VéloCity Bicycle Cooperative

Category:	Used Bicycle Shop
Address:	2111 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301, USA
Phone:	+1 703-549-1108
Site:	velocitycoop.org
Rating:	4.9
Working:	10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–6PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 56

Reviews 8

Josh zirelli

I have an old Nishiki Mountain bike that was built in 1993. Ever since I moved into the city a few years ago, I have used the bike a lot more frequently than I used to, in order to get around town. I originally came into the shop on Sunday to remedy a situation where the seat post was slipping down causing the bicycle seat to slip down with it. I met the lead mechanic Russell identified the problem as a seat post binder bolt. This was a 5-minute fix. The conversation then shifted to an issue regarding the crankshaft and chain slippage. On many occasions while peddling up hills, the chain would momentarily slip off of the sprocket causing an unsafe riding situation. This was a problem caused by the rear wheel axle that had become loose and wobbly. I had bought this bike new and it appears that the original builder installed this incorrectly. The rear axel is what connects to the pedal crank arms and pedals. The axle provides attachment of the bicycle wheel and also contains the sprocket set, and the bearings on which the wheel rotates. The bike frame has threads and provides the point of attachment for the rear axle. During the original build process, the hub shell portion of the rear axel was threaded into the frame at an angle, which should have been obviously straight and flush. Also, the axle bearings were never cleaned or repacked with grease every 500 miles and this cause additional wear and tear on the rear axel. Over time this caused stress on the bearings and rear axle, causing the pedals to wobble, and the chain to slip off. Russell assessed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The pedal crank arms needed to be removed in order to acquire access to the bolt that holds the rear axle in place. The complication occurred when the crank left crank arm would not come off. It was completely sealed with rust and corrosion. We actually had to use a cutting tool in order to get the crank arm removed. This entire process of replacing the rear axle took over two hours. He mentioned to me that they rarely encounter repair situations as complicated as my bike. We were also very lucky that they had parts in the shop that would accommodate my 20-year-old bike. He then went on to replace the rapid-fire index shifter, which controls the front derailleur. Aside from the cutting process, and the removal of some bolts, I assisted with installing new cables for this. Russell gave me the instructions about how to first remove the brake lever housing from the handlebar. Participating in this job was a great learning experience, and it was a lot of fun to get my hands greasy again. Russell was patient, extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about fixing my bike. Replacing the axle and re-threading the bicycle frame not the type of project for a novice mechanic, and I am really glad that Russell was able to save my bike. I walked out of there paying a small fraction that a commercial bike shop would have charged. This place is awesome and the other volunteer mechanics that work there are top notch! It’s also a cool concept that you get the opportunity to help out with the fix. I wish all bike shops could be as great as the Velocity Bike Co-op, and I would definitely recommend this bike shop to anyone in the DC area. The guys who work there are people who ride bikes and know how to take care of them. If you should need a decent remanufactured bike, or perhaps get your bike going again, Russell will take care of you.

William Shiflett

I called Christian and asked if he could help me fix my bike. He said he had a lot of repairs to do and probably could not help me out today. Then he asked what I needed help with. I told him that my rear brakes were not staying centered. He said I could come in if that was all that needed fixing. Later, I went to the shop. Christian remembered me from my phone call. He immediately put my bike on the stand and showed me how to tighten my center-pull breaks. Then he showed me that my rear wheel was wobbling because the cones were off and the rear axle was bent. He showed me how to take my rear wheel off and then he ground down one of his tools so that he could make an adjustment to the cones (I think- he tried to explain it, but I didnt parse everything). He showed me how to straighten the rear derailleur, then he had me put the wheel back on and re-position the brakes. Now my bike works. The price was practically nothing.

Eric Kropp

Bought a new bicycle here after my old one was stolen. Just went in and listed my price range and what Id be using it for and the owner found me one that worked perfectly for that. He tested everything in front of me to make sure it worked and fine tuned a few things as well. A few days later someone smashed my wheel in. I took it back to have it repaired, and after fixing it, they said they wouldnt be charging me. They treat their customers very well, and I would recommend going to them to anyone looking for a new bike or repairs

Barry Vance

Very affordable bike tune ups, do it yourself service, and parts. You dont need to know anything for DIY, volunteers will help. Great charity programs. They also provide earn a bike programs for youth and conduct lots of bike clinics in underserved communities. Great volunteers too. If youre ever looking to learn more about bike mechanics, help the community become more bike friendly, or make a lot of cool new friends who like to drink beer and hang out, inquire about volunteering.

Nicole Carrasco

Best bike shop Ive ever been to. Ive visited plenty of times but my most memorable of visits came last Thanksgiving when Christian had to leave to pick up his daughter and was closing the shop early but I needed a quick repair mid trail ride and stopped by. He stayed past closing to guide me through and was even late in picking up his daughter because of me. 5 star service! Wish I had a co op like this in the Tidewater area.

leonard grusk

Brought my old Gary Fisher bike in for a tune-up. The bike had been sitting in storage for about 8 years. Christian performed magic on making this bike look new, and only made the minimum repairs necessary. In other words, he didnt charge me for parts and servicing that I really didnt need, as so many other bicycle repair shops would have done. Highly recommend VeloCity!!! Thanks again, Christian! Youre the man!

Frank Power

I had a great experience at this shop, I brought a old 2000 TREK up to get refreshed and while not really concerned with cost, the owner was hyper aware of what money I was spending. I normally go to Spokes, but I was very happy with the experience and the guy got me in and out in 2 hours. Same day, We need to direct traffic here, its a good bike shop. Local DC, this is a good bike shop!!

andrew lees

helpful staff, just enough help to encourage you to repair and learn how to problem solve, and fix your own bike. not intrusive and has a good work life ballance, I would not be too surprised to see a "gone fishing" sign on the door. just to clarify, I have not seen the sign, just that it is not a clock watching, soleless shell of an establishment. keep up the good work.