Wow, there are some pretty rotten reviews here. Maybe complainers just need to complain. I can't deny their reviews (except some which are self-contradictory and/or ridiculous for other reasons) but I'd like to balance them with my own experience. I've been shopping at Universal since 2001 when they were out by the airport, with only a few retail displays in what was otherwise a warehouse. Their new location on Burnside is a great location, and has a ton of product on display. I like to see/touch things before buying, especially clothes/shoes/helmets, so it's super helpful to have it out there to try. Their in-stock selection is great, and if you don't mind waiting a couple days you can order pretty much anything. The prices are decent to very good compared to other local shops, especially if you use the 10% or 15% discount codes. Every time I go in I have no problem getting help or answers. I've never had to wait for long - but sometimes someone else got there first, right? They are always friendly and usually very knowledgeable (don't trust anyone who claims to know everything...). The staff is always willing to go way out of their way to run back and forth between the store and back warehouse to get other sizes or products that aren't on display. Again, nothing but good experiences in the last 17 years. This bike shop is completely worth your time and money. read more

Universal Cycles was outstanding to do business with. Not only did they offer the cheapest price for a set of Shimano Ultegra spd-sl pedals, but they also called to verify that I actually submitted my online order. In today's environment of stolen identity and credit cards I truly appreciated them taking the time to call me. The pedals arrived within the stated shipping time and were exactly as advertised. I will definitely be shopping from Universal Cycles again un the future. read more

Great shop, more parts than any other shop in town AFAICT. Haven't bought a bike there so don't know what that service is like. Mechanics are super helpful read more

Good shop went there yesterday, looking for a bike axel they helped me more than most the other shops, showing me what I'd need if I didn't buy from them, as it seems they have much more stock on hand! So your not days out of a bike ride!! They had the new helmets which is good to know they get products as they comes out. read more

As other recent reviews have indicated, this place has fallen victim to "New Portland" syndrome. Shame. They were nice when they first opened but now their customer service sucks. Last two experiences: 1. Went into the shop with my child looking for bikes/bike stuff for kids. Ran into one of the most unhelpful sales people I've ever met (and really, New Portland kinda takes the cake anyways for bad retail experiences). Wouldn't help me find anything, really was kicking down the whole "this probably isn't the store for you - we sell bikes for middle aged men to ruin their prostates on" vibe. I just kinda looked at him like, I came in here to spend money and you actually (with your attitude) talked me out of it. 2. Since they're the closest shop to my house, I called today to ask about getting my bike tuned up. How much do you charge for a tune up? "Depends" You don't have a standard fee for tune ups? "Well, I can tell you we're now booking tune-ups for completion in mid September." HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAAHA. It's the beginning of July, who in their right mind would turn their bike over to you for 2 months? Leave our neighborhood please. I'll take a new condo over you taking up space. read more

Searched for the bike I wanted online and Universal has great selection and stock. Dustin was very helpful and knowledgeable....ended up with the bike I was looking for, 2020 Salsa Cutthroat drop bar Mt. bike. Prices are very good, I will be buying from them again! read more

Despite ample evidence of my advancing senility, I'm still capable of learning new tricks & vocabulary, bringing me to the conclusion that MSRP is a four-letter word. Which means that one of the best ways to keep my mouth clean & my wallet unmolested is to patronize Universal Cycles. While primarily an internet-based business, their storefront in NW is a great place to check out their goods, just don't expect them to have items physically there for you to try out or take home with you as it's mainly a storehouse where people can pick up their orders. The few items they have on hand in the spartan display room are primarily some pairs of gloves & bike locks. The best way to take advantage of their great prices is to check out their website & order whatever you want to buy/try out then come to the store & pick them up once they've arrived. If you don't like what you see, just return it right there. Usually items take 1-2 days to make it to the store after you've ordered them. As for what they carry, they have a broad range of entry level items that you can replace your stock bike parts with all the way up to droolworthy $3900 Campagnolo carbon fiber Bora Ultra wheel sets (MSRP $5380). They pretty much have almost everything you need to change out all the components on your ride as long as you're handy with a hexwrench or good buddies with a mechanic. There are cheaper sites out their in cyberspace but being located in PDX means easy returns for the locals. While the lone guy at the counter is friendly & willing to help you, this is really not a good place for those new to cycling as you will need to have some knowledge about components/what you want your bike to do. Oh, & no more washing your mouth with soap afterwards. read more

Whenever I need to buy some bike parts online, this is the 1st site I hit. The prices cannot be beat...well, actually they can, but once you submit a price match request, they'll match or beat it...within a minute. Pretty damn fast if you ask me. If they can't, they'll sure as hell get as close as possible. I refuse to buy parts from the east coast, or even out of state cuz shipping takes too long. I'm impatient like that. But this place has quick shipping and no sales tax...awesome. They'll also send you monthly coupons once you register for an order. read more

