Phillip Hopkins, owner of Kingston Foreshore Cycles, one of Canberra’s most recommended bike shops. Photo: Supplied.
Cycling brings such a sense of freedom and in Canberra turning your wheels is easy on our excellent network of off-road paths and routes with fabulous scenery.
The benefits of cycling, especially during these challenging times, are enough to make your head spin. It’s healthy, fun, easy to fit into your daily routine and available to all ages and personality types. Some cyclists are serious commuters, some ride for leisure, some travel great distances exploring the environment around them, and some compete in elite challenges at paces that take your breath away.
Key to enhancing your cycling experience is having the right gear and apparel—whether you’re new to the sport or have been riding for years—but with so much available on the market, deciding what’s right for you can be daunting. That’s why it’s worth talking to experts about your needs.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a bike shop, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What to look for when choosing a bike shop retailer
Finding the right bike shop is essential to improving ride quality and the longevity of your bike. So what’s important when choosing where to go? It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a bike shop.
- Attentive and caring. You want a retailer who cares and listens to understand your needs, so you end up with a bike and gear that suits. Make sure the retailer is willing to answer your questions and provides advice based on the level and type of cycler you are.
- Helpful to novice cyclists. You shouldn’t feel intimidated when walking into a bike shop because you’re not an expert. Choose a retailer who knows you don’t have all the knowledge they do. Expert retailers are willing to help novice cyclists with as much enthusiasm and dedication as they are cyclists with a bank of knowledge.
- Proactive with tips. While a bicycle is basically a simple machine, it needs to be cared for. With straightforward preventative measures, a quality bike will give years of joy. It’s important to choose a retailer who will give you essential tips, like the need to keep drive trains clean, so gears are less likely to lose adjustment and components last longer.
- Support and advice. Staff should take time to listen carefully to your needs and share expert advice. They should be willing and able to help and be honest about what you require. They should also share tips that will empower you to embrace and enjoy the sport.
- After service. You don’t want to buy a bike or other gear and not be supported post-purchase. Make sure your bike shop is willing to have you pop by to ask questions after you buy or provide answers over the phone. Also make sure they have a service arm in case you need it.
The best bike shops in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 19 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintain a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Kingston Foreshore Cycles
One Canberra bike shop dedicated to cycling is Kingston Foreshore Cycles. Their expert staff are passionate about all things cycling and are on hand to help cyclists at all levels, whether buying or servicing a bike, selecting apparel and accessories, perfecting your technique, or providing literature on the sport.
Kingston Foreshore Cycles is located at Kingsborough Village, a few short pedals away from Kingston Foreshore, on the doorsteps of some of the capital’s most popular bike paths.
With a personalised, tailored approach, Kingston Foreshore Cycles sells bikes of all shapes and sizes, and stocks a wide range of apparel, accessories and baggage, including brands from around the world not usually seen in Canberra. The shop is a dealer for brands such as Surly Bikes, All-City Cycles and Salsa Cycles, all from the United States, as well as Orbea from Spain, and Dutch-inspired Lekker Bikes.
Kingston Foreshore Cycles also offers a general service and a full service for bikes that need some tender loving care.
Mark Vee recommends Kingston Foreshore Cycles on Facebook saying, “Not a huge store but every nook and cranny is packed with cycling goodness. Nice range of quality gear. I challenge you not to find at least one thing you don’t want to add to your stable. Well worth stopping in. Great service, friendly staff.”
Kingston ACT 2604
99 Bikes
99 Bikes Mitchell is located on Flemington Rd and is a cycling treasure trove, stocking a huge range of road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, commuter bikes, electric bikes, BMX bikes, kids bikes and scooters. With on-site bicycle mechanics, 99 Bikes offers workshop servicing and bike repairs on all bikes and brands.
99 Bikes offers the best price guaranteed on bikes, bicycle parts and accessories from world leading brands such as Garmin, Shimano, BBB, Fox, Thule and more.
Scott Pobihun wrote a positive review for this bike shop on Google saying, “Good range of bikes and equipment at good prices. Fantastic staff that are friendly and helpful. Very good membership scheme too, with receipts mailed. Very happy to be a customer.”
