Firehouse Bicycles

Category:	Bicycle Store
Address:	701 S 50th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143, USA
Phone:	+1 215-727-9692
Site:	firehousebicycles.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	Closed 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 22

Reviews 7

John Zornosa

I lost my Scott S50 a year ago and didnt think I would be able to afford a quality road bike any time soon. I decided to go slumming for used bikes, just to be able to ride again. In my mind, I pictured myself riding some unfamiliar, rusty, heavy steel-framed anachronism that barely got the job done. Like a one-night stand that youre stuck with, or a cheap, 80 year old prostitute. Anyway, I was expecting to lay down 200-300 for just that. Its tough to get a well-manufactured used bike for anything less, unless youre ready to pay for new shifters, brake pads, chain, and do all the leg work with paint/rust. Instead, what I got was a bike that rivaled my old S50 in performance for $400. The S50 had cost me $850 in 2011. Sure, the paint has been chipped, theres slight rust on the gears, and the frame isnt exactly sexy, but it feels like Im riding my S50 again. Theres nothing I cant take care of, the shifters are in great condition, barely any rust on the bike, and they painted back over the frame. The wheels are solid, the tires are new, and I cant speak more highly of an used bike. Even better was their service and genuine efforts to help me find what I needed. I rode 4 bikes around the block before I found this beauty, and they took it out of the back just for me. You get what you pay for at Firehouse, and with used bikes, thats honestly all you can ask for.

R Ennis

Worst experience of my life. I bought a bike here on 3/31/09. I came back to get the same flat back tire fixed on 4/2, 4/5, and 4/9. Every time I went back some snotty employee insisted it was my fault and tried to charge me to fix it. The third time I went, after enough yelling, they finally agreed to replace the tire but put on a bunch of steel support spokes that rattled like a toolbox. Around 4/15, the chain developed a kink and every time I hit it too hard it would skip a beat and I would fall off, I even dislocated my wrist. The bike I had before lasted me a year and a half and I never fell once. Then yesterday, the chain fell off the track 3 times in 20 blocks on my way to work. After I left work, the chain shattered and I fell going 20 on market. I broke a rib and made a one-inch blood spot on my toe. Today I returned it and another snotty girl tried to keep the $14 in tax I paid, even after I told her all the bs that bike put me through. She claimed that I probably drove it too crazily (as she was pulling off the broken chain) - it was a beach cruiser. So instead of refunding me and apologizing for their shotty craftsmenship that led to a broken bone, they insulted my ability to ride a bike and acted like they were doing me a favor by giving me what I paid for it. - Class acts!

A Private User

Ive lived in the city for five years and by far this is the only bike shop Ive found thats worth going to. Though it may not have the cleanest looking staff, they by far surpass some other shops in competency, skill and knowledge. Ive heard people complain about their prices and the first question I ask them is "compared to where?" I own three bicycles and frequently buy parts both used and new and have yet to find a bike shop in Philly that matches their prices. The reality is people need to make a living. If you want to get a bike for 100 bucks, go to walmart and have fun when your bike breaks irreparably in a week. I have a feeling that some people giving bad reviews do not have much basis for comparison. I work on my own bikes so I know how much time goes into repairs and also how frequently a bike needs repairs, especially if it sees daily use. I can honestly say their prices for labor are fair and their work is quality, so much so that I often bring them work I can do myself because I know they will do it better, quicker and it will be well worth my money, which says a lot because I am not rich. Im constantly broke and finding a business that actually looks out for hardworking people is a rare blessing. Thank you, firehouse bikes!

David Bolles

I had been looking in to all Philly area shops. Reading reviews, "experiencing" a few and trying to get a gauge of character through their sites -tough to do. Well, Firehouse provided a great listing of services, enough detail without wasting time and got right to the point "Stop in some time" That is always the key with bike shops, you have to stop in... Well, I emailed them with my concern and I got a speedy response from Paul. Wobbly front wheel. Hed have to check it out, Id have to find time. So I just got back from my visit. A quaint shop loaded with bikes! Tons of parts...So much goodness and reasonable parts pricing packed in to a cozy space. My repair was minimal and I he tweaked a few other things for me and the charge was nothing. I have another shop local to me and they would have easily charged double. I am due for a tune up. I was aware of certain things that needed attention that Paul pointed out such as my wheels being out of true and some other small details. But, can you believe when he was telling me the info he was really nice?! A true pleasure to come across in bike shops... I cant wait to take my bike back to Firehouse!

Jesse Taylor

ive really enjoyed going to firehouse since ive moved nearby. at first i was a bit hesitant seeing as it was above satellite (guess why?) after going there a dozen times i found the staff helpful and realistic and amazingly non-condescending- a rarity. im putting together a bike that was all sorts of screwed up and theyve been super patient with me- not telling me some b.s. like “either fix it or buy a new one.) because everyone has the money for that. i digress- im writing this because today I went in to replace my tires. (i originally got the cheapest ones because... well i didnt have the cash for a nice set) 15 flats later i gave-in/up i got a set of marathons and not only do they give 10% off on messenger/delivery riders they “did not charge for labor because of your bad luck”. straight bloody awesome. go to this shop. make it your shop.

Bob Dobalina

If youre one of those guys who has to have the latest gear, this probably isnt the shop for you. But for the rest of us, this is the best shop around. Firehouse/Wolf cycles features a good selection of used & new bikes & parts. This is one of those shops that instead of trying to sell you the high dollar stuff, pushes proven reliable products. In my experience their stock and experience with vintage bikes is second only to Via bike. They have a very skilled staff. The staff here is not the outgoing sales type who wear a fake smile all day, but very knowledgeable and honest. They do great work at a highly competitive rate. This is my go to shop and I just wish I lived closer!

Steve Burns

It was a dark and stormy night -- and I did not feel like trudging through the rain to get my flat tire fixed and a pair of new tires, but boy am I glad I did I stopped in. The two dudes in working tonight in Firehouse Bicycles were super cool, super professional, and super efficient. They had my bike perched on a stand, repaired, and returned it to me within 15 minutes. Two new tires, two new tubes. Installed. All for $40! I couldnt be happier. Now Im back on the road and my bike rides hella better. Ill definitely be back.