Does anyone like Tempe Bicycle?

[HappyTexasMom]

Yeah, I do know...it's just a bit of a trek for me (30 miles). That said, my gut is telling me that's where I should go when I'm ready to check out bikes.

[tulip]

30 miles is a trek in Arizona? I thought that was like going to get coffee at the corner store. Well, I stand corrected.

[HappyTexasMom]

30 miles is a trek in Arizona? I thought that was like going to get coffee at the corner store. Well, I stand corrected.

When it's on the opposite side of a congested metro area, it is. And when you have much closer bike shops available. I don't mind the drive, really (ride when I'm better LOL), but on the other hand, I don't know that I want that to be "my" shop that I'm going to for maintenance, tune ups, etc. My prime time for running in to get errands done is after work (i.e., rush hour), *not* a time that I want to be traversing the Phoenix valley. (Also note that the bike route puts me going through some sketchy areas that I'm not very comfortable riding in).

[sarahspins]

Yeah, I do know...it's just a bit of a trek for me (30 miles). That said, my gut is telling me that's where I should go when I'm ready to check out bikes.

If it makes you feel better at all.. the closest LBS to me (well, if you don't count REI!) is just shy of 40 miles.. all the others are over 40, a couple are nearly 50

Needless to say, I didn't buy my bike at REI, but I do find myself in there a LOT

I'd go see Running Mommy since it's not as far as I have to go

[HappyTexasMom]

Sarah, where *is* your closest LBS? I'm generally familiar with where you live...my parents are in Round Rock (and there's a LBS there); I grew up in Austin and Wimberley

[sarahspins]

I'm about 25 miles outside of Round Rock... so pretty far out there

There is actually a LBS in Round Rock, but I wasn't terribly thrilled with my experiences there a few years ago, so I kind of forget it's even there... but it's still a 25 mile drive, so not exactly close.

[Dogmama]

30 miles through Phx can be a long time. 30 miles through TUCSON, where they city government cannot time the lights is lifetime. Saguaro cacti are still laughing about commuters who think they're going to get across a 15 mile stretch of town during rush hour when college is in session & snow birds are thick in 60 minutes - as us locals say, "no way, Jose"

(I'm SO READY to be out of this heat)

Back to the original poster - if you're in Tucson, check out Arizona Cyclist. They did an awesome tune up on my bike, Even matched the little cable cap thingies color to the bike.

[KnottedYet]

Could you buy the bike from Estrella and ask them to recommend a shop near you for maintainence? http://www.estrellamountaincyclery.com/ride/

Bike shop people seem to all know each other. It might be cool to have the inside scoop from another shop. (and I'd love to have RM help me choose a new bike!)

[tulip]

Well, I've only been to Arizona once, and that was around Tuscon, so I don't know much.

I go to the bike shop maybe twice a year. I just don't need to go more often than that. I even go up to DC to my favorite shop once in a while, but I haven't been back there in a while (that's a hike)