- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Bike Doctor Bicycle Shop
Category: Shopping Sporting Goods Bikes Bikes [Edit]
137 W BroadwayVancouver, BC V5Y 1P4
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
(604) 873-2453
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Thu 10 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for Bike Doctor Bicycle Shop
Review Highlights
-
"...for practical cycling and commuting, including a lot of..." In 4 reviews -
"...selection of bikes, and accessories is excellent, with a..." In 5 reviews -
"...for repairs, upgrades and tune-ups and generally everyone..." In 4 reviews
Loading...
23 reviews in English
-
Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
3/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have been looking all over the city for parts for my bike build when I decided to poke my head in here and see what they had. I have to be honest, they have a great selection and some of the issue I had is probably self inflicted.
I went in yesterday to see if they had brake levers and the gear unit I need for my old bike. After what I thought was a fairly thorough description of my bike I decided on two parts, bought them and went to grab dinner. As I was eating I pulled out the instrcutinos and it didn't seem quite right. I walked back to check and they said it would be fine.
Well I got home and much to my chagrin they didn't work. At all. I have drop bars and these were designed for straight bars.
The guys are super friendly and they gave me a little piece that I needed to get my gears working etc, I should have been more clear on my setup and they did take everything back. All in all I'm annoyed with my project but it's not the end of the world. -
Review from Bev H.
Vancouver, BC
10/23/2011
I am pretty particular, and more than a little impatient with the details and workings of my bike, which is why I get my bike tuned up, and not do it myself.
Bike Doctors totally came through for me! I had a punctured tire, and they gave my discount, combining it with a tune up to save me a few dollars.
My bike was overhauled, and i couldn't believe it was the same bike, and I have had tune ups elsewhere, nowhere as good. My gears shift effortlessly now, my brakes stop on a dime~ very happy!
Staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and helped me pick out an excellent light. Their selection of bikes, and accessories is excellent, with a broad range of goods in varying prices, something for everyone.
The best service i have ever had in any bike shop, anywhere. i will definitely be back. -
Review from Picky E.
Vancouver, BC
7/15/2011
I've been to the bike doctor a total of 6 times. The first three times were to purchase my boyfriend's bike which had cost over $1000 and totalled $1200 with accessories. Service towards him was adequate but unfortunately for me, the service was beyond terrible. My first visit there, I was very interested in a particular bike and was even ready to buy on that day but they didn't have that bike built yet (because it was still boxed in the warehouse so it needed to be built) the large girl that helped me told me that it would take one day for them to build it, she also stated that she would call me the next day when it was ready.
So the next day I received a phone call from the same girl stating that my bike was built and ready. I told her that I would be at the store promptly in an hour or two. She and I both knew that I was intent on purchasing the bike. An hour later I receive a call from her stating that my bike had been sold! Her excuse was that there was a "miscommunication" between one of the sales associate. She did not sound regretful nor did she apologize. I felt as though I was not taken seriously, or maybe she didn't think I was going to purchase a bike? Either way the employees in this store need to learn the meaning of customer service.
So a few days later, I had to make another trip to the store to pick up my boyfriend's bike. I decided to give them another chance since the employee helping my boyfriend was extremely nice and helpful. So this time I ordered another bike (that also needed to be built) i put down a $100 dollar deposit this time to ensure that it would not be sold and the guy told me that it was take approximately 2 days for the bike to be built. I also ordered some B43 velocity rims (it would take approximately 4 days for them to arrive). It has been well over a week. I have still not heard from them.
So i'm deciding to give it a few more days before I try calling them again to see the status of my bike, since I actually put down a deposit this time. I am utterly disappointed with the type of service offered at this store. The employees are unknowledgable money grabbers. The moment they get your money they just brush you off. Nobody deserves this type of treatment! Please do not purchase your bikes here. -
Review from Abigail T.
Vancouver, BC
8/14/2011
The staff are knowledgeable enough about bikes in general, but don't seem to know the specifics of what they actually carry and I find their customer service skills to be fairly lacking.
I first came here to find a bike suitable for fitness riding and daily commuting. Being small and new to road/city riding I was hoping some bike-savvy staff could help with recommendations. Despite me being very clear with what I wanted, the first guy who helped me with my bike search was only able to show me 2 of what HE thought were suitable bikes...and looked like he hated me/himself/his life the entire time. The next guy had no idea what to recommend in the shop either, and ended up trying to sell me a kid's bike. I ended up buying a model that they carry, but at a different bike shop that had friendlier staff.
