I've been a customer since 1991. Curtis and his crew of mechanics will always make you feel like an old friend and service you bicycle and soul. Small or large repairs are treated with the same courtesy. Most recently I needed a wheel repair, Curtis said he would replace the broken spoke because that was all was required. They're only open three days per weeks, but fear not they will take care of you. Cheers, Michael read more

Best place to take your bike hands down. Especially if you have an older bike. A few years ago I was just a poor college gal trying to get an old schwinn for cheap on fb marketplace for easier commutes. It was in bad shape. Took it to via bicycle and they were ecstatic to see this older model, saying it's like their other "children" lol. Got it super fixed up for an extremely reasonable price, far less than I expected. Ever since, I've been a loyal customer. They really have a passion for bikes there and I feel it in the way my schwinn rides! ***Remember that they are cash only, and that the hours are not what Google maps depicts. Call them to see if they're open when you wanna come in.*** Also, if you're a customer there, they offer a monthly tire pump up for free. So kind! Via Bicycle, you're the best! read more

Via bicycle is a shop that really cares about making sure that you get great service out of the shop and your bike. Couldn't be happier with my experience there. Even if you're not I'm the market for a bike, stop in to take a look around. You might just learn something while you're there read more

Via Bicycle - Fully tuned up - Bikes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Best experience & best boomer humor Serious mechanical know how here. Vintage. Repairs fast efficient guaranteed I could not be happier read more

Asked about getting a moderately priced bike , as I don't have any crazy needs, and was laughed at for "I wouldn't be in business if I was cheap" ... I get it, but the attitude was unwelcome and the store is a mess. They've got tons of selection though read more

was able to keep parts from my recent wreck, work was completed assembling the new bike quickly and was able to get moving again have been a customer for nearly 10 years couldn't be happier, really nice work, love my bike read more

Via Bicycle - Bikes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Average experience here. Paying cash only when it's a 300$ repair just rubs me wrong. Handwritten receipt would make it hard to get my money back if anything was done wrong. And according to one of their competing bike-shops I really got overcharged for the new front suspension fork they put in. They also did a bad job tightening up some of the new components they put on and considering how long they had my bike for it was pretty annoying. Customer service was really lacking. Line was really informal and they kept letting people cut that they were friendly with. Dropoff and pickup took way longer than they needed to. Most people seem to like this place so maybe I came on off days but after my experience I elected to go to a competing place in the future that did me right. read more

Love this shop. Personally speaking, it's the best bike shop in the country. Curt will take care of you.

Came here to get a new seat for my bike a few weeks ago. Left with so much more and a bike running like new! Absolutely great experience. A lesson in what customer service should look like. Called earlier to check times and COVID rules. Quickly answered phone and told me to come on in. Owner/worker is wearing a mask and everyone waits outside on the sidewalk and he services your bike right there. First come first served. After about a 15min wait he quickly sized up my bike seat and brought out a new one. While he was doing that he noted that my gears and chain were very dry so he oiled them up for free. Also gave me unsolicited advice and suggested I get another type of lock for my seat so it doesn't get swiped again. Finally, he was just overhearing my conversation with a friend about needing a high visibility jacket for night running and brought one right out to us. Best part of the whole experience was seeing his interaction with us and the other customers there. He had many frequent customers that he clearly knew very well. He helped older customers get stuff out of their cars and joked around a lot with other patients. He made many very genuine connections with us about non bike related things. It also appeared that he had hired someone more down on their luck to give them a job which seemed like a great thing to do for his community. Good prices, best customer service I've had in a while, and seems like he has anything and everything you'd ever need for your bike. Go and support this great business in our community! read more

Friendly, knowledgeable and helpful with reasonable price, quick return! Thank you! Will be back soon!! read more

Very average experience here. I used to always come here for my dilapidated bike. But on a repeat visit recently, the owner was very rude towards his employees - and insisted on correcting every move in front of other staff. At times, he used vulgar language (will spare putting any quotes here) to describe his work making it extremely uncomfortable to wait around for getting my bike fixed. Now granted, maybe it was just a bad day. Staff are very knowledgable and have a HUGE supply of bikes for purchase. The shop extends for seemingly miles containing any kind of nuts 'n bolts and supplies to fix anything. The owner is also honest and cares deeply about his customers... yet somehow can't seem to treat his staff right. I still recommend heading to Via Bicycle for all your bike needs. But hopefully this review serves as a a reminder to always treat employees right! read more

