Dismal. Disappointed. Guy took one look at my white tshirt and baggyish cargo shorts, assumed I wasn't the biking type or couldn't afford the merchandise, and decided then and there I wasn't worth his time. Tried all he could to distance himself. Snobby as hell and somewhat condescending. Borderline rude. Will never go in here again. Also said "hey lemme grab you a map of Columbia's trails be right back", never came back. read more

I would make sure you comparison shop for bike prices before you purchase. We went to buy a last year model road bike and they still had it marked as MSRP. We asked if we could purchase at a discount but they wouldn't mark it down at all (only %10 off accessories- $16). We then found the bike at a great bike shop in Rockville for $500 less. I guess they don't try to have competitive prices since there aren't many bike shops in Columbia? read more

Bought my first road bike from these folks a year ago. Got a ton of advice in selecting the bike, a good price, and great followup after the sale. I've been back many times for various upgrades, gizmos, and clothing, and always have a good experience. My ladyfriend recently decided to get herself a road bike so that she could enjoy longer rides, and after shopping around for quite a while, purchased her Trek at Race Pace too! They spent an hour fitting her to the bike the day we picked it up, and she's thrilled with the result. read more

Okay, so I'm not an outdoor biker, but I am addicted to spinning! I was in need of some good spinning shoes. My favorite instructor had a few suggestions and off I went to Race Pace. This place is HUGE! They cater mostly to cyclists, but I was able to get some great shoes. The staff was very helpful and their selection was great. In and out in no time with just what I was looking for. read more

7 lettered word immediately followed by a conjunction (padded with spaces) and followed with a 3 lettered word with a punctuation to seal the deal at the end. Amazing and fun. If you are a biker or as us member's of the biking community like to call us novice / just starting out or thinking about becoming bikers, 'bi-curious,' (bi - bike / curious - curious). Then this is the place to come to. Whether you love in Howard County or not, this is THE bike store to gravitate towards. Filled with an intelligent cast of passionate employees who just really want to see every customer go behind a 2-wheeler with the same pride that they themselves love and dedicate their lives towards; which is obviously the art of biking. Speak to anyone and they will get you fitted for the perfect bike meant for you. Every bike is unique in its own special way and the bike enthusiasts at race pace will help you to find your soul-bike! And if your experience is anything like mine then your adult soul will feel like a kid again when you first put your feet on those pedals and feel the wind rush through what's left of the hair on your head! Like a baby hurled out at the wind discovering the sensation for the very first time leaving with nothing but smiles and the feeling of discovering the taste of chocolate for the very first time. Want to have an absolute age-defying thrilling experience much akin to mine but not really ever ascertaining my level of inconceivable greatness? Then get your ass to Race Pace fool. P.S. If you get a bike then get a rear wheel drive, don't be a herbivore whore by getting a front wheel drive! Also they do service too and they're very good at it too. If you are a man make sure to purchase cushioned tights to hold your junk but always always procure something that will make your package look larger than it really is. That's my 2 cents. read more

Trek Bicycle - Me arriving in style, sex, and in a safe manner to the gym after an intense morning ride on my Felt z100 road bike. - Bike Rentals Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

Hey Nicholas, I should think you would give the store 5 stars since you work there and your father owns it. You're ridiculous man. That's some amateur play right there. read more

I got my bike fixed up here awhile back and they were very professional. I recommend my sister come to buy a new bike. The manager Mark was super kind, peaceful, and had a lot of great knowledge about bikes that he explained in a really great way. Although they were busy, he answered our questions and made sure all his customers were taken care of and calmly made sure the place was running smooth. Great experience, excited to shop here in the future! read more

My bf and I came over the weekend to rent bikes. Due to timing, we only needed the bikes for a few hours. Sadly, they only reserve by the day. If I could make a suggestion, I'd suggest to offer 1/2 day or hourly rental rates as for us, it was crazy expensive for what we paid for 2 bikes for 3 hrs. I made a reservation about a week prior to ensure the bikes would be available. The staff was very knowledgeable and were really great in setting up my bike and teaching me how to use it. It was a hybrid & I hadn't ridden a bike in about 7 yrs. The bikes were in excellent condition. My bf, is a racing cyclist and was impressed by the store, the staff and the inventory. Should I decide to buy a bike, I'd come here as opposed to the commercial place up the street. As far as renting, I'd only rent here if we needed a bike for a full 24 hrs. For a few hrs, pricewise, it's just too expensive for us. But we did have fun as a bike path was nearby and we did a 6 mi ride. read more

