I’m looking to get fitted for my first triathlon bike and wanted to know if you guys had any recommendations for bike shops in the NYC area. I’ve looked at Strictly Bicycles, Sid’s and a few others, but am not sure which one has the most expertise in tri bike fitting. I’m a relative newcomer to the sport (although not to cycling) and don’t have a good sense on what to look for in a tri bike fit, so finding the right fitter is my top priority.
I’m also willing to travel a little bit out of the city if there’s a vastly superior option!
For fit, you go to Jonathan Blyer at ACME. For the actual bike, someone else will need to chime you in (I got mine from Brickwell but I no longer trust their mechanics)
I’m looking to get fitted for my first triathlon bike and wanted to know if you guys had any recommendations for bike shops in the NYC area. I’ve looked at Strictly Bicycles, Sid’s and a few others, but am not sure which one has the most expertise in tri bike fitting. I’m a relative newcomer to the sport (although not to cycling) and don’t have a good sense on what to look for in a tri bike fit, so finding the right fitter is my top priority.
I’m also willing to travel a little bit out of the city if there’s a vastly superior option!
Phenomenal - thank you guys, super helpful. Seems like the New Bike Fit option is the way to go - I go in for an appointment and he will recommend me a few bikes that will be the best fit for me? And then I suppose the actual bike store I pick it up from doesn’t matter to much ultimately!
Yes but I would ask around for actual store. The mechanic I use now is a small place that doesn’t sell tri bikes or even a range of good roadies but they are the nicest LBS owners you’ll ever meet in the city. I am sure there is a good store with great bikes that would be good to have a long-standing relationship with free servicing, I just don’t know who that is.
If anyone has any recommendations on a good LBS in NYC for triathletes, that would be much appreciated as well.
Though not in NYC look up Brickwell Bikes, they are right outside Queens in Long Island. They offer free Guru fit bike fitting if you buy a bike from them and they are a good “tri” bike shop in that the owner himself does triathlons and sponsors riding/tri teams as well.
R&A Cycles in Brooklyn. No if’s and’s or butts about it . The place is amazing. Tons and tons of tri-bikes in stock, all makes and models. They had a ton on the floor, and even more in stock in the basement! My girl went to buy her Felt there, imagine our surprise when we found out that it was $700 less than we thought. They have pop up sales often and will usually match or beat prices elsewhere. She also had her bike custom fit for her.
Went to Sid’s for mine and had a great experience (though honestly not sure how it compares to other places, but it worked well for me). They have pretty frequent sales too so would wait for those to hit.
Definitely Jonathan Blyer at Acme for your fit. He also hooked me up with a shop to purchase the bike I ended up choosing because neither he nor my LBS carried the line. For LBS, Sid’s is mine, mostly because it’s so close to my apartment. Service there is generally good, and I’ve been going long enough that I’ve established a good rapport with the mechanics, which I think is key for anywhere you go.
Bike shops - I would go against r and a for service - never had a positive experience. They have a good website so you can buy their stuff and get it shipped for free. Save a trip to Brooklyn to be dealt with badly
I also highly reccomend Jonathan at Acme. Depending on what bike you decide on he has numerous connections and may be able to help you find the bike. My Cervelo was ordered from a shop run by someone he reccomended to me.
Thanks, folks. This has been great feedback. Step 1 is definitely to set up an appointment with Jonathan Blyer!
Plumber, I agree with your sentiment regarding R&A Cycles. I purchased my first road bike there and received terrible, condescending service from their staff. They have a well-stocked store with fantastic bikes, but I felt like a masochist in that I was paying money to be treated badly.
I’ve had good experiences with Sid’s in the past, so good to hear that they’ve worked for some of you guys. Just not sure how much expertise they have for tri bikes in particular!
Definitely agree about R&A. Tried to sell me a 58 Cervelo because that’s what they had in stock. Blyer told me a 54 would fit best. Never going back to R&A Cycles. Poor condescending service and their staff is just not knowledgeable.
I received good treatment from R & A. Two hours worth. There were a few staff running around that seemed like just “staff” that were there to stock items and checkout people at the register. They wouldn’t know a Huffy from a Cippolini. Then, there were one or two that were bike experts. I would suggest asking for someone who knows what they are talking about before seriously looking at product. Most people coming in are looky-loos, and they arent there other than buying a water bottle or oogling at $10k bikes. I know it sucks to even mention it, but let them know you’re coming-and that you want to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about.
I bought my Cervelo P4 from R&A a little over 5 years ago…reason being they were the only shop in 100 miles that had my 54 size and they were offering a good price…it was worth the drive from Philly. Yes, can be a little “rough around the edges” when it comes to attitude but if you are not a newbie when it comes to cycling and have a decent knowledge about bikes, their selection and prices are tough to beat. Also suggest like other poster calling ahead, let them know what you’re doing so you don’t walk in when they might be very busy. I was a newbie back then but had no problems with their service and fit advice.
I think I saw that R&A has some sort of pop-up location at The Market on 9W? Rode by this weekend and noticed a big banner hanging near The Market parking lot.
Phenomenal - thank you guys, super helpful. Seems like the New Bike Fit option is the way to go - I go in for an appointment and he will recommend me a few bikes that will be the best fit for me? And then I suppose the actual bike store I pick it up from doesn’t matter to much ultimately!