Boston Bike Shops

[kjb]

Harris Cyclery in West Newton is the king of MA bike shops. If you're looking for gear, that's the place to go. For just a tune up, the REI in the Fenway is pretty good, as is Ski and Snow on Comm Ave.

[TripleGem]

Back Bay Bikes is my personal choice (and I live near Ace Wheelworks). To me, it's all about the relationship you build with the employees. I find the folks at BBB to be very helpful. It's a small shop, but I've never needed something they don't carry or can't order.

I've been to Landry's on Comm Ave a few times. They're good, bigger than Back Bay.

I avoid Cambridge Bikes at all costs.

[seeingsparks]

Thanks so much for all your responses guys.

I went to Belmont Wheelworks and that was not helpful or enjoyable at all. I got you're SOL with a smile.

I think I am going to start to go to ATA and use Harris as well for things. They're both out of my way but I just haven't had a good experience with anyone near my school/apartment.

Very frustrating. I just keep using my shop from Oakland.

[Crankin]

Well, ATA is geared toward racers... be prepared for an attitude. I bought my Kuota at the ATA in Concord. They treat me well, but let's just say I had to be very firm and prepared with research that *they* should have done when they sold me a frame that was just too big. They did right by me in the end, though.
If you go to the ATA in Porter Sq., they do appear to have quite a few commuter type bikes there, probably to meet the needs of the people who actually ride to get places.