Reviews of Rat City Bikes. (Bicycle Store) in Seattle (Washington).

Rat City Bikes

118 Reviews

91 Comments

Bicycle store

Bicycle repair shop

9614 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106, United States

Description

Information of Rat City Bikes, Bicycle store in Seattle (Washington)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

Map

Open hours of Rat City Bikes

Popular times

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Reviews of Rat City Bikes

Zoe Sorensen

Cool shop, cool owner who knows his stuff. Went in for a bike but no idea what I wanted, he told me what size fits me and walked me through what he had available--I found the perfect gem. I explained that I was strapped for cash until payday and he was super helpful and worked out a deposit so I could back later, pay the rest, and retrieve the bike. Looking forward to going back for future tuneups and gear!

Robert Lee

BEST BIKE SHOP IN THE WORLD!!! no appointment needed, no BS, no kids who don’t know what they’re doing. This is one guy who runs his shop like a well oiled machine. Highly recommended! I hope he increases his prices so that He can continue to offer such amazing products and services without getting overwhelmed.

Elizabeth Moulin-Franco

Cool bike shop with great service. The owner helped fix a problem he had never seen before but had read about. He explained how to do repairs and sold the tools to do update at home. Definitely a good spot for repairs and parts. Also, very cool shop dog!

The UrbanCyclery Shop

Great shop! Aaron did a fantastic job diagnosing and servicing an internally geared hub, that quite honestly we just did not have the knowledge & experience to figure out the cause of the problem. Aaron diagnosed, repaired and shipped it back to us within 48hrs. at a more than reasonable rate. I highly recommend this shop.

Ryan Zenor

Neat shop with coolest bikes, and Aaron knows his stuff. Great prices and seems to have everything in stock. Used stuff too! My go-to bike shop from now on. Way better than waiting on mail order parts.

G. Blake Meike

This is just an amazing place. I am pretty sure they could replace any part on any bike I've ever owned: they not only have the part, they have the tools and the skills. I'm gonna be making the 1hr drive a lot.

Christopher Dougherty

Had the pleasure of meeting up with Aaron after I broke my hub. Friendly, quality work, and had an astounding selection of parts on hand. Pricing was fair, and he wasn't afraid to dig into my custom bike. Got me out and riding again after about an hour. Very old-school face-to-face feel here. I like it.

Lynn Drake

Three middle age women walk in. Greeted with free swag and a welcome. Thanks. Cool map mural on the wall. They upgraded my husband’s eliptigo and did a fine job.

Cassandra Trevino

I bought my bike last summer from Craigslist and have been upgrading it periodically since. As a beginner rider I initially took it in to get the tires switched out from a size 700x35 to 700x43 along with a new set of pedals to be put in as well. I brought in my own parts and Aaron did all the labor. It also turns out that the crank on my bike has had a manufacturing recall since 1995!! But Aaron had the new replacement parts on hand and changed it right then and there with no problem. He explained to me what he was doing as he worked on the bike and it really helped give me a better understanding of my bike’s mechanics. This was my first time in the shop and after today it will probably be the only bike shop I go to in the Seattle area. The customer service was 10/10 and an experience that really gave me more confidence as a beginner rider. Thank you Aaron.

Mark Thynes

These guys are tops! Performed a needed overhaul on my Felt road bike... built new wheels, replaced worn bearings, new breaks, overhauled hydraulics, no detail was overlooked! The bike is race-ready. I highly recommend Rat City Bikes.

Kris McBride

Today I took in my Specialized mtn bike for a once over and an issue with shifting. Aaron put it on the stand and had the shifter fixed in about 10 seconds! He lubed everything up, and ran through all the gears making sure it was all good. The front derailleur was having issues and he spent a lot of time working on it, adjusting it, and figuring out the issue. After working on it for almost an hour (and answering all my questions!) he charged me just for the derailleur adjustment! One of the things I appreciated was his first come, first served approach to service. I know that might not work for everyone, but I really appreciated taking in my bike and having it worked on right then, even if it might mean waiting. Walking out of there with my bike fixed was amazing! I am so glad I found Aaron and his shop. I love supporting the smaller businesses, and appreciate someone with Aaron’s knowledge and integrity.

