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Charles A James Bicycle Shop
319 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
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Charles A James Bicycle Shop
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Er
Review №1

Mark took good care of me. We fumbled around a bit with lights. In the end, I was allowed to geek out in the bike shop. Right near historic Market Square in Downtown San Antonio ( the Heart of Texas). Great repair facility with a few bicycles & lots of essentials. Oh, I also met the shop mascot. Beautiful, gray Pit, very attached to Mark. Great place. Visit & find a little something to make your bike ride better.

Da
Review №2

The repairman is always transparent and reasonable. The service is excellent.

Al
Review №3

They did a great job restoring my husband’s 37 yr old Peugeot racing bike. It was in rough shape needing extensive restoration and they did a great job with a great attitude. I am thrilled and highly recommended this shop for repairs and restoration work.

To
Review №4

Stopped by about a month ago. I was just browsing seeing if there were any local shops that were selling used hybrids/commuter bikes. The employee was rude and standoffish I dont know what this guys problem was. No good morning, no how can I help you. Ive been to bike world and other real nice bicycle shops in San Antonio that sale top of the line bicycles and they have always had a pleasant attitude. Im glad I didnt buy anything or drop my bicycle off for repairs

Jo
Review №5

Extremely disappointing experience! Took an old classic bike to have it refurbished theyd quoted me a fair price and claimed to have it ready by certain date on as in new condition, went on said date bike wasnt ready, went back a few days after and proceeded to get the bike back but noticed it hadnt even been cleaned and only some repairs were done but when I asked about other rusted wires and parts that needed replacing or cleaned and greased as per initial quote the person working there said they were good and didnt have to be replaced greased or cleaned he began to get an attitude and said he was there by himself and that it was really difficult to attend costumers and do repairs at the same time, I was getting upset for his response and a job half done but decided to cut my losses and paid and went on my way, I initially had taken the bike to another shop and they also quoted me a similar price and explained what needed to be done to it, but didnt have the right size tires for the bike and it would taken a few weeks to do so, they referred me to Charless bike shop for their availability of parts and experience with old bikes, so I knew what the bike needed beforehand with that being said the repairs done to the bike were good but only half done from the initial estimate, in other words I paid full price for a job half done I wish I could of waited and taken it to a more professional shop!

le
Review №6

I would like to share this place . Was great in service in all areas as in vocally and service. . My bike had lots of problem when I brought it in. And when they took it in it came out with flying colors. I was satisfied with all that I needed . Thanks Charles A James Bicycle shop..

Je
Review №7

Very friendly and even learned a few things at this shop. I was told exactly what was wrong with my bike bc I didn’t know what was wrong when I walked in and was given exact prices. My bike was ready for pick up one day later. Highly recommend.

Ma
Review №8

I awesome place to get all of your bike repairs and accessories!!Fair prices, great customer service...Please forgive me for my last visit.It was my fault, I made a mistake..Everything was great... thank you.

Ro
Review №9

Great prices parts came in on expected date easy to find and quick customer service

An
Review №10

Nice helpful staff. Inexpensive bike fixes. Will come back as well as tell others about it.

Ni
Review №11

This place is the best hot my bike back on the rode!! Love this place!!! They don’t promise things that can’t get done, they promise things that will be done!

Mj
Review №12

My Son Ordered some Lowrider Tires from this Place. Paid $70 for what he thought was a Set of Tires. Helping him continue his Hobby Id Purchased some Items Online for him as well. The same Tires Are $35. A Pair, Plus $10.99 for Shipping. Check Online Before, You can get a Better Priced Item same or Better Quality for Minus 3 Times what this Shop Charged. The Reason I am Leaving this Review is Because my Son is Disabled and Clearly Taken Advantage of! They did Receive a Pair of Tires but Sold him Only 1 for $70.

He
Review №13

Phenomenal!! Amazing gentleman that worked there not sure his name but he was beyond the best HE DID HAVEAN AWESOME DOG THOUGH! Very honest and I sincerely appreciated that, did not over charge me when he could have. He was literally a honest respectable guy. He definitely gained my trust and respect as a customer and I will refer this shop to anyone! He had me and my moms bike changed gears and brakes on both and changed both my moms tires The SAME DAY! BEYOND AMAZING! ohhhh and did I mention COMPLETELY AFFORDABLE! WILL BE A LIFETIME CUSTOMER AND MY MOM TO! SHE WAS SO THRILLED TO HAVE HER BIKE BACK THE SAME DAY! Sincerely thank you!

Je
Review №14

Been driving by this place for years. Finally had reason to take my bike in. Wow! Very cool old school shop! Wish they were all like this! Personal service and no fluff. Want a bike fixed right for a reasonable price, bring it here. Want a latte and personal counseling session, maybe better go with a fat stack to a Northside bike shop.

