UBC - University Bicycle Center

Category:	Bicycle Store
Address:	1220 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
Phone:	+1 813-971-2277
Site:	ubcbike.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 9AM–5PM Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Andrew Jones

I am a spinner, and decided to buy my first pair of spin shoes here. This was a mistake. I knew they didnt really want to help me when I saw the "just a spinner" face, and I guess I should have just left then, but it was raining and one doesnt simply but a two year old back in the car after only a few minutes out of it. So I stayed and bought my shoes and endured personal questions (like if the people I came with were single and how old) while they installed my cleats. Now I know that they gave me horrible service. -They never measured my feet. As spin shoes are sold in European sizes they should have. -Your feet should also be measured in order to place the cleat. This did not happen, and the very first day I used my shoes, I had to get the instructors help and adjust the cleat myself, because one was high on the shoe and one was low on the shoe. -They never told me to buy my shoes bigger and adjust with thicker socks, rather then finding a close to perfect fit, as the rigidity of the shoe will cause circulation issues. Now I have to adjust with super thin socks and very loose laces. -They didnt even listen to what kind of bike I was on, and installed shims I didnt need, and actually made clipping in harder then it had to be. I didnt realize it was a problem (kinda just thought I was still learning how) until I bent a shim and googled what to do now; which was take off the shims I didnt need unless the tread on my shoe kept me from being able to clip in- which it wasnt. So after round 4 of self fixing my shoes I finally have the right set up. Sigh. Next time I will know better- never shop here again.

A Private User

Getting ready for my first Tri and went in to University Cycles for pedals, cycling shoes and a Tri Jersey. I am new to the sport and the equipment. Needless to say, I needed help. I stopped in to a number of shops in the area, including one that is less than 2 miles from my house. Some had good service and not a great inventory. Another had great inventory and terrible service. University Cycles has it ALL!!!!! As soon as I walked in I was greeted and Manny came out to help me. I explained what I needed and my knowledge base and he paitiently, and THOROUGHLY walked me through the best shoe options, and helped me with the fitting process. We moved on to pedals and he explained it to me very thoroughly. He offered me a particular pedal, and described why that pedal was my best option based on my body type. I work in the medical field, and he spoke knowledgeably about the foot and ankle and what the shoe means to them, as well as explaining the pedal suggestion and its relationship to my Q angle. In short, I completely disagree with the previous reviewers. If you are in need of apparel, accessories, parts, or a bike, THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO!!! I will be back tomorrow to have my pedals put on, my shoes and cleats assembled, and to have a laser assisted fitting of my bike and body to get things in alignment. I know I will race better because I visited Manny and his shop! Thank you guys! YOU OWN MY BUSINESS!!!!

Nick Gilboy

I WAITED TO LEAVE A REVIEW UNTIL AFTER BUYING 1 new Bike, having 1 bike restored and purchasing the "BOSS OVERHAUL" tune up on another bike over the last 6 months. The service at this bike shop is amazing. They have a huge team of staff and like 10x more available tires and parts than any other bike shop Ive been to in the area. Most importantly, the are comfortable special ordering parts and getting you what you need. I highly recommend this company. They are fair with pricing and very professional about service. If you are lucky enough to get AL in the service department, he is a class act. Very high quality communication and diagnosing of problems. Really great team! I will definitely be buying my next CANNONDALE at UBC. One piece of advice is not to go on Sundays. Definitely learned that the hard way. They are closed on Sunday like Chik-Fil-A. -Nick Gilboy

A Private User

Why did he lie? The owner told me a steel wheel was much stronger than a double walled, aluminum rimmed wheel. I believed him. The details: I came in with a problem. My mountain bike carries 350 pounds. My rear wheel was the best I could afford but, now I could afford more, $30 more. The owner gave me two options at that price, a USED double walled aluminum rimmed wheel with stainless steel spokes or a NEW steel rimmed wheel with really thick spokes. He advised me the steel one was much stronger. Every couple days a spoke breaks. I keep learning the same lesson time and time again; think, learn and choose for myself. Let the buyer beware. Why did he lie? He knew the durability of each kind of wheel after 30 years of owning that shop. I feel betrayed. I thought I could trust bike shop owners to advise and educate me. Its a valuable lesson to learn.

A Private User

I was there yesterday looking at road bikes. My husband and I both purchased our mountain bikes there a few years ago and weve been in for accessories or repairs every now and then since then. My visit there yesterday will almost surely be my last. We looked at a few bikes and an employee approached us. We explained the bike was me, yet the employee discussed the bike with my husband - even turning his back to explain the WOMENs bike to my husband. A few moments later he looked downstairs and said he would be back because "thats the guy that works for the Lightning down there and Im gonna give him a bottle and score some tickets". Huh? Hockey season is over and Im the customer standing here about to spend $2k on a bike. So I hope the $50 tickets pay off for you as I have no problem driving 20 minutes further to purchase my new road bike.

Sarah Kent

This place is HUGE for a bike store. In the area, its the only one I know of that carries so many different brands. Most shops stick to one or two brands due to what i assume would be sponsorship or something else. You can check out Raleighs, Specialized, Canondale, Trek, and many more here. They even have a fancy way of fitting you to your bike. They have road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, fat bikes, shoes, clothing, helmets, and other gear. They also have supplements, socks, and a lot more stuff. This is basically your one stop shop for stuff. My only gripe, and the reason for the delay in the 5th star? The lack of service when I walked in. I didnt really get acknowledged and I had to seek out people to ask questions. Still, I think the bottom line is that this place is a great place to shop around and see what is out there.

A Private User

I saw a bike on their website that appeared to be on sale, so I called and asked if it was available for pick up at the store for that price and one of their employees told me that it was. Next day I took time off work to come and pick it up. When they were ringing it up it came out to be over a $100 more than it was on their website. I pointed that out and they didnt believe me, and asked me to find it on their website and show it to them. After I did they said that it had to be a mistake. I told them that Ive called the day before and verified the price, and that most stores will sell you an item for whatever price it is they have on their website. They basically said well it is what it is, take it or leave it, and went and put the bike back where it was. I just walked out. Will not do business there again. Waste of time.