Mark Salomons

I desperately needed an internal spring for my Shimano Alfine hub. As most Alfine aficionados know, Shimano simply does not support the hubs by providing small internal parts and it scraps a $300 hub. Aaron popped the spring out of an old hub he had laying around and shipped it to me to get me going. Greatly appreciated that they are willing to help out the little guy. Thanks Rat City Bikes!

Christopher Distura

Great services, and my personal Valued Bicycle Repair shop! I just got a Magnum Peak 27.5" size E-bike to be assembled and they did it perfectly! Bike's running like a champ for my nightly commute to and from work on swing shift! I personally have no knowledge about assembling E-bikes so id rather have them do it the right way, because i don't wanna mess things up when assembling it myself. Took a little while, but am certain other customers are already ahead of me once me and my long time co-worker and friend entered the building to get my E-bike assembled on our first day. I highly recommend Aaron's Bicycle Repair, Inc. for anybody who wants to assemble their E-bikes fresh out of a shipping box if you don't know how to assemble or, don't have the proper tools to assemble it yourself. You just gotta be patient when working with them, as there only two or three of them working in that place from what i can recall, and there could be customers ahead of you while fixing or assembling their bikes first before yours. So expect delays while working with them. Common courtesy is always the best policy! Other than that.. They have great services, and Aaron's a good guy to deal with :) Thank you very much you guys!

Ryan Armstrong

Amazing experience! Very very knowledgeable! I inherited my fathers 1979 Schwinn bike! Walked right it and they looked it over and told me a lot of great info on the bike and set me up to get the bike road worthy! Very very reasonable price! Definitely a must go to if you need bike work!

Star Pierce

I don’t know anything about bikes. I got a old hand-me down bicycle from a friend and wasn’t sure what it needed. Sheepishly I took it here, worried my lack of knowledge would somehow be scoffed at or taken advantage of. The guys working were kind and welcoming. Didn’t pressure me into buying anything, immediately took a look at my bike and gave it a tune up and replaced the chain. Cost me about $30. Really happy with the service and definitely recommend stopping by. Thanks! We will be back!

Christopher Rivera

Aaron's bike shop is amazing. They do what you need and more. I brought in my bike for a new tire since mine was flat. I thought I would need to replace both since they were kind of old, but they told me I really only needed to replace one. They took the bike and quickly replaced the tire, even taking out the time to tune up the whole bike. I even asked to have lights and a new more comfortable seat put on. Even after fixing the brakes, straightening the tire alignment,oiling the chain, and fixing the handles of the bike. They only charged for the seat,lights, and tire.

Jim Beaulaurier

Aaron's is a first-rate bike shop. I have entrusted my bikes to them for many years and they have provided excellent service and advice. Aaron, in particular, seems incapable of selling you something he does not think is needed, and saves you money as a result. Always one to tell it as he sees it, Aaron has talked me out of several new items I thought I needed and I've never regretted following his advice. Greg is master of the non-mechanical aspects of the shop and provides a high level of customer service and follow through. I have less experience with Mike but he seems to be an excellent mechanic. I just purchased a new road bike from Aaron's and was very pleased with the entire experience. I know the bike will be properly assembled and adjusted before it goes out the door.

Scott Pettersen

I brought my trek in for what i was expecting to be a full tune up service. I brought it in just before closing and talked to Aaron about it. He looked at it and told me what he was going to do and what it would cost. He did the work and called me when it was finished just like he said he would and it was half of what i thought it would be. He is very focused on getting peoples bicycles done right and serving as many people in his store as possible. I can see where people may take that as being rude but i disagree with that. He had a ongoing conversation with the customer he helped before me while finishing that persons bike. He takes pride in the work done in his store. He also tries very hard to get to everyone in order as much as possible. The other thing i can say that i respect about his business is the fact that he takes the time to answer all of his reviews, which you dont see much theses days. He and his staff are very knowledgeable and care about the bicycle community. I recommend Aaron and rat city bicycles. Thanks Aaron.

