Spokes Etc.

Category:	Bicycle Store
Address:	1545 N Quaker Ln, Alexandria, VA 22302, USA
Phone:	+1 703-820-2200
Site:	spokesetc.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–5PM

Location

+−

Leaflet

Photos 95

Reviews 6

Sarah C

This store tried to sell unsafe products for my child. I went in to get a bike helmet for my daughter, whos 6.5 months old. The salesperson put a XS childs helmet on her and said it looked like it would work. I showed him that it was so loose, I could spin it around on her head. He argued that it would be fine because "its touching all the way around, see..." at which point he stuck his finger under the helmet and discovered that it actually wasnt touching the sides of her head. He apologized and tried another helmet that apparently auto-adjusts, but it was also obviously sized for an older child. I asked if they sold infant helmets, which are designed and sized for infants, rather than child helmets, which are designed for older kids. He had never heard of an infant helmet, and told me that "any pediatrician would tell me not to transport a child on a bike until shes 9 months old anyway." Well, my pediatrician told me 6 months was fine, and the bike trailer manufacturers also design their products for a child age 6 months or older (or even younger with a special infant insert). He said hed been in the bike business for 29 years and had never heard that, and demanded to know which bike trailer company said it was appropriate for an infant 6 months old. I told him the brand and he said his store is a major dealer for that brand and its for 9-month-olds and above. He went to get the product manual, and I walked out. He then followed me to my car reading from the manual, which said that the bike trailer was designed for infants age 6 months and older, or 4-6 months with the infant insert, as Id said. He apologized because hed "never heard that before." Well, if youve been in the bike business for 29 years and yet would sell a too-big helmet for an infant, and if you are a major dealer of a particular brand of child products but dont know the age for which those products are safe, then why would I ever buy a bike product for my child from you? I went to another store that sells infant helmets and knows how to fit them properly.

Lova Ralitera

My husband and I visited this shop last week. Im going back to cycling after 10 years hiatus...upon entering, we didnt know what to expect, but Matt made us feel welcome! He was very honest, helpful, professional and knowledgable! Im 48 and specifically looked for a hybrid bike that was low-step for easy boarding; comfortable to ride on hills, has an internal gear hub and light enough to add a kids trailer. He suggested Electra bikes, they were gorgeous but too big for me. He then suggested Trek Verve 3. We had to lower the seat all the way and he explained that with the seat that low, it would not have enough room for a trailers attachment. Also the bike didnt have an internal gear hub...Since it was the only bike that did fit me in the shop, my husband and I decided to give it a try and test ride it. I was nervous to hop on the bike at first lol, but He held on to the bike and helped me hop in comfortably. We were given a helmet and off we went. The bike was so light and beautiful to ride on. He was so understanding that we didnt buy the bike. We wanted to try the giant liv rove 3 and they didnt carry it. He gave us his schedule and told us to come back anytime. Before we left, he showed us the trailers that they have. My husband and I were extremely pleased by The customer service we received from him... We left and went to another shop that carried the rove 3. Didnt get the same customer service we received at Spokes Etc North Quaker Lane. Anyway, we re going out of town this week but will only buy from Spokes Etc when we come Back.

Rob Hamlin

I’ve purchased four bikes from Spokes, etc. on Quaker Lane in Alexandria over the years, and I’ve always been very happy with their services. Just recently I went in for my first-ever Professional Bike Fitting on my 2013 Specialized Roubaix, and it was such an incredible experience that I wanted to write about it. First of all, Becky who did my fitting is just great: She’s extremely good at making you feel comfortable, both in the process and the fit itself. She’s not just nice but also really good at what she does, and she makes the entire experience a pleasure - You feel like you’re going to get a new bike out of the process. And actually, that’s exactly what happened – Once we made all the needed adjustments and I took my first 30-miler I felt like I was on a new bike, except one that was lighter and faster! Butt pain eliminated. Left shoulder ache gone. I’m not trying for speed, but I was able to drive over hills and keep up a pace I’d rarely hit before. I can’t recommend a fitting highly enough – It makes a HUGE difference.

Erik Walnum

Spokes Etc on Quaker Lane is my favorite bike shop. Pricing is about on par with other DC shops but get on the Spokes emailer for excellent coupons and savings, especially as the seasons change. The staff in both the sales and service department are what distinguish Spokes from other local bike shops. Friendly and knowledgable, not pretentious or exclusive. Some bike shops sell only very high end bikes and kit and make new (and seasoned) cyclists uncomfortable and feel like they are being talked down to. Not at Spokes. The inventory on the floor can accommodate nearly every level of riding and I have been on many test rides while trying to compare mountain and road bikes. If you are looking for something in the upper crust of cycling its a good idea to ask. I have inquired about various components, boutique wheel makers and custom frame builds and I was surprised to learn at how many relationships Spokes has in the industry.

A Private User

My girlfriend recently bought her bike at the spokes in Alexandria and the sales manager spent over two hours helping her to get sized on the bike properly, set her shoes up, set the bike up with accessories (speed monitor, bike bag, water bottle, pedals), and helped her to find some good riding equipment. He gave us a discount on the bike price below what some of the other bike places in the area (another Spokes, revolution cycles) were willing to negotiate on and then hooked us up with a discount on the merchandise. After the pleasant experience, I went back in to have my bicycle tuned up. They had quoted me a three day turnaround but ended up providing NEXT day service and the tune up was LESS than several other shops were charging for similar services. I would definitely recommend Spokes on Quaker Street.

lew bremenstul

My wife and I have been regular, happy customers of Spokes. I recently dropped off my commuter for a tune-up when I had two weeks of travel and could do without it. Yesterday, the day my bike was to be ready for pickup, the shop called to tell me the front gear/crankset should also be replaced, along with the previously recommended rear cassette, chain and pads, and no work had been started yet. This raised the tune-up and other recommended replacements to $400. I wasnt happy about the last minute notice. I need my bike this weekend and didnt want to rush the repair, so I canceled the work and am picking up the bike today as-is. On the bright side, this has been an excuse for me to start looking at something new and different, and possibly starting to do more of my own maintenance and repair!