Bike shop in Alexandria (VA) area

I have a friend who is slightly intrigued by the idea of replacing her heavy 1980s bike with something new. But if she upgrades, she wants to be darned sure she understands what she's buying and why. Is there a bike shop in the Alexandria (VA) area (or nearby) that TE'ers can recommend that won't simply try to sell her a bike, but will first spend a bit of time with her explaining what's what? (i.e. Why Bike X is worth $X and Bike Y is worth $Y?)

My guess is that she would be in the market for something in the $1000-$1500 range (sale price). Not entry level, but not high-end either.

She's in super shape at age 60 from walking and working out. If she gets a new bike, she'll take it as seriously as she does the rest of her exercise. (When she was last 'into' biking, she regularly did 30-50 mile rides every weekend.)

Thoughts about where she should head?

I like Spokes in Alexandria (Quaker Lane store) but mainly for their mechanics. I've purchased bikes from them but not as a returning/new biker. Steer clear of Revolution Cycles in Clarendon.

Suggest your friend make the drive to College Park and go to Proteus.

I think NYBiker likes the Bike Lane -- it's in Burke, not too far from Alexandria (she can get on Little River Turnpike and head west). Also, I've been in Conte's in Ballston and got a good vibe from the folks who work there.

Great suggestions, thanks! I'll pass 'em along to my friend.

Yeah, Spokes is good, but for buying a bike it was worth it for me to drive to either Burke or Reston for The Bike Lane. www.thebikelane.com.

I've heard good things about the Bike Lane, but never ventured there when I lived in the area. I would second going to Proteus. I bought one bike there and they serviced my other bikes. I would still go there if I were closer!

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Originally Posted by tulip

I would second going to Proteus. I bought one bike there and they serviced my other bikes. I would still go there if I were closer!

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What they said.. so far from me compared to the millions of other bike shops in my area, but it was worth it.

Thanks! My friend used to work at the National Archive complex near College Park, so she knows that area (all too well from years of commuting from Alexandria!) I'll let her know that Proteus is worth the drive.

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Originally Posted by KathiCville

Thanks! My friend used to work at the National Archive complex near College Park, so she knows that area (all too well from years of commuting from Alexandria!) I'll let her know that Proteus is worth the drive.

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She shoulda commuted by bike! I lived 4 miles from Proteus and worked in Alexandria. It was a great commute...I miss it.

Bicycle Pro Shop, but only go to the Duke Street (Alexandria) store when Tony is working. Sometimes, they don't have the best crew over there, but they do have some more stock there than in DC. That said, their DC store is great and just over Key Bridge, and if they need to bring a bike brand or size from the other shop, they will.

I'm not a fan of Spokes for sales. The manager is supposedly not so bad (says my BF), but he is on a sponsored team and ordering specific items (i.e., not getting pitched to). To me, they seem pretty clueless.

Thanks, everybody! This tried-and-true input will be invaluable to my friend. Plus I have another friend who lives in the Vienna area who has been toying with the idea of getting a new bike. I'll pass along these suggestions to her too. I don't think she's bought a new one in at least 20 years......I'd love to see both of my pals out on bikes again. If they had the benefit of new, light(er) models and good gearing, I think they'd both fall in love with cycling (again).

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Originally Posted by KathiCville

Thanks, everybody! This tried-and-true input will be invaluable to my friend. Plus I have another friend who lives in the Vienna area who has been toying with the idea of getting a new bike. I'll pass along these suggestions to her too. I don't think she's bought a new one in at least 20 years......I'd love to see both of my pals out on bikes again. If they had the benefit of new, light(er) models and good gearing, I think they'd both fall in love with cycling (again).

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I'm all late but for your Vienna friend I'd definitely recommend getting her bike worked on at Bikes at Vienna. Unfortunately, they don't sell regular bikes. I bought my bike at Proteus (another vote) and service it at Bikes at Vienna. Those guys are great. If Proteus wasn't so far I'd probably get it serviced there.

If she really wants to take a ride I'd recommend The Bike Doctor in Frederick. I'd even go with her.