Harris Cyclery

Category:	Bicycle Store
Address:	1353 Washington St, Newton, MA 02465, USA
Phone:	+1 617-244-1040
Site:	harriscyclery.net
Rating:	4.6
Working:	Closed 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 9:30AM–5:30PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 36

Reviews 6

John Miller

Harris really nails the spirit of cycling. I first came there six years ago to buy a cyclocross bike. I came away with a comfortable bike that took me all over Boston--a Jamis Aurora. Harris cheerfully swapped out several parts to make things easier: slighly lower gears and a different stem. When I came in that fall and wanted to try cyclocross racing, the folks at Harris found me some cyclocross tires that they didnt normally stock, and told me a bit about cross racing in the area. The mechanic to help me was on the Rapha cycling team--didnt know until much later. Very unassuming and friendly. When I wanted to learn how to build wheels, Harris helped me out with the parts I needed. They special-ordered rims, calculated spoke lengths, and took me into their stockroom to make sure I was getting exactly what I wanted. They didnt care that I was using some hubs from eBay, or that I wasnt a professional mechanic. Instead, they welcomed me to the wheelbuilding fraternity. Ive since built six more wheels using parts Ive purchased from Harris. In every case, the staff helped with what I needed, and has gotten spoke calculations spot-on. When I wanted to try fixed-gear riding, Harris helped me fill the remaining gaps in my parts list, helped me respace my hub to fit my frame, and made sure I knew what I was doing with the parts Id bought. Harris has helped me with tricky repairs, like shortening a steerer tube and rethreading my crankarm. They know what theyre doing. Finally, I need to mention Harriss website. For a long time, Sheldon Brown was one of Harris mechanics. In the early days of the Web, he put together a comprehensive set of articles on just about any sort of bicycle topic you care to mention. From the minutiae of internal-gear hubs to how to start children riding, it was there, and part of Harris website. Mr. Browns no longer with us, but his compendium is still here. Its quite possibly the best cycling website in the world. Support Harris Cyclery. Theyre kind, knowledgeable, and treat cyclists of all levels equally. Theyll do the same for you. And afterwards, you can go get barbecue from Blue Ribbon!

Alva Couch

My wife and I are regular bicyclists who log thousands of miles a year. I regularly drive 20 miles each way to buy cycling parts from Harris Cyclery. Yes, I know, I should bicycle. but its just a little too long a cycle trip for shopping! I have bought several cycles at Harris and re-outfitted many other older cycles that I bought used from parts I bought at Harris.. This shop has parts no one else has, and staff that know everything about parts.. Most important, they are always willing to help breathe new life into an old frame. I really appreciate that -- unlike almost all other stores -- sales staff dont automatically try to push me into buying a new bike when I bring in some old relic I want to rejuvenate. The shop staff understand sentimental and historical value of old bikes, and are quite resourceful in helping me make old relics rideable again. As an amateur mechanic, I also really appreciate that the staff are willing to collaborate with me in doing some of the few things I cant do to a bike in my home shop, e.g., headset seating or bottom bracket facing. They dont automatically try to sell me a full rebuild. In short, this is a shop that goes out of its way to understand what you need and provide it cheerfully and precisely. The sales staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and the mechanics are expert. You cant go wrong buying from them.

Paul Scott

To me Harris Cyclery is the essence of all a bike shop should be. They are focused on assisting you with what you are trying to accomplish - not just trying to sell you stuff. They are expert in the repair and maintenance of bicycles of almost any age - with a particularly rare expertise in the maintenance or repair of vintage bicycles - and no matter what beauty or monstrosity you wheel through the door, they treat every bike with professionalism and respect (unlike most other bike shops who seem to look down their noses at anything less than the most recent fancy gear). In stock they have a broad range of top notch equipment (you wont be left high and dry if you have your heart set on something in particular) and they provide thoughtful advice on what to use. Many a time I have walked into the store thinking I wanted to purchase a more expensive version of a particular part and upon discussion with the folks there have been steered toward something equally effective but less expensive. The folks here are really great - knowledgeable, honest, thoughtful, enthusiastic. I love this place. This shop is a treasure.

Adam Jones

Went to Harris Cyclery over the weekend looking for a solid commuter bike that I could use to get around the city. They had a great selection of bikes in my price range ($350-$500), especially considering that they were in the process of preparing to stock next seasons bikes. I hadnt purchased a bike since I was a kid, so it felt great to work with a staff that was knowledgeable and committed to finding me a bike that I could afford and feel comfortable on. Theyll let you test any bike in the store without hassle, which is important for anyone making this type of purchase. Most important, the people are friendly, patient, and they make you feel like a valued customer. I spent most of my time with Sonny (who I think is the owner), who made the entire experience easy and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend Harris Cyclery to anyone, but especially people like me who might need a little assistance choosing the right bike.

A Private User

I went there JUST to get my breaks looked at. Then before i knew it this guy talked me into leaving my bike there for a week to get a tune up. I get my bike back with a bill of $180.00, (mind you this bike only cost me 300 brand new) they has changed out a couple of parts they they felt was needed. so, i bit the bullet and pay the guys. down the street from the place i went to break and they didnt even touch the damn things. So i had to go back and have them fix it. they didnt have the parts they they had me come back 2 weeks later. come back in 2 weeks and they want me to leave my bike with them for another week! i gave them a hard time so they did it on the spot, like they should have to begin with. Then they had the balls to try and charge me again. These people crap out bike tunes-ups and rip people off. dont waste your time.

A Private User

I bought my first "grown up" bike today at Harris Cyclery, and I couldnt be more pleased with the service. Jon Harris, one of the co-managers, took the time to explain to me exactly the kind of bike I needed, and then proceeded to find me one--on clearance--and helped me test it out, adjust it for my height, and pick out accessories (helmet, bike lock, etc.). In addition to the savings I got buying a clearance bike, he threw in a free bungie cord for my rack. Everyone there was extremely helpful and polite and very eager to do the best job possible, all without being the least bit pushy. Ill definitely be going there for all my cycling-related needs.