I decided to give them another try when I brought my mountain bike in for a new shifter cable install. Pol was extremely friendly and helpful, and offered to have my bike ready in 30 minutes while I ran errands. I was thrilled with the service. However, when I came back to pick up my bike, I got a lot of attitude from the staff for having a "rush" job.
On top of that, one of the mechanics was complaining to the cashier right in front of me that he had to re-install one of my derailleurs and they should charge me another $35 for all the other "extra" things he had to do -- which I did not ask for and specifically asked NOT to be fixed since I was learning to fix some of those things on my own. They had a nice little argument about what should/shouldn't be included as part of the work order while I stood there and waited. In the end, the cashier tried to charge me $11 more than Pol's initial quote. When I asked what the extra charge was for, he scratched his head, looked at the work order again, and adjusted the price without explanation. Had I not asked, I would have been overcharged for no reason.
Bottom line: I don't like this shop. I may go back again JUST for their great selection and occasional sales, but if I can get the same thing elsewhere for the same price, I will. -
Review from Addy W.
Surrey, BC
2/20/2012
When I bought my commuter bike I wanted to stay with one shop so they would get to know me and my bike. I'm not mechanically inclined and was new to cycling, so wanted to feel I could trust the shop I frequented. I've had very inconsistent experiences here, but most are "ok I guess" with a few fantastics here and there. It seems to me that if you look like a cool cycling person, or you are attractive - you get amazing service. If you are just a run-of-the-mill commuter cycler - they will help if you are persistent in asking for what you want. Overall I'm disappointed and now that I'm ready to buy a road bike, I think I'll shop around and check the reviews for a shop that is more consistent in customer service.
-
Review from Pi F.
Vancouver, BC
9/30/2011
Interesting. Unlike a number of other reviewers, I've had nothing but good experiences with the Bike Doctor. Although not the closest bicycle shop to me, I always go there for any purchases or work that I can't do myself (OCB is close by to me for the work I can do). I have always found the staff to be super friendly and knowledgeable. I've found the price for work done to be reasonable and haven't been "up-sold" or charged for extra work. In fact, there's been a number of times where I've been told that a cheaper product is just as good or even better than other products they have on their shelves.
I always recommend the Bike Doctor. -
Review from Trudi C.
8/21/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Bought my Norco commuter bike here :) The bike I wanted wasn't in stock, but the salesman was friendly and managed to persuade me to buy the range up. Ok so it was more expensive, but I'm super happy with the bike (it's so light!). They have a nice big range, they're willing to order in for you, and when buying a load of stuff at once (2 bikes!), the guy threw in a pair of mud guards, front and back, for free!
Free services too for the first year. I came back within a week as my bike chain was making an odd sound, and they didn't actually check my receipt to check if I'd actually bought it there! So friendly :) -
Review from Ralson C.
Vancouver, BC
12/4/2011
I come for for repairs, upgrades and tune-ups and generally everyone at the shop is very friendly, no pressure and they lay out different options for you. Just recently I just purchased an urban/commuter/sea-wall bike on sale as I have a mountain bike and wanted something to use around downtown and commuting. The price was great and I like how they let you try out the bikes even in the rain. The repairs, when they tell you it's ready, your bike is ready and they call you too which I like. I think the prices are reasonable compared to the other downtown and kitsilano stores I feel have higher prices. For Vancouver I think this place is the spot for bikes for city/urban/commuter.
-
Review from Tamara L.
6/25/2011
This is my 150th review! Whoooop!
I've been in the market for a new bike for a few weeks now. I have learned few things in my browsing--
1. I have expensive taste.
2. bike helmets are UGLY.
3. Some bike shops can be very snooty to a person like me (female, casual rider, looking for a commuter bike and doesn't have a limitless budget).
I have, however, come across some great shops & great, helpful, no-pressure sales people. Such has been my experience with Bike Doctor.
The first time I went in, I chatted with a nice guy there about a Norco commuter bike. He showed me what they had on the floor, and then happily informed me about a bike they had in the back-- last year's model, EXACTLY the same as this year's model that I was seeing on the floor, only a different colour and $100 cheaper. Nice! I didn't buy a bike that day, but I walked away feeling pretty good about Bike Doctor.