My stepfather favorite store! He loves to go bike riding alot. They staff are nice and friendly! This place is good for you if you intrested riding bikes! read more

Went here to get my daughters bike about a month ago, then came back to get to get some equipment the staff was very knowledgeable and accommodating answered all my questions. I really want to get another bike and the rep almost had me sold on a Felt Sector Pro X. Anyhow I will be going back. read more

This is a great bike shop. The customer service in bike repair section is top notch! The sales section can be busy at times, but they'll get to you. The entire staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend paying them a visit for you cycling needs. read more

I've never encountered so many knowledgable and helpful people in one store. I have been a customer for several years now and bought several bikes and accessories for myself and the family. Every single time I come in I am blown away by the wonderful people here. I recently brought my bike in for a tune up because I thought something was wrong with it. Nope, they spot checked it and it was a simple setting in the gears. Fixed! They then waxed the chain, aired the tires, adjusted my seat and sent me on my way. $0. I needed a new helmet. You just slap it in your head and go, right? No, the kind people here helped me find one at my price point and adjusted everything for proper fit. I will continue being a loyal customer. Thanks, Race Pace! read more

Very helpful, Mark was very knowledgeable and guided me thru the fit process and was the best i could ask for in buying a new bike. This place is very good compared to other bike shops i have been in. read more

Race Place in Columbia MD is the best bike shop around. The staff's attention to detail is second to none. Tom Kight is extremely knowledgeable and customer focused. He spent hours with me ensuring I purchased the bike that was best for me. In fact, I ended up with the perfect bike which was a model down from the bike I initially planned to purchase. He made sure I had the correct fit and was comfortable and happy with the bike. I can't say enough good things about Race Pace and Tom. read more

I'll start by saying my background was in BMX and it's been a long time since I've ridden a bike (8 maybe 9 years).. My buddy is a triathlete and he has been trying to get my on a bike for a couple years now. I decided I'd stick to my roots and go MTB this time. With just coming back into the sport I decided on a Trek Marlin for the time being to see if would actually like it as much as i used to. With all that being said... The guys at Race Pace (Columbia, MD) were fantastic. From the moment I walked in until the time I left. I felt informed, taken care of, and not pushed into something I wasn't quite ready for yet. I got the bike home, rode it for a month and realized just how much i loved riding again and that the Marlin wasn't going to cut for the type of riding abuse I put it through everyday and weekend. I went back to race pace three weeks later, again greeted by another great great guy and salesman (Ben). I told him my predicament (told him I'm looking now for a full suspension bike) and that i didn't want to go NUTTY but i wanted something that would be suitable to my riding ability and room for growth. He was informative, told me about the new technologies, what they can do, how they work etc.. They hooked me UP!! I was able to trade in my old (three weeks isn't old haha) bike for almost the same price i bought it for... and i bought a brand New Trek Fuel EX8 and loving it. The guys were prompt with service, the bike was setup, clean and ready to go when i got there the the next day, they even took my old pedals off the bike I traded and put them on the new bike no questions asked. If your looking for a local shop with great customer service, mechanics who know what their doing, and guys who ride to work nearly everyday, so they know the sport... I would recommend Race Pace again and again. read more

Have shopped for items at the Columbia store over the past few years. Stopped by October 2013 looking for a Bike Dog Leash which they do not have in stock. Sales-person told me to go next door to a Pet Supply Shop before he would order it. Pet Supply Shop did not carry as it is really a Bike Item. Anyway, Race Pace then "placed the order" for the item but did not want payment until it arrived. After spending time providing my info, etc., plus being sent next door, line wait times, etc., these clowns never placed the order. POOR customer service. I guess they only care if you're spending hundreds/thousands but based on reading some previous reviews, this is not always the case. This is a Bike Shop run by snooty, non-customer service oriented people. These deficiencies usually fall squarely on the shoulders of management. Should've just logged on to Amazon and saved the time & effort. read more

I live on the west coast, and have rented bikes from Race Pace twice in the last year instead of shipping my bike across the country. Both times, they rented me a nice quality carbon fiber bike that was in excellent condition. The staff are very accommodating and ensured that the bike was adjusted properly before hitting the road. I highly recommend this bike shop if you need to rent a quality bike! read more