This is a real bike store. It's the kind of store where you show up and just know you're going to find some kind of buried treasure. It's worth stopping by just to window shop or visit (if they're not too busy which is rare, a positive sign in my book) because the place is just that cool. If it has wheels (pick a number) and is powered by pedals this is where you want to go for parts, sales or service. They don't have a lot of new stock around, but if you're like me and insist on keeping your old bike on the road because you like what you ride these guys will help you out. The sidewalk is covered with a number of ready to ride bikes. The stock inside is... plentiful to say the least. In addition to decor and memorabilia and odds and ends going back to the dawn of the bone-shaker. You can pick from the hundreds of vintage ready to go bikes or if you see a frame you like have a chat about having one built up for you. I took my beat up old carbon bike and they gave it a good once over and trued it up for the first time since in ages. Unfortunately it is a newer bike (at least compared to the usual fare for this store) and subject to Shimano's planned obsolence, but the owner found the parts for me on ebay and got me the item numbers needed to bring them in. The owner is really friendly and has what can only be described as absolute knowledge about the bicycle. My girlfiend moved to town and never learned to ride a bike - they got her fixed up with a solid, newbie friendly bike and gave some impromptu lessons that have her rolling up and down the river trail with me now. An unequivocally positive experience. read more

great lil shop everyone is real nice and my bike is running smooth, i'll def come back

Beyond rude. Was looking for a Trek bike. Some guy who looked like he was in a period piece accused me of checking to see if they were selling one "I had lost" , e.g. was stolen from me. Odd hypothesis. If he was capable of listening he would have heard I wanted a Trek as it was a good bicycle. Dude gave off an arrogant abrasive vibe from the get go. Was rude to another person there as well. I don't know about this store's bike acumen but they could learn what it means to be a human among humans. Yech! read more

I love the fact that this store is an establishment in Philadelphia. The entire store is filled with vintage bicycles that the shop fixes up and sells, and there is a steady trickle of locals who come in and are greeted personally by the owner. I came here to get a bike brake adjusted. The price was fair at $10 for each side, and they also secured my bike basket with zip ties for a bonus. Now I can ride with perfectly functioning brakes around the city. read more

As repair shops go, Via is terrific. Rushed in early this morning when I realized I needed a new tube for my front tire. Katie (an awesome 3-day-old employee) swaps out the busted goods for the proper stuff and I'm out of there within 5 minutes. She also insisted on giving me a tube changing lesson. Greatly appreciated but quickly forgotten. I go to leave and on my way out, I realize the rear tube is retiring itself as well (must have loved the front tube). So I get serviced by another employee who runs over the pricing and hurries back inside to repair and pluck out the glass from my tire. With his bare hands. 10 minutes and one Summer Soda later, I'm cruising on my restored ride, back against the wind, with one hand in my pocket, and the other one giving a high five. read more

Unethical business practices -- AVOID! Got fenders at Via for my old Schwinn last year. I called in advance to ask about pricing and timing -- sounded reasonable so I brought my bike in. When I get there, the mechanic's helpful, but the person I'd talked to on the phone (owner?) is dodgy. He tries to sell me a chain guard -- I decline -- and then he increases the price of the fenders, even though I'd just talked to him on the phone before coming in. I ask him about it, but he's just like "take it or leave it." It was raining that day, and I got the feeling that he was determined to extract as much money as possible out of me -- so when I said "no" to the chain guard, he decided to screw me on the fenders. Nice trick, getting me into the store with one number, and now that I'm there and need to get home in the rain, screw me on the fenders. Clearly, I'd rather bike it with fenders than without. Not cool. I was stuck, so I agreed to the new price and confirmed that I'd be getting reflectors with my fenders, so that it'd match the look of my vintage Schwinn. He agreed. When I came back an hour or so later, I found they'd screwed me again -- they hadn't actually put any reflectors on the fenders as agreed, but rather just a piece of red tape on the back fender. It was getting dark & I didn't want any trouble so I just paid and left. If you don't mind being screwed, go to Via -- I'm sure they'll be happy to take advantage of you. I'd rather avoid the Bait-and-Switch tactics and take my business to Bicycle Therapy instead. (Note: I just noticed that there are quite a few negative reviews that have been filtered out. At least some of them sound spot on, so it's probably worth a read if you're considering Via.) read more

