Studio Velo

Outstanding quality service and customer care !! Bret Winters did an awesome job assembling my brand new Ridley Noah FAST with Campy EPS V2 (internal battery). I’m extremely happy with the results and recommend them without any reservation !!
They are the best !!!

I’m a little bit torn about how to rate Studio Velo. As cycling ambassadors, they are absolutely spectacular. Pretty much every serious cyclist in Marin knows them well. They organize lots of group rides, are very active with Marin County Bicycle Coalition, and are entirely «present» and active with any local event. They work hard with legislators to improve bike infrastructure, will help any cyclists they come across on rides, and are very knowledgeable and passionate about the sport.
As a business, I’m not in love with them. Their selection of bikes, kit, components, etc. is not great. They don’t carry the frames that serious cyclists want. What they do carry is generally antiquated and simultaneously expensive. This isn’t a place to come for «bike porn.»
When I brought my bike in looking to change my setup to a compact crankset, they took every opportunity they could to upsell me. First of all, they didn’t talk options with me but automatically brought out the most expensive crankset (which also required a new bottom bracket, whereas others would have been compatible with my current BB). They insisted my chain and cassette were ready for replacement even though I’m not a dummy and know that my cassette has a LOT more life in it. I spent a lot more money than I expected going in. On the plus side, they were meticulous in getting the new crankset «perfect» on a frame that wasn’t built to run it.
I have a feeling that, like with most Local Bike Shops, once you’ve developed a relationship with the mechanics and have proven loyalty, they’ll take fantastic care of you. But the shops that I give my loyalty to are the ones that treat me like a queen from day one.

It doesn’t get much better then the guys and the product at studio Velo. There’s no shortage of super high-​end bike shops in Marin County. Product is very easy to stock as a retailer, but customer service is something that is very difficult to teach. These guys really know what it is to be a real cyclist. They support the sport, and attitude of cycling culture. Very few top end bike shops you can go in and feel totally comfortable just having a conversation about anything bike related, no fears of judgment or anxiety or pressure to buy. Don’t get me wrong, they do have their share of high zoot bike gear that you can geek out on all day. They do some of the best wheel builds and custom fitting that you can find anywhere. But the most important thing that I look for when looking for a shop are guys that I would want to hang out with outside of a retail experience. They are super down-​to-​earth and as knowledgeable as it gets in the industry. Service, great sales and support. Highly recommended after being all over the world to ride and experience shop culture over the past 20 years of recreational riding and racing. This is the local bike shop you keep forever.

Great local shop… very helpful staff and friendly staff. They also have a good selection of nutrition in the shop. Keep in mind this is a small shop so the selection of bikes are limited to the lines they carry. If you are loyal to a certain brand this might not be your place, aside from that a great shop. They also have weekly group rides and are helpful in sharing the local trails or road rides around the area.

This bike shop is a community favorite. Great service, but sometimes not so friendly staff. I continue to stop in for things I need, and the location is very convenient for me. Buying a bike, I would shop elsewhere (Mike’s Bikes), since Velo doesn’t seem to have close to the same selection.

Every time I walk in to their shop Chris and Colin great me by name and every time I need service they put my bike right on the stand and do the work. It’s like walking in to my own personal Indy 500 pit stop. Amazing customer service, super technicians and «down to earth» people. I would like to share 2 recent experiences:
1. Went in with a broken wheel and they lent me a very expensive wheel till I decided on the set that was right for me. I think I rode their wheel for at least 6 weeks. Once I made my decision they even threw in a 2 year full warrantee for no extra charge. Oh Ya… they also matched the lowest price I could find.
2. Most recently I cracked my seat post and Chris had me out of there in 20 minutes. Not only did Chris replace my post with exactly what I wanted but he even called the guy who did my fitting and set the seat to the exact fitted dimensions. The seat hight is perfect! These guys are serious pros. Love this shop!

Love these guys and my sweet Indy Fab bike from them. I had been stopping in for a few years and when the time tame that I needed a new ride (left my Bianchi on the top of my car, drove into a garage… ouch) I kind of knew this would be my next stop. The fit on this thing is just stellar. Service is great. This is white glove.

Could this place be better? Nice. They are so nice and helpful. Great selection. Very knowledgable. Great trips around the globe for the adventurous.