Customer service was LACKING to say the least -- snotty and rude. Came in on a Sunday because they are the only shop close to me that is open before 12 noon needing new tape on my handlebars. I tried to call that morning to confirm that they would be able to put the tape on for me but the phone just goes to a message stating store hours - unable to get a person on the phone. When in the shop I mentioned that their phone wasn't ringing through and was told "we don't staff the phones until 10am" -- okay but I was just trying to confirm if you could complete a service for me "well we were super busy this morning so even if they phones did ring we wouldn't have answered them". Wow. That could have been explained/stated WAY nicer. Handlebar tape cost $13 and we were charged $15 (you heard me - more than the cost of the product) to put the tape on. I have had multiple other shops do it for me no problem/no cost so this was a bit of a shock. Yes I chose to pay it but combined with the snotty attitude, it put a poor taste in my mouth. When we came to pick up my bike we waited by it (by the front door) for a few minutes trying to get someone's attention to make sure we were good to go -- after a few attempts to get any sort of attention or service we just took the bike and walked out. Thank goodness it was me becuase anyone could have stolen my bike with their inattention. There was a number of other bike things my wife and I were in the market to purchase but because of this horrible service and attitude we declined to spend any more money here. This shop actively lost business/sales that day. We won't come back. read more

I recently had to interact with UC after I accidentally broke the straps on a friend's Ortlieb Waterproof bag. I'm not a cyclist of any type so I'm a total noob when it comes to the entire scene. But I have worked lots of customer service jobs though including being a live sound engineer for years, which in my opinion is the hardest customer service job possible (Imagine dealing with 4000 angry fans when then generator keeps blowin every time the guitar player switches on his fancy vintage distortion pedal at the final show of PDX Pop Now and everyone is looking at the sound guys to fix the problem), so I always try to be a good customer by making the employee's job as easy as possible. That being said, everyone I dealt with at UC is the classic Portland "Too Cool For School", "I'm Indifferent to Everything" hipster douche bag. A) You work in a fucking bike shop bro. You're not really doing anything special with your life so cut the condescending attitude. I apologize for coming into your place of business and contributing money that helps give fuckheads like you a job so you can pay rent and drink shitty beer. I didn't mean to interrupt whatever important Mercury article you were reading. B) Your customer service blows. I called various bike shops in town looking for one that had the part in stock so I didn't have to pay/wait for shipping. UC was the last shop I called, and after getting a condescending "I don't know, did you check the website?", I was told the part was not in stock. Motherfucker, if I knew you had a website that had every in stock part listed I wouldn't be calling a dealing with your sour ass. Not every store lists their entire inventory online. Then, after deciding to just order it direct from Ortlieb, I was directed from their site to Universal Cycle's site, where I was told the part was in stock and available for pick up. If you're going to be a condescending little chaunch nozzle, at least be good at your job. The people at the other shops I called (River City and Clever) were some of the nicest people I've ever talked to and they were very helpful in their attempts to locate an in stock part. They made me think, "Man, everyone in the cycling community seems so nice", where as UC gave me the exact opposite impression. So, if I was a cyclist, I would definitely give those stores business way before Universal Cycles. read more

I can't say much for the physical shop itself as i've never actually been to the store, this review is in regards to their online transactions & service (or lack thereof). I ordered a bunch of parts from this place via their website about a month ago; we received the shipment in a timely manner, but noticed that the handlebars I received weren't the ones I ordered. I quickly shipped back the incorrect item thinking the problem would be solved as I responded with a very detailed e-mail which pictured the bars I really ordered. I was wrong. They sent me back the SAME incorrect bars TWICE. After a lengthy correspondence with the company via the internet and on the phone, the issue to this day still has yet to be resolved. The company keeps telling me that they're trying to figure things out yet I've already returned all of the incorrect items (with ups verification) and all I'm waiting for is a refund. A month of problems w/no refund in sight? I'd hate to have to contact the BBB and give this place one star with so many other customers satisfied, but why not offer the same great service to your online customers and not just your walk-ins? read more

Granted this place is great to buy bike parts for an affordable price, but maybe they need an in-service on customer service. This place is horrible when it comes to communicating with a person. I waited in line- there was only one other person being helped at he counter at the time- for 10 min before I finally could get someone else to help. A simple, "I'm sorry, let me finish with this customer and I'll get to you" goes a long way. I won't be back, I'll send my husband instead. read more

