Freewheeling Bicycles

Thanks Angie… the shop, staff and you will be missed terribly. Ride on!

May 1, 2013 The Austin American Statesman reported that Freewheeling Bicycles will
be closing at the end of May. Open since 1971 the shop was killed by high property taxes. May 31 2013 will be last day. Online the shop will offer vintage bike parts and Jim Franklin, Michael Priest and other artists T shirts. Drop by and take advantage of the closing specials. Adiós Freewheeling. Owner Angie Prescott said it best «it has been a great ride.»

Freewheeling is by far my favorite bike shop in Austin. If you need a tune-​up, inspection, or just some good old bike tips/​advice, this is the place to go.
I could go on about how helpful, easy-​going, and welcoming the staff are. But this story will tell it better:
Just this morning, I went for a ride around town and realized something funky was going on with my chain. My friend and I suspected it just needed a good lubing. Long story short, went over to Performance Bike to see if they could take a look at it. And not to dog on the big chain stores, but when I explained to the guy what was going on, he just sort of glanced at my bike and told me he couldn’t do anything about it right then. Said that I’d have to bring it in later so he could take apart the wheel, which could take a couple of hours.
Rode over to Freewheeling instead to get a second opinion. Unlike at Performance, the guy there actually took the time to give it a proper look. Propped it up on a bike stand, and it took him all of 5 minutes to see that, indeed, my chain and casette just needed a proper lubing/​greasing. I was relieved. The guy even did it for me for free, without me even having to ask. And I was on my way in less than 10 minutes.
I’m not sure what would’ve happened if I had left my bike at Performance. I mean, they charge a heck of a lot for their services (I noticed their pricing above the counter and it was kind of absurd).
Another thing — there are some smaller bike shops around town that I’ve found are a bit intimidating. Like, they have an air of «we’re the hippest bike experts in town, what up» that makes me scared to ask a question for fear of wasting their time. None of that at Freewheeling. These people are genuinely nice, warm, and friendly.
So stop by here for your bike-​related questions or maintenance requests. This is just a shop full of genuine people and a good selection of bike gear.
Last thing, I’ve noticed their clearance section and have seen some pretty out-​of-​the-​water bargain deals, so who knows. Maybe in addition to great service, you’ll score some nice gear for cheap!

Freewheeling Bicycles is awesome. The staff (for the most part) are very nice, informative, and patient. I bought a Trek Hybrid from them because they charge slightly under MSRP so their prices are for sure lower than the other bike shops in Austin, even if it’s only $ 10 or so. They also offer a ton of customer loyalty discounts (10% off all accessories within the first month of purchasing your bike, a free tune up at 150 miles, free brake/​derailler adjustments for one year, and 25% off all labor for the lifetime of your bike, etc.) I’ve gone back several times to get my bike checked out, to buy accessories here and there, and to ask questions. They have always been extremely pleasant and patient with my newbie knowledge :)
I can see why some people think some of the employees are rude, but that’s not really the case. They’re definitely chill and the environment is slow and calm, so they don’t necessarily jump down your throat when you first walk in the door and greet you immediately. They’re a lot more chill– but definitely not rude.
Their selection isn’t as expansive as larger shops like Bicycle Sports Shop or Mellow Johnny’s, but for a small local business, what they have is pretty darn good. They’re actually one of the first bike shops in Austin (if not the first, if I’m not mistaken) so support small local business and buy your bike from these guys!!!

I’ve been more serious about biking this year and commuted to work daily for the last month or more. So, I need supplies, tools, advice, help and have been hitting up the cycle shops in my area.
See my other reviews on Ozone, University, Austin Bikes and The Peddler.
Having shopped all these place over the last year I have to say Freewheeling is the best for me.
They have a good selection of bikes for sale (mostly Treks) but I’m a do-​it-​yourselfer, so I can’t say much about their bike sales. We have three bikes at home I try to keep running in good shape.
Freewheeling always gives me clear advice, is straight with me about the differences in product quality (doesn’t always try to upsell me), reminds me of little things that could be big problems (the correct way to insert a link on a chain tool!) and so forth.
I somehow always seem to get Tim and can’t say enough about him; knowledgeable but easy-​going, he respects your intelligence and answers your questions. Prices are competitive with the other shops I’ve mentioned and seem to be $ 1 or $ 2 lower.
I’m a Freewheeling fan and shop here first. Give ‘em a try.

great mechanics and salespeople. Also one of the biggest stores in town — so they usually have what you are looking for.

