This place has an incredible purpose for serving your community. They take old bikes that people don't want anymore and refurbish them and sell them at a reasonable price and a lot of the money goes to nonprofit. The people that worked there very nice. I'm very helpful and the price ranges on the bike depends on how sweet of a ride you really wanna get. Unlike a shop where you would buy a new the cost will not be that much. But these are professionals they do an incredible job of restoration on old bikes and putting them out and they look like they're brand new. read more

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This is a fun way to pass an hour--rowing a boat in Aquatic Park. It's easier than expected to get the boat moving, harder than expected to keep it moving. The boats are maintained (and possibly built) by young people at Waterside Workshops and basic but sturdy. The hour rental ($40 total with life vests included) was plenty enough to row from one end of the lagoon to the other and back, with a quick snack break. We are not skilled rowers, and it was fine. I would check the schedule ahead of time, especially during the off season. We went late in the afternoon and were the only ones on the water. Because of our inexperience, I was glad that we weren't sharing the water with any water skiers or a crew team. Just egrets, pelicans, and cormorants. read more

Waterside Workshops - We are on a boat! - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Just bought a 1989 specialized bike I was really excited about only to discover the seat post was seized. Tried youtube penetrating oil solutions but quickly gave up. Street Side Cycles took a look and explained my options. We went with a vice and miraculously it worked. They only charged $20 and were super courteous. A+ experience. read more

We had a truly excellent experience at waterside yesterday. We went to get our 11yo a bike for their birthday. Tobe helped us out and he was so patient, knowledgeable, and good with kids. We ended up getting a used Novara model called the Tractor, and our kid decided to call their bike "Tobe the Tractor." Thanks so much for all the work you all do for the community, the inclusive and welcoming environment, and for the wonderful experience in picking a new bike! We will be back for future bikes, service, and open workshops! read more

Yes very nice bike shop and very employees They have everything a biker could want and have reasonable prices read more

You Gotta Get a Bike from here!! Already have a favorite? That's ok, You gotta receive the Best Service Shop in the Bay Area. Thank You Street Level Bikes for the Top Level Mechanic Skill Set , as well as opening my eyes with the Art Knowledge. All Staff are pleasant to deal with, equally knowledgeable with a Skilled hand. Providing you the Bike Care needed or well overdue..... Never Cheap , Always Affordable Be sure to utilize the Classes provided as well as weekend open hours, Allowing your ideas , passions, skill come alive . Once again Thank You Berkeley Co-Op Street Level Bikes AquaPark read more

Amazing shop for refurbished bicycles of excellent quality at unbeatable prices. Friendly, patient, & helpful staf

I love this spot and come here when I can. The staff and volunteers are nice, friendly, knowledgeable and generous with their skills. The shop stocks lots of good bike basics. I brought in my vintage road bike and a young person helped me: yay youth!!! She was experienced and patient with my bike AND my endless questions. They even have open workshop hours on the weekends when you can come and use their tools, get help learning how to do things on your bike. Be sure to give a donation for this service if you can. This type of model is a gem and community treasure I hope they stick around forever. read more

There are good reasons for the positive reviews. The work was skillful, communication forthright, and turnaround excellent. A pleasure.

This is a great place! They gratefully take your bicycle donations to help young folks, learn how to repair and build bicycles. You can buy one from them, and have a reliable source of transportation without spending a lot of money. read more

