Boston's best: Bike shops
These stores will get you up on two wheels in no time.
With its inhospitable mix of congestion, constant construction and cranky drivers, Boston isn’t exactly the most bike-friendly city in the world. Still, over the past decade, things have been moving in a positive direction. According to the city’s official stats, ridership has increased by 122% in the past two years alone. You can see the shift more clearly the further you get away from the downtown area, as bike lanes are being painted in and cycles can be seen chained to pretty much every immovable object on the sidewalk. If the thought of avoiding crowded sweaty summer subway cars sounds good to you, it’s time to start getting your gear together before putting the pedal to the pavement. Whether you’re just getting into biking or replacing an old clunker, you’ll find what you need at these bike shops.
Ace Wheelworks
There’s a reason that Ace Wheelworks enjoys near universal praise from its customers. With over 12,000 square feet of show room at three locations in the area, there’s not much that you can’t find. But it’s the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff, not the inventory, that accounts for the loyalty of its customers. A community-minded organization, Wheelworks uses profits from your purchases to help fund a variety of charity events and rides. 145 Elm St, Porter Square, Somerville (617-776-2100, wheelworks.com)
AtaCycle
If speed is your thing, then zip over to AtaCycle. This shop specializes in racing bikes and considers the sport a tool for serious fitness. That’s not to say they aren’t ready to serve the more leisurely majority. In fact, you’ll be matched to your ride using a three-step process in the on-site fit lab that seeks to fit the frame to the customer and not the customer to the frame. 1773 Massachusetts Ave, Porter Square, Cambridge (617-354-0907, atabike.com)
Bikes Not Bombs
Promoting bikes as a “concrete alternative to war and environmental destruction,” Bikes Not Bombs ships thousands of secondhand bikes overseas to developing countries. They’re then used by small, bike-based businesses, sustainable technology projects and youth training programs. BNB also provides many a helpful cycle to residents of lower-income neighborhoods here in Boston. Many cycles are also for sale in the bike shop—each featuring a sturdy, recycled frame, brand new parts and a 90-day guarantee. 18 Bartlett Square, Jamaica Plain (617-522-0226, bikesnotbombs.org)
Broadway Bicycle School
This co-op bike shop does more than just sell new and used bikes, parts, and accessories; It also hosts weekly classes on bike repair—an essential skill if your bike is more than just an occasional hobby on sunny days. You can also rent you tools and stand space if you like tuning up your ride yourself but still want to do it within earshot of a helpful pro. 351 Broadway, Inman Square, Cambridge (617-868-3392, broadwaybicycleschool.com)
International Bicycle Center
Located smack in the center of the Allston Village student enclave, International Bicycle may be one of the busiest bike shops in the city. But the employees know their stuff, and are eager to promote biking in Boston. Advanced cyclists will especially love Project One, which allows you to design your dream ride from top to bottom and then have it built professionally. 89 Brighton Ave, Allston (617-783-5804, internationalbike.com)
Landry’s Bicycles
Landry’s has achieved much since opening in 1922, including making the top 100 bicycle retailers in the country list for five years running. With four locations in eastern Massachusetts, it’s also one of the largest family-owned bike businesses around. Although some may complain about the prices, you get what you pay for at Landry’s—quality rides that won’t let you down. 890 Commonwealth Ave, Boston (617-232-0446, landrys.com)
My Bike Online
If buying a bike puts too much of a strain on the ol’ wallet, check out My Bike Online. This shop specializes in monthly rentals beginning at $44.99 per month. There’s also a unique service package for those already with bikes: rather than just charging per repair, My Bike Online offers a monthly membership ($4.99) that goes a long way. It includes tune-ups, adjustments, 10% off parts and unlimited concierge service that picks up your injured bike, services it, and returns it within 72 hours. 516 E. 2nd St, Unit B15, Boston (888-738-1731, mybikeonline.com)
