Bicycle Exchange at Porter Square

Category:	Bicycle Store
Address:	2067 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
Phone:	+1 617-864-1300
Site:	cambridgebicycleexchange.com
Rating:	3.6
Working:	Closed 11AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 11

Reviews 14

A Private User

Brought my bike in for service several times over the course of a few weeks . Initially got a general creepy vibe from Dick, but gave him the benefit of the doubt. First for a general $45 tune-up... plus new tires, etc. Then a week later, the chain snagged while I was riding, so I brought it in again (for a fee). Dick replaced the chain and said everything was fine. Was riding again the next week, and the chain caught again, in addition to the back wheel apparently coming out of alignment and wedging against the frame, this time causing me to wipe out on Allston St. (and almost get run over). Brought it back in a third time (mind you this was only three weeks after my initial visit to get the bike tuned up), and this time after inquiring about the problem, another worker there said "get a new bike." I commented that it wouldve been nice if they told me that BEFORE I spent over $100 getting it tuned up! But Dick insisted it could be fine, but they had to convert it to a single-speed. Something I really didnt want to have done, but I already spent enough that I was like, alright sure. So he did that (again for a fee)-- and, to add insult to injury, Dick made an offhand comment about how my bike was "ugly." By now, I had spent closer to $200 total on this bike over the course of a few weeks. Fast forward a couple months, and the same problem occurred, the back wheel wedging against the frame while I was riding. I have surmised that the bike is unsafe to ride. Either these guys were not up front with me about the severity of the problem or didnt have the expertise to recognize it or fix it properly. Either way, I would definitely not bring any bike to them for service again.

A Private User

I was fortunate enough to find a fee bike on trash day that seemed to be in pretty good shape. Since I will only be in town another moth or so before I return to the Midwest my goal was to fix it up and secure it for as little as possible because I wouldnt be able to bring anything I bought for it back on my flight. In my walkabout of area bike shops they had the best selection and prices on bike locks (especially with the online coupon). I ended up getting a better lock that I was expecting to get within my budget. The price for a replacement tube was same as everywhere else I looked. As I was asking about the selection of locks there was no pressure to get the most expensive ones. I will definitely be returning for any future bike needs I may have while I am in Boston/Cambridge.

A Private User

I always supported small independent stores, because they really deserve our support. Unfortunately, this store does not deserve our support for a few reasons. 1- The owner has the worst customer service ever and he does not care about his customers. 2- This store is overpriced for everything, even if it is a simple thing. 3- They tell you an upfront price that you agree on then when you come to pick up you bike they tell you a completely different story without even calling you on the phone. 4- Very very very very rude. 5- I just came from there and I advise you all people to avoid this place.

A Private User

I felt like I was being served by your typical sleazy mechanics. I brought my bike in because the back wheel was misaligned and when I picked it up they had charged me $80 for a tune-up that I dont think I asked for and the problem I brought it in for wasnt fixed. When I pointed this out, he brought the bike into the back room and fixed it "the best he could." I dont really know what the tune-up entailed, because my brakes still squeak, all I do know is that I wont be going back here again, especially with the plethora of bike shops in Cambridge.

Erik Fogg

Im a bit surprised at the negative reviews. Dick, the owner, has always done right by me (and I didnt know him before I was a customer). He hustles, hes _very_ communicative, and if I drop off my bike for service, it comes out in great shape. Hes earned my trust, definitely. I have never once gotten anything "rude" from him. Hes a smidge socially awkward and I think anyone thats reading this as "rude" is just being kinda snotty.

A Private User

New to town and needed to get my bike fixed – found the Bicycle Exchange and was delighted with the level of service! Although on the day I went – a Saturday – it was busy, the staff was helpful and very knowledgeable. I left the bike because it needed an overhaul – it was ready on the day they promised and for the price they quoted – no surprises when I picked it up! I would definitely return and highly recommend this store!

Molly Powers

Personally, I would never go anywhere else for a bike or biking gear. Dick, the owner, takes such great care of my familys bikes and all of our biking needs with the utmost passion and pride for what he does. You can tell he has been doing this for a long time! I will always support this business and will forever continue purchasing our bikes from here.

Branden Etheridge

Very nice and helpful staff. They dont make you feel like an outsider when you dont know EVERYTHING about cycling. Very fast too. They put together my new bike in a few hours. And the 6 months of free tune-ups is great. I had a bad spill a few weeks after getting it, and they helped me out making sure everything was running correctly.

Thomas Kunkel

If I could give 0 stars I would. I had an awful experience here. The owner of this store doesnt care about his customers AT ALL. All he cares about his how much money he can get out of you. He charged me $20 and left me with an unusable bike. He doesnt care if hes helping you or hurting you, as long as he makes money off of you.

Megan MRL

Rented bikes here for a ride on the local trails. The bikes worked fine but the customer service is lacking. Maybe everyone there just had a bad day but they are really short on smiles and unwilling to do even the smallest thing to help. Think Ill try someone else next time. :(

Katya Anderson

Amazing service. Two locals independently told me this is the best bike shop in the area. My own experiences were that the shop goes above and beyond to get superior service. I paid 140 for a tune-up for a finicky road bike and two new tires. Totally worth it.

Patti Hart

Theres nowhere better to buy a bicycle. I havent had the best experience at those big box stores, but at the Bicycle Exchange, you can get the sales attention, the questions answered and a very good selection of excellent brands. All around a great experience.

Max B

Just bought a bike there knowing nothing about bikes. I gave Dick my price range for what I was looking for and what I needed it for and he showed me the selection of bikes that fit my budget and needs. Great shop!

Daniel VanLunen

Their pump was broken and caused my tire to pop as I relied on the gauge. Then they made me pay for a new inner tube and wouldnt even let me use their tire iron to put it on so I had to buy that too. Stay away!