My bicycle looks like a "hoopty." I was down at the Cal Sailing Club and told my friend, Peter, that I wanted a bike. He smiled and about a 1/2 hour later, Peter, rolled up a nice blue Trek for me. He got it for $15 at a yard sale. It looked like it never was ridden. I thought it perfect for me. Peter and my son decided to paint it just like a tie-dyed shirt. WTF? "It's a Berkeley Bike, Dad!" my kid shouted with glee! Right, "The Grateful Dead Edition." Well, the paint job has grown on me and she rides really well. But I needed a tune up, new break pads, new grips, and tires. I stopped by a few local bike shops and it was going to be a $100 investment. Not that I'm cheap, but I've put it off for several months. I kept seeing the Waterside rated #1 on the "yelp Welcome" page and my yelper pal, Molly W., posted a nice review. It's two blocks from my crib, so I rode over there to check it out. The place is a "Hoopty Heaven" for bikes! A half dozen fix-it stations you can do it yourself, get some pro wrenching advice, a fair price on parts, buy a recycled bike, and see kids that are learning and willing to work on your ride. After failing home repairs many times, I opted for the Waterside crew to "pimp my ride." And $50 later (can you say bargain?), she "sho" is running fine now! The Waterside Workshop is a nonprofit group whose mission for youth is "to provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere where teamwork, dedication, and sustainability are illustrated through various handcrafts, skills, and outdoor experiences." Last year, Waterside served over 250 youth with over 70% of these kids coming from low-income families, and 35% of those youth were living below the poverty line. This workshop is funded by the philanthropic generosity from the local community. Even if you don't need your bike fixed, ride on down to Berkeley's Aquatic Park, take in the beauty there, and stop by the Waterside Cafe for an espresso drink and a snack. I guarantee you'll bookmark it and come back often. My bike rides likes there is no tomorrow and stops on a dime. With new grips and tires, I took her out today for several Aquatic Park loops and then, cruised down Fourth Street. I proudly parked it right in front Cafe Rouge and while eating my steak frites at the bar, a number of admirers were checking out my wheels. Must be the tie-dyed paint job, for it is, a Berkeley Bike. Thanks to my friend, my son, and Waterside Workshop! read more

Waterside Workshops - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Had an amazing experience today at Waterside Workshops. My daughter and I went in to see about buying a used bike or buying parts and assembling one ourselves. Trey Starr was running the store when we got there and once he was free, the three of us spontaneously started to build a custom used bike together. First he sized my daughter, then picked out a perfect frame that we liked both the fit and color. Then found a used wheel with a single freewheel, then bottom bracket and crank set, then brake handles, extended stem, semi-upright handlebar (from the adjacent student workshop) , rack, pedals, etc.. Within 2 hours we had a totally bespoke bike! All the while enjoying Trey, who is a terrific, super-positive guy. This store is a gem, and will be our go-to especially after the closure of Missing Link:(. And this place is non-profit which teaches inner city youth how to maintain bikes and how to become a strong rider! read more

Waterside Workshops - Bespoke bike - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

I've been mulling the idea of getting a bike for years and finally decided to pull the trigger. I walked in the door and Gio had me trying out a couple different bikes within minutes. Once I selected a bike, he helped me add on a rack and a kickstand. We took it out for an inaugural ride to the Albany Bulb and Fieldwork. Fantastic experience, great folks behind the counter, and overall super easy and friendly. Glad to have this business in the neighborhood. Special thanks to Gio! read more

Waterside Workshops - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Just walked in and had the best experience. The staff here were super helpful helping us pick out our kids first bike. They helped adjust it perfectly. They sold us a balance bike for our youngest. We walked away with a bike a balance bike two helmets for a beyond reasonable price. To the woman who helped us get fitted thank you. Your customer service is exceptional. Our son hopped on the bike and rode it home. No experience ever. I know where we'll be purchasing all of our bikes from now on! read more

Waterside Workshops - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

I have donated a few bikes to the Waterside Workshops over the last few years. The first one (last year) was my former father-in-law's old Peugeot that was beyond safe repair. However, the folks at the shop were pleased to see it and grateful for the donation. I'm sure that Tom would approve that his beloved bike (or at least the parts) was being recycled back into his Berkeley community. My second donation over last weekend was an old Nishiki that needed a better home than I could give it. I could tell from their approving peer conversations that they thought that this bike was a winner. I kind of felt guilty for letting the bike go, instead of hanging around and fixing it! Overall, I thought the folks here were helpful and geared towards maximizing the bicycling experience for any rider of any experience. I'm sure I'll be back. Maybe next time it will involve a helping repair or a more suitable used bike purchase. read more

