Universal Cycles

For at least the last year I’ve sworn off local bike shops (LBS) and stuck with Amazon. I don’t particularly like this approach but prices and availabity of parts at LBS tends to be horrible. There’s nothing worse than having to go to three shops and in the end having a shop have to order your part anyways. This isn’t intended to be a knock on LBS, I understand the huge challenges (especially in capital and inventory) they face.
I’m new to Portland and stumbled across Universal Cycles websites and searched for two fairly obscure parts. The website said they had both in stock and ready for pickup in Portland. I used the website chat feature to confirm availabity. Note: the parts were essentially the same price as Amazon.
When I stopped in to pick up the parts it was the lunch hour and there were a lot of customers there picking up and dropping off. The staff was quick, friendly and efficient. They answered a few of my questions, got me my stuff and I was out the door.

Was looking for a handlebar bag for my road bike. They had the exact thing I was looking for and SO many other desirable items that are now on my «wish list». Womens apparel selection was more then I’ve seen in most cycle shops. Prices were reasonable and the staff was knowledgable of the brands they carry. A very welcoming experience.

Customer service was LACKING to say the least — snotty and rude. Came in on a Sunday because they are the only shop close to me that is open before 12 noon needing new tape on my handlebars. I tried to call that morning to confirm that they would be able to put the tape on for me but the phone just goes to a message stating store hours — unable to get a person on the phone. When in the shop I mentioned that their phone wasn’t ringing through and was told «we don’t staff the phones until 10am» — okay but I was just trying to confirm if you could complete a service for me «well we were super busy this morning so even if they phones did ring we wouldn’t have answered them». Wow. That could have been explained/​stated WAY nicer.
Handlebar tape cost $ 13 and we were charged $ 15 (you heard me — more than the cost of the product) to put the tape on. I have had multiple other shops do it for me no problem/​no cost so this was a bit of a shock. Yes I chose to pay it but combined with the snotty attitude, it put a poor taste in my mouth.
When we came to pick up my bike we waited by it (by the front door) for a few minutes trying to get someone’s attention to make sure we were good to go – after a few attempts to get any sort of attention or service we just took the bike and walked out. Thank goodness it was me becuase anyone could have stolen my bike with their inattention.
There was a number of other bike things my wife and I were in the market to purchase but because of this horrible service and attitude we declined to spend any more money here.
This shop actively lost business/​sales that day. We won’t come back.

I came in one day to try out bikes, and had a rad time. I forget names, but I came in on a Wednesday around 4:30 and worked with two sales guys – both were very knowledgeable and talked to me about Salsa cycles. Bike shops can either feel overwhelming and patronizing or welcoming and informative. Universal definitely succeeds in being the latter of the two, and I give them props for treating me like an interested bike customer with questions instead of a lil lady who can’t figure it out. Thanks dudes

Great place, very helpful, knowledgeable. Stayed open a bit late to show us bikes, unlocked them all to show us a couple. Much appreciated! Seemed to have a great selection of many different types of bikes, sizes especially because my friend is very small. They actually had a 42 cm cross bike!

Great selection. Scratch that. HUGE selection! Friendly staff. These folks are willing to help you find anything you’re looking for, We visited one of the Portland locations early Sunday morning before heading to the airport to catch our flight back to Dallas. We ended up finding some great deals in the close-​out racks. I even came back home and purchased a set of tires through them online that I was having trouble getting through my local bike shop. They were responsive even via email. I wouldn’t hesitate to do business with them again!

Very cool space with a smart selection of apparel and extras, seems right up the alley for adventure cyclists other enthusiasts. Josh is super knowledgeable and friendly!

Best of the best. Have been there multiple times and they always give great, patient service, even when swamped. Repairs have been fast and efficient, even when difficult. Prices are surprisingly competitive with online. Selection is stellar. One of the best businesses of any kind I have dealt with. A super store!

My husband and I and our two-​year-​old went in just to get some basic information about buying bikes. We don’t have one and we didn’t really know what we needed. The staff was super patient very friendly and nice and we walked out with the total package for all of us. We got a bike seat for the little one a basket on the front for the Chihuahua and purse and bike helmets for all. I didn’t feel pressured to buy, they were recommending we even take a look at some used bikes if we wanted to and gave us referrals to other businesses in case we wanted to spend less money. But we decided that this business was really going to hook us up so we made the investment and will go back there if we need repairs we feel like we’re in good hands.

When I left I was literally shaking mad. I’ve never been so mistreated by a «salesman» in my life. Hey bud… I don’t know as much about bikes as you do … I do know I that I like riding them. That’s why I came into your store trying to spend MONEY on mine. Next time drop the ego/​attitude and be a good person. Help people find what they are looking for. City bikes is right down the street and cheaper. Thank you for directing me to a business that cares about their customers. I wish you would have been this nasty to me a long time ago, I would have saved a lot of money

Beware! I was on a waiting list for 2 different hard to find Crane bells. I was emailed that there were 2 in stock, of each, on Thanksgiving day and bought and paid for them within 30 seconds of notification. The site took my order and money. They waited all the way til the end of the end of the day on Dec 1^st to email me that one was out of stock. They sold one of the bells I bought online to someone else. I ask for the owner’s contact info but no reply. I’d keep away from these guys.

