a selection of bulk snacks sold by the ounce - make your own snack mix to enjoy on their patio! I liked the hibiscus spritzer, a seasonal summer drink that I got last time. The employees I've encountered at Switchback have all been really kind and friendly. The patio is cute and cozy, but it does present some issues as the seating is either communal picnic tables or very low, small folding camp type chairs. Several people commented that they would not be able to get up from those seats when we were there last. I did see people bringing their own camp chairs, but some more accessible seating would be great. read more

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Warning this place is going to turn you in to an outdoors person. The sales people don't talk down to entry level adventurers which is cool. I was upfront with them and said I was looking for an entry level bike I would use for commuting and light trails. They gave me suggestions and even told me to come in a week later because their used bike inventory was low and they were ramping up to restock. Their coffee shop is also great. I got my usual cafe miel and it was made perfectly. Also they prefer touchless payments which made me happy because I only came in with my iPhone so I just Apple paid them. read more

Great gear and coffee for the local community. Come through! Oh but be aware. There is a shortage of bikes during these pandemic times. If you want something, they might not necessarily have it. At least you can talk to them and ask questions. Super friendly! read more

Switchback Gear Exchange - Space to chill outdoors in the back - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Amazing place!!! Coffee, other drinks, very friendly people (they actually know my name!!!) and a very nice outdoor patio for relaxing. The bike shop is also the only place I will ever go to with questions or bike needs. Simply the best! read more

What an eclectic mix of bikes and gear with music, coffee and now beer and cocktails. Great service and a place for family, friends and making memories... read more

Switchback Gear Exchange - Cafe right next to the bikes and service department. Very comfortable feel. - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

We were looking for a couple of E-bikes , and after internet shopping and stops at other shops we found this is the place to go . Ryan is so knowledgeable and willing to share . He spent a lot of time going through all the options . No pressure sales at all . After taking test rides we were sold and the pricing was great . Don't buy internet , go to a good reliable dealer like Switchback Gear , it's no more expensive and You get service and support ! read more

Neat place. I enjoy biking and it was cool to have a shop to look at gear and have an americano while browsing. There's a small area you can sit and I was able to work on my laptop at a table. Had a small granola bar- was good. Didn't know this place existed- one cool thing is they have this little bulk snack area you can pack goodies (pretzels, granola etc) to take with you- very handy when biking and just to have a little snack on hand :) read more

Wow! Switchback is impressive! Have you seen their gear? They have gently used camping gear ... anything and everything. Bunson burners to sleeping bags. This is the place for second hand gear! That said, they have a great display of used bikes for sale too! I felt like I was wanting to buy out the store while I was there. The retail staff was uber (hah!) friendly. Super kind and helpful. I'll be back! read more

We went out there for the trivia night they were advertising. I called twice before, once to confirm they were dong trivia and once to asked if they served food, they do not, but they said we can bring food. My friend ordered a pizza to eat while there. Not once did anyone working day it's it a small space and they recommend we get there early. As I had never been there I had no idea, but assumed they would have enough space to hast trivia. This was NOT the case. They only had 2 real tables and two half couch tables. You cannot only have enough tables for 4 teams. There were probably 4/5 other teams just balancing on high chairs with not table. Well we can't eat or write like that. There was no one around to ask for help. No one working on a solution. It seems like someone should have been working and trying to accommodate customers. We ended up just leaving. I won't ever go back, not for trivia, not for coffee and certainly not for a bike if this is how they plan and treat people. read more

Ryan helped us out tremendously today!! Needed to fix handle bars and we showed up 20 minutes before open and they still opened their door to us. Had it fixed and ready for the road in under 30 minutes. Switchback Gear Exchange is where we will be forever servicing our bikes! read more

I went in to buy a used bike and the workers who helped were SO HELPFUL! Nelly and Austin went above and beyond to make sure I had a bike that was perfect for me. Nelly tuned up my bike for free, made sure I knew the ins and outs of the bike and then Austin offered up some insight on biking trails and biking groups to join. They definitely knew what they were doing and talking about. I will for sure go back to get any sort of item fixed with my bike! The used bike I got was a great price and will be getting a lot of use out of it! read more

