Bow Cycle & Sports

Every time I entered this store no matter who I got, they seemed to have a full and in depth knowledge of just about every bike in the store (which is a lot of bikes). I bought a bike there and I rode it to death for a month until I busted the chain and the derailer and various other parts. When I took it back after talking to them for a little while, a gentleman named Tim allowed me to get my bike repaired completely free. Very prompt service and more than welcoming to their customers. I’ve got myself a new bike shop.

What was my only reason for not buying a bike at this store? 6 months coverage on the bike for minor repairs and tune ups? Really? When most other places do 2 years to lifetime… But, they stay in business because people are brainwashed.

This is hands down one of the best bike shops in the city. Since I got my first bmx almost 30 years ago, I’ve been going to Bow Cycle. Now as a father, I take my kids there to get training wheels installed.
The shop staff are knowledgeable and ready to problem solve when approached with unique issues. I have a Japanese folding bike that requires specialized care and they do so without hesitation and with much appreciation (and amusement).
Bow Cycle is a Calgary staple and are in it for the long haul, not the quick buck.
Go in and look at their insane selection! Then ask for help so an expert can narrow it down for you.

This is a big fun store in the beautiful old neighbourhood of Bowness. You can test drive bikes and have a great time exploring the store and enjoying bike adventure fantasies. They probably have the most varied and largest selection of bikes in Calgary. They have a diverse selection of bike accessories, cycle wear etc. For basic accessories (a simple functional helmet etc.) you might find the same thing cheaper at Canadian Tire but the selection of accessories at Bow Cycle is much larger and more fun. I personally recommend MacKenzie if you are needing sales help, he is a great guy! Regardless of whether you are serious about buying a bike this place is worth a visit, just for the experience.

Fat bikes, skinny bikes, tall bikes, small bikes, I’m calling all bikes! The first thing to do after walking through the door is to pick your jaw off the ground. The next thing to do is to make an excited «squee!» sound as giddily hop your way through rows and rows of bikes. I think I may have actually just found the first example of real life frolicking. How does one frolic? Stick a bicycle fan in Bow Cycle and find out.
With the main sales people, I’ve been very impressed in their ability to guide a glazed-​eyed newb from the stages of «Umm, I’m looking for a bike…» through a two-​wheeled cornucopia and land them at bike that suits them. Lucky for the guys at Bow, they’ve got a bit of inventory to work with. From camping out on the street in front of the old store back in highschool to buy a Bowness Bicycle Company Sideshow Bob, to all the part upgrades that I then destroyed with that monster, I’ve made a lot of purchases from here over the years. Some of the same guys have been kicking around for a long time and still seem passionate as ever to help you out. These guys really know their stuff!
My conversations with the soft goods, helmets and shoe staff have been a little less than inspiring. I’ve been out of the game for the while and am looking to get a new kit, but I barely recognize the gear anymore. I know I like burly free ride mountain descents and bike parks, but would also like to start dabbling in actually riding up the hill to get to them. Could you please point me toward a selection of products that might fit this bill? Really no dice… That’s ok with me though, I know how to use google, and for the most part these are much smaller purchase decisions than a full-​on bicycle. I’m glad to see them stocking the strongest sales talent where it matters most.
If you’re stopping here for an inner tube or two for a ride, Bow Cycle can be a little daunting. It’s kind of like stepping into one of those Mega-​Wal-​Marts, wondering where they keep that blue sticky tack stuff, as you navigate your way through a sea of Wal-​Mart people passed canned beets section to the garden gnomes and slow cookers. HELP! Ok, step back here. Everything that happens at Bow Cycle is way, way cooler than this scenario (except maybe those spandex unitard things) but as you can see, I’m using a hyperbolic metaphor to help illustrate my point.

The store is packed with people for a good reason. The bikes are of top quality and anyone that works there undergoes rigorous education that requires them to really know their bikes before they are able to sell them. They were not forceful and happy to let me try bikes of various types. Most riders were quite experienced and you could tell it wasn’t just a job for them. I got to experience all the different lines of bikes as it’s admittedly been forever since I bought a bike. They weren’t arrogant or condescending about it which I really appreciated. You could definitely tell the difference between the sales people that knew all the bikes and some that only knew one line fast. They were quick to admit they could sell only one line. I really appreciated that sincerity. They were good in qualifying me for needs and didn’t hesitate to educate for what I should be doing etc. Who knew one could get so much from a bike. If they came with XM rado I’m confident Bow Cycle would have it. Seriously, every bike you can think of to double bikes. I am 6’6″ and they even had bikes in stock for me to try.

