Cycle Analyst

I want the owner of this bike shop to know that I’m glad he’s going out of business. His non-​existent customer «service», I’m sure, is to blame. This «business» has no place in the Washington Park neighborhood.
My fiancé called the store this morning to see if he could have a used box to ship one of his bikes in that he is selling. «WE DON’T DO THAT TRY *INAUDIBLE*» click. They hung up on him. I’m sure it was the owner since he’s the only jerk we’ve ever dealt with there.
Anyway, ⁰⁄₃. Hopefully something cool goes in once this hell hole gets the hell out of my neighborhood. GOOD RIDDANCE and «have fun», douche.
:]

There were some great bike techs at Cycle Analyst. The owner loomed over them all. I got quality work done each time. I trusted the techs there. I think the owner was having some issues of his own, which became everyone’s problem, even the bike community. It is a mystery why they closed for good.

Confusing experience today at cycle analyst. Went in to check out pricing and was told from a disembodied voice that they wouldn’t be doing any more work out of the shop. Oh, word? I was then informed by a guy who I could actually see (he elected to stand up when I came in, and seemed nice) that this place will be closing permanently this summer. Repeat: this cycle shop is no more. Visible guy was nice enough to give me a referral sheet; thanks, visible guy!
«Have fun.» Says the disembodied voice as I’m walking out the door. Sick burn, guy. Joke’s on me for wanting to pay you.
Tons of gear, tools all still out, doors open, at least 3 people working. Seems like this place could still be making money on peasants like me that would pay to get their partners bike repaired instead of doing it at home.

The purpose for my visit to this cluttered shop was to investigate various headset/​stem options for a bike I’m building. Upon entering I was overwhelmed with the amount of bike paraphernalia everywhere, all over the walls, on the ceiling, everywhere, and it was kind of hard to navigate to the counter. As I began my inquiry into the selection they had to offer, the owner rolled his eyes, proceeded to the back, and urged his associate to hurry up with me. The associate (apparently new to the shop) did a fantastic job, he was very helpful and showed me a few different headsets, but not exactly what I was looking for, so we moved on to stems, our conversation lasted only about 15 minutes before the owner felt the need to interject. The associate was interrupted by the owner 5 or so times while trying to answer my questions, he even grabbed a catalog out of his hands (why? I have no idea, he’s crazy?). The experience became too much for me when, the shop owner (frustrated with his new employee for helping me, I guess) made it very clear that it was not worth the shop’s time to help me, «If you could come to SOME conclusion at some point… ’cause time REALLY is of the essence,» he said at one point, after this I just walked out. However, on my way home I felt the need to call the owner and let him know how upset I was. According to him, he would have been happy to help had I brought in my frame/​fork, put it on a stand, and then paid him $ 60 to ask questions. There are so many bike shops in Denver too many to count, and every single one that I’ve been to has been happy to answer my questions. If you’re looking for helpful, friendly advice, don’t go to Cycle Analyst. But if you’re looking for someone to make you extremely uncomfortable, rush you in to a sale, and leave you with a generally bad mood, go talk to the asshole at Cycle Analyst.

I’ve witnessed the owner of this shop be extremely rude, or outright mean, to paying customers with no provocation. I also watched him tell a woman that he wouldn’t sell her a bicycle because it wasn’t what he thought was best for her. He talks down to customers in a way that is truly appalling, and seems to go out if his way to make sure you never want to return. Its a shame, because the inventory is good, and the other technicians are courteous and helpful.
Finally, i had the displeasure of watching the owner berate the technician who was ringing me up for not knowing how to void a transaction on the register (for five fucking minutes) while I waited. The poor guy was mortified. I will never give this chump my money again.
P. s. The build quality on my bike also wasn’t that great… had to rewrap the bars immediately.