I got my bike built here. I had some trouble with it for a few weeks but didnt have a chance to take it back for a second look. When I finally did, I told thm what the problem was and they were willing to check it out and fix it (which they did) at no charge, they didnt even ask for a recept to show that they built the bike for me!

Cool shop! Helpful peeps! Unfortunately, they didn’t have the bike for me. But they’ll probably have the bike for you if you’re a normal-​size person with normal bike needs. Give it a shot!

I’ve bought two bikes from Freewheeling over the years as well as gotten service. I’ve also been there in a search for bike bags and other accessories. I really enjoyed both bikes I got from there and service regarding those bikes were great. They worked really hard to help work out the minor issues I had with my bike that eventually came to light as I became a more proficient cyclist.
I’m looking to buy another bike right now and I was contemplating why I had no interest in trying bikes at their shop. It all comes down to one long-​time employee there who is a real talker which normally I like anyone who wants to hang and discuss bikes and stuff, but this guy really talked down to me when I was looking for those bicycling extras. I thought I was being sensitive and maybe it was because I’m a female, but my DH took an even worse dislike to the guy. It is just not worth shopping there when there are so many better local bike shops who treat even those of us who don’t know all the proper terms like knowledgeable people about what we like and want to purchase.

The sales guy not only sold us a bike but also spent 15 minutes in the parking lot while my daughter got used to riding it.
My daughter learned how to ride a bike last week. Her bike was way too small for her. I promised her that if after she’d ridden it a few times, I would buy her a new one. She fulfilled her part of the bargain, so on Saturday we went bike shopping.
We arrived a Freewheeling at around 11am. A sales guy approached us right away. We picked out a bike and took it to the parking lot for a test ride.
My daughter is in that transition zone where a 20-​inch wheel is too small and a 24-​inch wheel is too big. The sales guy adjusted the seat to the right height for her long legs, but then it was high enough that it was hard for her onto the seat and start pedaling. After a few false starts, he lowered the seat all the way so she could sit on the seat and scoot with her feet. After about ten minutes of that, she was comfortable enough with the bike to start using the pedals. The sales guy raised the seat a little and let my daughter pedal around some more, and then she was comfortable with the bike.
We walked out with a cute «cruiser» style Trek — pink of course — with seven gears, a bell, a water bottle cage, and gloves all for under $ 400.
Freewheeling’s been around for years. They’re nice guys and they’re used to dealing with folks like my daughter who don’t race in the Driveway Series. If you’re shopping for a bike, be sure to drop by.

Ok, I’m revising my review to a SIX STAR RATING on Unilocal!Why? Because Freewheeling Bicycles fully embodies what most all have foregone as a birthright in being AMERICAN… knowledgeable customer service. Sure, travel the world and America outside of the company of Royalty or dropping Benjamins everywhere and what you get is an EGREGIOUS lack of quality customer service and often a similar lack of quality… but today it’s so pervasive that few consumers know they’re being had and are just grateful to get out of a shop alive with wallet intact.
Now if you bring your bike in for service at Freewheeling what you will get is astonishingly old school customer values – considerate diagnostics with intelligent expertise and loving execution. What does this mean? This means they save you money, time and sustain an enduring sense of high satisfaction after you leave.
I brought my very expensive titanium frame full XTR and Chris King adorned mountain bike in for routine service and to address a broken spoke recently and feared spending a couple paychecks to make it right again. Staff quickly sussed up my bike servicing into what needed to be done now, what could be done later and some possible electives if I desired upgrades – without ever up-​selling me or suggesting I was an idiot if I didn’t do everything right away. In fact, they not only helped suggest ways in which I could maximize my existing gear to get the most value from it, they also provided me a loaner wheel fitted out to my own disc brake sizing and rear cassette while they worked on my Chris King hub and derailer issues… so I wouldn’t miss any fine riding time this past Fall.
Ok, working on an American made mountain bike is not the same as handing your coveted Alfa Romeo Spider over to a foreign speaking mechanic, but in many such transactions we find a similar anxiety in how a professional uses their «special knowledge» to serve or unnerve us: it is the difference between a joyous experience of high customer satisfaction and caveat emptor roughhouse buggering.
The staff at Freewheeling are simply THE BEST at producing a joyous experience of customer satisfaction! I suggest if you own anything with wheels and pedals that you take it to them – post haste!
You will be enduringly delighted.