We had planned on renting gear from another place for a trip to South Manitou. When it came time to pick up our rentals the night before the trip, the shop manager was nowhere to be found and would not return our phone calls. Panicked, I found Switchback on Facebook and sent a desperate message. Not only was Rachel willing to meet us outside of normal business hours, but she was also willing to rent me some of the gear that they carried in the store (something that Switchback does not typically do.) After just a half hour in the store (she opened TWO HOURS earlier than usual just for us), we were fitted with two brand new hiking backpacks, a sleeping bag, and lots of other odds and ends. Rachel never once pushed us to buy something out of our price range (in fact, she showed us the least expensive gear first), and we left feeling well-educated and excited about our purchases. Switchback has definitely gained two lifetime customers! read more

This was one of my favorite stores when I lived in Marquette, and I tracked them down on a visit to GR. Great affordable selection of gear and clothes, and they are a great place to bring the gear and clothes you arent using anymore and see if they will resell. I always had the best experiences with them selling things on consignment. Great commuication with me every time, and such an easy way to get some money back on quality gear and clothes. Dont miss this place! Its nice to see their space for bikes too! read more

I bought a used bike at a fairly high price and they didn't honor the one year warranty they'd given. Not impressed.

I always try to shop here before the big box stores. The staff is very kind and helpful! I go there for the backpacking section, but it seems it's the place to go for bikes! read more

I can't believe I haven't reviewed Switchback until now. My family and I frequently patronize this store because it's an amazing combination of bike shop and camping and outdoors supply store. I've spent, oh, probably close to $500 here in the last year and a half and still have a wish list of items from their inventory. They sell both used and new products, which means you can choose between quality and bargain. I purchased a used $200 bike here a year ago and would do it again in a heartbeat. As much as I love the bikes at Central District Cyclery, they're too expensive for my income, so a used bike from Switchback was a much better option. It's gotten me through more than 175 miles just fine, with only one tire replacement needed after I ran over some glass. What I love most is the attention the staff give me every time I come in (expect for once when they were at capacity for bike repairs and I had to wait a few days to return). They not only fix whatever problem I have, whether it's loose handlebars or malfunctioning gears; they also check other important parts of my bike(s) as a kindness / as included in the servicing fee. It feels amazing to walk out with a perfectly performing bike having only spent $30-40 on repairs. If only cars could cost the same. 10/10 would recommend for camping supplies, hiking gear, or outdoor apparel, and definitely for used bikes, bike accessories, and helmets. Much love to you, Switchback! read more

Had a great experience purchasing camping back packs here. They took a ton of time fitting the packs correctly to my husband and son, explained what to pack/not to pack, and their prices were very reasonable. Also love that they offer a cheap bike tune up. What a great asset for GR to have. read more

Super awesome, friendly people who know what they're talking about!! I went in bot really sure about a "used" bike, but wow! Everyone there is so friendly and the bikes are so well tuned up that I forget its used! Super great same day service when it comes to repairs and very affordable too! read more

I recently had a couple bikes tuned up with these guys. Not only did they do a perfect job, they were also thoughtful enough to text me with updates and questions as they worked instead of calling. I REALLY appreciated that they were willing to text me--my schedule doesn't let me answer the phone at work, and it's the first time I've had a business willing to text me instead of call. They're experts on biking resources in the region and have a great selection of new and used gear. Really grateful we have a place like this in Grand Rapids. read more

So grateful to have this shop near by. They are so much more than just a gear exchange/second hand shop. They provide the best stuff at good prices and are truly a great addition to the community. Everyone is so nice and sincere! Ryan G has gone above and beyond to build a great bike and the follow up service is great! read more

Switchback has become my go-to for all my camping gear, and recently cycling gear as well. The staff are awesome and knowledgable and take the time to help make sure I am getting the best gear for my needs. I can't recommend them enough! read more

Awesome place! They are super friendly and have lots of gear to choose from such as sleeping bags, hammocks, and camping equipment. They have TONS of bikes too! read more

I accidentally showed up close to an hour after they closed, but they let me inside anyways and were so willing to help. The saleswoman was very knowledgeable and left me feeling prepared for my first backpacking trip. read more

Came in looking for some bike parts (fenders, grips, tubes) that I needed last minute. I've hated shopping at many of the local bike shops as their prices seem to be 50% higher than amazon, and they seem pretty condescending when they find out you're rocking a mountain bike from 1999. The prices in switchback were very reasonable and the staff was extremely helpful with picking out the right fenders for my bike, this will absolutely be my go to bike shop from now on. read more