Mike’s Bikes of San Rafael

Mike’s Bikes is my local go-​to bike shop. As an owner of four bikes, I don’t need another one, so I shop there for accessories and service. They offer a great range of bike gear, and I can count on getting what I need whenever I go there.
Earlier today I popped in to get some chain lube, and Jack offered to show me how to apply it. I’m a lazy bike owner when it comes to maintenance, so it was good to see how easy it is. No more «once a year, whether it needs it or not»!
Mike’s is a friendly place for casual riders like me. No intimidating attitude for the carbon-​only crowd. Check out their bike fit service; I love riding even more now that they’ve adjusted my bike to match my proportions 100%.

Went in to Mikes Bikes with 3 local-​commute bikes in various stages of needing repair at about 4:30 pm on a Sunday — when Mikes closes at 6. Jack Pyron, the bike technician at the service desk was on duty, and had to deal with a couple of customers before me. At about 5 pm Jack was ready to look at my bikes. He was absolutely awesome — I felt like I was watching an artist, and watching him in «fast-​forward.» Rather than tell me to return in a couple of days (and this time of year it could have been after the New Year) Jack noticed he had 1 hour left in the day and simply «went to work». In the last 30 minutes he did the following to the last bike: full tuneup, chain install, cassette install, crank-​arm install and brake adjustment. I felt like I was watching a master chef — taking care of every fine detail. And all this while Jack frequently adjusted the music on his computer to fit the mood and pace of his art work. At 6 o’ clock I left Mikes with my 3 bikes in good condition. The bill was very reasonable considering all the work that was done. Every time I go into Mikes I have a good experience and come away completely satisfied with the quality of their work. Thanks Mikes Bikes, and thanks Jack!

Mikes has been a Marin staple since I was born.
I bought my first bike (a GT) when I was a little kid.
Years later, they still have some familiar faces, and killer deals.
I just picked up some Ultegra gear for my Tarmac last week, and Tom the manager was able to explain to me why it was better than spending twice the money on a pair of Speedplay pedals.
Jason, one of the mechanics noticed that my cables were a bit worn down and mentioned I should consider changing them in the near future… I was being cheap that day, and instead had to pay the price by having a faulty front dérailleur from Mill Valley to San Rafael.
They were able to get me in, and dial my bike in with a quick turnaround that day.
These guys rock!

Terrible… Avoid this place… Disrespectful and Lousy Customer Service… Blonde High School kid that works there is very unprofessional… actually will say anything without even caring to be truthfull and made rude remark to senior lady… whatta loser!

I am disappointed every time I walk out of this place. I love the bike I bought, and the salesman was great, but over the past two and a half years, I’ve dealt with warranty issues on the shock and fork, terrible customer service, and constant up sell pressure during my so called free tune ups. Don’t buy the service plan — it seems like a great bargain, but it’s just an opportunity for them to extract even more money from you. I think the maintenance technicians are actually paid on commission for their up charges…

I pre paid one week in advance $ 13,656.24 for a 2016 Venge S-​Works Vias. I also setup a $ 300.00 fit for same day I was picking up. My fitment started at 11:00am I was fitted to everything except cutting the head tube. First test ride rear dérailleur was out of adjustment and would drop down a tooth after shifting. Clicking the whole test ride. I went back and let the fitter and mechanic know it need to be adjusted. Hoping it was not bent too bad. The next step in the fit was to cut the head tube to drop my bars. I was told why don’t you take your wife to lunch and we should have it done by then. I ended up having to move out car 6 different times do to the parking meters. The shop closed at 7:00 PM and we were able not leave until 7:30PM. There person who did my fit had to leave at 6:30 and was not able to complete my fit. I was not able to do a final test ride. I asked about some sort of compensation for the experience we have had. I was given a water bottle cage and two water bottles along with $ 50.00 Off the $ 300.00 incomplete fit that I received. I would also like to note that I drove 2.5 hours out of our way to make this purchase from their shop. I was not able to test ride bike the next day and found the dérailleur was still out of adjustment. It ended up being bent and I had to buy a Park Dérailleur Hanger Alignment tool so that I could fix myself. I would also like to note that the person who did my fit was a pleasure to work with. I am disappointed with the fact that I spent over $ 13,000.00 on a single bike and fit and had a bike provided to me that was not assembled and provided to me at the same level of quality that the bike is. I bought a Ferrari level bike with Walmart level service and assembly. I let them know of this before leaving this review and still no substantial level of compensation was offered.