Today I was in again... This time to take a deeper look through their inventory. A guy named Craig was quick to to chat with/help me. I told him about what I am looking for in a bike-- and explained how I don't want to spend a fortune ($800+) on a bike that I am really only going to be riding 1-2x a week, at best. He totally heard exactly what I was saying, offered some great words of expertise & advice, and never at any point gave me ANY sort of a snotty, high-pressured sales pitch.
I ended up finding the PERFECT bike there today, and plan to go back tomorrow to take it for a test spin & possibly purchase it. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the Bike Doctor's friendly, knowledgeable & approachable staff. Thanks for helping me find that diamond in the rough (and for well *under* budget, too!) -
Review from Ce Ce L.
Vancouver, BC
10/19/2011
I bought my bicycle secondhand from a girl who was taller by over half a foot so needless to say the bike had to be adjusted for my height and preferences. I popped into the Bike Doctors on West Broadway to see if they had time for a few tweaks. I didn't catch his name but a tall, skinny, close-shaved white guy helped me with the adjustments. He was friendly, took his time, and even improved my safety by zip-tieing the brake cables that were catching against my basket. Turns out the bike has seen it's share of shoddy work by other mechanics: first the loose cables that could've caused the bike to brake suddenly by itself because they would've gotten tangled up in my basket wires if I had turned hard to the right and then the seat post had apparently not been secured properly. I had already taken it into another bike shop for a fitting less than two weeks ago and they obviously didn't bother to take care of the cables or put the seat back on correctly. Anyway, this mechanic fixed those for me, tilted my headset to reduce the strain on my wrists and arms, and lifted the nose of my seat to keep me from sliding forward every time I ride. After tightening everything up he simply said "OK, take it for a ride, if anything needs more adjusting come on back but if not, just keep going." I know most bikes shops do small tweaks for free but this mechanic took the time to spot and fix things I didn't even know were wrong. Everything worked out beautifully so I didn't go back which means I didn't get to say thanks so here it is:
Thanks tall, skinny, close-shaved white guy! You made my ride infinitely better. And safer : ) -
Review from Cecily W.
Vancouver, BC
8/11/2010
I didn't buy my bike here, but this is where I go for accessories and maintenance. I could go to other bike shops - there's one about a two minute bike ride from my apartment - but I go to The Bike Doctor because of their service, and the way they make me feel as a customer.
Look, I'm not some mountain biker, road racer, or even a hardcore bike snob. I'm a run of the mill every day person who commutes to work by bike 4-5 days a week. Whenever I come in, they greet me with a smile, answer my questions respectfully and thoroughly (even when I ask stupid ones) and always thank me for coming in to the store. Because of that, they're my first stop whenever I need something for my bike, and there's a very very good chance I'll seek them out when it's time to buy a new bike.
On this visit I needed new brake pads and a brake adjustment and they had it ready in less than an hour, and they did it without charging me an arm and a leg. They didn't "find" things that were wrong on my bike and tune them without asking (sparing me the unexpected charges), they did what I asked them to do and they did it with a smile. They even complimented me on my helmet (which I bought from them, naturally). Fast, friendly, and knowledgeable staff - you can't go wrong at The Bike Doctor. -
Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
8/23/2008
The Bike Doctor was great!! I hadn't had a bike since I was like 12 so I had no clue what I was looking for or needed. The staff were super friendly..incredibly knowledgeable and let me take my time deciding on what I wanted...the whole experience lasted almost 4 hours...indecision is a way of life for me...
I test drove 2 bikes..one cruiser and one street bike before finally settling on the street bike...this is the point where they last their 5th star...suddenly the helpful staff got very pushy and up selly..."oh you need a bell...and a rack..and a lock...and a kick stand.." so I'm like " but the bike's already $300..shouldn't it come with everything you need"??
Apparently it really has been a while since I purchased a bike because alas..you do need to add on all the "extras"...who knew??
My bike was however all kitted out and ready for me by the next day and I get a free 2 month check up...which I missed..oh well... -
Review from Brigitte G.
Vancouver, BC
10/3/2010
I did not buy a bike at the Bike Doctor but this is where I get my commuter bike (a modestly priced but quality hybrid that I depend on for transportation) serviced. (For my road bike I tend to go to another shop where they deal almost exclusively with similar-grade bikes.)
My experience at the Bike Doctor in the past was inconsistent but it has significantly improved over the past year. I know the owner, Pol, deeply cares about his customers and in particular about making their ride safe and convenient. I have bumped into him a few times at Bike-to-Work Week Commuter Stations and he was always helpful and friendly.