I used to like this shop more but recently the friendliness is hit or miss and the last couple of times I've tried to get my bike fixed there they've been horrifically understaffed or backed up for several days no matter the season. Also, in the last several months it seems like everything I need to purchase is sitting at an offsite warehouse with 2-3 day shipping required. It's usually not obscure items either. The first couple of times I simply rode to another bike shop in town and found what I was looking for right away; now I don't even check here. read more

I will agree that they have decent inventory and I will probably shop there again... but I will never purchase a bike from them again. The assembly was so terrible that the bike was dangerous. I brought the bike in 3×. the first the rushed me out ... the problem came back, second time the said the couldn't fit me in for an unreasonable length of time, the 3rd they said I was past my 30 day mark. So i brought it to my goto repair shop metropolis cycle who fixed the issues in 5 min for 10 bucks. read more

EDIT: The address listed above is incorrect! They have moved!The new address is: 2202 E. Burnside St. Portland, OR 97214 REVIEW: This is my favorite bike shop hands down. First off, the ability to browse and order online and then pickup in their store is amazing. I like supporting local bike shops but I don't like driving around to every one not knowing if they'll have the part I want. Second, their prices are great, and they price match to boot! Third, as someone else pointed out it's a nice quiet shop (now located on E Burnside) where you can look around in a relaxed atmosphere. Finally, they are very nice. I've bought a few things from them lately and they were always friendly. I wanted to check the price of something in the store and the clerk wasn't sure if the item on his screen was the same so he let me lean over and look. Awesome! read more

First of all, I love their cats. Second, I like their good selection of items. You cannot see such many items here in Salem. Third, I appreciate their prices and services. Their prices are so competitive compared to other major online stores (but not always) that I do not have to spend long time for finding the lowest prices on Internet. Also, I hear pretty many Japanese use their online store overseas for the prices. Their services are basically good and people are friendly. Overall, I recommend this store. read more

THEY HAVE IN-STORE CATS! And also an amazing selection of products. But seriously: CATS. I'm sorry if this review is unhelpful (maybe if you have cat allergies you should stay away?), but I was so delighted to interface with a feline while shopping that I had to write. read more

All my paychecks go here. Web great. In-person great. Price, selection, staff great. Price match feature is supreme - use it folks. Bikes, DIY, and this place is a dangerously delirious combo. It's addicting. You have been warned, else you may be in therapy like me. See you next payday. read more

For the most part I have had four and five star experiences here but recently I wanted to buy a new SS. They had the model that I wanted but the size was not built. The salesman told me that it was in the warehouse next-door and that it could be built and ready to check out the next day. Four days later the bike was finally built and ready for a test ride. Had another shop had this bike I would have gone somewhere else, I was pretty bummed. I really wanted to give them my money in exchange for this bike but they fell asleep at the wheel. New bikes don't come with paperwork these days? Seems weird to me. read more

If you are looking for a bike part and you don't feel like fighting with a pack of weekend warriors at River City or Bike Gallery (both of which I love as well), this is your place. Nice new shop now located on 22nd and E Burnside after years in the NW. Great no-nonsense place for whatever parts you need. Has a big online business, so it's easy to shop from home, order some things, and then save the delivery charge by picking them up at the store. Staff is very helpful and they do a great job with wheel building as well. I'm a big fan and will continue coming to this great bike shop. read more

This is one of the friendliest and best business's I have dealt with in a long time. Great value and customer service. Dustin is the bomb.

I have shopped here for years online before moving to portland,. The biggest selection and best prices. The showroom is great also, they have many things out for you to play with. best bike shop to buy from read more

Worst. I could barely find an affordable helmet, everything is arranged to rip off the customer. I eventually found the 1 helmet at a reasonable price. Also, doesn't seem like the staff here even rides bicycles. read more

Universal Cycles has always treated me great and has never pushed any unnecessary purchases on me. I wish I could say about other bike shops in Portland. Recently I went in thinking I needed new brakes and cables on my 5yr old Mtn. Bike, instead my brakes just needed to be adjusted and I was saved money because I didn't buy something I didn't need. The mechanic could have easily let me buy new parts like I thought I needed, but he was professional, nice, and patient with all my boring and basic questions. I always feel a little apprehensive going into bike shops in Portland, maybe it's the environment. Not here though!! I've brought my bike to Universal Cycles once a year the last 3 years and I've always left feeling happy and respected, knowing that I'd be back....No bike snobs here. read more

Fast Shipping - Great Prices - Awesome Selection and easy no hassle returns. We love these folks! Their staff is helpful and friendly. We live in Seattle and if we order something on Wednesday we can get it on Thursday and if it over $150 we get free shipping - plus they send a mini chocolate hershey bar to say "Thank You" nice touch!! read more

The store has everything in stock and pricing is good. Service shop on the other hand is only good for basic stuff. I got bad advise on my front fork and bad advise on tires...Overall I will buy parts from these guys and have FTF do the work.... read more