ARROGANT. I have tried twice in the last couple of weeks to buy an adult hybrid bike at this store. The store is beautiful and well stocked. But the sales people seem distracted and almost uninterested in helping you buy a bike. They seem like high-​end biking aficionados who love to talk with each other about the latest cutting edge bike technology, but aren’t particularly interested in helping regular customers find a bike. One told me he needed to do some paperwork before he could help me. He disappeared. I’ll buy my bike elsewhere.

I brought my almost 4 year grandson in this past weekend to buy his first bike. The first person I saw was pretty useless, but then someone helped me who was awesome! He found the right size bike for him and showed my grandson how to pedal. He was extremely patient and knowledgeable. They also take bikes in as a tradeup when the kids are ready for a bigger bike.

nice staff, great shop, good prices, what’s not to like.

As a novice I was apprehensive about the preconceived notion of «the hassle» of finding a bike; that was until I met Seth at Mikes Bikes. Granted I had done my research and had an idea of the «perfect» bike for me, but Seth took the process of making it perfect to another level. His enthusiasm and attention to detail was over the top. This was my first and only experience at Mike’s, but his sincerity and desire «to get it right» will get me back in there for sure.

I shopped all over the Marin area for a outdated Maillard freewheel removal tool and this was my last stop before having to settle with ebay. Although they didn’t have the tool for sale, they did help me remove my cassette on the spot. Best of all, he didn’t even charge me. Stand up guy! I will definitely be going back to them!

The staff here are super helpful finding the right gear, servicing bikes and any bike or route related questions. I buy all my gear here & will keep coming back! They also have service classes and group rides which I intend on trying soon.

I’ve been to this shop many times and I’ve never had a good experience. Every time I go in there I get the feeling of an elitist bike shop with pushy sales tactics.
I went on their website looking for a part. They have a nice feature where you are able to check the inventory of each shop right from the website. The site said they had the part in stock so I shot down to the store to pick it up. Apparently it wasn’t in stock and they had to order it. I just figured I would order it online and I got a ton of attitude from the guy about it. Why would I pay more at your shop than online AND have to make another trip down?
Also, I called again to see if they had something else in stock and the guy picked up the phone at 10:45. Apparently they don’t check stock if you call before they open. Why did you pick up the phone?
Don’t bother with Mike’s Bikes. There are so many options locally or online that are way better.

As a novice bicycle commuter, I expected to be made to feel stupid here. My experience couldn’t have been more different.
My gears were slipping, so I called and made an appointment. The guy who answered the phone told me to stop by after work that day to see if one of the service guys could take a quick look. They did and fixed it on the spot less than an hour from closing time.
Plus, I got tips on how to take care of my bike and was treated with the utmost respect.
Earlier in the day, I had called the SF location where the guy was nice, but not at all helpful. I won’t be using that location.

Took a friend there visiting from Sweden who was looking for a bike. This store is impressively large with an indoor paved track where you can try out bikes. The sales associate Matt Shepard was very friendly and knowledgeable and did everything he could to help out. A great shopping experience!

