Service and Value Par Excellence Velo Pasadena and their studio in Toluca Lake are terrific places to visit for all things bicycling. Their shops are smartly done, esthetically pleasing and the display of great gear and bikes is stunning, which is the first tip-off that these folks take pride in what they do and care for their profession. But the Velo experience isn't just about presentation; these folks really know their business and take the time to be sure the customer is well served. Of course, to provide this kind of atmosphere and top cabin service takes time, and if you run into either facility to make a snap decision about something that requires a little knowledge and conversation you might be frustrated. Go there with a little time on your hands and for the non-casual purchase, ~ $50 and up, and you'll be well served and informed before you leave. If you have to wait a few minutes for one of their great staff to take care of you, then enjoy the pretties - every cyclist has a hidden equipment want and chances are they'll have more than one of everything you secretly desire. As for my experience, I haven't ridden for about ten years and when I stopped I was a 50-100 mile per week recreational rider. I moved, went through a bit of family turmoil, AND my bike was stolen!!! Fast forward to the last two years and I'm recovering from a long-term illness (I'm a mature gurl and want to get my body back) Enter my search for a new bike, specifically a great hybrid. I visited four shops and Velo clearly played to my heartstrings (and the purse too). I hooked up with Mike, a cheerful and helpful young guy (they all are honey at my age), and we started a four week dialog, ending in me ordering a Marin 2011, Highway One and the necessary accoutrements to begin the climb back to a 100 mile week. To say Mike was patient, knowledgeable and friendly is to completely miss the experience . . . we dug into everything, I did homework, Mike made suggestions and in three meetings over four weeks we nailed it. When it came time to pay the piper, Mike had a friendly chat with the owner, Hrach, and returned with a very nice discount. BTW: Hrach made a call for Mike and I to the Marin rep to be sure my order would be satisfied just the way we wanted it - on Monday, Labor Day and the rep took the call!!! Now that's service and speaks volumes about Velo and their stature in the business, which is something that I care about too because it means they have a stake in my experience beyond the sale. I'll post again briefly after my first ride when I'm sitting in the tub feeling like I have a case of polio. Rachel read more

EDITED 15 november 2008 Since my original review, VP has cleaned the place up, you will notice right away the precise organization, a women's specific section, as well as a bench and cleaner dressing room. I am very pleased to say that we are moving closer to 5 stars with VP. We are now at a solid 4 stars. I love this high end shop! ++++ OK. Bike Shops. I really hate bike shops because they could always be much better. I would like to give VP a 3.5 stars. Because 4 is too generous, and 3 is not showcasing the niceties. This is primarily a road shop, with some mountain bikes. Go here for chi chi Italian and Euro. Plus they have a very cool vintage bike collection to look at and gawk over. Here is what I really like about Velo Pasadena: 1. Women's apparel selection. Here you can find all the Castelli (and I mean ALL!) and Nalini a girl could want. Guys, if you need to buy something awesome for the lday friend, come here for clothing. 2. Men's apparel. Even more to choose from and all the great Italian stuff you can't find anywhere else. 3. Small Parts. Great selection. 4. Decent selection of foodstuffs, embrocations and chamois cremes. 5. Great selection of road tires and other road accessories. 6. I am always greeted when I enter asked if I need anyhting then lft alone, and I like to be left alone, being a 15 year veteran of the industry and an insider, I generally don't need help, I know what I want. Lacking: 1. Disorganized- bikes leaning everywhere. The layout could be better. The apparel could be merchandised better. 2. the dressing room is an afterthought. Could have a stool or seat, and better arrangement of mirrors. The Dressing Room should be the cleanest are of the bike shop. 3. No Female employees. (that I know of anyhow) 4. Shoe area is always a mess. In general the people are very friendly, so that gives them an extra star over the disorganization. And thank you for carrying the beautiful Castelli and Nalini apparel for women! So I can try it on and buy it if I so choose! namaste -tonya CycleTherapist mtbchick.com read more

Velo Pasadena is one of a few thriving small businesses in Pasadena that are able to source high-quality frames and parts and actually have the expertise to not only get the job done but provide a service that will last you for a while. I came in with the idea of "getting a nice bike". I had no idea that there was an entire ecosystem of different frames, tires, chains, handles, etc. Hrach, a professional biker of over 40 years and owner of the business, hovers across 2 different locations to ensure his expertise is available to customers seasoned or green. I felt his passion in this field through the very careful and realistic questions he asked - he was making sure whatever I purchased was going to be appropriate for me, not the company. He even down-sold me what I ended up buying, who does that these days? Matt and the staff were not only efficient but assemble the bike in front of you. It was a very special experience seeing my new toy being made right in front of me. I didn't know there was so much that went into the process of assembling a bike. I was able to send some photos to my friends and they were all so jealous. I was given a phone number and the green light to call or stop by anytime I had a question or service request. I didn't feel like the relationship was going to end with the sale. Some of the other folks there even have year-long relationships with Hratch and join his community benefit programs that he organizes with city and hospital affiliate programs to support disabled youth and health advocacy groups. It was so nice to see how integrated they were with their community. In all, I came in for a toy and left with an experience and lifelong friendship. Velo Pasadena, thank you for the white glove service!! read more

