Southern California cycling shops, brands or franchises?

Ben6899
Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
edited August 2010 in The bottom bracket
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?
Ben

Bikes: Donhou DSS4 Custom | Condor Italia RC | Gios Megalite | Dolan Preffisio | Giant Bowery '76
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_h_ppcc/
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/143173475@N05/

Comments

  • RonB
    RonB Posts: 3,984
    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
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    Thanks Ron.

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

    Bikes: Donhou DSS4 Custom | Condor Italia RC | Gios Megalite | Dolan Preffisio | Giant Bowery '76
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_h_ppcc/
    Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/143173475@N05/
  • Aggieboy
    Aggieboy Posts: 3,996
    No charity shops there for you there, then?
    "There's a shortage of perfect breasts in this world, t'would be a pity to damage yours."
  • Ben6899
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    Aggieboy wrote:
    No charity shops there for you there, then?

    Nope. They call 'em Thrift Stores. :wink:
    Ben

    Bikes: Donhou DSS4 Custom | Condor Italia RC | Gios Megalite | Dolan Preffisio | Giant Bowery '76
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_h_ppcc/
    Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/143173475@N05/
  • drewfromrisca
    drewfromrisca Posts: 1,165
    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.
    There is never redemption, any fool can regret yesterday...

    Be Pure! Be Vigilant! Behave!
  • Ben6899
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    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! :lol:

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

    Bikes: Donhou DSS4 Custom | Condor Italia RC | Gios Megalite | Dolan Preffisio | Giant Bowery '76
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_h_ppcc/
    Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/143173475@N05/
  • drewfromrisca
    drewfromrisca Posts: 1,165
    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.
    There is never redemption, any fool can regret yesterday...

    Be Pure! Be Vigilant! Behave!
  • 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.
    No-one wanted to eat Patagonia Toothfish so they renamed it Chilean Sea Bass and now it's in danger of over fishing!
  • Ben6899
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    Excellent recommendations. Thanks!

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

    Bikes: Donhou DSS4 Custom | Condor Italia RC | Gios Megalite | Dolan Preffisio | Giant Bowery '76
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_h_ppcc/
    Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/143173475@N05/