These guys are definitely knowledgeable. I came in with a fairly simple order of several different bike components and the service department was able to get me back on the road in no time at all. They were even able to make a couple of handy recommendations. I have not had the «presumed pleasure» of them working on my bike; however, I am going back to have them do a bit of work on my mountain bike, so I will update this review after that. More to come and stars may or may not change…
Update: So I called in and asked if they would have time to work on my bike; told them that I commute on it and need to get back on the road. They said to bring it in and they will try to get it in, but didn’t make any promises. I came in and someone was available to get it on a rack right away. He made the necessary repairs to get me back on the road. In addition, he also took quite a bit of time to explain what he was doing, why he was doing it and what else I should do in the near future to keep my wheels rollin’…
I have changed from 4 stars to 5 stars because this Mike’s Bikes location is «as good as it gets»

After shopping for a mountain bike at another shop, I was deflated. I sometimes feel so discouraged by the defunct customer service in Marin County. But after shopping at Mike’s Bikes in San Rafael, my faith has been restored.
I had the good fortune to work with Erik Lindquist. He is a marquee salesman with extensive knowledge, a friendly demeanor and an easy approach. I never felt pressured or uncomfortable by his sale technique. He paid attention to what I was asking for and was available to discuss all of my detailed questions. Since I am a new rider he also offered support on where to start, how to connect with other riders, and how to maintain my new bike. In the end, Erik helped me get a killer mountain bike that was right in my price point.
Note to possible customers: I highly recommend Mike’s Bikes San Rafael because they have an amazing stock of bikes, unbeatable pricing, a great maintenance plan and awesome sales people. Ask for Erik Lindquist if you can. While I was there, I noted that other employees were equally friendly and eager to help incoming customers. So I imagine that you won’t go wrong with any of the staff on the floor.
Note to Mike’s Bikes: Keep a tight grip on Erik. We own a business with paid employees and we know when we have a keeper. If Erik was in our line of work, we might try to swoop him up :) :) :)
I will definitely shop at Mike’s again!

Great service is always hit and miss. Why is that for a popular bike store? First I walked in on a mega sale, first mechanic tells me do I have a appointment? Then I tell him no. Tells me the next opening is Sept 8^th.
Next mechanic, Martin tells me I’ll take care of your chain slap in 25 minutes. An hour and half later bike is back in working shape!
Now that is service!
Would I go back? Only if I really need something …

This bike shop is well located and well laid out. They have a good assortment of high medium and low end bikes. They carry all trek projects and specialized.
The customer service could really use a major overhaul. My bike team/​club has had an affiliation with this store for many years. I’d really like to give them business, but I keep trying and keep getting disappointed.
Disappointment #1. My son was having a birthday, and I thought I’d get him a quality bike rather than a cheapo special at a big box store. It was a specialized youth bike, and better quality — but more expensive. No problem, you get what you pay for. Anyway, I went in about 10 days before his birthday and they said they were out of stock, and had to order it. Ok, fine. I went in two days before his birthday, when they promised it, and it was not there. It took another wk to get the bike. Barely an apology, and it was like a privilege to be able to buy a bike there. They could have offered something for the screw up, but didn’t.
Disappointment #2. I went in to use my team discount for a set of tires. I told the sales guy I needed a very tough tire that would avoid punctures. He sold me some top of the line tires that were like $ 60 each. On my first ride I got a flat. I googled the tires and they were racing tires and we’re not rated high on puncture resistance. I took the tires back, and was told tough luck. I asked for the managers name and called him later. He began to lecture me on why they were not responsible. I wend to the chain store down the street bought two tire on sale for the price on one tire at Mikes and rode them for a full year with no issues. Now I know it’s luck of the draw on flats, but the fact that the sales guy pushed me to these tires that were so far from what I needed irked me.
Disappointment #3. A friend on mine asked me for a place to buy an inexpensive $ 1,200 ish road bike. I told him a couple places to try, and qualified Mikes, but told them there is a huge selection of bikes. I heard back that the sales guy became rude and cocky when he heard that this was a low end customer.
Lastly, I overheard one of the owners talking about how difficult the customers are in his business. Guys guess what– if that’s the culture in your company maybe you should be wholesalers. May seem harsh, but when you are a retailer charging high end prices, you should be offering premium customer service, and stand behind your products.
Two stars because of the selection, but one on customer service. I don’t like to be so direct here, but this was three incidents over a few years. :(