Most of the staff members are equally mindful of customers, but not all, or they just take their time to acknowledge you sometime. However, I don't know of a bike shop that's perfect in that regard. I really appreciate that they call you when your bike is ready (or if there is more work that needs to be done than planned) and that they respect their commitment, time-wise. I recommend making an appointment. Prices are reasonable considering the quality of products and services.
They also have a pretty good selection of accessories, especially for practical cycling and commuting, including a lot of bike lights and panniers. -
Review from Katie F.
6/28/2009
This store has a great selection of bikes, but their customer service is terrible. I didn't use the phone service like J.B., but in person, I can say they are definitely lacking there as well.
My hubby and I were in the market for new bikes for both of us this year, and needless to say, we bought elsewhere. There are a couple of guys in the shop who did not acknowledge us at any point while browsing even though there were no other customers, and when some basic questions were asked, a brief response was given, and then they went back to talking to each other. Hmmm, did I forget to take my invisibility cloak off today?
They lost a couple of sales from us because of that. Definitely a bummer since they do have nice bikes, but nothing so exceptional that you can't go to another bike shop instead. -
Review from Judy L.
8/7/2008
1. Great knowledgeable service.
2. Try before you buy - just hand over your ID as collateral in place for the nice ride.
3. Bike Doctor sells the DeVinci Lifestyle Comfort bike that I am now obsessed with. Too bad they had them on back order. It's so sad that these bikes are not sold in the States.Listed in: Oh Canada! Vancouver Canada!
-
Review from Alex R.
Vancouver, BC
9/19/2009
I took my bike in for a tune up and it cost me $18 above the $50 regular cost because they tightened the front steering wheel (+$8) and "tuned" my derailleur (+$10).
In my experience getting a "tune-up" includes "tuning" the derailleur and even if it didn't, I never authorized any other work to be done on the bike. So I ended up paying over $70 to get my bike "tuned up" which I had to pay to get my bike back.
They overcharged me for things I didn't want. -
Review from Crazy P.
Vancouver, BC
8/22/2010
I did not buy my bike here. I bought other bicycle nessecities (light, lube, tube).
The gentleman while pleasant was trying to sell me a bunch of stuff I don't need.
I do not trust or feel comfortable with some of there information as I think they are just trying to con me. -
Review from West D.
Vancouver, BC
7/16/2011
I've used them twice for repairs, and have bought a few accessories. They've always treated me right and I haven't experienced being overcharged. I took an old aluminum-frame bike there last month to stop a creaking noise in the frame. The place was busy doing bike repairs, but I told them I need my bike back in a hurry and they had it ready the next day.
-
Review from Tina H.
5/31/2010 1 photo
I bought my bike here. Service was great and the staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. I'd definitely recommend shopping here for a bike. The staff has since changed so I don't know if it's as good as it used to be. I did not get any service done, but my bike buying experience was great.
-
Review from J B.
Vancouver, BC
9/11/2008
Overall an excellent shop. Friendly, knowledgeable service, serious about getting you into a bike that suits your needs. Good selection in a wide price range so you can fit your budget. Lots of nice gadgets, and a 1-week no-risk guarantee on bike seats. (Now you can try a Brooks!)
Only reason they don't get 5 stars is that the phone service is inadequate. If you want a special order, go in, otherwise it will get lost. -
Review from Benton L.
Kanata, ON
2/15/2009
Price gouging galore.
I was trying to get a set of cone wrenches to work on a Shimano RS-20 wheelset. I specifically ask them if they know for sure, and they told me the front takes 13mm, the back 15mm. Turns out the front's 17, and the rear requires a 15, with a different size locknut.
I was also looking for chain cleaning tools, and my friend had bought one at $27 for a Park Tool chain cleaning tool. They dared to hang one on the wall for $50. La Bicicletta down the road (which can totally look like price gougers, sells the same chain cleaner at $32).
The cone wrenches ends up about 2 bucks more expensive than the pro looking shop down the street. Spend your money elsewhere. Secret Cycles in Coquitlam is good (personal experience), and La Bicicletta seems to be on the ball. Sharpies on Hastings in Burnaby were reputed to be good by a biking friend. -
Review from Chris K.
Vancouver, BC
2/24/2009 1 photo
Good selection of bikes you won't find in a lot of other bike stores. Touring and commuting bikes are what I'm in the market for and I think they have as good a selection as anywhere in the area.
-
Review from Jenny G.
Richmond, BC
2/28/2011
The owner cares about his customers.
