My younger brother JC, who lives in the Boston area, is interested in taking up duathlon and triathlon. At present he doesn’t even own a bike, and he’s wondering what the most reputable bike shops in the area are. He’s very gung-ho about it and is already talking about purchasing a tri-bike. Since he’s new to the sport and has never even tried out aero bars, I think it might be more prudent for him to buy a road bike to which the aero bars could be attached, and I suspect a good bike shop will tell him the same thing. Anyway, he needs a shop that will help him to choose and get fitted to an appropriate bike. What are the best cycling shops around Boston?
JC is also wondering how most cyclists and triathletes manage to train around the Boston metropolis, which seems rather bike-unfriendly. I suspect that he will end up doing a lot of his workouts on the trainer, but obviously he needs some real-world experience at well. So Boston-area cyclists, where do you train?
I normally head out of the city towards concord/carlisle to get miles in. He should join the Boston Triathlon Team yahoo group as people sometimes head out from JP as well.
I have heard a lot of bad things about shops in the area. I personally would try to figure out my size and then order from bikesportmichigan because they don’t rip you off on bikes. Then, if need be, pay one of the shops in Boston to fit him. I’ll try to ask around about shops in the area.
There are some standard bike rides around Boston. I don’t know what they are but I have heard people discussing them (I lived in Boston last year but I wasn’t doing any biking at the time.) I wish someone would post them on here with real specifics.
Wheelworks would be a good place if he’s looking to get fit properly on a starter road bike. Fitwerx in Peabody carries more high-end tri bikes but they do an excellent job when it comes to fitting, very friendly and knowledgeable staff too. I haven’t been to Fast Splits in Newton but have heard good things about them.
As far as rides, I’ll echo what others have said is that the best routes are about 10 miles west/northwest of the city out in the Concord/Carlisle area and beyond. My folks live out that way so I’ll usually start from their house or ride out that way from where I live.
Landry’s on Comm Ave in Boston has a large selection of road and tri bikes and very knowledgeable staff. They also have a coached bike class (run by Ali Winslow) in the winter and once spring hits a group ride on Tuesday nights.
Fast Splits also has coached classes - led by Karen Smyers and Dede Griesbauer - but if your brother is in Boston it may be more difficult for him to get to.
Map My Ride has lots of routes starting in Boston. The Tuesday night pub ride (the Landry’s ride) is on there - I start right at Kent and Beacon street in Brookline and head out from there - really not bad.
Last summer I rode my fixed gear downtown all the time - the city is getting more bike friendly.
Group rides are a plenty - NEBC, BTT, CRW, Minuteman to name a few groups.
I live in Lynn, which borders Revere. The bad news is that Revere/Lynn suck for riding, period. But, if you can suffer the 5 or so miles to get out, then it’s sweet. Tell him to look for rides in MapMyRide in the Marblehead/Swampscott/Salem area. There’s a number of good North Shore cycling clubs as well. And lastly, if he’s at all interested in CX or MTB, two words: Lynn Woods!! (the main “walker” trails are great for CX, and there’s a ton of hardcore AND XC mtb stuff).
PM me if he’s interested in going for a ride (once all this friggin ice clears up)
I live in the western part of the state, but used to be a Landry’s devotee (Natick) before I got hooked up with my current LBS (at the time I worked in Framingham). Andy and Mark out of that shop are good if they are still there. I know some folks on the MRC tri club, and they’re all good peeps.
Thanks for all the feedback. I feel quite encouraged! I wasn’t sure there were any good places for cycling in eastern Mass. (I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a bicycle in Revere!) While I live in Revere, I have an SUV which should transport a bike handily. I’m nervous about riding amongst the autos, but I might feel more protected in a group. However, even though the expression says it’s like riding a bike, it’s been a lot of decades, and I’m also worried about falling over onto another group member! A beginners class is a good suggestion.
Question: I know that Memorial Drive in Cambridge is closed to autos on Sundays during the summers. Is that a good place for a beginning rider, or is it just for slow-moving traffic like baby strollers? I do like the idea of riding in an auto-free zone, especially at first.
I received one PM which highly praised Fast Splits in Newton. Anyone else have feedback on that particular bike store?
That stretch of Memorial Drive can be filled with baby strollers, rollerbladers etc., so you’d be competing for space with them. A better option in that area would be the Minuteman Bikeway starting at the Alewife T stop and heading out to Bedford, although if you go on a weekend be sure to get out early when it isn’t too crowded (same issue with rollerbladers, strollers, dogwalkers etc.)
There are some good ride routes once you get to the other end of the bikepath, as well as a bikeshop (the owner occasionally posts here). Good luck!
x2 for Trifury. Over 350 members so it’s easy to find someone to ride with. Minuteman Bikeway is great to head out on to Bedford-Concord. Can be a little crazy on weekends with bikers, runners, kids, etc. There is also a group team ride that heads out from Quadmultisport in Arlington on the weekends. They also have a great selection of bikes. Bought a bike and wetsuit from them and had great experience. They are convenant to the Minuteman Bikeway which I used to test ride a couple bikes. Good luck and ride safe. Drivers can be a little crazy up here.
JC
I am the owner of Fast Splits. Feel free to stop in anytime and ask for me. I will help you out in making a good decision on what you should look at for bikes, as well as offer you some insight into local races.
Thanks to all who recommended us. I will put the checks in the mail…
There are many good shops around Boston. The one that stands out the most in my mind is Fit Werx in Peabody. They are not far from Revere.
I’ve been riding and racing since 1989 in the area and have visted most shops at least a few times.
A beginners class is a good suggestion.