Fahrradfahren ist ja total in und da ich ja nun einmal jedem Trend hinterherlaufe… oder fahre ;-) …musste ich mir schließlich auch ein Fahrrad zulegen. Ach papperlapapp, ich bin schon immer gerne Fahrrad gefahren: als Jugendlicher war ich ein richtiger «Sonntagsfahrer» und habe am Wochenende lange Radtouren gemacht.
Vor ein paar Wochen bin ich nach Marin gezogen und das ist ja bekanntermaßen das Biker-​Paradies schlechthin. Nun bin aber kein Fan von Lycra und anderen eng-​ansitzenden Fabrikaten und ich bin auch nicht jemand, der das Fahrradfahren als Sport betrachtet: für mich ist das Rad ein Fortbewegungsmittel und es dient zur Erholung. Und das waren auch die beiden Konditionen, die ich James, dem Verkäufer hier bei Mike’s Bikes gegeben hatte.
James zeigte mir verschiedenste Fahrräder in verschiednen Preisklassen und klärte mich auch eifrig über die Vor– und Nachteile eines jeden Modells auf. Dank der Indoor-​Fahrrad-​Test-​Strecke, konnte ich jedes Fahhrad auch gleich ausprobieren und am Ende der 1.5-stündigen Beratung hatte ich meine Auswahl auf zwei Fahrräder reduziert. Da ich aber bei dieser Preisklasse kein Mensch von schnellen Entscheidungen bin — meine Mama hat immer gesagt, ich solle besser drüber schlafen — habe ich James gedankt und bin wieder heimgegangen.
Eine Woche später kam ich dann wieder und musste mit Entsetzen feststellen, dass James leider nun in einer anderen Filiale arbeitet. Doch zum Glück gab’s noch andere kompetente Mitarbeiter und so half mir Eric aus: er war auch sehr nett und und wusste zu jeder meiner Fragen eine Antwort. Er riet mir dazu, doch beide Fahrräder für eine längere Zeit testzufahren und so hinterließ ich meinen Führerschein und meine Kreditkarte als Pfand und machte mich auf zwei kleine Radtouren. Anschließend ging ich noch einen Kaffee trinken — nicht um dem Kaffeesatz meine Entscheidung zu überlassen, sondern um mir die Entscheidung noch ein mal durch den Kopf gehen zu lassen. Schließlich kehrte ich zurück und machte Nägel mit Köpfen und kaufte ein Fahrrad!
Ein letztes Wort: Eigentlich gebe ich mein Geld ja lieber bei den kleinen Händlern aus und nicht bei einer mittelgroßen Kette wie Mike’s Bikes, aber die Beratung war wirklich klasse und außerdem haben sie hier einen Reparaturservice, der wirklich unschlagbar ist: für $ 150 kann man 5 Jahre lang für so oft wie nötige für Instandhaltung vorbeikommen. (Platter Reifen, etc)

I got my bike stolen from I front of my house this morning. With work at 2 and no means of transportation I loaded a 5g bucket full of all my old parts and a hunk of trash bike frame I had lying around. I did my best to diagnose the problems but soon ran into many issues.
Jeff Shem is my hero for the day, if not a whole week or more. When I made it down there, frazzled, around 11 he took stock of the situation and jumped straight on it. By 1230 I had a working bike and was on my way home with the knowledge I needed to finish up at home.
I just finished all the tweaks and tricks Jeff suggested and by bike is working perfectly. I’m leaving for work in 10 minutes and I will be on time, happy, and not stranded walking home when I get off at midnight tonight. Jeff you saved the day and thanks to everyone at the amazing bikes bikes location