Bad experience. Came in to find a replacement chain for my bike and also a chain tool — they had the right chain at a good price, but the tool was expensive. Told me to come back the next day because it would be on sale for 40% off. I don’t have a car, and the store is very much out of the way for me, so I pleaded with them to just sell me the tool at the discounted price. They told me no.
Did not purchase either item, and will probably not be coming back.

Did a lot of hunting for a city commuter and ended up making the call at Bow Cycle on a three-​speed with balloon tires so I can ride some trails. Very happy with my bike and owe it to the staff for enlightening a novice on what style suits my interests best. After a couple months the bike had an issue that needed a replacement part from the manufacturer. Although the ball was dropped on the communication side, the work was performed as fast as the manufacturer would ship and I am back riding in the autumn sun. They responded to the communication problem with sincerity, which is exactly what I expect from a respected shop — mistakes happen, it’s how a business responds that sets it apart.

Always a great experience. They always seem to have what I need and they don’t sell junk.

Went in to see what kind of sport items they have. Wow, do they have allot in here. This store is jam packed with stuff.
We looked around at some bikes and were greeted within a minute. This place is defiantly a candy store for anyone who appreciates this kind of stuff.
We advised we were just looking and still we were treated well. Very friendly staff and massive selection. Lots of parking too.
Didn’t end up buying anything however when I am in the market for a new bike, this is the first place I will go.

Did my one year service here in March. It was terrible.
Service was terrible. They said they would call within two weeks. I ended up calling back 4 weeks later to see what was up. They said the bike was ready and nobody had called yet.
Picking the bike up, I found the work didn’t get done. The brakes were still loose and the bike was pretty much in the condition I had brought it in.
Wasted over $ 100 on these guys. I’ll never go back and it won’t matter because they’re really popular for some reason.

Be aware, this place is super intimidating! But. luckily. the friendly and experienced staff are there to help you. I’d been to Bow Cycle before for motorcycle parts and accessories, but this is my first time actually having to buy a real live bicycle. Do I get a hipster bike? A mountain bike for those mountain bike excursions I’ll never go on? Or how about a street bike for triathalons I’ll never do. tough decision. I needed something for city commuting and lucky for me I had Dylan P as my sales guy. Dylan was helpful and knowledgeable and made me feel way more comfortable about riding a bike for the first time in probably 10 – 15 years. I was able to test ride two bikes I liked up and around the Bowness area. There is an incredible amount of selection on its two floors of inventory. Their accessories are also incredibly vast allowing me to even get a pet carrier for lil pooch to come along. The cashiers are okay in terms of friendliness, the one I had was half on the grouch. BUT the gentleman who helped me take the bicycle to my car was grade A. He showed me how to take my front wheel off, how to pop the basket off, and how to get the bike in my car. I literally that useless. I’ll definitely be back to Bow Cycle, thanks for making buying my bicycle such a fun and positive experience!

One of the best bike shops in Calgary. Came by this weekend for the annual blue light sale madness. Be prepared to line up and fight for those crazy deals.
Need anything for your human powered two wheeler? This is the place. As a longtime rider, this has been the spot in Calgary for your big bike shop experience. The sky is the limit for bikes here.
Tons of staff to help out and super friendly service.

I was looking for bike shoes and found a sales person who was incredibly helpful in educating me about what I’m looking for in fit and performance! I have never used bike shoes before so he showed me the difference between shoes. He was über friendly and did not treat me like a silly novice when I asked questions. I am so pleased with my purchase and i would highly recommend Bow Cycle to anyone I know in need of good quality bike gear as well as VERY helpful service!

I have purchased bikes for both myself and my husband at Bow Cycle in the last few weeks. I opted to deal with Bow Cycle as they appear to be the only place in town that carries both Norco and Kona bikes, and those were the two brands I was interested in based on past experiences.
The store’s selection of bikes is amazing. While only one of each model may be on the floor, more are stored in the basement. This allows a buyer to try a couple of different sizes for each model s/​he is interested in and get the fit dialed in as best as possible.
Both of the salesman we dealt with (on two different days, about two weeks apart) were great. Both were knowledgeable and helpful. While the store is very busy, we never waited more than ten minutes before we had help. When we had help, we had the salesmen’s undivided attention. After we had picked out our bikes, each of the salesmen continued to assist us as we picked out accessories.
A month after I purchased my bike, I discovered a little issue with it. The techs quickly resolved the issue for me. The techs have also been willing to discuss issues with another bike that we have (our oldest son’s) and give advice and make recommendations.
We are very pleased with Bow Cycle.

