Absolute Bikes

Can’t say enough good things about this shop. I was terminating a cross country and they helped with shuttle to Denver Intl and shipping my bike home. A great bunch of guys that go the extra mile. So glad I found them.

The «big» bike store in Salida.
Owner is very much a bike nerd.
I love the old bikes hanging up as «decorations».

Service is top notch at this LBS. I bought a new stem and wanted it on right that second so I could go use it on S mountain. Guess what they made it happen within minutes even though they were slammed!

Having completed the L100 race previously, I was interested in improving my finishing time (who isn’t?). I decided to sign up for a guided pre-​ride of the entire course over 2 days. Shawn Gillis, who is the store owner, has finished the race 19 times, and is an absolutely outstanding guide. On the first day, we rode Leadville to the Pipeline Aid Station and back. On day #2, we rode Twin Lakes Dam to Columbine Mine, then out to Pipeline Aid Station and back to Twin Lakes Dam.
In summary, it was a great experience. Shawn knows this course down to the very last rock, and provides tons of useful pearls for every part of the race. In addition, he has great advice regarding nutrition, gear, bike maintenance, etc., and will be happy to talk about the entire history of the race.
Whether you are a new Leadville 100 racer looking to ride the course for the first time, or you have done the race previously and are looking for a guided pre-​ride to improve your finishing time, I can’t recommend Absolute Bikes highly enough. For 12 hours of one-​on-​one riding with an experienced guide, $ 250 per day is an EXTREMELY competitive price.

I’m visiting a friend in Salida. The day before I left my shop did a complete tune up on my bike. After my first ride in Salida I knew something was wrong with my rear shock. Absolute was able to service the shock in no time. The mechanic was solid. He came out and took the time to explain what he found, and exactly what he did. Fast forward two days, and 90 miles on my mountain bike and before I leave Salida I figured I’d have the shop do another tune up. They inspected the bike with me there, pointed out a few things immediately, and gave me repair and replacement options. I’ve heard good things about all the shops in Salida, but my experience is with Absolute. Amazing service, friendly staff, reasonable prices. Go ride your bike.

Great shop! Have bought my wife and I’s current mtn bikes here and had a great experience each time! Everyone in the shop is down to earth and they’re always patient with our questions. My parents live in Salida and they’ve also bought a couple bikes here and have had really positive experiences. Every time my wife and I make a trip to Salida, we make sure to stop in to say hi and check the inventory. If you’re in the Salida area, you need to check this place out!

What a stellar shop. Went in looking to buy a new saddle, and this guy Ryan literally helped me try out at least a dozen saddles. He was patient, friendly, and listened to my concerns. He and the other employees were super easy to chat with, and they all were making jokes. No bike snobbery here, just some cool, chill guys who love bikes.

One of the best bike shops I’ve ever worked with! Friendly, professional and fun staff, they were all incredibly knowledgeable and went the extra mile! (Which involved staying late just to help get me set up and ready to ride the next morning.) Not a high pressure sales environment, they truly want to put you on a bike you will love and enjoy!
I can’t say enough good things about my experience, the staff, and the beautiful rides around Salida! You can’t go wrong!

Very nice bike shop. Clean, organized and the staff is very friendly. I came in with the intention of renting a mountain bike, but then decided to rent a road bike and go out on I-​120 towards I-​285.
I felt right at home with the Specialized Roubex carbon fiber bike. (this is what I ride at home). $ 53 a day. Bring your own attire, I also brought a camel back.
The ride was great, can’t beat the view of the Rockey Mountains as you ride towards I-​285. It’s a bit tougher riding here since the elevation is 7,000 ft + above sea level, but well worth it.

Salida has three great bike shops so it’s hard to go wrong but I’ve been an Absolute Bikes customer since I moved to Salida 12 years ago and in addition to friendly, knowledgable sales and service staff no other shop has done as much for the bike culture and lifestyle as Absolute. Absolute has donated thousands of hours and dollars to helping build the trail network up from a mostly rag-​tag illegal and unsustainable trails to the amazing network of trails riders of all skill levels can pedal to straight from town. They are involved in, and frequently financially support, virtually every bike event in this town. I know out-​of-​towners who call Absolute their «hometown» shop and refuse to take their bikes elsewhere to get worked on. Racers — road or mountain bike — passing through Salida know they can count on Absolute for repairs, directions, good conversation and maybe even an adult beverage next door at the sweetest restaurant on the river, River’s Edge. (formerly Bongo Billy’s Salida Café; you’ll barely recognize it now!

An absolute gem — most shops in this area seemed a little disdainful of me as a road biker, and I hadn’t enjoyed my other stops. These guys were super helpful and friendly without expecting me to buy anything. If every bike shop were like this, more people would enjoy the sport and respect cyclists — no attitude, just great service and great advice.
I think I’ll be back for a souvenir just to support them — I have no doubt that if I lived in Salida, this would be my go-​to. As a bonus, my host informs me that the shop is somehow involved in maintaining the local trails. Never have five stars been so easily earned!

I actually just went into this shop last weekend while taking a detour back from Crested Butte. I didn’t know much about the shop beforehand but someone mentioned I should check it out since I’m into vintage mtn bikes. SO glad I stopped by. I ended up getting a «tour» from Shawn (the owner) and talked shop for a while when he was between helping customers. They have a fantastic collection of bikes and a really well organized store. I’ll be sure to visit anytime I’m back in the area and would trust they’d have anything I’d need in stock.

This is a great bike shop that Salida and Chaffee County should be proud of. I’ve worked with them numerous times, and I have always been satisfied with their selection of bikes & accessories, and their bike mechanic services. Also, I’ve always been greeted by someone when I walk in. It’s a small gesture, but I don’t experience that common courtesy in many bike shops.
Yesterday’s visit gives them 5 stars. I needed to buy new road bike tires, and one guy took the time to explain the different kinds of tires they had, sharing the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
The folks at Absolute Bikes are very professional, knowledgeable and down-​to-​earth. It’s obvious they love Salida and cycling (road or mountain). Whenever I have major bicycle problems or needs, I go to these guys first!

Great, friendly staff! No pressure.