Eugene Bicycle Works

Category:	Bicycle Store
Address:	455 W 1st Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, USA
Phone:	+1 541-683-3397
Site:	catoregon.org
Rating:	3.7
Working:	Closed 12–6PM 12–6PM 12–6PM 12–6PM 12–6PM Closed

Location

Photos 24

Reviews 15

Tim Asay

The idea behind the Center for Appropriate Transport (as this shop is also called) is a worthy one--they allow people to fix up bikes at a well-equipped shop for a nominal fee, offer classes in bike maintenance, and sell cheap used parts. The implementation of that idea is rather poor; as the smug "appropriate" in the name might suggest, this shop is staffed largely by hipster bike-snobs who are not at all concerned at helping customers in a timely manner. They will spend some time with you once they get around to it, but even then they only seem to condescend to speak with their lowly, amateur customers. I suspect that regulars are probably treated better--if you enjoy the cliquish, "insider-club" vibe, you might fit right in here; I dont consider myself exceptionally sensitive to it (one couldnt live in Eugene with such a sensitivity), but this place takes it to an intolerable degree. I could probably get over the service issues here, but the last straw for this shop was when I discovered their return policy, or rather their utter lack of one. I fully understand that they cant accept returns on used parts; however, I bought a brand new bike rack from them that, once I got it home, I realized wouldnt work with my panniers. I bought the rack only after first looking on their website and seeing that they listed a standard return policy: "Items must be in new (salable) condition, with hang-tag still attached." I had not removed any tags or opened any of the accompanying bags--it remained in precisely the same condition as when I bought it. But when I asked to exchange it (note: I did not even seek a return), the clerk imperiously pointed to a sign on the desk that said no returns whatsoever. Supposedly, the return policy on their website only applies to items purchased on their website; if you go into the store and purchase the exact same item from the exact same people, the return policy evaporates for some inscrutable reason. Ive never heard of such a policy at any bike shop; there are enough tricky compatibility issue with bike parts that sometimes they just need to get returned and exchanged for something that works. Such a policy cuts against the stores entire mission of empowering people to work on their own bikes. So the moral of my experience: go to another shop for new parts; take the classes if you admire or aspire to become a snobby hipster; when you want to buy used parts, get a long grocery list of everything you need so that youll only have to visit once--youll be waiting for a while.

Hovis Biddle

EBW is great! The staff is friendly and super-helpful, they know their stuff and theyre not reluctant to help you make a decision. Youll find tuned-up used bikes for sale, and also bikes they fabricate there in the shop! The best part of EBW is that for a reasonable fee they will set you up in the shop so you can fix the problem yourself - if you feel that you dont know how, theyll teach you too! The first time I went in, I learned how to overall my hubs and true my rims. I was so satisfied with the experience that I immediately signed up for a yearly membership to their work space. The only downsides to EBW are they they dont stock a lot of new parts (I prefer used anyway), and sometimes it can be really hard to tell who the employees are and whos just working on their bike. (Thats fine though, the customers are all also very helpful and friendly. :)

Mike Conard

The CAT is NOT your usual bike shop by any means. This place is more of a culture. It is unique in that you can go in and pick out used bike parts that are either rebuilt or in need of a rebuild project for yourself. This bike shop has students who are in an apprenticeship program who have helped me on numerous occasions with issues I was having difficulty with...they taught me "how to fish", if you would. That is a breathe of fresh air in a corporate culture that even infects locally owned bike shops that would rather do the repair for you so they can make profit. Support this shop in their mission to keep biking self sufficiency on the move and to take kids who need direction and give them one.

Christopher Brickey

ABSOLUTELY WORSE BIKE SHOP, LET ALONE CO OP I HAVE EVER BEEN TO. Bought a shifter... broken. Took a LONG time to check out or even to get service to begin with. Got a new shifter which took even longer for staff to find and even longer checking out. It was quite some time to get service. They charge 10$ an hr to use their stuff which is atrocious and even more to get "help". I dont have so much time to waste for garbage. I stopped by at 5:45 on nov. 25 to find them already closed.

Charles Varani

Beware, the owner has no ethics. When I paid for a class, I learned after arriving and finding no one around, that it was canceled. When I tried to get a refund, I was repeatedly told by employees that the owner was the one only one who could do it. And he was never around. He was too busy in his garden to deal with me. Luckily, I used a credit card, so when he tried to rip me off, I called Visa to reverse the charge. Visa has better ethics!

Heather Schmit

Low-cost bike repair shop found! Have them do it, or do it yourself. Center for appropriate transport (CAT) is a low-cost community repair center for bikes and every variation of bike you can imagine. These guys are awesome and cost less than half the price of anywhere else. They are so friendly, do a great job, and at a reasonable price! I cant believe I did not know about this bike shop before. 1st and Jackson, Eugene Bicycle Works/ CAT

Robert McNamee

Used to love this place. Ive donated and bought many things from here while Phranque worked. Until yesterday when I got a bike priced and they had trippled the price on me when I returned to buy it. Scumbag move. Can only see that bike being that price if it was in better shape.

David Lloyd

It was my first time to this bicycle shop. I was greeted by a man named Kevin, who gave me proper service, knew his job well,and I felt to be a great guy ,and also its a a great bicycle shop.

Geoff Baysinger

Good if you want to work on your own stuff or find some custom parts. Being closed for 2 weeks in the summer just as Id started work on a used bike has been a buzz kill though.

Betty B

This place is wonderful! Found a bike for our daughter. We were able to add ape hangers while we were there. Great atmosphere and customer service and prices!!

Om gnOMe

Its the place to go for used bikes, used parts or if you need to use a tool. Ive talked to other bike shops that send used parts to these folks

Cyrus Victor

Great place friendly, knowledgeable,helpful staff all with great prices.

A Private User

excellent service. close to the bike path.

Steve Dawson

This place is Eugene.

WHen while

Legit.