I have had pretty good service at cycle analyst over the past two years since moving to the neighborhood, I have only brought my bike in for service once before yesterday mostly I have just gone in to browse or to buy parts. But, After the way I was Treated as a paying customer yesterday I will never go again. At first the employee who was actually helping me was being well. helpful but after about one minutes Richard the older gentleman who is either owner or manager interrupted us quite Rudely and took the information slip I was still filling out and said I can finish this goodbye! «He have to get other work done»
A few hours later I got a call saying the work done, I was pleased that I could run down and pick it up. When I arrived I was greeted by the younger guy and he got my bike down from the rack and told me what was done to fix the problem, right after I asked my first question Richard again interrupted the other employee and said this to me. I can tell you in 25 words or less, buy a better tire next time! The other employee tried to interject but Richard explained to him «that you have a lot more work to do now» to which the younger guy just kinda shook his head… maybe this is not the first time Richard was being a dick???
I sorry Richard but I tried to like your shop because I believe in buying and shopping locally but I don’t believe a customer paying or not should ever be treated the way I was on August 9^th 2013
Goodbye forever
Simon Crowley

Very nice little bike shop. Person who helped me was very nice. As I was looking around, about to purchase a pannier rack bag, the owner suddenly snapped at /​publicly chided a young kid who rode a banana seat bike a few feet inside the store. While his parents stood there awkwardly, the owner went on to say ‘Hey man, that’s not cool. You know, lots of sharp objects in the store, just can’t be riding inside, recipe for disaster etc.”
How sad and pathetic do you have to be to SHAME A CHILD for getting excited about a bicycle in a bike shop?
The owner only modified his rant when he realized the parents were standing right there and made it worse with every stupid word that came out of his hideous face.
I shot a look at the owner, bit my tongue, put my pannier bag back on the shelf and walked out.
The interesting thing is, I went to this bike shop years ago and hadn’t been back since because the owner was such a tool the last time. As I was in the neighborhood I decided to give it another chance and was simply stunned to see it’s the same owner and he’s just as much of a d-​bag as he was before.
He reminds me of a German bakery owner who fills his shop with delicious and tempting sweets but hates children.
This is a bike shop. Not an antique store. You’re supposed to turn people onto biking and make people feel good about getting into it, not embarrass and publicly shame someone in public — especially a kid!
Shame on you, you sad fat little bastard.

I’m new to town and stopped into a bike shop I happened to pass. They didn’t have what I was looking for since it’s old and specific, so I was referred to this little store.
Stepping inside, I was amazed. It was beautiful and quaint and the bearded man behind the counter met me with a happy smile. I asked if he might have a part for a 20+ year old bike and he laughed, «I’d bet you a whole lot of money we do.»
It turned out he did! Not only that, he had several choices for me, including exactly what I needed (and it hadn’t been made in over 10 years!!). That, and he didn’t turn his nose up at me for liking the $ 25 option over the $ 80; in fact, he pointed out there was no useful difference for me. Some stores make it very clear you’re unwelcome at that point.
Understand, I’m not a bicycle aficionado. I ride an old road bike for fun and transportation to errands since the hubby and I share a car. I leave the science of it to the man of the house, so having a bike store I can trust not to rip me off is so important. I’ve found it.
They have a lovely setup for their extensive bell selection and after hesitantly ringing two, I was encouraged to try them all. Yes, I did walk out with a bell. No, I hadn’t expected to, but I found the perfect one after having a grand ol’ time.
This is the type of business I would pay more at to keep alive. I am immediately endeared to this shop and it’s such a relief after seeing the big name stores in town.

My first thought was «Wow, get me out of here.»
I live right around the corner from this shop and I’ll likely keep going to a different bike shop for my repairs and parts. Like a few other reviewers I couldn’t believe the behavior of the owner, and because of it I can’t patronize this store. I’ve never seen anything like it before.
Customer = Lost.

The owner is downright rude and unpleasant. I was about to spend some cash here and decided why should I be treated this way? Seriously — Look elsewhere because there are plenty of other shops in town. If he treats me like crap, how does he treat your bike???

Reviewing a bike mechanic is tricky, because one has to start from an adjusted baseline: bike shops tend to be surly places. Just like a car mechanic, they’re going to want you to buy as much service as they can, it’s how they make money. Bike culture, too, has that certain vibe that easily comes across as rudeness or gruffness, especially to those who are not really used to it.
So I can’t really fault them too much for sometimes-​crusty service, or telling me things need replaced when I know it’s not quite as dire as the mechanic is making it sound. It’s a mechanic, and the burden is on me to be at least a little informed. For those who don’t know much about bikes and just want to buy something for their kid, this is not the place I’d recommend. If, however, you leave nearby and are looking for a quality mechanic, (or reasonably-​priced used parts, which they have a lot of) you could do worse, for sure.

