Moving to Boston--LBS recommendation

I am moving to Boston for a grad program :D First things first, I need a new LBS ;) Any suggestions? I'll be living in the Brighton/Brookline area and am willing to ride there so my radius is quite large. From my experience, about half my time in a bike shop is spent without my bike present. I like shops that are not too pretentious and at ease with my frugal ways--but still know how their bike stuff. I also like shops that treat women respectfully :) I am planning to bring my road bike and commuter bike with me when I move :)

Oh, and any bike lock recommendations? I will be storing my bikes inside but I will definitely be riding my commuter bike around town. I am assume I will need a better lock (maybe not, though--no one might want my bike ;)).

Thanks in advance :)

I'm not local, so I probably have no place chiming in here, but Harris Cyclery in W. Newton is a great place to visit and is probably a grand LBS, although it might be a bit out of the way for you. Or not.

And congrats! Where are you going for grad school? My fine alma mater, Big & Ugly? :cool:

Hi Ana,

Congrats!! I live in the metro-Boston area and know a lot about a number of shops. To be honest, I haven't found one I love. However, there a a number of good ones (and it sort of depends on what you need). There are also ones I don't trust so much. Harris in West Newton is a good choice and not as far as some others for you. (I will PM you with more details.)

And, Yes, I would get a Kryptonite U lock and a kryptonite cable if you have quick release front wheel you don't want to take off and lock in the back every time. The Boston area is, unfortunately, rich with bike thieves -- who will take anything that is not locked down. This includes saddles with quick release seatpost collars, computers, lights, panniers, and front wheels.

Boston is also working to become a more friendly biking community, and has made some strides.

Also, if you are coming this summer, consider joining us for the NEBC (Northeast Bicycle Club) Women's Ride which leaves from Lexington Battle Green on Tuesday evenings at 6PM. http://nebc.us/rides/

Welcome to the area and if you want to ride sometime, let me know. (I will include contact info in PM)

Cheers,
Hirakukibou (aka Pata)

Hi Ana,

I echo what Hirakukibou says. I haven't found a shop that I love for everything. Definitely need a U lock and a cable lock, although DS uses just a U lock and he rides all around Somerville, Cambridge, and Boston.
How exciting! Where are you going to be going to school?
PM me and we can definitely plan some rides.