My Ride - Woden
My Ride Woden has everything for all your cycling needs. After servicing the Canberra community as Onya Bike Woden, they felt it was time to freshen-up their bike shop with a new name and look.
Still bringing you the very best service from the same Onya crew, this bike shop stocks brands Malvern Star, Avanti, Scott, including a wide range of e-bikes.
Michael McRoberts wrote a glowing review for My Ride on Google saying, “Staff were helpful with lots of practical insights. There was a good blend of quality, affordable bikes, all the way to expensive road and mountain racing bikes. Worth checking out if you’re in the market!”
Switched on Cycles
Switched on Cycles in O’Connor is your go-to store for all things e-bike. This bike shop was established by Kim Houghton and Simone Annis in 2009 to bring good quality, mid priced electric bicycles to Canberra and the region.
Their mechanical services, such as transforming the bike in your back shed into an e-bike and customising bikes, are provided by the exceptional and highly experienced Canberra bike mechanics, Alex Mcnee and Gregg Berry.
As satisfied customer, George Laffin, wrote on Facebook, “Switched on Cycles is fantastic. They were friendly, helpful and answered all my questions. I look forward to seeing them again for upgrading my battery.”
Missing Link Bikes
Missing Link Bikes in Kambah is a mountain bike haven. They are fanatical about mountain bike culture, living and breathing this industry for many years. Its staff have extensive industry experience, working as mechanics, bike shop managers and racing at elite levels in both Downhill and Enduro for over 10 years.
Missing Link Bikes will help you get the most out of your Banshee Bike, whether its racing at a competitive level or enjoying local trails with your mates.
As Mitchell Sidwell reviewed on Google, “Rang around to get my bike serviced but couldn’t get it in anywhere for a week. Rang Missing Link Bikes and Kye fixed it on the spot and got me back on the bike the same day!”
Cookies Cycles
Cookies Cycles is Canberra’s home to ride, skate and scoot. It opened in 2015 after David Cook and his family wanted a bike shop that catered for the family cyclist, from balance bikes and 3 wheel scooters to skateboards, mountain bikes and road bikes.
This bike shop stocks a large range of parts, accessories and bike brands such as Radius, Fuji, Apollo, SE, XDS, Progear, Soner, Tebco.
As RiotACT commenter Erica Burford says, “I just got an e-trike from Cookies Cycles in Franklin. My first bike in 30 years! Dave was super helpful and made sure I knew how to work it and ride it and fit the seat height and the handbars and everything. And it would not fit in my car so they delivered to my house that evening.”
Cycle Surgery
Established in 2003, Cycle Surgery in Florey has become the go-to bike shop in Canberra for all your bicycle repair and servicing needs. With one of Canberra’s largest spare parts and accessories inventories, Cycle Surgery will have you back on your bike in no time.
Daniel Nitschke wrote a glowing review on Facebook saying, “Simon’s very knowledgeable and helpful. Our bikes always feel fantastic after he services them and we’ve saved money when he’s tuned an existing part that other bike stores claimed needed replacing.”
Goodspeed Bicycle Company
Goodspeed Bicycle Company is a bicycle manufacturer that has been operating in Canberra since 2012. This bike shop’s four signature model steel frames are all designed and hand built in Australia and available through a small network of workshops and mechanics.
Natalie Newman, a happy customer, wrote on Google, “Good service, good location. Obviously done out of love, not for the money.”
Monkey Wrench Cycles
Monkey Wrench Cycles is a service focused bike shop located at Hackett Shopping Centre.
It can help with everything from basic to comprehensive and specialised bike services.
Monkey Wrench Cycles carries parts and accessories from brands like Lezyne, Shimano, SRAM, Maxxis and Schwalbe.
Satisfied customer Damien Pentony wrote on Google, “Quality work at reasonable prices. These guys have a lot of knowledge.”
Tune BikeWorks
Tune BikeWorks is a professional bicycle workshop and parts outlet located in Canberra’s inner north suburb of Dickson.
This bike shop carries a wide range of essential bicycle parts and accessories, including locks, lights, pumps, clothing, helmets, lubes, nutrition and many more.
On Google, happy customer Jonathon Troy wrote he was extremely satisfied with the service saying, “I broke a gear cable on my way from work and it was fixed without having to book an appointment. Well worth crossing town for.”