They have every part you’ve ever dreamed of, and most of the guys are helpful as far as figuring out what you need. There is some of that bike shop dudery, but they WILL look at your twenty-​year-​old bike as a legitimate form of transportation (and not as an insult to the fleet of carbon inside the store). They’ve got cool, useful things like panniers, fenders, comfortable seats, and bells! It’s fantastic!
So, props to Richard’s vision for making a great, well-​stocked shop. Bummer that Richard doesn’t manage his attitude equally well. I always try Salvagetti first, just because their customer service is always (always! every time!) good.
I do love the shop, and most of the guys there are just great.

Took the motorcycle out for a spin today in a different neighborhood than usual. As I puttered past Cycle Analyst it caught my eye. I could tell it wasn’t a big-​brand (Trek, Giant, etc) store. Understand that I have a fairly intense dislike of «those» stores, and instead prefer my bike shop to be a little eccentric, personal, and super knowledgeable.
I walked in and it was exactly as I expected. Tons of interesting stuff for those who have a cycling lifestyle. They don’t cater much to the racer set, the pub cruiser market, or really anything other than «everyday» bikes — which is awesome because most stores don’t carry much at all for this market.
I checked out their large selection of racks, panniers, bells, lights, doo-​dads. I was in heaven — wishing I had some money to spend. They have an awesome selection of Brooks saddles, something I’ve never seen before (usually you have to order them sight-​unseen, in my experience).
I was in the shop for maybe 5 – 10 minutes total and every employee in the store (there had to be 4 – 5) asked me if they could help me, etc. They all seemed very friendly.
Keyword being seemed.
As I looked over their assembled bikes, suddenly one of the people working behind the counter erupted into a fit of rage (I presume this was the owner, he was probably double the age of anyone else working there). I thought a wrench had slipped and someone put their fist into a chain ring (I’ve done this, it blows) — but it was actually the owner (again, I assume — if he was only a manager I have no idea why he’d be allowed to work there) yelling and cussing at the other employees for putting things in the wrong boxes. I’ve worked places with boxes and lots of parts, I know it can be infuriating if people put something in the wrong place… But it is unacceptable to yell and cuss at your employees in front of customers. This was off-​putting and probably the show would get 4 stars if it was only the employee-​rampaging that I saw…
Unfortunately, shortly there after I witnessed one of the biggest examples of unprofessionalism and ungratefulness that I’ve ever seen in retail. Someone came in asking about a part, and had to run out to his car to get another part to see if they would be compatible. Before he went outside, he asked if he would be able to get some work done while he waited, as he lived fairly far away and didn’t want to have to drive down twice. He was very understanding that they were busy and very much it was no big deal — he still wanted to buy some parts…
However, while he was out of the store, the guy who had been helping him began a tirade about people who drive cars and «why would anyone drive all the way down here just to save $ 2 on a stem… etc, etc» He called the guy a dumbass and said it was stupid and he’d never understand those people. The speech continued until the customer entered the store — as which point the employee was helpful and friendly. Totally unprofessional to A. complain about somebody driving a long distance to specifically come to your store B. do it in front of other customers.
I understand employees have opinions and may talk about customers — but it should be done in the back room or after-​hours. My first thought was «I wonder what they’ll say about me when I walk out of here? Probably something about looking but not buying». My second thought was «…and I won’t ever be buying from somewhere that treats customers like they are garbage while their backs are turned»
I really wanted to like this place, but if the employees have no filter, forget it. Used and odd bicycle parts are easier to find and cheaper online. I go to a bike shop for the customer service and support of the employees — I can buy on eBay and at least I’ll never have to hear it if the seller bad-​mouths me.

Although this store is a treasure trove of parts, and the guys have a wealth of information, I’m going to miss out on both because the person I dealt with came across as a condescending ass.
It was a bit of a disaster really. Had a great phone conversation with Shaun, then headed in and dealt with someone else who really rubbed me the wrong way. Biking is about fun, and the experience was far from fun. I felt that taking a snobby position on my bike and my plans for it was higher on the agenda than helping me walk out with what I wanted. The prices that Shaun quoted to me were no longer available — because «Shaun is the ebay guy» and «is getting parts from different bins» whatever that means.
Ironically, the one part that I did end up buying I had to take home and grind a couple mill off before I could use it. If someone’s going to profess that there is a right way and a wrong way to do things, they should «get it right». Any anyway — with bikes there is not a right way and a wrong way to do things. there are just fun ways and not fun ways.
Ugh. Horrible experience.