You have an old bike. Take it here. Curtis and co run a great shop. Always happy with my bike afterwards and the prices are fair. Cash only, so keep that in mind. read more

I needed a patch kit and a spare tube for my new bike, and at 7pm on a Wednesday Via was the only store open. So I popped in to check it out. I had a short wait while the mechanic (possibly owner?) finished up a bike sale to what appeared to be a first time bike buyer. The employee took his time to explain how to properly lock the bike, how to make fitting adjustments, why regular maintainence is important, and reminded the buyer that he should bring it back for (free) mechanical adjustments within the first month to ensure everything was properly set up. I was given very fast and friendly service, with all the same relevant advice for my own bike, and the two people behind me received a similar experience. I will certainly be coming back for more business and help in the future. Thanks for the wonderful experience! read more

I just bought my first bicycle at Via! I had my heart set on a foldable bike as I don't intend to use it a ton. Like every other person in Philly, I decided to go for it over quarantine and when I called around, Via was the only place that had any used foldable bikes for sale. The experience was absolutely lovely! Everyone was so friendly and I LOVE my new bike. They were even able to install a basket for me on the spot. The only note I'd make is to make sure you have TIME to wait because the shop is always busy. read more

I stoped by during a walk with my niece on a cold winter day and had a few questions about whether or not they serviced eliptigos (stand up bike). I showed Curtis a photo and he asked me to bring it by when I had a chance. I came back about an hour later and he was able To fix the front brakes and told me to stop by in a month for oil and air in the tire. He was very polite professional and patient. He helped three others while servicing my bike. He let people know that air and oil are free. Just a friendly reminder as I was not aware they are an all cash establishments for I had no cash with me. I told Curtis I would leave the bike to go home and get the money and he told me that it was Not Necessary. He told me to go home and come back with the money when I had time. I will get my bikes and Eliptigo services here living forward. read more

This place is wonderful. I've been in a few times over the last few years and have consistently gotten above and beyond friendly service. Today I brought in my bike and spent at least 20-25 minutes with (I think) the owner of the shop while he made various adjustments and gave advice about how to make the bike work best for me. He charged me $7, including the cost of a small part. So pleasant, helpful, and inexpensive. Highly recommend. read more

The review comments of Via Bicycle are fairly polarized. I did have a quite mixed feeling about this place, but at the end of the day it's not a bad place for a great used bike (if you set your expectations right). I may have had a bit unrealistic expectation of the place when I initially saw the overall positive reviews. I went to the shop thinking to get a cheap used bike and ended up getting an over $400 Peugeot vintage bike (including lock, basket, fenders, safety lights, and labor). It also took them a while to get the bike ready for pickup. We went to the shop on a Saturday, put down a $50 deposit, and they said the bike would be ready by the Tuesday in two weeks. However, it wasn't ready until the Saturday in two weeks when we were trying to pick it up. I guess it takes time for the good work they do, and you do need to be patient (like I said before, set the expectations right). I am pretty happy with the bike (although they did try to ask for another $7 for a kickstand, which they ended up offering for free). Both tires are new, so as the pedals and handlebar grips. It rides much better than the first time I tried, and looks much better too. They are running an all cash business (yes, even though the bikes can be sizeable sums of money). They say that you have two days to return the bike with full refund. Also, you could bring in the bike every month for a complimentary checkup. read more