They build it, you buy it. No, that's not true. They teach people --including low-income individuals and a large population of underprivileged kids-- how to build it and fix it, and then you buy it. Then they turn around and employ those kids to keep building bikes. The selection of completed bikes wasn't huge when I went, but the Watersiders offered to fix up a frame I pointed out, which miraculously turned out to be my size AND blue. So we agreed on a price, and they promised to call me in a week. I was skeptical after a horrendous experience with another local bike store, but had to trust that they wouldn't rip me off. And I *wanted* to like Waterside. Verdict: exceeds expectations. They called! YAY! And they held the bike for me! DOUBLEYAY! For less than $300, I got a used Trek road bike with fine Shinano parts (and a super squishy seat). They quoted me a very reasonable price for a high-quality bike, and they were good for it. (Recently, an enthusiast friend confirmed that my bike was tuned to perfection and could have gone for much more.) So, main points: getting a bike from Waterside Workshops is a win-win-win situation. The Waterside crew keeps kids off the streets, and the bike you buy keeps Waterside open to teach more kids. As a bonus, you get an awesome bike for very little money. The staff seems to be composed of people who really love what they do, and are there because they want to make a difference in the community and in kids' lives. Is there a good reason to buy a bike anywhere else? Maybe if your mom ran a bike store, it would be acceptable to buy from her... but that's the ONLY legit reason. Otherwise, keep these kids off the streets, mmkay? Glad we agree; Waterside it is. Everybody's happy. EVERYBODY DANCE. read more

Waterside Workshops - My beloved bike, built by Waterside - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Best first-time bike shop experience I ever could have hoped for. Set in a beautiful water-side spot in Berkeley, in a co-op setting next to Sew Your Own shop (See Yelp Reviews): http://www.watersideworkshops.org/pages/our-programs/sewing-program.php - Chris, Curtis, and the other awesome bike folks are willing, able, and awesome at being helpful in curing a bike of its ills - while also educating the owner on hoe to DO IT THEMSELVES. It's like giving hungry woman a fish - or telling her how to ride it herself!... or something like that... I went in there with a '77 rusty Schwinn with messed-up gears, crotchety steering, untrue wheels to the max, and a host of other random problems - all of which I was taught to fix myself in an hour or two. And how much did I pay for all this awesome, helpful, community-service? NADA - Zilch. Nothin' - FREE. Nice, eh? They weighed my bike for me, let me run around the shop trying out bikes like a crazy woman, and had unlmimited patience for this bike un-savvy trying-to-rid-herself-of-a-car chic... I am forever indebted. I almost walked out of there with an awesome bike, but could only ride one home at a time :0) Check it out - they're only open in the afternoon/evenings on certain days so be sure to check the times before you cruise over there! read more

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The BEST source for used parts. The volunteer helpers are super knowledgeable and patient. I had an old bike and couldn't find a seat post that fit. They let me use calipers and directed me to a file cabinet filled with posts. $5. My new favorite shop. Well laid out with work stations and they will teach you how to do whatever it is you need. Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to true a wheel and rollin for a lifetime. If you have a vintage bike that you're trying to get on the road, this is the place. Top end road bike that needs new chain-theyll show you how read more

Waterside Workshops - File cabinet drawers labeled with the parts and organized by size. You can go through them yourself. - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Beautiful location and a life saver if you get a flat bike tire on the Bay Trail. We enjoyed our time waiting for our tire repair while drinking iced coffees in their garden on the side of the lagoon. Such a lovely hidden gem. Bike guys were super friendly and professional. There is also free workshop space if you want to do your own repairs. Its worth the stop even if you dont have a flat. read more

Waterside Workshops - View while we waited for a flat tire fix - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great community resource for reliable 2 wheel transit where you know your dollars are supporting youth training and not hot bikes. Had a great experience getting my teen into a 10 speed. Very helpful staff read more

Whenever I shop I try to avoid chains and support local, independent businesses, so on this occasion, I was extra excited to be able to support an independent business PLUS one that supports youth! Was not disappointed. Came in, was greeted with a friendly welcome and helped immediately. Prices were extremely reasonable, and sure enough, there was a young person being instructed on how to repair bikes. As much as I love the model of places like REI, when it comes to bikes, I'll definitely be making this place my go-to. read more