Nice stuff a bit snobbish and fashionable, way too expensive in regard of functionality and practicality, (if not ASSOS)
but the tenants are very good sellers and when you are in needs it is even easier,
even truer with people that try real stuff, cycling is not virtual what we are used less and less.
The bikes proposed mostly old school and technologically out dated, sadly.
Try something else somewhere else before you buy.
But what matter as much is how much you are ready to believe what you hear !!!
on the road or trail it is another story.

Been into this shop twice. As good of an experience as one could have in a bike shop. Very high-​end but they don’t make you feel dumb. One of the most all around professional experiences I’ve had in a retail environment. I will definitely be buying from these guys.

What a joke. Second time I purchased an item at Studio Velo only to find out in the same fashion that I was OVER CHARGED. You want them to change your shoe clips? Better pay up $ 60 for them to mark your shoes and just replace them. Want Gel Blocks (an entire box)? Pay $ 55 when you can buy them on Amazon for $ 23.
Never again will I buy anything from this place. It’s obvious they aim to serve the wealthy population who have no clue.

I recently began taking my mtb and my road bike which I’ve been riding faithfully since 2007. I would like to call out several points about this shop that make it the most awesome shop!
1. I’ve only been taking my business to Studio Velo for about 2 months. Every last person who greets me knows my first name. I went in there after work today and someone said hello and my first name and I was blown away. It’s so nice to hear folks call you by your first name when you are spending your money there.
2.I had to have my road bike re-​fit. I’ve been having lower back pain, shoulder pain etc. I ride ultra endurance miles so it’s been rough riding these past months. Collin made some adjustments on my road bike, re-​positioned me on it. In addition, he didn’t charge me full price. I’m thrilled to report I have no more back pain! Thanks!
3.I’ve had the mechanics work on my Specialized Epic Carbon Mtb. they have done a fantastic job and then some. They have also repaired my road bike; doing extra things for the bike or making tweaks. Thanks!
4.The mechanics have gone out of their way to show me certain things I can do to help my own cause while biking if I flat etc. They have taken the time to show me, in detail. They have never hurried and I really appreciate the time spent. Always make sure you tip the mechanics btw.
I know that sometimes shops get rushed do to people popping in and needing things asap. I also know that sometimes shops make errors like everyone at work does sometimes. I’ve been to several bike shops in my time and hands down this shop rocks! If your passionate about biking, serious about improvement, and just want quality clothing, gear, bikes, you name it… they have it. And yes, it can get pricey. Studio Velo is worth every penny spent. Great job!

Colin and his trusty crew are warm and engaging and deliver top flight service. I had a full custom Guru built and it has been a great experience. The Guru fit system is very sophisticated and Colin worked to further fine tune and adjust components to deliver a bike fitted exactly to my body and riding style. The downtown Mill Valley location is convenient and pleasant.

My favorite thing about this place… Velo Wipes! These things are awesome if you want to keep your frame and components looking good. I have not seen any other bike shops selling them so extra points for Studio Velo.
I have also bought some cycling gear at this location. They have some pretty good brands in stock i.e. Capo, Rapha.
The staff is really nice, knows their stuff, and is always willing to help

Showed up 45 min after closing on sat evening (my mistake, thought closed at 6 not 5 pm). Intended to drop off bike for a balky front dérailleur. Chris Reed was literally leaving for the night, setting the alarm and had one foot on the sidewalk outside. Not only does he take the bike, he fixes it, does a brief test ride, and sends me on my way. Amazing customer service experience for any industry.

LOVE LOVE LOVE Studio Velo. Just did the most BONEHEAD maneuver (left a part of a hydration system on top of my car, drove away, AND have to ship my bike to Kona in an hour). Called a couple places then realized — DUH — Studio Velo will, if not be able to help me, at least have people who will commiserate… but no, they are just now calling around to get me one so I can put it on my bike on the WAY to shipping it off. Chris — even if the «dénouement» of this is that my stupidity means I have to pay some ridiculous priority shipping for a $ 15 part — your scrambling made me come here to sing PRAISES of you guys and your high-​touch service to the rooftops!
And even if you’re not a huge «cycle person», the fact that Studio Velo (across from the Dipsea Café) has a «candy machine» full of tubes, CO2 cartridges, etc. outside, just in case you have an issue and they’re not there — is the best thing ever.

