Menotomy Used Bicycles

After my bike was damaged beyond repair in a car collision, I stopped in to Cambridge Used Bicycles to pick up a «temporary» replacement bike while I waited for my new bike to be built and shipped (I wasn’t going to go two plus months without a bike!)
The guys in the shop were super helpful. I basically knew the kind of bike I was looking for (Japanese, lugged steel road bike) and they had a couple of nice-​looking ones in stock at approximately the right size they pulled out for me. I went with a really beautiful Shogun (early 80’s, I think). It had clearly been well taken care of over its lifetime and had the original Suntour crank and drivechain, friction shifters and caliper brakes (which are probably the only thing I would update). It was lovingly tuned up and is a joy to ride. I commute 10 miles every day and have taken it on some longer 50+ mile rides with no issue. I’d buy a bike from these guys again without hesitation.

After going through Craigslist, checking out a bike seller that operated out of a makeshift bike shop and debating about whether or not to pay a bit more for a used bike from Bikes Not Bombs, I decided to venture over to Cambridge Used Bicycles. I had read reviews a couple of years ago about the place when it was Menotomy and didn’t realize that there was an ownership change since then. Either way, the service was excellent. The person who helped me find my bike and the person who was working on bike repairs are definitely knowledgable and friendly.
I wanted a well-​serviced/​updated 3-​speed used bike for commuting. After explaining what I wanted, I tested a couple of the bikes and immediately fell in love with the second bike. It fits me well, rides nicely, they adjusted some minor discrepancies with the tubing (it’s new tubing, so I guess that is to be expected), and even let me change out the seat for another used seat that was more comfortable. The bike was $ 275. They also sell helmets for $ 25, new bicycle seats for $ 20, locks, lights and other basic accessories for a fair price.
Highly recommended if looking for a reasonably priced, used 3-​speed that has updated parts. They have new bikes too that looked great. I didn’t try them because that’s not what I was looking for personally.

Great service and they make it easy. The staff was extremely helpful and found me a bike that I’m very happy with.

Was in the market for a used bike, found this place after doing a Google search for nearby used bike shops. The selections were okay; enough to give me a couple options. It’s also the beginning of July and the weather has been beautiful — perfect bike riding conditions. I can understand why the selection was a bit small.
Nonetheless, I found a great 15 year old Peugeot in great condition, at a reasonable price. The customer service was great and answered all my questions.
I recommend checking this place out if you’re in the market for a used bike. I’d give this shop 5 stars if they had a bigger selection. B

Location:
— In the basement of an antique market… so basically I bought my bike and then spent 20 minutes sweatily navigating it through aisles of china and other expensive old things.
— Free parking behind the building. Get’s a bit crowded on weekends, so we just parked at Cambridgeside Galleria and hustled over.
— Bunch of empty lots around for you to test your bike around!
Selection:
— You’re definitely not going to get a shiny new bike here, but you will get one with sound brakes, etc., and a great price. Got my single speed/​hippie bike for $ 125!
— The selection really varies based on the season. I had gone at the beginning of the summer, when everybody in Boston and their mothers wanted to buy a bike, so the selection was slim.
— Largely fixie/​single speed bikes, but if you’re looking for something more, then definitely be patient as they get bikes in and out on a regular basis. If you’re looking for a bike without the bells and whistles, then Menotomy is the right place.
— Prices range from mid $ 100s upwards of $ 400, so can really fit to whatever your budget and needs are.
Service:
— Vinny’s super pleasant — immediately knew I was a wary biker newbie, sized me up to the right size frame, and let me putter around and try out bikes. He ever offered us help on shoving it into our too small car. Never felt like he was ripping me off.
— 30 day warranty on your bike (will fix anything but flats)

sounds like the service is really good the staff was friendly but I went in looking for a mountain bike… not the place to go. if you are looking for a hipster retro style city bike, you will probably be in the right place

Amazing place. Good amount of bikes to choose from. Price is just right. Don’t drive past it though. it’s in the basement of the antique store — no sign. I’ve been looking for a used bike for 6 weeks now. As soon as I stepped into this place I knew this was going to be good. The bike is in great condition (old frame, but all else is wonderful). Gears shifting so smoothly — a rare finding with used bikes. Person there (forgot name?) is very knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you! So nice to walk into a place and know you’re getting a quality bike, good service, and at the right price.

This is my first review ever because I truly believe that this place is awesome. I bought my bike (and totally love it!) and I have a small accident (within the 30 days warranty) and went back and Vinny not only fixed it, but also suggested some minor improvements, did a general check up. He is a real nice guy who loves what he’s doing, and he does it good. Definitely go there!