Via Bicycle - Used bikes for sale. They seem to be updated quickly. - Bikes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I have been to Via a few times in the past, and from my most recent visit, I now remember why I have never purchased anything there. I took my girlfriend over to Via to look at getting a new bike. If you have ever been to Via, the sidewalk is crowded with bikes and I needed a quick place to lock my bike up. I locked up to the bench out front and my girlfriend and I started looking at their selection. again, from my past experiences there, I remember the owner, with his goofy mustache, being a bit of an asshole. However, I choked it up to maybe a bad day and left it at that. The owner, let's call him Douch-tard, comes outside while my girlfriend and I are in the middle of talking with one of his employees, when he starts rudely asking who's bike is locked up to his bench and to remove it immediately. When I announce to him that it is my bike, he turns his rudeness to me, scolded me with some words and walked away. At this point I was upset at his treatment with me and decided to leave the bike locked there until he returned so I could speak with him. His employee was certainly embarrassed at this point and made mention that he would have said something to his boss, but it would have been ineffective. It would seem that the owner gets like this often. When the owner returned to the outside of his shop, he yelled at me again to move my bike, and before I could even start talking to him, he attempted to pick my bike up and move it himself. Don't touch me shit, I don't care if you are Obama. Ask to touch my bike. At this point I told him that I felt like I was being treated extremely rudely and as a potential customer that he should have a little bit more respect. He could care less. I told him to fuck off and that we would be buying a bike from Performance. I see a lot of 5 star ratings here, and it seems mostly from hipster girls who are googling over the dirty hipster boys that work there. For the rest of us normal folk. Don't go there unless you want to be treated like shit from the owner of the shop. read more

Further thoughts, after another recent trip to Via with a friend... It's so funny to see others leaping to defend the bad attitudes of the people in the shop. They may (theoretically) have the greatest bicycle mechanics ever to walk the earth, but what good does that do anyone if they can't be bothered to look at the person's bike because they're too busy hanging out with their buddies? They may give great service when they feel like it, but I need stuff fixed when it's broken, not when the stars align and the staff is sprinkled in pixie dust. I've had a couple of repairs done here over the years, and I just don't have time (temporal and metaphorical) for the attitude. Can't replace a chainring in under two weeks because a cooler, fancier bike came in? Give me a break. The best advice I ever got was when the dude at Via told me to get a bike from Craigslist. Done and DONE. read more

I went bike shopping with the bf on Saturday. Via Bicycle was our first destination. The store is packed with used bikes and parts. We know next to nothing about bicycles and just wanted a couple cheap bikes that won't break in a couple weeks that we can get get around in the city with when we don't feel like driving. We really needed the assistance of the staff. Out of every place we went to, the staff here were by far the friendliest. Jacob was a big help. He let us both try out a few bikes and made excellent recommendations. Prices were better than other places we stopped at. The place itself looks more like a mechanic's shop which makes sense since they also do maintenance on bikes. There is no fancy salesfloor and it has a very vintage feel which I think adds to its appeal. After stopping at two other places, the bf came back and purchased a bike for $275. Bike looks to be in very good condition and they put a really nice seat on it. We were told it would probably be ready in a couple of days but they ended up having it available about 2 hours later. I didn't buy one yet because I am super indecisive but plan on going back a 2nd time. Ask for Jacob. He is super nice and knowledgeable but not pushy. read more

Excellent service and kind, friendly staff. You can tell these guys love what they do and they're great at it. Careful attention to a classic bike I brought in that I've wanted to get back on the street. Sourced some original parts and replaced worn ones with a full explanation on what needed to be done. Highly recommend! read more

Until now I have had good experiences at Via. I have twice brought in a flat tire and it was quickly fixed even though the place was packed and at a reasonable price too. Today, however, I went to test ride a bike I had picked out to buy and was made so uncomfortable in the store that I chose not to buy it. I dealt mainly with who I think is the owner (short guy with an old-timey mustache), and was made to feel dumb when asking questions about making simple adjustments to the bike. I wanted to have the seat and handlebars raised so I could try it at the right height, but the guy in question could not focus his attention long enough on the only person in the store to do it. I left after a mechanic told me that they were not interested in taking my current bike as a trade in. This was a minute after the guy I had been dealing with told me he would give me $50-150 depending on the quality of the wheels. It wasn't that they weren't interested in taking my bike that made me leave, but that I felt as though they were being disingenuous. If Via can't stand behind its own words for even a few minutes, how can I trust their workmanship? I still can't believe that it was so hard to buy a bike in a bike store! read more

