Anyone have any info on good shops (not tri-specific) in St. Louis?
big shark, maplewood, mesa, there are tons that are non tri google bike shops in missouri and the Missouri bike fed has a massive list.
Actually, there are a few I’d recommend:
Big SharkMaplewood BicycleMesa CyclesAt all three shops you will find super knowledgeable and helpful folks. The also have a nice inventory and good quality bikes that you can choose from. But, most importantly all 3 can offer a really thorough bike set-up to make sure you’re in the most efficient and comfortable position as possible. Good luck!
I agree with the suggestions of Big Shark, Maplewood, Mesa, etc. But I would also look into Fitpro. They do an outstanding fitting service, and that is pretty much the core of their business. They do sell Guru’s. But also work on bikes and will fit any bike.
http://bigshark.com/index.cfm In the Loop
http://www.ghisallosports.com/ Out West
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You know my FAVORITE bike shop is actually a bike fit studio. Most bike shops order bikes in then pick one off the wall and adjust it to get it fit. Bike fit is by far the most important aspect of cycling.
I met the guys at FitPro Bicycles – they are AWESOME. They spend time getting to understand how your ride what your goals, etc. Then, start from your feet and do the most thorough bike fit I’ve ever had. The entire process takes 2+ hours. Then, they can adjust your bike or actually order one in that will meet your cycling needs, price range and size!
Going to a regular bike shop is OK, but this is really a great experience – you know your bike will fit perfectly.
You won’t regret giving them a call. http://www.fitprobicycles.com/
Only one problem. Tim Ray (who in my opinion is the best fitter in St. Louis) left Fitpro recently. Tim is back at Maplewood for a little bit.
I really did love the FitPro concept.
I’ve gotta put my .02 in for Sunset Cyclery…they tend to be more mid-range oriented in their day-to-day business but for the most part they do know their stuff…if you want to check them out go to the Sunset Hills location and talk to Ed…
Paul
I really like the guys at Mesa. Always really nice and helpful anytime I go in there. Bigshark is great too, and they have a LOT of stuff. I can always count on them to have everything I need. Ghissalo is really nice too, but they are more tri-oriented (which is good for us usually).
wtf??? Tim left FP??? I thought Tim was FP??? Oh well. What do you mean “…for a little bit”?
To the OP, Tim FIST’d me and I enjoyed every minute of it and the bike is comfy as can be. Highly rec him. Maplewood, Big Shark, Mesa; all great. I’d say ‘local’ would be the biggest variable for your decision as the three are pretty spread out.
Stewart Munson at Maplewood is currently the best fitter in St Louis. He is using both Dartfish and Retul for fitting. He is Serotta and FIST certified. No one else in St Louis is using Retul for fits.
Tim is headed off to a big bike shop out west shortly. He is helping out at Maplewood in the meantime. Better get refit before he leaves…
What are you looking for? In my opinion, the best mechanic in town is Mark at Ballwin Schwinn. Its right off Manchester Rd. in Ballwin across from the Borders. There’s nothing bling about the shop, but no body can touch Mark when it comes to working on bikes or building wheels.
Ballwin Cycles
15340 Manchester
Ballwin, MO.
636-391-2666
Justin
FWIW - Both John Cobb and John Howard have both given clinics at Big Shark within the past year. While each shop has their “go to” guy (I’d agree Ballwin build the best wheels), Big Shark is crammed full of talent…