Penn Cycle

Extremely helpful. Told them my price range and they set me up to ride a few different models. Didn’t hassle me with add-​ons and even were helpful about using old bike parts on the new model to save some money.

I am normally a fan of Penn Cycyle… I heart their location on Lake in the Lynn Lake neighborhood…
So when I was in the Hopkins area doing some «big box» shopping, I opted to swing by this Penn Cycle. I wasn’t dying to spend money but I was in the mood to «shop around». Specifically, I was in the market for a new «roadie» helmet and a bike repair stand. So I figured this joint would be able to hook me up.
Despite having what looked like 4 – 5 personnel on the clock, I roamed around the store for a good 15 minutes before someone talked to me. The gentleman was kind and helpful, although he seemed «sedated and forgetful». Now don’t get me wrong, I love my friendly burnouts… But when I am in the mood for a product, I expect descent, timely, and knowledgeable service.
Case in point, I asked the gentleman if the store had any additional sized helmets because one of the helmets displayed was of great interest to me but was simply the wrong size. He said he would go check and I eagerly awaited his return. Unfortunately, I waited 15 minutes and he never returned. Annoyed, I then stopped trolling around the store and walked to exit the building as I noticed the associate sitting at the counter reading a magazine…
Weak Sauce.

Al & his staff are the best. Super knowledgeable and away willing to help.

I know Penn Cycle is like the conglomerate of bicycle shops but I’m a bicycle newbie so I’m taking small steps! Once I get more familiar with traveling on two wheels I promise to visit and support local bike co-​ops but I can’t help that Penn Cycle was pretty close to where I live. And they had their own parking lot which will lure me in to ANYTHING. Lots of beginner bicycles were on sale (I’m not looking for a Lance Armstrong nut busting road bike) and the super nice sales guy didn’t snub his nose when I basically said «I want the bike you advertised online that was on sale.» Instead he brought out a similar model, taught me about shifting gears, using the breaks, and let me test ride it in the parking lot. I almost half expected him to be holding on to my seat and cheering me on like my dad. Since they didn’t have the model I wanted in store, they ordered it from another store and I should be expecting it tomorrow. Hooray!
Update: They forgot to ship my bikes (one for me and a present for my bf). So they were sold. Totally pissed.