Randy’s Recycled Cycles

I went into Randy’s super clueless just trying to fix up my boyfriend’s bike. It ended up being super simple but they were great about it. They checked out the tires, aired up one and replaced the tube in the other. I was worried they would be annoyed with my questions (especially because I was only there for a tire fix up so I wasn’t spending much money) but they were great. The tube was cheap and I was on my way within 10 minutes.

This place is great! Stopped in today to have a few things fixed. Randy took care of them and I was on my way. The bike is better than ever. Thanks again Randy.

I have used Randy’s Recycled Cycles on several occasions. They have some really high end bikes at great prices. If you want to get into cycling, this is definitely the place to start.

I’m going to give you the shortest version of this as possible. I went in today to buy a bike, spoke to Matt, told him I had not a clue how to fit a bike, and was assured he would set me up. He was a competitive rider, by his own accord, and would get me started without a problem.
After several bikes, I chose the most comfortable one, then headed to Forest Park with my sister for a ride. 2 miles into the ride, my sister stops me and says that the bike is too small for me. «It looks small for you, your stride isn’t right, your knees are bent as you extend your leg to the bottom of the rotation, and the bike looks small.» She’s 7 inches shorter than me and her bike is a 20 inch frame. Mine is 17.5 inches. This bike is too small.
Back at Randy’s an hour after my purchase, Matt tells me her bike is too big for her (she is with me) and that my bike is actually about an inch bigger frame than I should have. But he will do the return save a $ 50 restocking fee. Even though I just left an hour ago, he was going to charge me this fee. He did make a few adjustments, even though when I left the first time he was sure it was set to the right fit. At least, I assume he was sure of it, because I asked about the fit and he said it looked good as I did my test ride.
Sis works as a public safety officer at a local hospital, so we drove the bike to the hospital and had her friends on the bike patrol take a look. After a few laughs, they told me to eat the $ 50 if I had to, this bike was too small. It’s for a teenager, or a really little dude.
So we drive BACK to Randy’s. I tell Matt I want my money back. He reminded me that he would have to do the $ 50 fee, and I told him that was disappointing. I haven’t owned this bike for 3 hours yet, I’ve been back once already to have it re-​fitted, and I just left XX Hospital where the bike patrol just told me this bike was way too small for me. Matt wanted to push the fee, but as he fumbled through his excuses, (sticking to his belief that the bike was a «perfect» fit for me) Randy walked by and asked what the issue was.
Matt told him I felt the bike was too small, Randy followed me to the bike, took one look and told Matt to give me my money back, the bike is too small. Then he questioned who sold me the bike. He seemed aggravated, almost as aggravated as me! I didn’t get the next few bits of conversation because I went to the car to grab my receipt. I can say that on my return, the conversation was put aside to get my return finished.
There are details and conversations to be had that this review box doesn’t give space to get into, but know this. If you are new to biking, you might not want to put this shop on your list. I’m giving it one star simply because Randy did what any good business owner would have done in this situation, and I do thank him for that. However, given the experience I had today, and the swollen knee I have from doing a 4 mile bike ride on a bike that was nowhere CLOSE to the right size, I have a lot of reservations about giving anything higher in terms of reviews.
Randy’s response might win him another visit from me down the road. I may need a lock, helmet, or perhaps in the future when I learn more about bikes I might stop in for my next bike purchase, or maybe Mrs. S will want one some day. But for now, Randy’s is off my list. I’m just not versed enough in the cycling world to call BS when it’s being thrown my way, and I’ve already learned that If Randy isn’t around, I cannot trust this shop.

The jerk-​bike shop dude stereotype is alive and well at Randy’s. Which is really too bad, they have some great bikes.

I would have given 0 stars if that was possible. I recently bought a used bike at this shop (on a Saturday afternoon). After riding the bike home (a mere few miles) I started to feel like the bike wasn’t very safe. The front brake didn’t compress properly and the front wheel wasn’t aligned well. I tried to return the bike on Sunday, but the store was closed until Tuesday. I returned again on Tuesday and received an earful of abuse and bullying. Randy told me that if I wanted to return the bike I would have to pay a $ 50 re-​stocking fee. When I told him I thought that was unfair, considering he sold me an unsafe bike, he yelled at me in the middle of his shop. He accused me of buying the bike on Saturday only to return it on Tuesday because I wanted to dishonestly use his bike for the weekend. After I decided to give up and forget about the $ 50 which I was obviously not going to get back, there was a problem with the return. For some reason, they couldn’t put the money back onto my credit card (which is how I originally paid) and they didn’t have any cash in the store so they had to write me a check. Hopefully the check doesn’t bounce but I wouldn’t be surprised! Don’t go to this shop, even the other employee says he has to spend a lot of his time apologizing for Randy’s behavior. Apparently this is a common way for him to treat customers.

Coming from Portland, Or… one of the bike capitals of the US, I have been in and out of many a bike shop, and usually I come out feeling like I am a complete idiot. At Randy’s, I typically deal with Matthew who is almost always behind the front desk, fixing someone’s bike. He is extremely knowledgeable, helpful and friendly, which is SO amazing because I had it in my mind that bike shops can be so very intimidating.
I bought my bike from them 2 years ago and have to come in now and again for little things which has always been met with a good attitude when dealing with Matthew. I will definitely come back to upgrade when the time is right. They do a great job restoring old bikes to their former glory and often upgrading them so we can race around town in style. (When dealing with the (in-)famous Randy, just brace yourself and be ready to do a little verbal combat. Go in knowing that customer service is not one of his strengths and you’ll be fine)

I’m a completely new cyclist (haven’t really ridden a bike since I was 16), but Randy took the time to advise me and check the back room and the basement to find the kind of bike I needed.
The bikes are well-​priced, and there’s always new inventory. Plus, I got a free water bottle and some stickers with my bike!

Randy’s Recycled Cycles rocks! The bikes are recycled from previous owners, stripped down, cleaned, and dressed up to varying degrees — then sold for a ridiculously great price. Not only that, but the earth benefits from having less material in landfills — it’s a win/​win!
For fixed gear fans, Randy’s is making custom fixies with vintage (pre-​1970) frames that are sandblasted, powder coated, and pimped out with fixie flair. I’m dreaming of a rat rod body, white with orange accents. :)
Tune-​ups and other services are available, too, and be sure to check out the «Bike Porn» playing in the lobby.
When you’re done shopping, go across the street and enjoy a cocktail at Handle Bar, the Grove’s own bike-​centric bar.