I've had one GREAT experience and one BAD experience. The first time I went I wanted to get information on bikes since I've been out of the game for some time now and a lot has changed since. The gentleman named Matt was EXTREMELY helpful and gave me all the information I needed. It was just a matter of how much I wanted to spend and which bike I really wanted. The 2nd time I went I decided MAYBE I want to road bike instead of Mountain bike. This time the gentleman that was helping me out seemed to rush all my decisions and kept pointing me towards bikes that I didn't want to try out because I tried them out last time. I explained to him that I'm interested in road biking and told him that I'm used to mountain biking. He said to me that it seems like I don't really seem interested in road biking, and that I should just stick to what I like which is mountain biking. That was fine with me because he was giving me his honest opinion. Now keep in mind that this is a big purchase no one has 500, 600, 1200 or even 2000 dollars just to throw around, so I want to make sure that the money I pay is going to be a GREAT investment. He gave me the run around about this bike and that bike and of course they were all mountain bikes when I kept asking about road bikes. Since we were on the subject of mountain bikes I told him well I guess I would like to rent or try out this bike. He then tried to direct me to purchase/rent this other bike that I had already stated that I do not want to because I already tried that bike out and I wanted to try another one in order to get a variety to really make a decision. The conversation goes on this way for some time he then just grab a different bike that I didn't want to try out and had me test it out. I went out on a test ride and it was a great bike, but it still wasn't a road bike. I go back in from my test ride and talk to him about road bikes and asked him questions, so I can gain more knowledge. He talks to me as if he's annoyed and not willing to help me out. I asked if he could fit me on a road bike he looks around for customers and gives the "eh", "MMM" like they're super busy when everyone was already helped. He then says to me that he feels like this is not going any where and he's not sure why someone is coming in to try every bike in the store. I explained to him that I'm going to buy a bike, but I have to be certain that this is the bike I want. I don't want to make a purchase and spend my money on something that I regret not trying out. This left a bad taste in my mouth so I decided it was just better to leave. This store isn't so bad just make sure you get the ride sales person. Someone who actually cares about your decision. If not then check out the Ellicott city store they actually will take care of you and sent people from their store to straighten out the Columbia location. Stay away from the gentleman who road bikes who looks like he's in his early 40's late 30's. I don't remember his name, but he will stare you into the wrong direction. Never again will I return to that location. read more

Very helpful and patient as I test rode bikes and ended up purchasing that day. Great customer service.

Absolutely gargantuan bike shop. Their clothing section could completely contain most bike shops, no joke. They're a Trek-heavy shop like most, their apparel section is where they really shine. They carry Izumi, Castelli, and GORE Bike Wear, which I haven't ever seen anywhere else before -- I used to have to buy online, no more. Service prices are pretty decent (I think it was $20 to true a wheel after I stuck my foot in it), and they seem helpful enough. They don't carry a lot of wool, though -- I wish they carried some SmartWool, Ibex, or IceBreaker base layers. read more

Stopped in on a weekend for a pedal and tube replacement which was accomplished in 15 minutes. The service tech also noticed an issue with the front brakes and performed a quick adjustment as well as a chain lube. I thought to also buy a standing air pump if the price was reasonable (it was - $28). This is similar to what I had seen online. Very happy with the quick, friendly, and fairly priced service. read more

I just stopped by a little before closing time tonight so that I could get fitted for a road bike. I walked in with my brother and Mark greeted us right away and asked what he could help with. The whole process took just a few minutes. He was knowledgable and also took his time without rushing. I'll be back once I get my bike! read more

Got excellent service and ended up buying a $2000+ bike. They cater to the beginner as well as the enthusiast. They have a wide variety of bicycles (affordable to fanciful), parts, and expert mechanics. The salesman was extremely knowledgeable and took me out for a great test ride. After buying the bike, he even called to make sure I got it home ok! They also have a decent electric bike selection. For those of you who are skeptics, these bikes are awesome and all the rage in Europe. You still do all the work, but you just go lots faster. My bike probably goes about 25 mph, when I clocked it at a hustle. Excellent for commuting. read more

Friendly, helpful and fair. We got an old bike tuned and fixed up - wouldn't have taken it anywhere else. This store is one of their largest and stocks many items. The history of the shop is a great case study in retail business. read more

