Big Wheel Bikes

I had very mixed feelings about visiting this store. With stores in Georgetown and Potomac, among other places, I figured they would be overpriced… I was wrong, I’ve bought two bikes there and Dave, the manager, is always very helpful… I prefer working with small shops where I can talk to someone in charge. For my last purchase, I went in and looked at a bike I had never heard of, a Scott. After being educated by Dave, then going home and doing my research, I got a great mountain bike, with top shelf components, for a great price.

I think I can see why the reviews here are so polarized. When we first walked in to get a bike for my six year old, we were helped by a nice kid who tried to help but did not seem to have too knowledge about which bike we should buy for my son. Then Dave came over and he could not have been more knowledgeable. He really guided us through the decision-​making process and helped us decide which bike to purchase. The nice thing is that he did not try to sell us a more expensive bike. He just pointed out the differences and left us alone to make a decision. Based on my experience, I would say go to Dave and you will have a great customer service experience.

Great customer service every time I’ve brought my bike in. Never had any issues when I’ve been to this store. They were able to recommend good accessories for my bike which I use all the time now.

Just had the most amazing service experience, I called and David picked up the phone 50 minutes after closing time, when I told him my bike needed a quick fix he said if I was five minutes away he would take care of the repair. 10 minutes later he had me back on the road! Thanks for great service David.

Unlike some of the other reviewers, I had a positive experience here. I brought in a bike along with a pump and asked an employee how to use them. (I am not smart with bikes.) He and a colleague readily helped, without any promise of compensation. The colleague also spotted a leak in a tube and fixed replaced it within five minutes, at a reasonable price.

I went to drop my bike off for a tune-​up and they didn’t show up until 11:30 even though posted hours says they open at 11. When I went to pick up my bike, same thing — guy didn’t show up until 11:20 and couldn’t care less that I had been waiting for 20 minutes. They seem like they know bikes, but need a lot of work in the customer service department (opening on time seems like a pretty small ask yet something they are unable to do). With lots of other bike shops in the area with good customer service, can’t imagine I’ll be going back to Big Wheel Bikes.

In all fairness, I have to say that I have not used this business, and that is actually why I decided to write this review. The shop is very close to my house and seemed like the perfect place to take our bikes for repairs. I went on Monday, they are closed on Mondays. Fair enough. The sign said «Tuesday 11 – 7,» so, after driving around with two bikes in the back of the car for a day I showed up at 11:30 on Tuesday. Doors locked, lights off, no one answered the phone. At that point I decided that I wouldn’t use this store as I would be concerned about anyone being there and being able to retrieve my bikes when needed.
While I was looking for the phone number on my iPhone, I found the Unilocal reviews. They actually made me glad that no one was in the store and I had to go someplace else… their service sounds terrible, which seems to be supported by the fact that they don’t even adhere to their posted business hours. Not very professional… does not install confidence.
I ended up taking my bikes to Performance Bike at Congressional Plaza. The staff there were friendly, helpful, and professional, and their prices seemed reasonable… plus they were open when they said they would be open…

I have to admit I have not written may reviews so here goes… and usually my reviews are great. This shop is the pits. The staff is unfriendly and not helpful. went into the shop and the shop attendant was with a customer. was rude to the customer that was asking questions about a childs bike and never acknowledged me once in 15 mins + the phone rang he answered. it was a friend he continued to talk and say he was at work and didn’t want to be there would rather be off and riding. right in front of us both. could not believe it. i just walked out. This is my second time. first time was with a flat tire and they treated me like a second class person. very convenient for me but will not use EVER again. if the store closes we will all know why. not because of business. The staff.

Incredibly poor experience each time I went to this shop. Now I know it wasn’t an just off day which is sad since a bike shop in this area was needed considering the sheer number of cyclists. Shop did not adhere to the posted hours, frequently opening late. The employees were disorganized, understaffed, and unfriendly. Sign said no cash returns. Apparently this also applies to your credit card so frankly no returns just store credit. Problem with that is this was my fourth visit and I had given up on the shop. I’d warn you away from this place as there are plenty of other options. I won’t be going back ever again to this location.

This shop is ideally located in an area very popular with cyclists. However, their service is mediocre at best. Bought a bike there and had to bring it back a couple of times because it wasn’t assembled properly. Staff there don’t seem to even like bicycles very much and customers are viewed as an intrusion. Hope they get their act together for the cycling season.