This is where I've been taking my Breezer. I bought it at Performance online - it was originally never put together correctly so I took it to their location on Delaware Ave. Those people have no idea what they're doing so I was recommended VIA Bicycle and will never look back. VIA fixed all my bikes issues and then some. Curtis and his helpful, knowledgable staff gave me an estimate (cash only folks!) and some tips on keeping my bike in shape and looking newer longer. He even looked at the size of my hands and adjusted my brakes to better suit the size of my small hands. That's quality service. He even recommended to bring it back in a week to retighten everything for free. How kind. If you have a bike that needs parts or want to buy a new bike this is a great place to check out with a wide range of bikes and accessories. The people are knowledgable and it's worth your time checking it out. read more

I'm not sure what it is, but I just have this 'thing' against Via. I've never really had crappy service other than the piece of glass they left in my tire...I had brought my wheel there because I was constantly getting flats; they were the only one open at that time, but needless to say I got another flat about half a day later...but I just see people getting ripped off there like crazy. For instance bikes dubbed 'vintage' but in reality are scraps put together from the late 80s and early 90s are being sold for hundreds more than their original listing price was. Seriously, I got the same Schwinn road bike in 1994 for about $100 and they're charging $300! For $300 you can to to Bicycle Revolutions and get a brand new single speed [ok, I had to insert that little plug]! Also there are certain bikes that they won't 'service.' I brought my Trek mountain bike in one day and was told that they couldn't do a tune up because they don't work with mountain bikes but would give it a 'look over.' The workers were pretty cool but a few exerted that "I'm a tech weenie alleycat racing better than you bike rider guy" attitude. Granted this was a few years back and I have no clue who even still works there now. There was one girl that worked there who was pretty cool, but again who knows if she's still there. I just don't like feeling like my repairman is trying to compete with me for who's cooler. Ya know? read more

I am a self-admitted biking virgin to Philadelphia. Mostly due to my fear of getting run over by an irate taxi driver and the fact that I simply did not have a bike. Well, this little lady decided to man up and get herself a nice little bike. Ze hubby has been going to Via for different things for his 1970's Schwinn since we moved here and I have felt their prices to be pretty reasonable. Walked in on Saturday afternoon and was immediately greeted and explained their policy.... the bikes within the shop have not been worked on yet, but you pick one out, they fix it up and away you go with a 30 day guarantee. So I test drove a couple bikes, looking as petrified and wobbly as a baby foul, and the gentleman who was helping me, Erin, suggested a silver-grey 10 speed Schwinn. As soon as I got on it, I was smitten and a ride around the block sealed my love. I left the shop at about 2pm and they called me at 4pm the same day and said the bike was ready. They replaced the seat (the old one only had a tiny rip , but the new one is perfect!) and re-wrapped my handle bar tape. They also suggested a good lock at a great price. Overall, some of the nicest guys I've met, and knowledgeable about their services without the boutique-y "whadda mean you don't want to spend $500 on bike?" And a short side note, when my husband was get his tire changed one day he mentioned to Curtis (see man with epic 'stache) that I work near the Bean Exchange where a very violent attack happened last week. Curtis GAVE him a small can of pepper spray for me to carry. If that doesn't show a love for his neighborhood, I don't know what does. read more

Still my favorite bike shop in Philly. What some customers read as a grouchy mien on owner Curtis I have not experienced -- he's always been good for some funny banter when I was there, and he's helped me put air in my tires and troubleshoot small issues many a time with kindness. Fair prices on repairs and used bikes, and no snooty attitude from fixed-gear-ier-than-thou bike mechanics. I bought a rad Japanese bell there once, too, that made the most magical sound. Eleventy-one spoked stars . read more