I was in dire need of a new bike for commuting purposes. My old bike was waaay too small. Came into Street Level cycle not knowing what to expect except that they sell used bikes and support youth engagement. I was shocked at how helpful and attentive the employees were. They helped me try out a few bikes until I found what I wanted and for an UNBEATABLE price and a kickass 90 day warranty. They seem truly passionate about bikes because two employees told me to come in riiiight before the 90 days was up for a tune up. Even though it's extra work for them, they really cared about having the bike in good condition. After I found a great bike I needed a rack. I was able to use the workshop and with help from the attendant, install my own rack! I loved the experience of getting to get hands on with my bike and getting to know it better. I WILL definitely be back and feel like I found a super bike community :) Definitely check out for great bikes, affordable prices and a workshop to make it your own. read more

Great place to get a used bike. They carry lots of road/mountain/hybrid/cruiser bikes in different sizes. Many come with a three-month warranty. You could certainly get a bike on Craigslist for less. But aside from supporting a wonderful local business, if you get a bike here, you also get peace of mind. I came in one day in the summer not expecting to find something that would fit the bill, but walked away with a bike I now use daily. Alas, it started to experience small glitches two months in. So I sent it in for a repair under warranty. It was ready two business days later (they are not open Monday or Tuesday), with parts fixed/changed, at no cost to me. Great experience. read more

Came to rent bikes to ride on the new Bay Trail going across the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island. The guys here are really laid back, but get what you need. Rental Rates: $8/hour $30/day Since we were using the bikes for ~4 hours, we went with the day rate. They also put a $200 hold on your credit card, in case you don't bring back the bikes. I just don't like how it takes a while to return the hold. They have both men's and women's bikes for the same price. I learned that"women's" bikes just have a lower frame which can help with mobility issues, or just keep your skirt down! They also provide bike locks and helmets free of charge. I appreciated that they took the time to add a mount for one of the bike locks so that we wouldn't have to worry about carrying it some other way. We'll definitely be back for another biking adventure! FUN FACT: They don't allow their bike rentals to be taken to Burning Man. read more

After my daughter's bike was stolen (yet again), I decided to buy her a used one. Calling around the various bike shops in Oakland and Berkeley, I learned Waterside had the best selection of used bikes. We came in, and my daughter fell in love with a funky looking 30-year old French bicycle that had been lovingly refurbished with new parts. It was a pretty good deal, relatively speaking. And she loves loves loves her bike, and rides it far more often than she did her stolen, shiny brand new bike. After a minor crash she needed a repair, so took her bike back to Waterside and they showed her how to fix it herself. So cool! And the Waterside purpose, to teach kids how to fix stuff and keep them out of trouble, how could this Berkeley Mom resist? I've decided to buy all my family's bikes from here. Love this place. read more

The bike lab at Waterside Workshops was one of the best things I have ever found out about through Craigslist. My bike is a POS huffy road bike, and one of the brakes had stopped working, so I rode my bike down on a sunny Saturday afternoon. I knew it would be super expensive to fix, so I was reluctant to take it in to a repair shop. It ended up costing me 4 dollars to replace both of my brake cables and more importantly I learned how to do it (mostly) by myself. The people who volunteer there are super friendly and helpful! Everyone kept coming around, checking on me, asking if I needed help, and patiently showed me what to do. My friend who came with me fixed her gears/shifter for 2 dollars. I highly recommend Waterside Workshops to anyone who wants to learn how to fix their bike on the cheap, or even to build a bike with the parts and frames that they have there. I will never pay for repairs again! Moral of the story: CHEAP! FRIENDLY! HELPFUL! BIKES! WOOOO! read more

This place has awesome vibes. The people who work here are incredibly patient and kind. They strike the perfect balance between letting you figure out things on your own, and also swooping in when you've really reached a wall. I also love that they sell used parts for super cheap (keeping things out of landfills while also making life affordable for the rest of us). Finally, the workshop has a great view of the aquatic park, making your bike fixing project a visually enjoyable experience. read more

My imaginary, perfect world is filled with places like this. Great friendly instructors/workers, amazing assortment of tools and parts, at little to no charge, and the wonderfully empowering experience of learning how your bike works. I have been building up an old peugeot road bike of theirs, and it's been a great process. It's a wonderful bike, all for about $100. read more

