World of Bikes

Category:	Bicycle Store
Address:	723 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Phone:	+1 319-351-8337
Site:	worldofbikes.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	Closed 10AM–8PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–5PM 12–4PM

Location

Photos 97

Reviews 8

A Private User

First let me say that I worked at a bike shop for 2 years while in my younger days and know how things should opperate. I needed to get a simple derailleur adjustment done on my bike and being pressed for time I figured I would just take it into a shop and get it done. Being new in town I stopped by World Of Bikes first... big MISTAKE. The employees were rude and condecending. The prices were sky high for simple 5-10 minute repairs. What should have been a simple drop off job turned into me having to sit and wait for an hour to talk to one of there mechanics while 5 other employees sat around doing nothing but ignoring customers. When I finally got into see the mechanic he immediately started rattling a series of extra repairs that needed to be done, and running up the total cost and throwing in a number of snide comments. He also suggested that certain parts were in clear need of replacement including a 1 month old headset that was in perfect condition. What a scam! To top it all off he said it would take a week and a half to complete all the repairs. Needless to say I said thanks but no thanks and took my bike to the shop across the street 15 minutes and $10 later it was finished. I had them take a look at everything that World of Bikes had reccomended replacing or adjusting and they said it was all in perfect tune and condition. They were very polite and helpful. I know where Ill be taking my bikes from now on (hint: its not World of Bikes). Only go to this shop if you want to be ignored, treated like dirt, and cheated!

Carrie Van Orden

Everytime I walk in the door at WOB, I feel confident that the many familiar faces inside, will take a moment out of their busy work to smile and say hello, instantly making me comfortable to address my needs! As long as I can remember it has always been this way... even before they got to know me a little! I look at this as an example for someone new to town or someone who could be slightly nervous or reserved by having only a little knowledge &/or experience in biking & bike maintenence but has big desires to learn & ride! No doubt in my mind... they are in the warmest, most welcoming hands! Providing assistance to meet our needs on a individual basis every day! I would recommend this business to my mom and son and neighbors... And many more! Because as WOB knows... I can talk A LOT! Always fun to talk about those you believe in! And World of Bikes... I BELIEVE IN THEM!!! Now you go visit them so you can see I dont talk for nothin!!!

LT Young

This shop is great. The sales staff is always happy to see a customer walk through the door. You never get the feeling the would rather be talking to someone else or that you are wasting their time. The bike techs are just as friendly and always happy to answer a question about bike repair. The quality and value of the repairs is top notch also. The sales area is always clean and orderly, there are a ton of bikes to check out and they are all displayed in logical order. This makes checking out similar bikes really simple and you dont feel like you are being dragged all over the shop just to check out 3 different road bikes. This shop has a well earned reputation as a beginner friendly bike shop, but they also have some of the hottest high end bikes in the area. If you are looking for the crown jewel in your stable, you owe it to yourself to check out World of Bikes.

Tom Rutkowski

Best bike shop in the area bar none! The customer service here is outstanding; helpful to everyone at every level of experience and savvy. World of Bikes definitely does not have that cliquish vibe that so many bike stores give off. I started cycling in 2011 and have bought 3 bikes there since then--randonneur/commuter bike, road bike, and fat bike, and got great recommendations from the shop on all of them. I also trust the mechanics. They are all very knowledgeable and honest. The expertise in the store is extensive. Their staff includes pretty much every type of cyclist. They are also heavily involved in the community, including sponsoring many local cycling and triathlon clubs, which helps keep those clubs visible and viable. I have tremendous loyalty to this place.

Bruce Haupert

I HAVE BEEN A CUSTOMER SINCE 1974, BEGINNING WITH DAN NIDEY AND HIS CREW. I HAVE KNOWN RYAN (OWNER) SINCE HE PURCHASED THE STORE, AND CANNOT SAY TOO MUCH ABOUT THE WAY HE IS RUNNING THIS BUSINESS. HE AND HIS STAFF ARE ABSOLUTELY GREAT. THEY ARE NICE, VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE, AND VERY HELPFUL. THE MERCHANDISE IS FIRST RATE, ALWAYS WORKS, AND WILL LAST FOREVER. THERE IS NO JUNK IN THE STORE. THOUGH THIS KIND OF QUALITY IS MORE EXPENSIVE, IT SURELY PAYS DIVIDENDS WHILE BIKING. THIS IS ONE ACTIVITY WHERE ONE SHOULD NOT SKIMP. LASTLY, THE REPAIR SHOP IS SECOND TO NONE. SERVICE IS GIVEN QUICKLY, EXPERTLY, AND AT A REASONABLE COST. AND, YOU ARE ALWAYS TOLD THE REPAIR COST BEFORE YOU AGREE TO IT. LOTS OF HONESTY HERE. WE ARE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE THIS BUSINESS HERE IN IOWA CITY.

Matt Uhlman

One of those places that you really want to like and to be "The Shop" you go to when youre looking for bike gear, but alas, theyre a bit on the aggressive side when selling. Weve stopped in a few times and often been pointed to the higher end bikes despite wanting something the starter variety. Theyve got a good selection and in the spring often have sales on the weekends. We found their sale prices are comparable to the normal prices at other places in the area. Theyve got a nice selection of bike garb that too runs on the expensive side, but will definitely keep your chafable areas free of chafe! Check it out if youre looking for a bike, though youre just as well off looking at any of the other local or corporate (bad word I know) stores in the area.

A Private User

About 4-5 years ago I hit a bump in the sidewalk by the university hospital. It immediately bent my wheel slightly and braking was uneven. Very annoying. I figured I should take it in so this was the first place I tried. The employees at this establishment immediately pushed for a whole new set of wheels! They acted like my pair was absolutely beyond repair. Unbelievable. I asked them if I could potentially hammer the bump out (I just wanted braking to be even again) and they said "Well....it is a free country!". So, thats what I did. I went home and hammered it out within 5 minutes. Hundreds of dollars saved. That was the last time I went there - I went only to rachet master. (Geoffs now)

chris kilgore

Like many people, I feel a bit intimidated when I walk into any bike shop... I try to DIY my bike maintenance as much as possible, but I still feel acutely amateur in a place like this. That said, Ive been into this place many many times, and cant recall a single negative experience... tools or accessories found and purchased, questions answered or repairs made. Theres several good bike shops in town, so this is by no means your only option, but Id never discourage anyone from hitting this place up for any of your bike related needs/wants.