Good bike shop on the peninsula?

I'm looking for a bike shop on the SF peninsula (I live in San Carlos) where I can buy a bike for my nine-year-old girl who has outgrown kiddie bikes. I want a place that's reasonably priced and can give us advice.

The bike will be used for toodling around the neighborhood, which is mostly flat.

I read the advice about bike-buying in http://www.mobspin.com/question/show/kxDhmaJIcTE, which was helpful. Now I'm looking for recommendations for specific shops.

Thanks!

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asked on Jul 6, 2008

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comments and reviews

I really like the guys at Summit Bicycle in Burlingame on California Ave (just south of Broadway). They're low key and seem to know their stuff.

#1 - posted on Jul 9, 2008 (10:02 pm)

Hi Brian-
I would highly recommend you buy local to San Carlos ( reasons to follow ). It's been a while since I was up your way in San Carlos, but I know there are at least 3 shops worth going to when one is looking for a bike for a 9 year old:
Performance Bike in Redwood City
Chain Reaction in Redwood City
The Broken Spoke in San Carlos

A Google of "bike shops san carlos" will turn up several in belmont, san carlos, and redwood city. I'd recommend you check out a Trek mt. bike for your 9 year old. 20" wheels will likely be the right size, and they make a mt bike with that size wheels. Probably in the several hundred dollar range, but will be worth it and will last several years. Be sure to buy local, because the bikes made for a 9 year old are not "high end" bikes, and as such that components aren't all that great. You'll likely need a few tune ups, and it's best to just let the shop take care of all that for you. You should get a year's worth of free "tune ups" at the shop where you buy the bike.
Good Luck-
Chris

Alternative might be to try Performance Bike shop

#2 - posted on Jul 13, 2008 (5:54 pm)

I recently bought a (adult) bike at the Chain Reaction in Redwood City- after shopping around a lot and getting really poor/no service from other stores. They were really helpful (I went on a weekday, when it was less busy).

#3 - posted on Jul 18, 2008 (9:38 am)

I like this place: http://www.californiasportsandcyclery.com/

They're on El Camino between San Carlos & Belmont right by the Quiznos. They're very attuned to kids' needs and also sell other sporting goods appropriate for youngins. I haven't bought a bike there but have brought bikes in for tuneups and they were great. You can tell they love their bikes & sports overall, but are nice & aren't the snobs you find at other bike shops. Next time we're in the market that's the 1st place we're going.

#4 - posted on Aug 3, 2008 (9:57 am)

Seth, California Sports & Cyclery is where I ended up going. They recommended a nice bike right away that was exactly what we were looking for.

#5 (reply to #4) - posted on Aug 3, 2008 (10:15 am)

awesome, glad it worked out!

#6 (reply to #5) - posted on Aug 3, 2008 (12:24 pm)