I cannot sing the praises of this place highly enough. I'm not a hardcore bike geek or anything; just wanted something for getting around town and the occasional off-road jaunt. I'd recently moved to the country and wanted to buy a second-hand hybrid bike for around $200. I'd been to many places in Berkeley or Oakland without success. Yelp and word of mouth alerted me to Waterside, and I'm so glad they did! I went in and was immediately impressed with the pleasant and mellow vibe. Friendly happy staff, members of the public using the free (donations welcome) bike workshop to fix their (or their kids'/grandkids) bikes, classic 90s hip-hop bumpin from the speakers.... and the tranquil location by the riverside. It was most excellent. Jordan and another dude helped me greatly, and we even came up with a cool solution to chain the saddle to the frame (to deter any saddle thefts) which involved part of an old bike chain. Jordan showed me how to use the tool and I soon got the hang of it, and decided to buy a U-lock at the same time and hung around the workshop using their space and tools to fix the lock bracket onto the bike. Did I mention they gave me a free used bike helmet (actually it was a skater helmet)? Wow. I left a very happy customer and will definitely be back. Thanks guys - Waterside Bikes is the best place in the east bay that I know of to buy used bikes (that aren't stolen) and to get expert advice and free help/loan of tools/workshop space to fix up your bike. read more

Street Level Cycles found at the Waterside Workshops is AWESOME! Everyone who works there is extremely helpful and willing to assist and teach you how to fix your own bike. I've fixed a few bikes there including my bike which needed new parts and lots of tuning up, then I brought in my 2 nephews bikes, which are kids bikes, that both needed new tire tubes. I bought the new tubes for $5. That's cheaper than any other place. Chris who runs the place is really cool and laid back, and is always ready to help. I can't say enough good things about this place, and the greatest part of all is it's FREE or very very CHEAP. GO THERE, ITS AWESOME! read more

I ordered a bike online, and I was very excited that it came 90% built to my house. Unfortunately, one of the brake levers broke during shipment and was left distraught. I was going to ship back my bike to the online vendor, but I gave my bike, "Sexy Lexie," another chance. My bike's real name is Alexandra Eleanor by the way. And yes, the bike is sexy! Just like the meaning of Lexie's last name, she is a shining light! So... I checked Yelp to see which bike shops in Berkeley can help me fix my brake for a reasonable price. The majority were charging ~$80/hr. *)(#$ that. I spent 300 bucks buying Sexy Lexie, and I can just use the $80 to buy a Superman U-Lock since there is a prominence of bike thefts in Berkeley! Waterside Workshop was the solution. They hold true to their mission in "providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere where teamwork, dedication, and sustainability are illustrated through various handcrafts, skills, and outdoor experiences." From the looks of the building outside, it looked like a sketchy place, but don't judge a book by its cover! The DOI program is available Friday to Sunday (12-6PM). The volunteers and the workers there are really friendly and helpful! To name a few: Cory, Jordan, and Dave were very helpful in teaching me how to build Alexandra Eleanor. To add to that, they enjoy what they do! The bike shop has all the tools you need in fixing your bike! Since Sexy Lexie arrived in the mail 90% built, I was able to build and tune her up within 2 hours. The guys at the workshop helped me with: putting up the bike pedals, putting up the new brake lever, putting up the bar tape of Sexy Lexie, and tuning up the brakes and brake calipers. I've never thought fixing a bike would be this fun! Sexy Lexie went from being ordinary to being extraordinary! My experience at Waterside Workshops helped me appreciate my bike even more! Every month I come back to the bike shop to sexify Lexie up even more by tuning up the brakes and basically just cleaning her and making her shine! Giving credit where credit is due: the workers/volunteers in the bike shop are really helpful and great! after numerous visits, they are consistent in maintaining their mission. Great workers, great location, great camaraderie by the workers/volunteers, great inexpensive prices for bike parts that you need, overall great place! Waterside Workshops, thank you! read more

What it isn't: A bike store with people ready to make money by fixing up your bike or selling you a sweet ride from a selection of shiny new bikes. What this place is: A place to go to learn how to fix your own bike. A place to go to build your own bike. A place to go to get used bike parts. A place to go to get help fixing your bike if you realize that the person fixing it is doing it to be kind (you will find a ton of kind and encouraging bike enthusiasts) and not because it's a business based on providing that service. I'm hugely grateful that Waterside Workshop / Street Level Cycles is here. Thank you to the founders, the volunteers, the contributors, the patrons...awesome concept! read more