If you are a «rider» you will love this place. If you are looking for a bike shop to buy a bike for your 6 year old or you don’t ride and want a $ 500 mid-​level bike to get started then this is not the place for you and they don’t pretend to be.
This is probably the most serious bike shop I have ever patronized. And, I don’t mean serious like the people working there walk around with frowns. They are actually a fun group to be around if you are even semi-​serious about your riding. They don’t make you feel dumb if you ask a dumb question though. Enough preamble…
I went to Studio Velo (SV) because I had decided on buying an Independent Fabrications (IF) custom frame and SV was listed on the IF site. I em’d Scott, one of the co-​owners, and got an immediate reply. I listed my parameters of weight, price, specs, etc on a complete bike and he said we were in the ball park. So far, so good.
The next step was doing a custom fit. I have been riding fairly seriously for about 35 years and never had a custom fit. Colin, a SV co-​owner, put me on a serious looking machine that could be computer adjusted for seat tube, top tube, saddle height, handle bar height, etc, wired up my shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles and we proceeded into about a 1.5 hour fit session to determine the most comfortable and efficient frame size for me. Very well-​done session that inspired confidence in these guys. But, the real test was the bike that came back.
SV got the frame 3 weeks ahead of the original time estimate of how long it would take from IF. Colin was great at making component suggestions and though we did go over the original price estimate by about 10% that was due to a couple «upgrades» that just made sense in the long run.
I picked up the bike and Colin did another shorter fit session on the actual bike to check things out and then a friend of mine and I did the Alpine Res loop from the store. That was a fantastic loop with about 3500′ of climbing and ~ 35 miles. If I lived even within 50 miles of this store I would be over there every couple weeks just to do rides from there. As it is i live ~ 200 miles away.
The bottom line is I believe if you are looking for a custom frame you cannot find a better shop than SV to get it from. They are professional and easy to work with. I also did some price checking on stuff like frame pumps and saddle bags and SV is just pennies more than Sportsbasement. Save the gas money, patronize a small independent shop, and best of all, do rides from Mill Valley!

I wanted to love Studio Velo, really I did. I and my friends and fellow riders always got great service at the old BikeRx shack, but it seems that the big new shop has gone to their heads.
Nice friendly staff, and I’d say they are pretty technically proficient, but they have a few things to learn about customer service. The motto seems to be «Overpromise and underdeliver.»
1. Crazy amount of upselling! I came in to have one wheel hub checked and they convinced me I NEEDED a full dérailleur rebuild AND a full tune-​up. That wouldn’t have been so bad if they didn’t charge me for each item individually. If you’re rebuilding the dérailleur, and checking/​adjusting the dérailleur is a major part of the tune-​up, maybe you shouldn’t charge me full price for BOTH. Oh, and checking the wheel hub? Charged again for that too. This all just left a bad taste in my mouth.
2. Attention to detail. When I got my bike back a week+ later, the handlebar tape was bubbled and peeling up where they sloppily re-​taped it, there were big swaths of grease on the frame, AND a tire was flat!!! I spend hundreds of dollars with you, and you couldn’t wipe down the bike and put air in the tire or even (gasp!) replace a tube if it needed it?
This is a high-​end shop selling beautiful high-​end bikes and products, but the service doesn’t live up. Perhaps you have to be one of the «bro’s» to get good service? I so wish they’d go back to the service-​oriented attitude toward customers that they had at the start, the one that earned them a loyal following that I’m afraid is now falling off.

Studio Velo rocks — I was a fan (and customer) when Scott was doing Bike-​Rx out of his van. SV set me up with my first all custom bike, a Paul Taylor that opened my eyes to how much more I could get out of my time on a bicycle. And I began spending more time on it. My 4 years with the Taylor helped bring my riding to the next level, along with the Sunday SV club rides.
This past year I realized I deserved an even better custom bike and sprung for a French Cyfac Gothica CS carbon, taking delivery in Spain during a Studio Velo sponsored week long ride in the foothills and mountains of the eastern Pyrenees. A superb bike, lighter, faster, more responsive than anything I had ridden before. The 365 miles in Spain were sheer joy, and just recently I rode my fattest century ever on the Cyfac. Cette bicyclette est le meilleur!
Scott, Colin and Chris passionately care about cycling, their store and their customers. Truth is when you see another rider wearing a SV kit you know that they probably have a special ride under them.

First time vistor!
I’ve gone by this shop numerous times, and never stopped. This time I stopped and I was impressed!
Colin was fantastic, patient and helpful with everything. Wiling to show all the cool toys and stuff!
Lots of Rapha stuff, so it was great to check out the gear. I will definitely go back, and you should too!
JP