Varsity Bike & Transit

Category:	Bicycle Repair Shop
Address:	1316 4th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
Phone:	+1 612-623-0990
Site:	varsitybike.com
Rating:	4.1
Working:	10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM

Location

Photos 7

Reviews 8

Tyler Brouwer

I want to like Varsity Bike - for the first nine months after I started commuting via bicycle, they were my service shop of choice. I bought my first new bike from them about a year ago, a Felt Verza 40. The staff is always friendly and they seem very knowledgable, if a bit unapproachable at times. But I experienced quite a few issues with my bike, and my roommate who purchased a bike from them had even more problems than I did. Whenever we would take our (identical) bikes in for service, the problem would always resurface a week or two later. It seems theyre interested in fixing bikes quickly, but they dont always take the time or care to ensure that things are done correctly. I bought my latest bike a few days ago, another Felt, from the Hub. Today I brought it to Varsity to have them put locking wheel nuts on, and within a few hours of picking it up I noticed that the front disk brake was dragging. This is, unfortunately, indicative of the kind of service that my roommate and I have both received from Varsity - it seems like every time our bikes have been serviced there, even for something minor, we notice some new problem. Both of us bought our first bikes there, and neither of us bought our second bikes there. If youre looking for a place to have you bike fixed, look around. Even if you end up paying a little more, which you certainly dont necessarily have to, its worth not having to return, trip after trip, with one issue after another. I took my new bike to the Hub to have the disk brake realigned because I no longer trust Varsity, and they had it completely fixed in five minutes - free of charge. Im writing this review because after nine months of two bikes in my household being serviced at Varsity, we continue to have these kinds of issues even when we have the simplest service performed. When I discovered that my front brake was dragging after Varsity installed locking wheel nuts, I biked three miles beyond Varsity and back - to the Hub - because I know theyll do it right. Unfortunately, I dont have that kind of faith in Varsity anymore.

Cole Feagler

Fair prices, solid yet limited product range, friendly staff. No clothing selection. This is one of the most student-oriented bike shop near campus. (Hat tip to The Hub - East Bank on Washington). While the folks behind the counter will happily special-order you a high-end carbon bike, the shop stocks mostly single-speeds and lower-end hybrid models. On the plus side, the staff are non-commission, so they tend to be pretty relaxed and wont pressure you to buy more bike than you need. Service is quick and offers decent bang for the buck, but some fixes for poor-quality or damaged bikes tend to be done a bit hastily. Awesomely, theyll loan you a wrench if you need to do something minor yourself, but - as with every shop - dont expect to borrow expensive or nice tools. All in all, Varsity is a nice bike shop in a convenient location. Small businesses like these guys keep the local economy strong and the Dinkytown area vibrant, so theyre worth the visit. But, if your budgets a bit higher or you need high-precision repairs done, check out the Eriks next door. They offer more & higher-quality bikes in-store, plus clothing and other accessories notably absent at Varsity.

A Private User

I recently sent my dad into Varsity to have my bike packaged up to be shipped to me in D.C for a bike trip. My dad isnt a big bike guy so I had to trust that Varsity was going to do the job right with little to no guidance. Of course Varsity did a fantastic job and my bike arrived safe and sound. In a nut shell best service and great prices. Ive been going to Varsity since they opened. Through the years they have helped me keep my bikes in tip top shape. I ride my bikes all season long so I go through chains, cassettes and tires frequently. Varsity has great prices on the gear I need to keep going. I do most of my own maintenance but when I dont have time or If I dont have the tools I go to Varsity to get the job done right.

Ighedosa Ogbeide

Every time I have an issue with my bike the guy never does a run through. I have to describe my problem but sometimes I dont know how to word it because it is a problem that one can feel. I always pay for a repair that doesnt help me feel better when riding my bike. Its frustrating as a college student to keep on spending money and not get the results you desire. Its a hospital for bikes. The mechanics are the doctors. A doctor should run through any concerns that are immediate and those that can be foreseen later on. The mechanics here dont look like they care about my happiness after receiving a repair, just that I paid. Got to Eriks next door. They even have a student discount. Peace.

Sandra Swanson

Well definitely a nice shop for the student campus. I like biking around town usually and came by dinky town to have drink and did some window shopping. Varsity bike shop is unique something necessary for the students and we were able to park our bikes outside. The building in the summer time is usually opened the staff were very friendly and had very cool conversations about just the area and places we should try biking around. Ended up having my tires filled which was free. Id say give them a try just to check it out, they also sell bikes and bike accessories including some electric ones. Very fun place great service. Will be back if i need something fixed!

Luke Bassett

Walking in I expected to pay around $85 for a replacement wheel and tube because of a ding in the rim. I pointed this out to Chris, but instead of grabbing something off the shelf to sell, he waved Jameson over for an extra set of eyes. They didnt think it caused the leak, but to ensure proper diagnosis Chris took extra time to locate the puncture, verifying that it was on a different area of the tube entirely. He proceeded to clean the tire and replace the tube without delay. My breaks were adjusted for free and I left knowing the best time to come back for a tune-up. Thanks guys!

Alex Beck

I took my bike in for a check up and to have them look at a shifting problem I was having. When I received my bike back 2 days later, the bike was in bad shape. The wheels were crooked, the handlebars were crooked, and the shifting problem was now worse. I was shocked that a they would consider that a finished bike when Im not sure they even did anything. When I brought the bike back the lone employee in the shop acted like it was a hassle to fix the things that should have been done the first time. They lost a customer that day. Ill gladly pay a little more to go to freewheel.

John Matta

I have lived in Dinkytown for almost four years now, and have always used Varsity Bike Shop for my repairs. I am pretty inept with respect to bicycle repairs. They always to an excellent job and do so speedily. I have never had them extend a service. In addition to this, whenever I get a flat fixed they oil my chain. Theyve never mention it but its a nice touch and I think shows their overall good natured-ness. I recommend you bring your bike to Varsity in order to get good service and support good people.