I came in with my inherited bike-- it was totally out of service and crusty when I came in, and it was working perfectly when I left!! The volunteers and employees were all very nice and they provided me with all the tools and information I needed to fix up my bike myself! They had no problem giving me an extra hand when I didn't know what I was doing. They even provided me with oils and lubes and air. Their prices (on the items I needed) were better than any other bike shop in town that I'd been too, and they had used parts (including tires) if I wanted. I learned a lot, and felt really good having done it myself! read more

I took my bike out to ride yesterday and I noticed it had a flat. Actually, it had two. I acquired this bike free from work (recovered stolen bike) and deemed it was time to get it fixed. Being that I am on a budget and after reading these reviews, decided it was high time that I learn to fix a bike. At first the whole experience is a bit intimidating, especially for those with limited knowledge of bikes, but as long as you have a heap of patience and don't mind bugging the equally patient guys working there, you will walk out of that place only paying for parts. I was able to flip my handle bars right-side up, and replace my tires all in about and hour (granted I am the slowest person EVER). I only paid $26 for the two tires I bought. Now my bike is fixed, and I know how to fix it next time. Word of advice: perhaps go with someone who knows a bit about bikes if you are in a time crunch. Waiting around for the two overworked guys to come check what you are doing takes a bit of time. Oh! and they only accept cash or check so come prepared! read more

I finally made my way here last week and found a bike, with a Mixte frame(!!!). It had some rust, but it wasn't heavy and it was beautiful. After test riding it, I found out from one of the guys who worked there that they could swap the handlebars for an upright one. After waiting 1 week, I picked up my 'new' bike and biked home, an uphill 3-mile ride. The bike felt solid, worked well, and all in all, I paid less than $250 for it (they installed a rear rack also). For a first-time customer, my experience at Waterside / SLC was pretty seamless. Plus anyone can come in and fix your bike there (or learn how). They're also by the aquatic park. And they help out youth. It's a win-win. read more

Now if you saw me on a bike, an old ladies' step through model with painted flowers, wobbling all about you would know I have not used the tools here at Street Level Bikes. My sons, however, have benefitted from the staff and the patience they show to customers. They come back raving about what a great place it is and I know both of them have learned a great deal from the staff. Please use this shop as you will not ever be disappointed. They are down near the aquatic park. Every business in the Bay area should be this good at customer care. read more

This place rocks! I've come here a few times now and every time it's been really cool, friendly and helpful. The first time I came here was to drop off a flyer for my stolen bike and to look around at used bikes. The second time I came here, I had just gotten my old 80s Fuji road bike that needed some work and was all paranoid that my frame was bent (I previously had a mountain bike that was bent in the rear dropouts, and it was not a fun, cheap experience, still fresh in my memory).. I was also having trouble getting my back wheel on straight. This one guy working there was patient and attentive in helping me out.. I felt a little silly asking what seemed to be dumb questions but guy was really cool and just remained patient and listened when I blabbered. I also bought some new gear cables and brake cables before leaving. The third time I came was when I needed help adjusting my brakes and my front derailleur was broken.. There were two dudes there helping out, and as usual they were really cool and helpful. The fourth time was today, and I'm updating this now to talk about this. Today they helped me take off my freewheel. Overall, this is a really cool place with cool, helpful people.. Recommended!! read more

Great place to fix up your bike and get help while you're at it! A lot of us in the Bay don't a) have the space to house tools necessary for bike repair and b) don't have the where with all. The good news is that Waterside has both! Lots of great people around to help you out, and to boot, they have used bike parts for sale. Get down there already. We've been coming here for years. The good: great prices, great help. The bad: can be tough to walk in and have space and assistance, so call ahead. Bonus: check out that view! read more

Bike repair shop: - great prices for bike supplies (much better than REI!) - friendly help and advice if you're trying to fix your own bike read more

The best place to get your bike repaired or to purchase parts! I love how hands-on it is and that you learn as you go so next time, you'll be able to fix it or tune it up yourself. The staff is helpful, honest, informative and the prices can't be beat! read more