K
Review №15

Great, honest shop. Quality work at a good price. Friendly staff.

So
Review №16

Went in thinking I need to have a wheel fixed. Turns out was the tire off balance. They told me what to do with no fee. Love honest shops, will always return there and recommend.

Ed
Review №17

Good prices the original owner son took over and there is another smart bike tech there also Ive been going there for over 55 yrs

Mi
Review №18

Awesome prices, top notch service. Went there because of a messed up brake that another shop said was a lost cause. Hank and his employee did a great job replacing the whole brake line and realigned my back tire because he noticed it was wobbly. I cant thank them enough.

Fr
Review №19

Getting harder to find the proper parts for my old Schwinn cruiser...Try to support my local businesses. Cherish this old place as Mexican Manhattan just permanently closes!

Ci
Review №20

The service was poore They were rude and ugly never again

Jo
Review №21

I am SO glad I found this bike shop. The staff is helpful and honest and their repair prices are the best Ive ever seen. I will always come here when the need arises.

Bu
Review №22

Good helpful guys, got me the master and offset link I needed for my beach cruiser..

Er
Review №23

This guy did great work for a very reasonable price. It was about 3 weeks ago my dad needed a walker fixed on breaks. He was obviously busy yet still got work done in less than an hour. Looked him up just now to see if he did wheelchair repairs. Very nice guy who loves his job. Thank you.

we
Review №24

Told me i need to buy a new tire thats why my bike keeps getting flat. So i took off the tube my self at home and it had a hole i bought patches but still he just wants more money i could of saved 10 dollars i bought the tube there also but it was not good my tire was brand new and he didnt check good and its one person who works there he dont got money to hire workers

Fr
Review №25

Excellent experience at Charles A. James Bikes - San Antonios oldest bike shop!Mark is the consummate bicycle mechanic - he has the skills and ability to tackle just about any project. So many bike shops these days have mechanics that do little more than assemble bikes, nothing more, nothing less. Mark possesses the important trouble-shooting abilities that are so important for a true bike mechanic. Whatever kind of bike you own or issue with said bike, Mark will take care of it for you, no doubt. 5+ stars 👍

Tr
Review №26

Came here to purchase a quality set of pegs for my bmx and the guy was courteous enough to install them on the bike.

Ni
Review №27

The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, they fixed my tire and since we were visiting from out of country, they provided us some great bike riding path tips. I highly recommend this place for repairs!

Wi
Review №28

Guy in the front has horrible attitude literally there is no customers in the store and he is not willing to help

Ma
Review №29

These guys are super nice. it took them like ten minutes to fix my bike and the price was super reasonable. they are not condescending at all, which is cool considering the assholes at other bike shops around here.go there first and if they cant help you, then i would try somewhere else. its worth the gas money/time/whatever to get there.

Ja
Review №30

The only Bike shop downtown who is always willing to help! Also some good bike supplies! Check it out!

Ka
Review №31

Sweet down to earth people

er
Review №32

I stop by this morning because i had a hiccup with my bike chain. Mark was great and very professional and fixed me up in no time. Ive seen this place everyday for the last 6 months and after the way I was taken care of I now know how they have been open for 97 yrs. This place is great!

mi
Review №33

I took my bike to this shop the other day to get fixed and when I tried to go get it they told me that it was gonna be seven-teen dollars for the labor and tube installation unacceptable and way to expensive im not returning to this shop

Lu
Review №34

I tried Bike World and San Antonio Bike shop and both were not able to fix my bike. They only looked at from far away. I took this bike here and they fix it in about 5 minutes.

Mo
Review №35

I went there a while back and loved it. But i was wondering how much do they charge to true a wheel.

He
Review №36

So far so good, I read a couple of very nasty reviews here, but I have had two good experiences with them. I bought my first bike from them about 12 years ago and then about a month ago I bought a second one for my girlfriend.They gave a 10% reduction on my second bike because I had purchased from them before. They also looked at my old bike and gave me advice on what needed to be done of which I only chose to change a gear cable that was frayed. The rest I can do on my own. I feel that they dont hold information from you in order to get more business, just for that, in the future, when I need help or parts for my bikes I will choose them.

SM
Review №37

I give this place five stars because of the honesty and that service when I take my bike to get tuned or hub its with the quickness super cool guys nice bike accessories I will be a repeat customer I love that theyre right by the Express-News also

Br
Review №38

Came in with a minor problem and they were extremely helpful and friendly. Won’t be going anywhere else in town for my service!

Je
Review №39

Extremely helpful. Fixed my bike quickly and made it to work on time

Be
Review №40

Replaced a spoke and adjusted my rim I was pleased with there work will be returning to repair my other bike and may purchase another bike from there shop

Mi
Review №41

He got straight to work and even tuned up my brakes at no extra charge. Thank you!!!!

