Tip Top Bike Shop

Category:	Bicycle Store
Address:	4800 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
Phone:	+1 510-444-4148
Site:	tiptopbikeshop.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	11AM–7PM Closed 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 12–6PM 12–6PM

Location

Photos 18

Reviews 7

Chuck McIntyre

[Update August 2016] I have been to Tip Top bikes many times over the intervening years. Service is always top notch. Most recently I went in to help fix up my toddlers push bike. Not only did they end up spending extra time adjusting his helmet, etc, they also had 12" bicycle parts in stock! Finally, when my toddler managed to bend his front axle spoke, they replaced it from the floor model, no waiting. [Below is my original review from 2012] My wife and I just purchased bikes from this place and were thrilled with the whole experience. We chose Tip Top Bikes even though its several miles from our house (and there are 2 shops within a block) largely because of the glowing reviews. We were not disappointed. My wife and I are first time buyers, for all intents and purposes. Neither of us have purchased a bicycle in the last decade, and we havent done any serious riding. When we came into the store, after being given a reasonable chance to glance around, we were politely asked if we wanted any help. I asked to be educated on what bicycles were available and what the different styles were. The friendly man introduced himself as Richard (who I think is the owner) and proceeded to help us navigate through the maze of options until we both were completely satisfied with our bikes. He then spent the next 3 hours helping us (I am picky and took 4-5 test rides on different bikes) including going through gear. I never once felt pressured to buy, and even when he was convincing me to buy more stuff (like a lock I didnt think I needed) it felt more like a friendly bike lover offering me wise advice than someone trying to make a sale. He even talked us out of a few purchases that we probably didnt need (yet). Overall this was about the best experience Ive had buying something lately, and I will certainly be recommending Tip Top Bikes to anyone who asks. Not only that, their prices were very reasonable (and my wifes bike was even on sale!) To top it off, the very next day I decided I wanted a kickstand after all, so I called up the shop. They told me to bring the bike right over and theyd install it right away. I came in, got it installed (it felt like in under 5 minutes) and I think they only charged me for the part. Hooray for bikes!

Simon Luppescu

I came to this shop on a Sunday to check out a Kona bike that I wanted. I called beforehand and asked them if they had the Dew Plus in stock. They checked for me and explained each size they had in addition to a couple alternative models that might suit me. So later that day, I headed into the shop and explained I called earlier about the Kona. They immediately remembered and one of the guys, Sean, helped me out in trying out a couple bikes. He let me try three models based on his recommendation in addition to the Kona Dew Plus I had my eye on. He was very helpful in explaining each feature and made sure to adjust the seat and pump the tires before each test-run. Once I narrowed my choices to two bikes, I spent a long time deciding, but Sean was very patient. When I decided on one, they started work on the bike, and installed my rear rack and U-lock mount for free. While I waited, they offered me water and some strawberries, because they happened to have strawberries. Much like other bike shops, they offer lifetime complementary tune-ups, reduced prices on repairs from faulty or worn-out parts, but full price on damages from personal mistakes, such as accidents or thefts. All in all, the customer service was top-notch. Ive had mostly negative experiences with other shops because of their unfriendly, snooty staff, so Tip Top Bike Shop was a great find.

Tamir Scheinok

I stopped in an hour before closing with 10 years worth of deferred maintenance. I was out the door in 35 minutes with new tires (installed), new chain, new cables and a few other adjustments. I forgot to bring my key release for my wheel lock and instead of giving me attitude, the repair tech used a special tool to get the kryptonite wheel lock off. He offered to loan me a quick release wheel lock that I could drop in the mail slot the next time im near the shop. Super positive experience. Lucky to have these folks on my commute route. Charlotte is knowledgeable (but not pretentious) and very nice. Pete (?) my repair tech is also really nice and helpful. While my repairs were not challenging he did them very quickly and with great attention to detail - everything worked smoothly. Their prices are very competitive too. Thanks Charlotte and Pete. You guys rock!

Jeffrey Baker

One does begin to wonder what accident of history or evolution has left Local Bike Shop in such a sad state. Do their razor-thin margins force them into stupidity? Or are they naturally inclined to it? I dont know either way, but what I do know is you have to carefully inspect even the most trivial work to keep from being ripped off. I took one of my bikes here to get a rear pannier rack, and I let the guy pick out a suitable piece of equipment, and left while it was installed. This rack is within 1mm of the rear tire when unloaded, and when loaded (even with empty bags) rubs the tire. Which anyone could have seen. Theres no excuse for being so sloppy that you dont even notice that the item you are installing interferes with the moving pieces of a bicycle. So I recommend doing every little thing yourself rather than take your bike here.

A Private User

Not user-friendly! Id ridden by several times and seen the good reviews, so this time when I was nearby, I decided to give it a try - new tires, brake pads, cables, and a general tune-up. The first hint this wasnt going to be a good experience was when I was asked to pick my bike up in the middle of next week, rather than waiting for the weekend. I agreed ... and a few minutes later was told that "it would be more convenient for them" if I didnt leave the bike at all, but rather brought it back next week! And this was after Id told the guy I would have to take BART to get back there. I guess they arent always this arrogant, given the other glowing reviews ... perhaps im just not their target demographic, or they only want to deal with bikes which cost $3000+?

Dustin Powell

Service: these folks are always great when theres repair work to do on my bike that I prefer to leave to professionals. Good quality work, great turn-around time, reasonable rates. Parts: the prices are a bit steep for some things, but not egregious. This is mostly true of accessory items like lights and such, less so for critical items like chains, tires, etc. Probably exactly what should be expected to keep a good shop running in an increasingly expensive area. Bonus: in lieu of a shop dog, they have a shop baby, a little actual human one straight out of a Gerber commercial, which is probably more hypoallergenic, and definitely more entertaining.

Dave Patterson

I bought my Jamis elsewhere in 2008 and broke the frame this year. Jamis offered to give me a big discount on a replacement bike; Tip Top stepped up and ordered a bike model they didnt normally carry and got it to me incredibly quick. They give it free lifetime service and I just had my first one which was a pleasure. They like steel bikes like me and have a raw enthusiasm for biking that seems less jaded than some of their east bay competition. Ive been biking 3000 miles a year for the last 6 years and in that time Ive been a customer to many a bike shops. These guys stand out- I recommend them first when people ask me for bike shop advice.