Since YELP decided that my review (posted last week) of VELO PASADENA didn't fall into their guidelines and removed it. I'M REPOSTING IT AGAIN. I believe I have the right as a consumer to have my thoughts be seen by other possible consumers. If not, then the whole business model that YELP is pushing is completely bogus. Here it is again in it's unedited, unsolicited and in "my opinion" review: "Bought my new TIME here! I've been shopping at Velo Pasadena for over 20+ years and all I can say is they are the only shop in the entire US that I would ever do business with. They have the best products in all of LA and easily the best hands down in Pasadena. Hrach, the owner of Velo Pasadena, has been so helpful and fun to work with. He has an excitement about cycling that definitely rubs off on you. And the rest of the staff cares just as much that you've had a great experience. If you actual want to see what your buying, they have it in stock. They carry almost everything and their store is like a candy shop. Goodies everywhere. I've bought many bikes over the years and have always had a great time. The mechanics at Velo are the best and they keep my bikes in tip top shape. The way they put a custom bike together, the attention to detail, especially with all the crazy electronic groups. My new TIME - It's a beautiful thing! The best part is when you get a fitting at Velo. They do the standard static fitting, which is pretty cool and you get really dialed in. But they have THE RETUL fitting which is state of the art. I don't think anyone else has it. You get wired up and they use lasers to really tweak things. It's totally worth the money. This is THE BIKE SHOP!" read more

Velo Pasadena is probably the best bike shop I have been to. Hrach and his son Matt are soooooo nice and helpful. Most bike shops will just try and sell you stuff regardless of whether or not you need it. The knowledge and expertise of the entire staff leads Velo to only sell you what you really need. My first road bike was a Specialized Allez that I got for a steal. I bought it from Hrach and he helped me to get all the necessary gear for cycling. I really had no Idea how to properly ride a bike, but I learned quite a bit just talking to Hrach and Matt. When I grew out of that bike, Hrach bought it off me and sold me my current bike, a Felt z85. Whenever I need parts or help, Velo is my first (and typically only) stop. Granted the prices are a little bit high, but for the service that comes with the parts, its worth it. Velo does group rides every Sunday. They are hard to keep up with, typically averaging over 15 to 17 mph when not doing HWY 39 (huge climb), but I have learned so much and gotten so much better at cycling just from talking to Hrach and Matt on these rides. I highly recommend Velo Pasadena to anyone in need of a new bike, bike part, clothes, equiptment, service, advice, and anything else cycling related read more

as claire and tonya already posted, this is a great local source for upper end, high zoot euro racers..... in a good way. i could go in there and get lost in the colnago paint. in fact, their Time frame selection is so good it looks like a factory store. very very hi end stock. if you want the good stuff and are willing to pay retail for it, this is your shop. having said that, i prolly won't be going back there unless i have to. the culture of the shop is a bit on the snobby side for me. i have a Time bike with campy drivetrain, so i guess i get a pass when i go in, but the comments i've overheard when there is pretty amazing. customer service is bought at this store. in all honesty, this is one place where i'd rather deal with the employees than the owner. i don't want to rant on this forum, but email me for specific stories. i give 5 stars for the excellent selection of the good stuff. i take away 3 stars for that dirty feeling when i walk out. read more

I live in Las Vegas, and I make the 4 hours drive each way to have my electric Stromer bike worked on; that's a total of 8 hours of driving roundtrip. You may ask why one reason, Raul Carrillo. The whole store is first class, but Raul, if you look up "Outstanding, extraordinary, amazing service; you'll probably find Raul Carrillo's name right there in the definition of extraordinary service. This is my second time making the trip to Velo Pasadena from Las Vegas, and it's worth it because I know I'm in good hands. This is my bike shop, and when it comes time to purchase another, I'll be making the drive to Velo Pasadena. It's a long way I know, but when you get the kind of service they provide, you make the trip just to experience it. Thank you, Raul, you've demonstrated to me that professionalism after the sale is not dead, and in fact, you're the poster child for extraordinary service. Thank you again. Glen. read more

