Dan
Let's Sway
My daughter is moving to Philly in a couple of weeks and since I'm an avid cyclist, I think finding a great bike shop is the #2 priority (#1 of course is a coffee shop).
For those of you in the area, what can you recommend? She'll be living in the Fairmount neighborhood and has zero interest in maintaining her own bike.
Thanks for any recommendations!
Saul
For those of you in the area, what can you recommend? She'll be living in the Fairmount neighborhood and has zero interest in maintaining her own bike.
Thanks for any recommendations!
Saul
Retro-Grouch
Veteran
Sorry I can't recommend a good shop. But in Philadelphia, I would certainly recommend a good lock!
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Fairmount Bikes, of course. I helped Shelly and Chris with the start up of that shop back in 2011. Shelly is still involved but I think she also opened up a new shop called Brewerytown Bicycles. Fairmount is right down the street from Eastern State Penitentiary and there are a few coffee shops and cafes around in the area. After that, I'd recommend Keswick on Locust between 40th and 41st. Even though it's close, I'd stay away from Kayuh Bikes as I've seen a number of repairs have to be done at other shops to get things done right. Also try to avoid Via on Broad between South and Bainbridge; lots of crazy old stock in rare stuff but bristly "customer service."
I'll second what Retro-Grouch said about a lock. Kryptonite makes the New York Fugettaboutit lock but they do NOT make a Philly Yous All Suck, lock. Best thing to do is to get a Kryptonite Evolution (or two) and learn to lock the bike up properly including the wheels. A front wheel replacement is usually about $110 after all the parts and labor. The rear will between $125 and $400 depending upon the bike. A helmet is absolutely necessary in this town. I've been hit and doored enough that it ended my competitive cycling career in 2009. This town leads the nation in TBI among college age people due to the number of schools and young people riding around without helmets.
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
Phil Forrest
I'll second what Retro-Grouch said about a lock. Kryptonite makes the New York Fugettaboutit lock but they do NOT make a Philly Yous All Suck, lock. Best thing to do is to get a Kryptonite Evolution (or two) and learn to lock the bike up properly including the wheels. A front wheel replacement is usually about $110 after all the parts and labor. The rear will between $125 and $400 depending upon the bike. A helmet is absolutely necessary in this town. I've been hit and doored enough that it ended my competitive cycling career in 2009. This town leads the nation in TBI among college age people due to the number of schools and young people riding around without helmets.
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
Phil Forrest
Dan
Let's Sway
Thanks, guys. She's coming from Brooklyn, so the lock is already a part of the kit as is the helmet. She'll also be bringing situational awareness.
Phil_F_NM: those recommendations are just what I was looking for, especially who NOT to use! Also check your PM.
Phil_F_NM: those recommendations are just what I was looking for, especially who NOT to use! Also check your PM.
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Yeah, she'll be fine if she's been a rider in NYC. Philly streets are narrower, is the big difference.
Phil Forrest
Phil Forrest