Came here to buy some cycling jerseys and socks. Waited over 20 for someone to help me but they wouldn't give me the time of day. I'll take my business elsewhere. read more

I was so impressed with the service i got today, I came right home to write my first- ever Yelp review. I had started my shopping quest at their competitor (city bikes) two blocks away, but after looking lost in the small, dusty shop for a few minutes, with nobody acknowledging me, and not seeing the items that i came for, i decided to take my business elsewhere. Right when i stepped into Universal Cycles, the difference was obvious. They have a huge, bright store with much more to browse and choose from. Meiko and Brian were very helpful and not only pointed me toward every product i had come for (lube, tire levers, mirror) but took the time to find the best item for my needs and preferences. Meiko was very easy to talk with and she learned and used my name. Brian installed my new mirror for me at no extra-charge. i didn't feel rushed or pressured into anything. I can say it was the best bike shop experience i've ever had and I will definitely go back there next time I need something for my bike. read more

I've had nothing but good experiences ordering from UC. Their website is packed with current products, and they have very competitive pricing. The staff is friendly and orders have always been shipped on time. Will not hesitate to use them for orders in the future, I'm all about supporting my LBS but sometimes their prices are too ridiculous. read more

Very convenient online source for bicycle parts, good selection, and great prices also. Easy transaction and fast shipping.

Went in to look around and ask about some CK upgrades and was impressed. Not pushed or harrassed but was attended to. I will be going back. It's great to have a shop like this on the Easside. Nice people. I reccomend this place to anyone. read more

Ask for help with what you're looking for, the staff here is A-mazing. The prices are great too, honestly even comparing on amazon you don't see much of a price difference. And if you sign up for the news letter they send out coupon codes sometimes. Basically, they are here to help you find what you need, just listen to their advice, we bought two cheaper helmets than the ones we were looking at thanks to a great staff members advice!! read more

Great selection. Scratch that. HUGE selection! Friendly staff. These folks are willing to help you find anything you're looking for, We visited one of the Portland locations early Sunday morning before heading to the airport to catch our flight back to Dallas. We ended up finding some great deals in the close-out racks. I even came back home and purchased a set of tires through them online that I was having trouble getting through my local bike shop. They were responsive even via email. I wouldn't hesitate to do business with them again! read more

Very reasonably priced, awesome service, and a great selection of merchandise! I go out of my way to go to this shop and it's totally worth it! read more

My husband and I and our two-year-old went in just to get some basic information about buying bikes. We don't have one and we didn't really know what we needed. The staff was super patient very friendly and nice and we walked out with the total package for all of us. We got a bike seat for the little one a basket on the front for the Chihuahua and purse and bike helmets for all. I didn't feel pressured to buy, they were recommending we even take a look at some used bikes if we wanted to and gave us referrals to other businesses in case we wanted to spend less money. But we decided that this business was really going to hook us up so we made the investment and will go back there if we need repairs we feel like we're in good hands. read more

I came in one day to try out bikes, and had a rad time. I forget names, but I came in on a Wednesday around 4:30 and worked with two sales guys--both were very knowledgeable and talked to me about Salsa cycles. Bike shops can either feel overwhelming and patronizing or welcoming and informative. Universal definitely succeeds in being the latter of the two, and I give them props for treating me like an interested bike customer with questions instead of a lil lady who can't figure it out. Thanks dudes read more

Was looking for a handlebar bag for my road bike. They had the exact thing I was looking for and SO many other desirable items that are now on my "wish list". Womens apparel selection was more then I've seen in most cycle shops. Prices were reasonable and the staff was knowledgable of the brands they carry. A very welcoming experience. read more

These guys have everything you need and cheap too! You can order it then just go pick it up from the store. It's awesome!

This has become my neighborhood bike shop. It is more toward the large/corporate end of Portland bike shops, but is still local. The retail space is large enough to carry a large selection of just about anything bike related. The attached warehouse means they have almost everything on hand. The ability to see their stock online is a major plus and paying online and picking up in store is painless. The pricing is competitive to anything I've found online. I've never been tempted to check something out in store and then buy it on Amazon. The staff is helpful although numerous enough that it is not as easy to get to know them as, say, a smaller uber local shop. And the swarthy scruffy dude sucks. They don't carry a lot of lower budget items, especially helmets, clothing and tools. Expect to pay for high end. Definitely one of the best bike shops in town. read more

Great place, very helpful, knowledgeable. Stayed open a bit late to show us bikes, unlocked them all to show us a couple. Much appreciated! Seemed to have a great selection of many different types of bikes, sizes especially because my friend is very small. They actually had a 42cm cross bike! read more