A-1 Cycling

These guys were great! Day one of a ten day bike tour and ten miles out of Manassas, I crashed on an unmarked speed bump in the shadows. The bike was inoperable as the shifters and brakes didn’t function and so much more was out of alignment. It was 4pm on a Saturday, no less. I thought my tour was done.
Found this shop on the internet, called and they said bring it on in, we have mechanics available, we’ll see what we can do to help. And did they! A great mechanic, who has been there 13 years, jumped right on it. Quickly resolved the issue with the shifters and brakes, straightened the dérailleur, checked and trued the wheels, readjusted and tightened the saddle (part of the original problem) had me test ride it — good to go. And all before the sag driver returned from the grocery store. WOW!
Everyone was friendly, concerned. And the price. At a time I could have been easily taken advantage of in order to get back on the road, the price was amazingly low. When I looked at the receipt later, I realized they had even given me a discount! They even threw in a couple of free packages of ClifShots — I must have looked pathetic with my black eye and bruises.
I could not have been more impressed, and I’ve frequented many bike shops over the years. No wonder they’ve been in business for 35 years. If I lived closer to their shop and not in Seattle, I would have found my permanent bike shop!
Thanks guys for all you did to get me back on the road for a beautiful tour of Virginia and DC.

Let me start by saying I am ignorant when it comes to bikes, so shopping for a bike was intimidating for me. I thought all bikes were the same, come to find out there is a different kind for almost every use (road, mountain, hybrid, etc). I took spinning classes religiously all through college and was looking to get back into that routine, so I thought I would give A-​1 a try after a good friend of mine recommended it. I was immediately greeted when I walked in and informed them that I had no idea what I was looking for. Sean and Ben were super helpful in matching me with the right kind of bike by inquiring what I would be using it for. Since it was my first ever purchase like this, I decided on a Specialized hybrid (Ariel) in an awesome teal color! I also hate any temperature below 60 degrees, so I purchased a trainer, as well. If you are in the market for a new bike, I would definitely recommend them! The best part about it was I didn’t feel pressured to buy anything I didn’t want, and they were more than happy to explain everything to me. I’ve now been to both locations (they have a store in Herndon, too) and the staff is just as great over there. I purchased my water bottle holder from that store and, if you’re lucky, there’s some guy who works there that brings his Old English Sheepdog to work with him and you might get to see her :)

I can only speak from a customer service and a «vibe» perspective as i havent had a bike serviced here.
Many bike stores have been become like surf/​skate shops of old as i guess riding a bicycle has become a cool, edgy thing to do. Theyre uncomfortable. Kids are too busy posing and looking cool to help customers. However, the interaction i had at A1 was top notch. Everyone here was friendly and willing to chat and shoot the breeze about their products and riding in general. Ill mention Ben in particular as being extra helpful.
I purchased a bike here and got a fair deal; could have been cheaper online, but then youd deal with shipping.
Given the reviews and distance from my house i may pass on the maintenance, but if im in the market for another bike A1 will be my first stop

I have been around the country and have been to multiple bike shops. That being said I have never found such an awesome set of people who actually care and are willing to help.
On top of that the prices can not be beat. I highly recommend checking out this company!
((Note, I now work for this company, at the time of review I knew little about who and what they where about. ~~Edited 11−10−15~~

I doubt I’ll ever buy anything from there again. I bought a pair of clearance Specialized gloves. I took them home and tried them on again. I noticed a seam was coming apart. The gloves were still attached to the hang-​tag. They couldn’t or wouldn’t do anything for me, not even store credit. So much for supporting small business. I’ll take my business to Jenson, REI, and Amazon.

Hi Chris — Yes — I did get a good deal but No — you didn’t help me source the satellite shifter. I originally purchased a Dura Ace Shifter (4 internal wires — which didn’t work) and through internet research and co-​workers I identified and purchased the Ultegra Shifter (2 internal wires). I asked for help but got tired of waiting. I originally purchased the bike with the understanding that I would get help with reprogramming the shifter — that never happened.
When I left the A1 Bicycle shop in Manassas, my bike was no longer shifting and you told me, «it’s not shifting onto all gears, you need to get it fixed/​reprogrammed.» Also, if you did give me a break (~$ 160 for 1 cassette and 1 chain) I don’t need a brake like that. The only reason you gave me a brake was because I bad mouthed you after you told me my chain was old and need to be replaced. On a bike with ~100 miles on it? Give me a brake. As for giving me a deal — this was your display model that was last years model — I’m sure you made money regardless.
Anyway, I left without my DI2 bicycle working. I went into the office and myself and a few friends were able to reset the shifting correctly.
Question? Did A1 ever purchase/​procure the Di2 reprogramming kit?
I despise these forms of communication but felt so put off by this experience I broke with tradition and posted this review.
If anything — perhaps you and your shop will start to treat customers a little different. I don’t expect to reap any benefits since I’ll never shop A1 again.
Regards

I will never return to this store again or refer anybody to them.
I was at the Lowes in Manassas and decided to take my 5 year olds bike to get adjusted. To start with, when and explained the purpose of my visit to the guys at the service desk they both listened, said ok and just went about their business leisurely with any further feedback for at least 5 minutes (there was not else at the counter). Then after I asked if I should come back later, one of them proceed to give me the following price quote and diagnosis.
— Both brakes were off and it was going to cost me $ 15 to adjust each brake ($ 30)
— One brake was worn out and at to be replaced at $ 6 a and $ 25 dollars for the cost of replacement ($ 31) — My question here was — If one brake was going to be replaced then why was he telling me he was going to adjust both brakes for $ 15 each?
To cut a long story short they were going to charge me $ 61.00 to fix the brakes on a kids bike. Anyway, I thanked them, left and took it to Performance bike in Reston which is close to my house and they fixed it for me for $ 9.00 and even oiled the bike seat for us. Not only that, but I was told the brakes that A-​1 had recommended I change could still get a lot of use out of them and to hold off on it.
For me, I wasn’t only put off by the ridiculous price A-​1 quoted but also at the appalling way they treated me as a potential customer. I’m glad I have choices and live close by a great bike store.

Complete rip off. If you’re coming here to tune or fix your bike for simple things and I mean simple and basic things they will charge you a ridiculous price. Be warned.
I agree with the Unilocal reviews that this place is $$$$

Specialized, Giant & Eastern bikes.
Road, Mountain & Hybrid bikes.
Sales and Service.
They have a good deal of stock on the floor and
quite alot in the way of accessories too.
I needed to pick up a bottle cage and they had quite a selection.
They know service, been in business for 31 years.

I just wrote a review of A-1’s Herndon store but all my comments on that location apply to their Manassas store, too. They really know their stuff here, and are eager to help even a novice like me. They also provide free tune-​ups on all bikes they sell. A great store!