This has become my neighborhood bike shop. It is more toward the large/​corporate end of Portland bike shops, but is still local. The retail space is large enough to carry a large selection of just about anything bike related. The attached warehouse means they have almost everything on hand. The ability to see their stock online is a major plus and paying online and picking up in store is painless. The pricing is competitive to anything I’ve found online. I’ve never been tempted to check something out in store and then buy it on Amazon.
The staff is helpful although numerous enough that it is not as easy to get to know them as, say, a smaller über local shop. And the swarthy scruffy dude sucks.
They don’t carry a lot of lower budget items, especially helmets, clothing and tools. Expect to pay for high end.
Definitely one of the best bike shops in town.

Ask for help with what you’re looking for, the staff here is A-​mazing. The prices are great too, honestly even comparing on amazon you don’t see much of a price difference. And if you sign up for the news letter they send out coupon codes sometimes. Basically, they are here to help you find what you need, just listen to their advice, we bought two cheaper helmets than the ones we were looking at thanks to a great staff members advice!

Great service, lots of parts and accessories to be able to walk in and get. I drive
Out of my way to go here for anything I need.

A++++ Ok. So seriously this has been a great overall experience with Universal.
I went around to different bike shops and got quotes for stuff and then I decided to go to Universal after I saw them listed on the Brooks Saddles website. (since I wanted to invest in one) I stopped in and looked around and waited a little bit since they were busy. (no problem, I wasn’t in a rush and busy is good) Talked about saddles with a guy and decided on one. Then I got an assessment to get some work done of my new/​old 1980’s Schwinn Voyager SP I picked up off of craiglist.
Super Professional and Friendly no B/​S staff. I knew what I wanted and also got some feedback and suggestions from the crew about components and price. They did the work day in day out (24 hour period) and I can say I could not be happier with my bike and the decision to go to Universal.
Once again thank you.

Where have you been all of my life, Universal?
If there ever was such a thing, Universal is a bicycling superstore. I was amazed at how much stuff they stocked, which is my major complaint with most cycling stores (they usually only have like one of anything).
Bike pump small parts, dozens of different bottle cages, and tons of clothing are only the tip of the iceberg. Color me impressed.
In need of a small bit of odd hardware, they even pulled out the parts catalogs, had no luck, but recommended a hardware store in town that would likely have what I needed.
They’re a little bit out of my way in that I’d have to pass a few other great shops to get to them, but I’ll definitely be a repeat customer.

The people working here are awesome. Super knowledgable and honest. Their location is perfectly located on E. Burnside, with their entrance in the rear off the bike street, Ankeny.
I just happened to be in the neighborhood yesterday, walking my young toddler in his jogging stroller when I realized my tire was flat. When I popped in, a gentleman came right over and actually pumped up my tires for me. I wasn’t there to buy anything at the time, but was impressed with his level of customer service even though I wasn’t spending money at the time.
Their selection is incredible and their prices competitive. Stop in and get your bike fixed up with any and all accessories you can imagine. They won over my loyalty.
Thanks for being nice to me and my kid… as well as opening the door for us on our way out. True gentleman.

I would give zero stars if possible. Unfortunately I have never been inside the shop and now I will never support this place.
I was riding with a friend Saturday 5÷17÷14 and my friends tire went down. We made it to Universal and they were closed. The person inside saw us and immediately said «I’m not opening up». I said we just need a pump real quick and he again said no. Wow!!! You’re a bike shop promoting riding and community in Portland and this is who represents you? He was rude and a complete @sshole. I will make it in to the shop just to let this guy and company know I will tell this story to everyone I meet.
We met a neighbor close by and he let us use his pump. Super nice and understanding. He restored my faith after my Universal experience. You know who you are lame employee.

A pretty comprehensive store with lots of interesting bike stuff covering everything you need plus lots more you didn’t realize you needed until you saw it here. Super friendly staff. We were here on holiday and ran into a little rain which made our bikes squeaky (they’re not used to precipitation due to the drought in CA). So we grabbed some chain lube and they let us borrow a rag to put it on. Also managed to get a Pedaled cycling cap — in one trip to Portland I’ve gone from 0 to 2 cycling caps.

I’ve only ever purchased from Universal’s website, and has become one of the first online stores I hit when I’m bargain shopping for bike gear.
The prices are generally MSRP for current year equipment, but they have a very healthy selection of last year’s models or closeouts, and they have standing discounts you can take advantage of (codes come in their e-​newsletter). Plus, they offer instant price matching via their website — find a published lower price elsewhere and they’ll honor it right then and there. Plus, they have live chat customer service who are knowledgeable and very helpful, even if you’re just «browsing.»
Shipping rates are very reasonable, and is lighting fast. Granted, I’m only 250 miles up the road from their Portland warehouse but as an example, I recently ordered a new headlight on a Tuesday afternoon and it was sitting on my front porch the next day when I got home. In recent years, I’ve purchased a wheelset, cassettes, brake calipers, and sundries like handlebar tape, tubes, and brake pads. If I’m buying a bigger ticket item, it’s easy and cost effective to toss in a few smaller items to stock up the parts drawer in my garage.
The selection is diverse enough, and service is good enough that I’ve come to consider Universal part of my stable of go-​to LBS options.