Os
Review №42

I rented a bike to ride around the city. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The bike was in excellent condition and it was also at a good price.

Co
Review №43

Owners were very helpful. Got us set on two bikes with helmets and water bottles. Showed us how to get to our destination, then said we could leave our bikes at our hotel for them to pick up later. Great place!

Jo
Review №44

I am a member S. A. Social. Ride I highly recommend this bicycle shop to everyone

Da
Review №45

Lakerdogg, me and my buddy took 3 bikes last Thursday, he said, 3 day’s max. One week later we called and he said bikes were ready. 2 of my bikes had a flat tire, they had not changed the tubes, one of my bikes they hadn’t put a brake cable as requested, my buddy wanted his rim straightened and it wasn’t done. Horrible

Br
Review №46

Poor workmanship and/or parts on repairs. Rode bike once after tune-up & repair flat tire. After 40 days, same tire flat, cited out of warranty. Thats not service to community.

Mi
Review №47

Best shop In the city. I went to all the bike shops downtown and they were either Closed or overpriced. Customer for life

Te
Review №48

Such cool people, great prices, and they actually care! Oldest bike shop in SA!

Mi
Review №49

Hank is one of the guys who helps people who dont know about cycling or are just getting started. If you are on a budget this is the place to go for repairs, and parts, hard to find parts. I trust my bikes and send people there all the time.

ia
Review №50

They are a great bike shop is go over and over. They really know how to do things and never over charge.

Ba
Review №51

Perfect old-time bike shop. A century of experience.

Ph
Review №52

This is the best bicycle shop in all of Texas!

Ja
Review №53

Friendly, knowledgeable help with all things bicycle.

Mi
Review №54

Amazing customer service and on the spot repairs if manageable.

Jo
Review №55

No refunds written at bottom of receipt for a reason. Ive been to alot of shops in SA, but I happened to be by this place when I needed a wheel replaced. Worst bike shop experience Ive ever had.I went in to buy a new wheel. Prices were reasonable, but when I got on my bike I found that the new wheel was not distributing evenly and thumping. I took it back and they fixed it, but as I rode home from the shop, the tire went flat. I dont want to double back and have to redo someone elses work. Thats what I paid them forUPDATE: Bike continued to thump, went back to see if they would replace the wheel, and they gave me some bullcrap story that the thumping was being caused by the tread. Eventually I figured out on my own that the other tire was the one thumping. All they had to do was ride my bike, and they probably wouldve figured it out.I was just asking for help, and they werent helping. They were worried about getting me out of there. Theres another shop a little north of broadway that isnt nearly as depressing. Charles A James is just mulling through the day, I doubt they even enjoy their jobs anymore.

Ry
Review №56

Fast, friendly service..

Gr
Review №57

Friendly professional and lots of bikes to choose from. Very patient

ju
Review №58

Got the help I needed n fast

Ja
Review №59

Old school bike shop... Rough around the Edges, established a long time ago Downtown San Antonio

Ni
Review №60

Need to update store hours. Closed at 5 PM on Monday

Ca
Review №61

Very helpful and great bikes and welcoming !!

Da
Review №62

This place fixes my bike so inexpensively it isnt even worth trying to do it myself

am
Review №63

A really cool place

Ar
Review №64

Grew up going their when it was located Down town walking distance from Robert E. Lee Hotel im glad that youre still around.

Gr
Review №65

Great service,Very friendly informative and friendly

Ri
Review №66

Great service

Lo
Review №67

The best with what they service

Bo
Review №68

Amazing prices!!

Ga
Review №69

Best bike shop in town

Wo
Review №70

Pretty good work

Ed
Review №71

Good Service

Ch
Review №72

I ate some tacos!

Da
Review №73

Good attention

Jo
Review №74

I was attended by Mark, Excellent professional.In addition to functioning as a store, it is a complete technical service workshop.Reasonable prices.It is not like the other bike shops that never repair anything, they only seek to sell.Highly recommend this place.

Information
65 Photos
74 Comments
4.4 Rating
  • Address:319 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
  • Site:http://cajbicycleshop.com/
  • Phone:+1 210-226-7812
Categories
  • Bicycle repair shop
  • Bicycle Shop
Working hours
  • Monday:8:30AM–5PM
  • Tuesday:Closed
  • Wednesday:1–6PM
  • Thursday:8:30AM–6PM
  • Friday:8:30AM–6PM
  • Saturday:8:30AM–6PM
  • Sunday:8:30AM–6PM
Highlights
  • Identifies as veteran-led:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Activities
  • Bicycle rental:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
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