Best place to buy a bike in PVD

Submitted by renamon617 t3_11xkfxc in providence

Where's the best place to buy a bike in Providence? Both cost wise and quality wise. I was going to buy one at Walmart but their bikes usually are low quality. Any good local bike shops?

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FoleyisGood t1_jd3fo4l wrote

Recycle a Bike has had some gems. I'd check them out first. If you want something brand Dash and Legend Bicycle come to mind. There is also a place in Warren but I forget the name.

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FieryVegetables t1_jd3hz10 wrote

RAB built me a bike from various components and a frame they had! I love it and it’s weird.

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eric_weisenheimer t1_jd3mar0 wrote

For a quality, mechanic-inspected used bike, in addition to the previously-mentioned Recycle-a-Bike, the Providence Bicycle Collective is a great part of the community. 🚲❤️

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[deleted] t1_jd3i53y wrote

[deleted]

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renamon617 OP t1_jd3ifa1 wrote

Something that will last a few years after taking daily bike rides to/from work (5 miles daily). I like mountain bikes.

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fucktheOvilleSystem t1_jd3ps2h wrote

I’d go check out a Marin from Legend Bikes if you’re looking to commute daily— you need a bike that’s going to last. If you cheap out now I think you’ll end up spending more money in the long run replacing parts. Just my two cents

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[deleted] t1_jd3n0go wrote

I’ve had the best luck with Facebook Marketplace.

Especially now, when people are either upgrading for the new season & ditching their current setup, or just spring cleaning hobbies they gave up on.

I got mine for a steal from someone who gets a new one every year. Was barely ridden, basically brand new, for less than 50% of MSRP.

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rationalgazex t1_jd3rz09 wrote

Legend and Dash in PVD. Circuit in Pawtucket for BMX and Cruisers.

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fucktheOvilleSystem t1_jd3nzu2 wrote

If buying new Legend Bikes in Fox Point is a good place to check, depending on your budget and what you’re looking for. If you’re looking to spend 100-200 bucks (ie Walmart prices) I’d look for a vintage road bike or 90s mountain bike from Craigslist or FB Marketplace before buying from a big box— the quality is typically much better than the poor quality, joyless mass produced bikes at Walmart

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Flashbulb_RI t1_jd3g8au wrote

If you want a TREK brand bike, TREK on Hope street in PVD is good. For other brands, DASH, Legend and Providence Bicycle on Branch Ave are more hyper local shops, all recommended.

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renamon617 OP t1_jd3lraj wrote

I am near Branch Ave, I should check them out. Do they sell new or used bikes? How are their prices?

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PuggyPug t1_jd3tawf wrote

I live near Branch too. I've only used Providence Bicycle for maintenance and they've always been great. When Wanskuck Mill on Branch was being renovated (for years), I took my Trek to their EP shop. That store had a used inventory.

Ironically, the Branch Ave shop is located on the most dangerous road for bicyclists, IMHO. Every 4th car honks at you for no reason, the pavement is treacherous. I've had trash thrown at me, been screamed at, been forced into the curb. Our neighborhood SUCKS for bike riding.

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Ph886 t1_jd3qujy wrote

Might be good to give an actual budget you have. This way people don’t guess and you’ll get more detailed responses. “Good Price” on things that can range from $50-15000+ can mean different things to different people.

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renamon617 OP t1_jd3u80n wrote

Not more than $250

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Ph886 t1_jd3ui12 wrote

You def want to check out the used/refurbished market then. Previous recommendations posted should be a good starting point.

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gnarpino t1_jd66hrn wrote

Providence bike may have something within that range, they do new & used.

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cowperthwaite t1_jd82tjm wrote

Dropping the links, addresses to the various organizations mentioned by others.

>Recycle-A-Bike, 1911 Westminster St., Olneyville https://www.recycleabike.org/

>PVD Bike Collective, 50 Sims Ave. https://www.pvdbikecollective.org/

>Dash, 230 Broadway (Doesn't have their address on their website) https://www.dashbicycle.com/

>Legend Bicycle, 181 Brook Street https://legendbicycle.com/

>Providence Bicycle, 725 Branch Avenue https://www.providencebicycle.com/

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hihik t1_jd5xkrj wrote

I restore bikes by taking them apart completely. I have a Specialized bike available for sale in your budget. PM me if interested.

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n0m_chompsky t1_jd6gnus wrote

I'd also recommend getting in contact with the folks at Providence Bike Collective, great people and the new shop space on Sims Ave is awesome! Even if you end up getting your bike at RAB or Craigslist or wherever, you can always bring it to PBC during their open shop hours (Thursdays 6-8pm only currently) if you have any questions or concerns about your new ride. They've got tools, bike stands, and knowledgeable people around to help you with all the basics.

Also once you get your new bike, come thru to Providence Bike Jam! It's a monthly group party ride around the city (@pvdbikejam on Instagram for details). The next one is this Friday, meeting at Burnside Park at 6:30pm!

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