I’ve been back to this place several times since, mostly for supplies, (i.e. tires, a light, inner tubes, etc.) and the experience has always been positive. More importantly, I bought my bike there back in February and have never looked back. I haven’t had any maintenance issues with it and am very happy with my purchase! They were very helpful when I was looking and answered all of my questions. I also took my roommate there so that he could buy a new bike and he came away satisfied as well. His bike had a lot more maintenance issues after he bought it, but those were all covered by the warranty and they were prompt and fast in fixing them. Definitely take your business here!

I’ve been living in Cambridge for 4 months and I bought here my bike. I’ve really enjoyed it! Highly recommended!

Awesome. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first walked into the Antique shop but when you go downstairs there are tons of vintage bikes in really nice condition. I ended up getting a sweet Fuji Absolute circa mid 80’s that is great. Paid $ 250 for this solid road bike that fits me perfectly, which is tough cuz i have short legs. The first few times I rode it after i bought it I had a few troubles come up.
I was still under the 30 day warranty so I brought it in to get fixed. Vinny hooked me up and put on a brand new derailer and tuned it up pretty well. All problems fixed! He takes care of his bikes and does it in a timely fashion. I would have no hesitiation recommending a friend to buy a bike here.
Good prices, Good values, Good service.

I was fortunate enough to find these guys. I recently moved to the city. And I was hoping to find a decent single speed to get around. $ 200 was a bit more than I wanted to pay. But the piece of mind of buying a bike from a shop, and the 30 day warranty made me rethink. Craigslist is a huge crap shoot. They let me test a couple of bikes, and were super friendly even as he was dealing with 3 other customers. All in all a great experience.

I just bought the love of my life here. After reading good reviews on Unilocal I visited this cute little shop hidden in a huge antique store. Vin was very friendly and helpful. He’s experienced, honest and clearly loves bicycles. He let me go — no, demanded that I go — for a decent test ride and adjusted everything I wanted on the bike. My 80s bike is completely refurbished with new tires, new brakes, new chain, new tape, everything. Good price for such a great bike, with 30 days warranty too. I would recommend this shop to anyone!

I’m not the kind of person that writes reviews. I am the kind of person that reads a lot of reviews and always thinks that I should (and really, really intend to) write a review when I like a place or its services. I say this because I hope it will lend weight knowing that of the fifty plus other reviews I could have written, the service here was so top notch I just had to write a review!
I’m a student, on a budget. I used to live in Seattle and when I had a problem with my bicycle I would take it in — mechanics would look it for about a half hour and then usually charge me $ 20 to $ 40 to fix the issue. When my bicycle had a serious brake-​lockup issue I went to the neighborhood shop. They told it would take them a full day, possibly two to fix it and the minimum I could expect to pay was $ 110. ($ 60 dollars of the fee was labor cost)
Luckily, before saying yes, I asked for a day to think about it and found Menotomy. I say found because Menotomy is a bit hard to find (as another reviewer said). Its almost buried in the basement of a huge antique store… and I don’t think there is a sign. But, that would be its only flaw. As my rusty review writing skills are making this over long I will finish by saying. I walked in. The friendly man at the counter stopped what he was working on to help me. After my explanation, he looked at the bike a moment and said it would be about twenty minutes. Twenty minutes or so later I had my bike back, working great, and he only charged me $ 20.
Twenty dollars!
That’s ninety down from the $ 110 minimum my neighborhood shop had quoted me. I tried to leave a $ 20 dollar tip in relief and thanks and they refused it saying to just write them a review. I now know where I’ll go to buy my next bicycle.
So, this is my twenty dollar review!
(I actually did leave the tip — just with the people up stairs. They deserve it!)

I am not exactly a bike expert and walked into this place knowing that if I admitted that, I might get «bamboozled» by the guys in there. Then again, it was better than faking it so I was honest with them and thank goodness I was!
I got REAL sales service, meaning nobody was trying to sell me something I didn’t need and understood I was on a budget. I learned a little more about bikes and felt much better about my decision to replace my gas guzzler with a bike (with only a 7 mile commute to work one way, it seemed to make sense).
I also know that if anything goes wrong, I can go right back to these guys and they will make it right. Thanks guys!