Bought a bike online from them and then picked up in the shop. The shop is large and beautiful. Great selection of bikes and gear. Employees were really friendly and helpful. read more

I purchased my first bike today at Race Pace and the entire process was very good. I ordered a Cannondale bike and when it arrived for building the front wheel has a blemish on it. The people at Race Pace contacted Cannondale, found an upgraded set of wheels, and had them installed. I also purchased several accessories and found the their work to excellent thus far. In the past, I have purchased my past 12 bikes in College Park, but getting a bike at that shop was always an issue and the staff always made the customer feel like they were doing you a special favor when they waited on you. This is not the case at Race Pace. If the service stays at this high level I will be a customer for years. read more

Friendly staff, well stocked and clean store but the prices are a bit high across the board even compared to other local options. I still support them because everyone is so nice and I like supporting local business but for some items the prices are a bit out of touch read more

My wife and I bought bikes here and love this store. Selection is great, sales and service folks are outstanding. Good supply of accessories, too. We were on the way to Southern Maryland with our bikes recently and had a jammed cable on our bike rack. We went by the shop on a Friday evening. The service department gave us a loaner rack for the weekend and had our rack fixed less than an hour later. We picked it up the following Monday, and there was no charge. I wish all service shops were this good. read more

Can't say enough great things about this bike shop! Selection, service, quick turn around for repairs. I drive from DC just to be able to go here. Very welcoming bike shop staffed with employees who love biking but are not pretentious about it. read more

I have been cycling since 1992. Here in rural Pa. it's hard to find a good LBS(local bike shop) I was down there this weekend as part of the 24 hrs. of booty ride. They were extremely busy but I see they made a special effort to help all riders and all customers. At my end I do long distance riding and one thing you don't do is trying something new on a ride before you have tested it out. That being said my cycling gloves were shot. I had tried a pair of Bontrager slid on race gloves and had destroyed them on a 300 mile ride. I was going to buy a pair of Pearl Izumi gel lite gloves and the salesperson listened to what I wanted out of gloves and recommended that I buy a pair of Bontrager Race Gel Gloves. They worked perfect and helped me ride 228 miles in 15 hrs. 45 minutes on the bike. I had no hand fatigue and really didn't have to move my hands around the bars like I normally have to. I couldn't be more pleased that the salesman listened to me and sold me the right product. I only wish I had this shop close to me. I also had bought a Gore jacket there previous years and there is nothing like trying something out right there in the store versus buying it online especially since this brand has a history on running on the smaller fit sizing. read more

I was visiting Columbia/Ellicot City for a few months from the west coast--Race Pace was very helpful with repairs, equipment, and local riding knowledge. Wish my LBS was as friendly and as good. Went to RP to have them ship my bike back--again, awesome service and technical help (even spotted badly worn tire which I had missed). read more

I went to Race Pace to find a saddle. I worked with a salesman who was great. Bought the saddle. I knew within 2 miles the saddle made a huge difference. I was impressed so I scheduled a fit. I got fit. The same day I was having pain in my thumb, elbow joint and shoulder. My lower back / left hip area was sore. My feet were both falling asleep. I am larger in size and I had addressed all my concerns prior to the fit. He said he no problem! I have barely ridden this year. I called concerned about the fit and the fitter said he would fit me again, that the fit was good for 1 year. $299 BTW. I went back. Fit again. Still in pain, terrible pain. I chose to reset my bike back to where it feels right for me. I asked for a refund. No answer! None at all! I would not recommend getting fit here if you are a larger sized rider. read more

I had the highest expectations. I bought a Trek 15 years ago from Race Pace Westminster and it just started breaking down. The place was clean and well organized. I was helped by three different employees and two others asked if I needed help. I asked a million questions and each were answered carefully and in depth. I did a test ride for mountain bikes, road bikes and hybrids. Each time I was assisted they were eager to help. I cannot remember a more pleasurable purchasing experience. I was only shopping but ended up buying a bike and a ton of accessories. They were very busy but did not rush me in the least. Amazingly, they also didn't try to oversell me. I purchased a speedometer, kickstand and water bottle racks. Despite the fact they were closing in 15 minutes they happily installed them so I was ready to bike as soon as I left. I have already referred friends and will only deal with Race Pace in the future! read more