Now, I am a pretty big dude and nowhere near what you would call a «cyclist.»
I’ve recently been trying to get in shape and start walking/​riding a bike to work. I went there as I wanted a good sturdy bike that wouldn’t just fall apart. I also didn’t want to go to Wal-​Mart because those things are a just a piece of s$#*.
I went there not knowing anything and left with a sweet Elektra cruiser. I know its not a road bike or anything, but I found it very comfortable. The staff was very helpful and I never felt like I was being judged because I’m a bike noob. I think that’s one of the most important things.

By far the worst customer service i have had this year. And easily the worst experience at a bike shop ever. For some weird reason, i got attitude the second i walked in and when I was asking the questions i went there for, the guy helping me was totally and completely disrespectful from beginning until i left.
I immediately went to University Cyclery on 29^th and Lamar, needed the same help, asked the same exact questions, in the same way but now in a bad mood, and the guy there was super nice, friendly, greeted me when i walked in, and helped me with a good attitude the whole way through. I bought what i needed i’ll be recommending that place to friends.

Freewheeling was always on my list of places-I’d-beg-my-parents-to-take-me when we were in the Pease Park area, along with University Cyclery, Discovery Cycle, and McBride’s. (OK, McBride’s would only fly if it was just me and my dad.)
While Discovery is gone, Freewheeling is still going strong. You know that delightfully musty smell when you walk into a great used bookstore? It’s basically the same with Freewheeling, except that you smell bike parts and grease instead of paperbacks. Equally intoxicating in my opinion.
I think Freewheeling is one of the best places to go if you’re looking to outfit your family with some new bikes. They have Treks out the yin-​yang, including hybrids and road bikes. Electras are popular choices for couples with young children. Even if you’re not a family person, you can get your street cred on with a new Surly. I think they took over as the Gary Fisher dealer in the area after Discovery folded, so if you’re into mountain biking then there you go.
Another one of Freewheeling’s strengths is there selection of commuting and transportation cycling accessories. You’ll find racks, packs, panniers, fenders, and virtually everything you’d need for turning your bike into a pack mule for touring, commuting, or just going out to the grocery store.
The staff has always been helpful and courteous, they let you browse when you want to browse and are ready to answer questions when you have them.

Frank Cook was a prince of a guy, and his royal, smilesome vibe lives on in this family-​owned, neighborhood LBS. Good assortment of commuting and touring gear sold by bike-​o-​philes sans ‘tude.

We are relatively new to biking and I can’t say enough about the help at Free Wheeling especially one of the guys named Russ. First — it came recommended by 3 other people. Second everytime we’ve gone in there, several different people have helped us out and every single one of them has been fantastic. Then I went down with 3 ‘questionable’ project bikes. Just wanted to fix them up for a family reunion on the Florida beaches. Russ helped us evaluate the bikes, get them to where they needed to be at a reasonable price but he warned against what not to skimp on and he wasn’t agressive or overbearing. Everyone there was great and I highly recommend it. The bikes held up perfectly on our beach rides and cruises to the stores in Florida– I will defintely go back and use them again for repairs, bikes, and accessories.
Viv

I was impressed with their great selection of bikes. They had a bunch of Trek hybrids I was interested in checking out, and they also have a bunch of high end road bikes along with the standard expected selection. Accessories selection is very good too. A lot of wheels for sale and even custom wheel building. Good tire selection.
I just went in for some accessories and service though, and had a pretty good experience. Nice staff. Observed a road bike expert and a mountain bike expert both on staff. I’d recommend checking them out.

Excellent service, and quick. Prices are average and the selection of accessories is nice and varied giving you plenty of options for outfitting your bike. Staff is totally friendly and lacking the bikesnob vibe, and it’s right around the corner. I’ll definitely be back for anything else I need.

I didn’t buy my bike here, but my fiancé did, and they were awesome. It made me wish I had bought here, and I will definitely go there for the mountain bike I’ve been thinking about. The staff was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Unlike a lot of other Austin bike shops I’ve been to, I never once felt an air of pretentiousness. «The only bad question is the one you don’t ask,» said the sales guy to us. When my fiancé had his bike picked out, they aired up the tires, shortened the handlebars, and attached the lock he wanted. On our way out, he couldn’t figure out how to take his lock off it’s hook, so we had to go back in and ask. But again, they were super helpful and didn’t make us feel like idiots. The prices were low, the selection was wide, and the people were great. Highly recommended!

Good selection of locks and parts. Nice staff.
Haven’t bought much else, but they never seem to mind. Good parking lot for test rides.