Best bike shop(s) in Tucson? (Tanque Verde: dorms, buy, to live)

[nambis]

Hello,

Can anyone tell me what the top bike shops in Tucson are - both in terms of bike stock (new bikes), and service?

I have an old mountain bike that I plan to use as a work commuter, but it probably needs some work and I'm not sure if I should fix it up or just buy something new... so I'd like to call some good bike shops in Tucson and see what they think.

Thanks!

[grmi66]

I'm biased, used to work at Fairwheel Bikes and raced for their bike racing team. They are on 6th Street and have been there for over 40 years.

[robabeatle]

I second Fairwheel.

[nambis]

Originally Posted by grmi66

I'm biased, used to work at Fairwheel Bikes and raced for their bike racing team. They are on 6th Street and have been there for over 40 years.

cool, maybe you can give me some advice then. I am moving to Tucson in August and will start bike commuting then. Ideally, I would buy a new commuter bike, but have been told that spring is the best time to do it because it's "the season" for bikes. Is that true, or do you think I can find something good in August/September? (or is everything left then "picked over"?)

If I wait until spring, it means I will end up using my late 90s Trek 6000 as a commuter. It needs new tires, tuneup and probablly refill the gas shock though, and i'm not sure its even worth the price (?).

[Bummer]

"BEST" is a relative term, Nambis.

For simple repairs at a very reasonable price or possibly a good sturdy reconditioned bike, I've been very happy with R & R Bicycle Repair (Mom and Pop type shop) on Ruthrauff (520 293-6144).

For a full service Outdoor Recreational Shop with a great selection of new Road and Mountain Bikes plus all the accessories and equipment possible along with simple to extensive repairs, I recommend REI adjacent to the Cheesecake Factory in the Tucson Mall.

[tjl944]

If you end up by the east side look into Ben's Bikes on Houghton, just south of Valencia. Small shop. I have found Ben's work to be reasonably priced, done correctly and in a timely manner. He also has a selection of new bikes. It was a good find for me.

[grmi66]

Any shop around the U of A sells most of their entry level bikes in August when the dorms open. Sometimes you can get great deals. Bear in mind that most bike shops do not make money selling bikes, so not much room to haggle on the cost of a bike. But they have room to deal on accessories and labor, try to get a discount on parts for the first 90 days, free tune ups for a year and stuff like that.

[eddie gein]

Originally Posted by grmi66

I'm biased, used to work at Fairwheel Bikes and raced for their bike racing team. They are on 6th Street and have been there for over 40 years.

Commander Ralph mounts his bike. The Shootout is on!!!!

[tumamoc]

Sabino Cycles @ Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon roads is a pretty good shop.

[azdr0710]

I think nambis said he's going to live near Armory Park, so anything down there might be better for him....it's walkable/bikeable to the UA, though....