Cycle Analyst may never have an idea of how close I came to giving them a single star. If you had an experience like mine, you wouldn’t want to step foot in there, but I’ll leave a little wiggle/​doubt room here.
I don’t know anyone there enough to get an «inside deal». I got a great deal on an item around $ 200 (the owner offered me a deal), and I told my neighbor about it. Sweet, I thought. My neighbor went in and, like any normal person, inquired about a similar item, which he also obtained at a nice price. Sounds good, eh? So far, so good. One sale, a recommendation, another sale. Good for business, everyone’s happy, capitalism at its best. Right?
Wrong. WAY wrong. Next time I went in there, the owner actually SCOLDED me for telling my neighbor about my purchase. Big dickhead move on his part. Not the way to: a) do business, b) get repeat business, or c) treat a customer. I was flabbergasted. It was one of those situations where you’re caught so off guard you don’t know how mad you are until you leave the store!
Now, Cycle Analyst has some GREAT stuff in the shop, and the employees are very knowledgeable, and I’m positive they cand solve Lance Armstrong’s most complex of bike problems blindfolded. This place is right in my ‘hood, and of course I want it to rock — be successful — and draw in happy customers.
I just hope someone opens up a similar joint right next door, and picks off the talented employees one by one. That way the neighborhood and the customers still win.
Until then, I’ll simply refer to it as Cycle Anal.

So this place gets a bad rap sometimes. They’re not your bend over backwards, customer is always right kind of shop. But what folks don’t always get is that, for the person who is passionate about biking, and may even be crossing the line to «bike geek,» this place is mecca. Cycling is a lifestyle that is all about focus and self reliance, and a bike shop that reflects that sentiment is a very, good thing.
They stock panniers, which is rare, and they keep Surly bikes around, even though there’s no such things as being a Surly «dealer.» They have to buy them outright and take a chance on them selling. If you know what you’re looking for, you won’t find a more knowledgeable staff in Denver, even with questions about old gear.

This is such a cool shop. I found out about it after quizzing some Denver Cruisers about where they got their handle-​mounted beer holders. After checking these babies out in the store, my husband discovered he could make them for us for about $ 1 from parts at Home Depot. Thanks sweetheart! But I bought an awesome detachable Electra wicker basket that was the perfect finishing touch on my bright orange cruiser. There is a HUGE assortment of doodads for your bike like bells, streamers, baskets, bags, flags, horns, lights and whatever else you want to use to draw attention to yourself… as well as practical items like locks, patch kits and spare tubes. Even actual bikes if you’re in the market for one. Make sure to deck yourself out before cruiser season starts this spring.

I am not a cyclist, I don’t look like a cyclist. But I decided I would try to bike to cooking school in March. I have a 15 year old mountain bike and that’s going to be the bike I’ll use, so it needs some improvements: a better seat and a basket to carry, hum, chef knives?
I walked into the shop and I was greeted right away. The guy (I think his name was Shawn) was very patient, and although I didn’t have a bike with me, he showed me all the seats and baskets that I could choose. I never sensed he had any urgency to get back to what he was doing, I felt I was the most important person at the moment. I thanked and came back with my bike a couple of hours later. I never got any funny look because of the old bike. The work was done fast and the service was great and extremely polite. I really liked the experience.

I ride a bike to and from work most days of the week. I’ve been to Salvagettis and Turin, but man do I wish Cycle Analyst was closer. These guys are just stellar all around.
Good prices, good people, good advice. Everything a local bike shop should be. If you don’t see what you want talk to someone. They can order tons of bikes and get you fitted perfectly for it.

I should tell you that I’m the leader of a cruiser bike gang here in Denver so I don’t really mess around when it comes to bikes or accessories, for cruisers anyway. I really don’t know a damn thing about road or mountain or any other kind of bikes.
This bike shop is completely lovely for cruisers though. They have a lot bigger selection on the floor than many of the other places I’ve visited. They have a wonderful rack of horns that are shaped like various things including an alligator and a parrot. They also have lots of bells, seats, streamers and all the stuff that you can put on your adult bike to make you feel like a kid again. And they carry what I consider to be the most important bike accessory of all time — the bike cup holder. Perfect for a 12 ounce can of Old Style as you cruise to to the first bar of the night.
The staff were awesome — completely friendly and knowledgeable and willing to special order a bike I wanted that they didn’t carry. It’s definitely my favorite bike store I’ve been to so far in Denver.