Bow Cycle is dead center in the middle of a very cool, eclectic part of Bowness in NW Calgary. Wherever you are in the city, it is worth the trip to check out this store!
I have been there a few times. During the week it is busy, but on weekends it is nuts! Feels a bit overwhelming at first going in. 2 floors of bikes and accessories and anything you could possibly need! I wandered around for 5 minutes and I must have looked lost. Lots of sales associates there, and Brad was the one who came to my rescue! I was in the $ 5000 full suspension mountain bike section, and I shouldn’t have been! He got me in the right section of the store and after listening to the needs and desires I had for a bike, he showed me a few. Brad was great, very informative and was in no rush to push a sale and move on to some one else. Over all the sales guys there appeared to WANT to be there, and all excellent at their jobs!
Now, I should mention that until now, I have only ever had Canadian Tire bikes, so the technology in these bikes blew my mind. It turned out that the bike that was right for me was a bit out of my budget, but worth the wait. With a 25% down payment, they will gladly hold the bike on layaway so no one else grabs it up!
Once I paid off my bike and got my helmet and water bottle I was off on the trails! Incredible bike. After only having the bike for a day, I did have a couple adjustments to be made. I took it in and got right into the mechanics shop and it was dealt with. There was one part in the gears to be replaced. The replacement part was priced at $ 130 and they just put it on no charge, no charge for labor, they just wanted my new bike to be perfect!
I will be back there this week to get a bike for my girlfriend. No question I will be back there! A good bike is an investment. But the quality of the bikes, sales and service of Bow Cycle make it a no brainer! Well worth the visit!

Huge selection of bicycles of all kinds.
Also has a lot have accessories, and clothing for biking.
The weekends that I went it was super duper busy but the staff were kind and helpful.
They had forgotten to grab my bike from the warehouse, but they were quick to fix the problem and apologized.

Great selection of all bike items for all levels.

After putting around for about 5mins dumbfounded at the sheer size of this bike store I found sales person, Kyle T. Dude was super legit, friendly, straight forward and excited to get me mounted on a brand new bike.
We looked around at a few bikes and after debating between two he let me take each of them out for a ride around the block. After about ½ hour I decided on a great Kona mountain bike, something I have been thinking about for a long time but never had the money. After buying it I figured oh this is going to be a day or two before it will be ready (service shop was busy)! Nope 10 min’s and they had that bike on a horse, I watched the tech do a top to bottom on everything, ensuing it was good to go.
They are quick on a Friday in the spring because they have so many damn sales. I will say one thing, I could see that place becoming a zoo on a weekend. Overall the store was clean, the service was great. The sales guy knew his stuff and was not at all pushy just pointing out the strengths of each we looked at. I was recommend to come here from a friend and I will recommend anyone looking for a bike to head down that way.
If you can’t find a bike at this store you are too damn picky or you don’t need a bike. PS: Anything over 800 $ gets you a $ 10 free full (130 $) tuneup within the year, something I am sure I will need after putting on a few 1000 km over this summer! Thanks Bow, and Kyle T. thanks for the legit service!

Holy moly, does no one in this town work on Fridays anymore? I was on the hunt for my first road bike and I decided to stop in at Bow Cycle on a Friday morning, thinking I’d have the store to myself. Oh boy, was I wrong, the store was jam packed.
There is an overwhelming amount of bikes in this store! I followed the «road bike» signs to the upper level and started wandering around. Luckily a sales person rescued me almost immediately because I was looking in the men’s fixed gear section, and didn’t even know it. Unless you know exactly what you are looking for, you definitely need a sales person to guide you through the labyrinth. I’d been to a few other shops in town in late June, and it seemed like a lot of the smaller stores were low on stock, especially in the entry level/​lower price range. Luckily Bow Cycle still had a few choices in my price range and frame size. The sales person was really knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable asking noob questions. (Me: Why don’t road bikes have kick stands? Sales Guy: Um, it’s dangerous.)
I took a bike for a test ride around the community and ended up buying the bike that day. My bike came with unlimited adjustments in the first 6 months, and one tune-​up for $ 10 (valued at $ 120) within the first year. This is the standard service package included with bikes over $ 700. I don’t think this is the best service package out there, but it’s better than nothing!
My experience would have been improved if the sales person had put me on my bike and done a thorough fit analysis. Once we chose the right size frame, he only adjusted the seat and then sent me on my way. I understand that they are very busy, but I’ve seen other shops spend the time to do a fit analysis and I would have liked to have one at Bow Cycle too. Now that I’ve had the bike for a few weeks, I guess I can always go back and as for a fit adjustment to correct some of the uncomfortable spots I’ve noticed.