Let me just start by saying that Via Bikes seems to be a good bike shop. But I had a weird experience there. So I've been riding a $40 Huffy mountain bike I got on craigslist around town. It does the job, but I was looking for a decent used commuting bike, something lighter and faster. I went to Via and a really helpful employee spent some time with me talking about what I wanted and pointed out some bikes. At some point I asked whether getting the rust off the fender would be part of the fix-up that's included in the price. He told me no, they generally just fix up for function. So I test rode the bike, but then I had my typical moment of panic and said I had to think about it before I spent the money. In my current state of underemployment, $225 is a lot of money and I needed to step back and consider my impulse to spend it. Also, the guy who was helping me was really cute, and nice. This could be clouding my judgment. So as I was on my way out I stopped to look at the bike I'd just ridden again. Another employee (owner? don't know) was scrubbing rust off the fenders. He turned to me and said, "You can bet we're going to raise the price on this one after I do this to it," so I said, "Oh? He just said $225...it'll be more than that?" and the employee said something like "It'll be that until you leave." I don't know why that second guy felt the need to tell me he was going to raise the price on the bike. Was he insulted that I said I had to think about it? He shouldn't be--my worries have very little to do with the bike or his shop. But if I get even a whiff that I'm being pressured to do anything, I don't do it. I am now physically incapable of buying that bike. It would go against some deep-rooted instinct. If that exchange hadn't happened, I probably would have thought it over and come back, maybe the next day, maybe after I got a second job. And I would have gotten to talk to the cute first employee again. Oh well. :( read more

Just bought a bike and although I probably overpaid a bit, this was more than made up for with the great customer service and attention to detail that I would not have received elsewhere. Curtis and his crew were wonderful - friendly, knowledgeable, efficient, and thorough. The place was buzzing when I first stepped inside on a Saturday, although I have walked by it many times and it always seems busy. But I don't mind waiting a few minutes so I just milled around for a bit. Some advice: be patient and do not expect to be treated like royalty (because you're not and this *is* a used bike shop). So, thanks to Yelp!, I knew that the guy with the awesome mustache was Curtis, the owner. As soon as he spotted me (probably looking a little dazed and overwhelmed), he came over, introduced himself, asked my name, and proceeded to ask several questions about what kind of bike I wanted. I guess he's been doing this so long (or maybe I am just a quick study), he just *knows* which bikes a person might like. I wasn't thrilled with the 1st one, but the 2nd bike I test-rode was perfect - I loved how smooth the ride was, despite it being 30+ years old. Sure, I probably could have saved a few bucks buying a similar bike on Craigslist, but I don't think they would have told me to bring my bike back in 30 days for another check-up and that anytime I needed anything, they'd be there to take care of my bike. I also doubt the Craigslist seller would have given the bike a detailed check 4x between my two visits before letting me pay. And I seriously doubt the Craigslist seller would have put a free bell on my bike, given me a discounted lock, and mounted the lock for me, free of charge. read more

Been riding bikes 45 years in Philly: Via Bikes is the best bike shop. I have 4 bicycles, 3 of which I purchased at Via. Here's why: 1) Best deal all around 2) They can repair anything 3) They are honest and not greedy 4) They are efficient, knowledgeable and entertaining They have brazed my broken frames and rethreaded nuts I've stripped. They have insisted on repairing instead of replacing, against their own profit points. When shopping factor in: 1) They customize and replace all the wearable parts of the used bike. I recently renovated a used bike myself, between tires, tubes, brakes, etc it cost me over $100 just in parts. So a $300 refurbished bike from Via is a great bargain. 2) Huge selection & some very classy vintage stuff 3) Guarantee & free service (for life if you are nice about it) While we are here, a few dos and donts of bike commuting: * Always ride on the right! Goddamn you idiots who insist on the left! The law says stay right, there is more room on the right (car drivers naturally hug the left), and the rest of us are on the right. So, you! There on the left! You are confusing the cars and endangering everyone. * Never buy quick-release. In fact, run from any store selling it. WTF good is it? Once in five years your mechanic will not need a wrench, whoopie, therefore you must give every crack head in Philly an invitation to free parts-for-sale? No!. Do these bike shops selling quick-release get a rebate from the crack heads? A crack back? * Disobey signals safely! Yeah, we all do it. Those who tell you "don't" are unrealistic, idealistic morons. It is often necessary and its perfectly legal if you put one foot on the ground (thus becoming a "pedestrian"). But for god's sake, be polite to the cars and OTHER BIKERS that might be trying to safely get thru an intersection, and no they should not have to brake b/c you are an inconsiderate fool. * Stay off the damn sidewalk, go with traffic, stay off the phone -- these are just obvious * Get in shape! Yes, you can keep up with the cars. You can make those ridiculously fast lights on (bike friendly?) Spruce street. And I won't be stuck behind your slow ass! More reasons to visit Via Bicycle: You can also feel good that you are patronizing a small local store. The place has mad character and panache. The owner is hilarious, philosophical and a real nice guy The mechanics are great kids with positive attitudes Via is an institution. They've been in business over 30 years! read more