I might be this place’s number one fan after my experience there two weeks ago. In love!
I needed a bike for my commute to work but I didn’t want to pay too much. I thought a used bike would be perfect but my venture to find one on Craigslist wasn’t working out too well. So Unilocal directed me to Menotomy and I had a great experience.
Walking into a random antiques stores you’d never guess what’s in the basement — about 8 rows of bikes –Ten speeds, 3-​speeds, mens, womens, etc. Along with two of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. I had a blast with Ed and Vinny as they helped me find the perfect bike.
After trying a couple different bikes out in the parking lot, I finally found the one I wanted. It was tuned up, ready to go, they hooked me up with a lock, and I rode it home. All for under $ 200!
I will definitely be back here for my tune ups and if you are in the market for a used bike, be sure to check this place out.

Yay for my cool new «Free Spirit» bike from this place! And double YAY for the the amazing, no hassle customer service. Wanted a road bike mostly to commute to work and run errands and have toyed with going here for a few years… really glad I did. Great selection from hybrids to beach cruisers, 3 speeds to 12 speeds. Super nice & helpful staff who showed me what size frame I should look for and gave great suggestions on bikes I should take a look at based on how I planned to use the bike and what types of roads and hills I’d be riding on. Then they had me go outside, as many times as I wanted, to test drive. If you haven’t ridden a bike for a while, well… picking it up again really is like… riding a bike!
My bike was $ 210, had brand new wheels, and they put a rack on the back for $ 24 extra, gave me a new kickstand, and had U-​locks for sale (and helmets, but they admitted that there are better selections elsewhere). Rode the bike home with the wind flying through my hair, and I was a free spirit along with my Free Spirit!

Good deal on two commuter bikes. Definitely less expensive than other options in the area. High quality, friendly service as well.
The bikes are very nice, but on the first real ride the handlebars on one of the bikes loosened up and made the bike unrideable. Luckily they have a free 30 day warranty and I live close!

Please let me mirror what everyone else said: this place is, indeed, a hidden jem that everyone ought to know about!
After I graduated from undergrad in Quincy, I moved up to Cambridge. I remember how excited I was to get a bicycle so I could traverse the city easier. Looking around, I wasn’t ready to dish out $ 800+ on a new bike, nor did I want to bring my clunky Huffy (from when I was 8) up to the city.
A friend recommended I check out Menotomy (in the basement of Cambridge Antiques in East Cambridge) and that was probably the best advise I have ever gotten.
As I walked down the stairs, I was immediately approached by one of the guys who works there. Sometimes when I am approached like that, I get anxious and nervous because I have no idea what I am doing or what I want. No fear, though, these guys made me feel so comfortable. They were able to answer any silly question I had about the bikes.
The selection was great! I still remember walking down the stairs, I had my eye on this beautiful yellow bike. I couldn’t be more excited! After riding it around in the back yard, that was the one I wanted! For only $ 250.00, it was quite the bargain! I believe they offered quite a great deal where if I had any problems, I could take it back and they would look at it; but that was not the case. I proudly road Col. Mustard around Boston and Cambridge for a few years before I retired him for a road bike.
Bottom line: you need to go here and check out their selection before going anywhere else. The bikes may be older, but they are amazing.

This place is definitely a hidden jem that you should try and discover. It’s located in the basement of an Antique Market in East Cambridge. They have lots of used bikes that they have obviously spent lots of timing fixing and making available.
They let you try any bike that you want and will cater to exactly what you need. Very helpful and listens to what you personally want from the bike. In addition they have very reasonable prices and as a poor college student thats really the most important part. If your looking for a unique used bike for a good price take the time to check Menotomy Used Bicycles.

Menotomy Used Bicycles is the place to go to if you are looking for an old 3 Speed or a bicycle that reminds you of your youth and gets you back on two wheels again. It is located in the basement of the Cambridge Antique Market across the street from Dunkin Donuts which is on the corner of Third Street (pretty much right across from Lechemere Station.)
I first met Ed and Vin at the Tweed Ride last year and we been in touch ever since, looking forward to their help and support with this year’s Tweed Ride on Memorial Day. They are great guys, and listen to your wants and needs and offer you a selection of vintage bikes to test ride and fall in love with. Just went over there today with my wife who wanted a 3 Speed and she found the perfect one after riding three of them. They give the standard 30 day check up/​warranty that all the area shops give. What is nice is their used bicycles are often in the $ 180 – 200 range which is lower than most area shops used bikes that are in the $ 200 – 300 range.
Instead of buying a used bicycle off of CraigsList and getting ripped off (and buying a bike that probably needs a tuneup) check out these guys first. I work in a Cambridge bike shop and when ever people tell me about their want for an old 3 speed, cruiser, or inexpensive 10 speed I always tell them to check out Menotomy and then they always come back later to show me their new bike and to thank me.