Cycle City
Operating since 1975 this bike shop has been around longer than most.
Cycle City recently relocated to their new three-level bike shop in Fyshwick which stocks a large range of bikes, clothing and accessories. They also have a full on-site workshop which offers bike servicing, repairs and restoration.
Satisfied customer Charlie Walpole, wrote on Google, “The best in the biz with service, knowledge, experience. The staff at Cycle City genuinely know their stuff and are more than happy to go the extra miles to make sure you’re having the best experience possible on your bike.”
Ride Shop
This Braddon based bike shop has been operating in Canberra for 18 years and stocks bikes from brands like Avanti, Cannondale, Malvern Star and Trek and components from Avid, Campagnolo, Fox, Shimano and Sram.
Ride Shop is also an authorised Campagnolo pro shop.
As happy customer Thomas Sullivan wrote on Google, “The staff are always very upbeat! Good selection of bikes, great range of winter clothing and accessories. Excellent coffee.”
Back Bone BMX
Experts in all things BMX, this bike shop has been around for more than 12 years and have built a great reputation among BMX-enthusiasts.
You’ll find Back Bone BMX next to the Belconnen skate park.
On Google, Sam Filmer wrote a positive review saying, “Rhys, Ty and the crew are the friendliest bike riders you’ll ever meet. They’ll go out of their way to help you out, whether it’s selecting parts or finding local spots to ride. Highly recommended.”
Whilst you’re looking for a new bike, you might also like to check out our article on the best coffee shops our city has to offer.
Your experience with bike shops in Canberra
Thanks to our commentators who have provided insightful feedback on the best bike shops in Canberra. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the bike shops listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
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Switched on Cycles, best for ebikes :)
Adams Bikes Hume. Best service
Bike Culture, Gungahlin. Great friendly service
No love for Pushys? 12 months ago I went to get my first emtb. Asked for a quote from Pushys and Onya. Pushys got back to me in an hour. Still waiting for Onya lol.
Aaqil you might need this
Yep cycle surgery
Adams bikes are excellent.
Bike Culture in Gungahlin &/or Belconnen. Great service & knowledgeable staff🤗
Nobody does servicing as well as Monkey Wrench
Adams bikes has been great
Monkey Wrench in Hackett for sure
BEST bike shop in Canberra is a vintage feel, fantastic find in Kingston, in the Kingsborough Village on Parbery St. With a wonderful old school feel, not your standard accessories and a wonderful array of bikes, going to this shop is a wonderful adventure. It might be small but it is full of cycling treasures. With bikes from the little to the big, including Surly and Brown Jersey this is not your average bike shop. Run by the ever smiling Phil Hopkins who himself is a treasure trove of information about all things cycling, Phil is also a creative local bike photographer catalogueing his daily cycle adventures in ways that are breathtaking Phil and his son are wonderful mechanics and will keep your bike running beautifully. NO hard sell, just a genuine love of what he they do, Kingston Foreshore Cyclery is a must to visit..
Cycle Surgery in Florey
Simon is the best he can repair anything he has been servicing my bikes for years
Bike99 in Mitchell. Paul and Sam are terrific.
99 bikes in Mitchell and Adams bikes in Hume, both great service, range and knowledgeable, helpful staff
My Ride Woden, excellent sales and service, numerous, knowledgeable just wish they would shave 😄
Humerous
Kingston Foreshore Cycles – Phil is great whether you just need a quick service or looking to upgrade your bike.
Switched on Cycles in O'Connor; everytime! for new, used or your bikes service/ tune-up.
monkey wrench,
fixed by ryan
& missing link
https://www.missinglinkbikes.com.au/
I just got an e-trike from Cookies Cycles in Franklin. My first bike in 30 years!
There aren't too many available, apparently the NDIS is getting them for some clients, and they are made overseas so of course there are supply problems right now.
Dave was super-helpful and made sure I knew all how to work it and ride it and fit the seat height and the handlebars and everything.
And it would not fit in my car so they delivered to my house in the evening.
Very nice shop, comforting, specialising in e-bikes but very competent with other bikes, from the conversations with other customers.
Also not full of trendy expensive clothes. This shop is about the bikes.
I would definitely recommend Cookies to anyone looking to set up on a bike again after a long break.