This was the place I took my vintage Raleigh 3 speed to after a terrible experience at another bike shop. For $40 the mechanic fixed the gear shifting, adjusted the brakes and took it for a test ride to make sure everything was working. Great service, no attitude, no high pressure sales at all. Pretty good selection of used bikes. Highly recommended. read more

Like everyone has pointed out, Via has its ups and its downs, but all around it is A- OK. I went there with a friend to help him buy a bike, he just needed something standard, and under $200. Something VERY doable at Via. The owner is extremely helpful, however one of his employees let my friend test drive a bike with a LOOSE STEM which is horrible, he couldn't steer. Fortunately he didn't wipe out and the owner gave his worker the proper scolding. Just watch out before you ride off into the sunset. This be my only qualm about Via. read more

Via is a local institution and clearly has lots of reviews, so I'll just hit the highlights. 1. The ONLY shop I trust with an IGH. Seriously. No one else has been able to index my finicky 5-speed properly. 2. The mechanics are professionals. They are working here as a career, not just until they graduate art school. And Curtis takes a magnifying glass to the younger mechanics' work to make sure they did the job properly. He seems like a demanding boss to work for but hey, they're working on MY bike that I depend on every day, so I am glad they have high standards! 3. If you're into gawking at random old bikes, definitely stop by. Some wacky stuff comes through their doors. 4. If you're looking to buy a new-to-you vintage ride, Via is the best and possibly only shop in town. You definitely want to test-ride multiple bikes to find one that's a good fit and handles the way you like. Otherwise you could end up like some sad Craigslist Goldilocks buying and re-selling bikes until you find the one that's *just right*... read more

This is embarrassing, but here goes: I've had a bike for almost a year and haven't ridden it once. It's pretty much the cutest bike ever. It sits in my living room, all shiny green vintage Schwinn goodness, and greets me cheerfully each day when I tumble down my winding stairs. But do I know how to ride it? I'm not sure, since it's been 20 years since I was on a bike. Today I finally got around to taking the bike to Via Bicycle for a new tire and a tune up. Half an hour and $117 later--almost as much as I paid for the bike in the first place--I have a bike that's ready to go for a whirl (assuming I ever get up the nerve to hop on it) and a lock to secure it with. The staff were patient with little ol' non-gearhead me and even remembered my name when I came back (much better than being known as "that guy who can't ride a bike"). They even gave me a quick lesson on how to lock up the bike properly and how not to humiliate myself when I hop aboard. I can see how some people would be put off by this shop, since it's crowded, absurdly busy and there is a whiff of holier-than-though attitude in the air. But it suits my purposes just fine and I'll definitely be back. read more

The owner seems to know his stuff, but the people who work for him (I'm guessing?) are complete jerks... I would have liked to have disregarded reviews, as I went in for a relatively simple fix, but all the same, the dude managed to figure out a way to malign what kind of PEDALS I wanted... Furthermore, he ripped me off on the pedals-- I found the same pair for half the price the next weekend in Lancaster. I also wanted to buy a wrench and he wanted to charge me $25 for some rusty-ass Park wrench, and I'm like... what the hell. Service and prices bring this place down to three stars... but that being said, there's a great selection of stuff in here, and his bikes are reasonably priced. read more