Southern California cycling shops, brands or franchises?

Ben6899

Morning!

I fly to SoCal tomorrow for two weeks. The last time I was there (2008), running and football were my main interests and I wasn’t on the look out for cycling shops or brands.

My focus is now changed thanks to injury so this time around, when I’m not sat on the beach or stood in the bar trying to hook a California Gurl™, I’ll be trying to find cycling related bargains or rare gear to bring home. Or looking for nice bike shops.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

RonB

Hi Ben

If you're in need of wheels, and after seeing the recent bike doc by Rob Penn, could I suggest a trip to see STEVE "Gravy" GRAVENITES. Here's a link...

http://gravyprowheels.com/116.html

I think he's based just N of San Francisco though so it might be a bit far. All the best with your trip.

Ben6899

Thanks Ron.

I think San Fran might be a little far, but never say never.

Aggieboy

No charity shops there for you there, then?

Ben6899

Aggieboy wrote:

No charity shops there for you there, then?

Nope. They call 'em Thrift Stores.

drewfromrisca

Ah Ben you lucky boy! REI is pretty good 'outdoor' type outlet which has some nice bike kit in. I think Mikes Bikes are more Norcal, Performance Bike is another. What part of Southern Cali you going to? Is it near Santa Barbara? If so I hear it's great place for cycling. A friend of mine went to college there and said there was always races going on.

Ben6899

Hi Drew,

Thanks for the pointers.

We rent out a beach house in Newport Beach from a lady we've got to know well over the years. We do hire a couple of 4x4s but I think Santa Barbara might be pushing it a bit, especially if it's just for me to watch some blokes whizz by on bikes!

I see Performance and REI are in Santa Monica so I'll no doubt pay those places a visit.

drewfromrisca

Nice place to stay!!! The wife's uncle lived on Newport Beach few years back. Loved it down there.

Also not million miles away is San Luis Obispo. My wife went to college there and said it's a very athletic place. In fact one of her college friends opened up his own nutrition company after school called Fluid. She says there were a few shops in area but can't remember the names.

Finbar Saunders

I used to live in Laguna Niguel, about 10 miles or so down the coast from Newport Beach. Try Laguna Cyclery in Laguna Beach. I bought my current bike there and the owner, Patrick, is a really nice guy and former semi-pro/very good amateur racer. You can also rent a good road bike from him but will need your shoes and pedals.
Laguna Cyclery
240 Thalia Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
http://www.lagunacyclery.com
(949) 494-1522

Performance Bike is a chain store but you can sometimes find good bargains on general cycling stuff. There were a few around Orange County, the closest would be in Fountain Valley, Laguna Hills or Irvine.Check their website. SuperGo used to be a great shop for bargains but they got bought out by Performance.

Jax Bikes used to be decent but a Trek type of shop. http://jaxbicycles.com/

Rock'n'Road Cyclery in Irvine and Laguna Niguel. http://www.rocknroadcyclery.net/index.php

There was also a small local bike shop in Huntington Beach. The owner was a great mechanic and has been a Mavic Neurtral Support mechanic on a few past TdF's. But I can't remember the name of the store. He was a really interesting guy to talk to.

Ben6899

Excellent recommendations. Thanks!

We'll be in Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach a few times so I'll have a look.