I'm very disappointed with my experience at this bike shop. I brought my bike in for a derailleur installation, and the work was done poorly. After riding it, I quickly realized something wasn't right the derailleur was misaligned and shifting badly, clearly due to incorrect installation. When I returned to the shop to ask them to fix the issue they caused, they were unhelpful and unwilling to take responsibility for their own work. Instead of inspecting the bike properly or correcting the mistake, they dismissed the problem and offered no real solution. A bike shop should stand behind its service, especially when an issue is caused by improper installation. Unfortunately, that was not the case here. I won't be returning, and I wouldn't recommend this shop if you expect quality workmanship or customer support after the sale. read more

This shop has wonderful customer service. The employees know their stuff. I was looking everywhere for my perfect bike, I told the employee Raul what I was looking for and he showed me possible options and made my experience there easy and now I own an amazing bike that isn't giving me issues its perfect !!! I also come here to get my bicycles serviced , upgrade and modified these guys victor and Raul are so helpful . I highly highly recommend this shop for beginners or advanced riders they have good prices and are very knowledgeable !! They won't disappoint you. read more

At Hrach's recommendation I just upgraded my Seven to Campy EPS Record. What a wonderful change. For year's I have been dealing with the combination of Campy Record Compact 50-34 and Campy front derailleur. At best, lots of time making adjustments. With EPS, its soooooooo smooth. Hrach and Victor did a nice job on wiring the system externally. When Hrach said he wished he had changed to it on his bike 2 years ago, I wasn't a believer. Now, I am. Hector and Mark were also helpful. If you want the best advice, go to Velo Pasadena. read more

I stopped into Velo to have them look at something that I couldn't figure out on my own (calibrating the computer). It was packed with high dollar customers, yet Don and Victor took the time to help me with my needs. I'm very grateful for their customer service, their expertise and their hands on experience. They were clearly busy with other customers as well, but made sure to at least look at what I needed and address it. Super helpful, super friendly, will definitely be going back to Velo... thank you Don and Victor. read more

I take it some of these bad reviews here come from people who have not even stepped foot into this bike shop. I am a regular at this place and the service is amazing and much better then other bike shops around the area. Other shops in the area wont mention any names try to sell you used parts that they polish up. Not Velo. I have always got the top of the line parts at the lowest price I have seen. Sure you can get it online for cheaper but that takes out whole fun experience of a bike shop. VELO PASADENA 5+++ STARS read more

Recently got a professional bike fitting at Velo Pasadena, and it was a game changer! Seriously, this was the missing link. From start to finish, the entire process was excellent. A huge shoutout to everyone at Velo Pasadena who made the experience so smooth and professional. You can tell they genuinely care about getting things right and making sure you leave feeling confident on your bike. If you're serious about cycling or triathlon, I highly recommend getting a professional fit here. 5 stars all the way! ‍ read more

Nice shop. My wife and I are visiting the area for a while so we shipped our bikes to them from out of state. Friendly crew. They put our bikes back together and fixed some damage on my bike that occurred from shipping. That was my bad. Big selection of everything. We'll have them box it back up for us when it's time to leave town. Fun shop rides with them too. My wife is new to road bikes and she enjoyed their Saturday women's ride. Thanks velo read more

i have been a customer of Velo Cycle for over 30 years. In short, i would never go anywhere else! they are fair, honest and have excellent customer service. moreover, they know their products, and can recommend exactly the right bike for you.......whatever your needs are. This shop is my home and they are all my friends. it has been a pleasure doing business with them and i look forward to our future together! read more

Velo Pasadena carries high end bicycles, components, and gear. My kind of shop! I always enjoy visiting the shop to check out their new toys. I've taken my bici there for maintenance and Hector Cabrera is the man. If there's a problem with your bike, he'll find it and fix it! He's always very courteous and knowledgable when I see him in the shop. Truly an excellent shop for bici enthusiasts! read more

Great shop. They have great quality of high end product. Not overpriced at all. They just carry the top end stuff. Not your basic average shop with low end stuff. Very knowledgeable staff that knows more then your average bike shop who only sells one or two brands. Will continue to support my LBS. Unlike online shoppers I hate to see shops go out of business. read more

I've been going to Velo For several years now. Raul has always done a good job working on my bike. The entire crew are always professional, and hospitable. Good costumer service. Great gear. Btw I live in LA and I don't mind doing the drive for the results that I get. Looking forward to stopping by the shop to get More gear. read more

I sent a few e-mails to this shop inquiring about some bikes for sale on their website that were in their current inventory stock, but they never responded to my e-mails; not sure if they read their e-mails or if they are still in business or not ..........maybe they were on vacation or it is the pandemic......... read more