Changing Gears Bike Shop

Category:	Used Bicycle Shop
Address:	650 W Ranger Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, USA
Phone:	+1 510-995-1478
Site:	changinggearsbikes.org
Rating:	4.7
Working:	Closed Closed 11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM

Location

Photos 14

Reviews 14

Josephine Chien

I bought my daughters first bike there years ago, and had a great experience. So Im totally bummed out to say my trip there yesterday was a disaster. Despite the website saying they have more kids bikes than they know what to do with, I was met with hostile service (ok, maybe just this woman only), who said they didnt have any. I located a few, only to be told they were not for sale, as they were in a holding area. When that was pointed out, I saw some small dingy handwritten signs. Chaos and disorganization! Finally, I landed one fairly rusty Performance bicycle with a torn seat and handlebar grip, and was told on the spot that it would cost $150, overhauled. No price charts. I was told to wait while the woman said she would do a check on the bike to see how much it would be without the overhaul. Like Im at her mercy, and she can just pull some figure out of her head. Without the overhaul, she said, it would be 100 bucks! I went home, looked at the website, and saw a brand new Performance bike costs $200. Gimme a break. This place has all the worst characteristics of a poorly run non-profit which makes me sad, because I really wanted to spend my money here. Changing Gears, you want to earn your charity dollars by selling expensive rusty bikes, then at least try to be nice about it.

Tyrone Anderson

I called the bike shop a day before I came in and spoke to a gentleman named Jay this cat was very helpful, andknowledgeable and polite I stated to him I was a "cheap bastard" pretty tall and football player big hahah and was not looking to spend a bunch of money on a bike because I am new to the biking thing and needed to see if I was really down for it lol. Jay told me that he had a inexpensive as-is bike for a gentleman of my big stature so fast forward I get to the shop I see a bike that is pretty nice looking visually Jay pretty must told me in a very nice and and polite way that I was making a bad decision because he felt I would not be comfortable with riding the bike that it was a little to small I greatly appreciated his honesty because I know absolutely nothing about biking but he let me test drive it out front and he was right!!!!! My back was killing me almost instantly so then he showed me the one that he had told me about over the phone it was older but cost less so I rode that one and it was way better so that was the one I bought I appreciate all the help that was given to me and the staff was very welcoming I will be bringing them alot more business!

Thom Cate

I visit Alameda twice a month, I take my bike aboard Amtrak from Sacramento to Jack London Square, then ride in to where I stay. Im no slouch when it comes to maintaining and repairing my own bike, but my trusty ride was making a strange pinging sound I couldnt identify, and by Sunday it was making me crazy. Id browsed Cycles of Change (aka Changing Gears) once before, and thought Id give it a try. Both Ebony and Jordon were sociable and eager to help--a slow day, apparently, and caught up with other repairs. Long story short, my front wheel needed a quick overhaul--nipples lubed (still cant say that with a straight face), spokes tightened all around and the wheel trued. The level of service and competence I received was exemplary, and the fee charged for their service was pleasantly affordable. When in Alameda, and when your bike needs a tune or true, maybe a tube or tire change? Take it to Cycles of Change/Changing Gears. You wont be sorry, and maybe even more? Youll be impressed.

Cheryl DeGrasse

Changing Gears Bike Shop is a nonprofit bike shop which provides job training to low- income and formerly homeless young adults and is a place for youth and adults of all backgrounds to volunteer or fix their own bikes! We raise revenue to operate our programs by refurbishing and reselling donated bikes and repairing customers bikes. New & Used Bicycles are available. Come to our Bike Swap June 1st 2014

Jon Spangler

Changing Gears is a terrific nonprofit (social enterprise) bike shop with a wonderful community focus. Kids can volunteer and earn a bike, community members can donate bikes and do good work, and the shop does top-notch repairs. They started out only selling used bikes but now they sell new bikes, too. They have lots of tools and parts, too, of course.

A Private User

This bike shop has got all kinds of bikes and parts, you can earn a bike or buy one or a combination. Some fixer up-ers and some nice bikes. A fun community and a great place to buy a bike if you want to support an awesome organization.

A Private User

Absolutely incredible shop! I love working here! Its an inclusive environment for everyone! I like too that people are constantly volunteering in the shop, working on their own bikes, and getting to know folks different from themselves.

A Private User

This place is fantastic! Great service, very friendly and helpful people. I found the perfect bike with lots of up-cycled personality at a reasonable price. This place is not just a great concept... its a great practice!!

Kathy Rose

AWESOME place! Needed air in my tires. They did it in like 2 minutes for no charge! (But I left a $15 donation) Will definitely come back in the future.

Ted Jocson

Great service and reasonable pricing on basic maintenance. They changed a tire, new rear bearings, grips and bell on my sons bike in an afternoon.

Carolyn Nguyen

I took my electric bike here yesterday! Loved it! Unpretentious and great for all ages! Thanks Barry!

Terrence Chen

It is great, being able to use their tools free of charge and learning how to maintain my bike

Loren Diesi

Super friendly, helpful and quick service!

Connor Bennette

Best bike shop around!