Michael Mann

I've been going to Aaron's for years now. He and his team are top-notch professionals and you get high quality service/work. As Aaron has said in other reviews responses--he's focused and don't mistake that for unfriendly. The guy is totally into what he's doing with your bike and what it needs--it's that simple. Once, during their annual vacation closure, I took my bike to another West Seattle shop because it wasn't ridable without having my wheel repaired. It was a disaster; I should have just waited until Aaron's was back open. I have never had an issue with any repairs or tune-ups that his shop has performed. My most recent tune-up (just a week ago) was like having a brand new bike once I got it back. Awesome work, total quality and I'm so thankful that they are in the neighborhood.

Brendan Hawkins

I came in 13 minutes before closing and left 15 minutes past closing. If it were me, I'd have difficult time a dealing properly with a customer coming in late. Not the case with the professional, knowledgeable and kind people at this establishment. Aaron is unassuming and honest. He was upfront with the cons of investing further into my bike. Going to the extent of pointing me to bike shops with a wide selection of bikes to choose from. For me, a huge part is the people I deal with when purchasing goods and services. I'll absolutely purchase from Aaron in the future.

BR

Do you like to support local businesses and get professional work done on your bike? Good, that's why I have gone to Aaron's bike shop since about 2005.They have helped me bring a 1965 Raleigh three speed back to life and I have purchased a bike from them as well. No complaints. You are greeted and it's business. No fluff and smoke blowing, just solid good customer service and a wealth of knowledge. Thanks' to Aaron and Greg. See ya in a couple of weeks :)

Christine Price

Aaron is very much a man who knows what he is about. I brought my 11-speed internal hub belt drive bicycle to two other shops, with mediocre results. I brought it to Rat City and Aaron had it diagnosed, disassembled, and fixed right quick. It's first come, first serve thanks to the pandemic, but well well worth it.

DC Wellsfry

Rat City Bikes provided exactly the part I needed to put a rare internally geared derailleur back in regular use.

Sean

Great guy! Very knowledgeable about the bikes down to the specifics screw sizes used in each bike. Will often make minor adjustments for free. Cares about his riders, and develops excellent brand loyalty. I ride from Capitol Hill to White Center whenever I have bike related issues

Joanna Coffey

Highly recommend seeing Aaron for your bicycle needs. When folks at other bike shops scratched their heads and shrugged, Aaron knew exactly how to help me and did it in a flash. He rebuilt the back wheel of my obscure 1970's Norwegian bike and replaced the gear system and brakes, putting new life into a bike that most everyone else said was doomed but that I stubbornly still wanted to ride. This was my first experience at the shop but now I'm inclined to say that if Aaron can't fix it, no one can. These guys are wizards with bikes, and the shop and its services are an awesome resource for the cycling community.

Jake Weholt

There is no other bike shop in Seattle. Maybe physically, but not philosophically. I see I’m not alone in my 5 star review. This place is remarkably legit.

K S (0GNinja)

Very helpful and honest. Brought in 3 bikes that had spent a summer in storage and they did a $30 'triage' which involved checking & adjusting everything. They essentially reassembled them so they were put together correctly vs. how the original store 'assembled' them. At the end they ride the bike around the block. Such a thorough service for only $30! Best place for bikes period.

Linda Schiller

Every time I go to Aaron's Bike Repair I feel I get the best help. They don't try to over sell you on products you don't need. Very knowledgeable and helpful for beginners and for those of us who don't know how to put on our basic extras like bells or pedal changes- they do this all free with a smile. Very nice!

Michael Evans

Aaron is one of the best mechanics, and runs one of the best shops, in the US. He is in the same league as Peter White of Peter White Cycles and Hal Ruzal of Bicycle Habitat. Which is why I send him my gear and dynamo hubs for service, all the way from Maryland. His wheel builds are as perfect as I've ever seen. His advice is always spot on, straight up and with a side of humor. Thanks Aaron!

Peter Butzerin

Wow. Great service and very low cost for what was clearly an expert technician. I came in mid morning Saturday, I was sure they’d be swamped and I’d need to leave my daughter’s bike and come back. I think I was dealing with the owner himself. I only had to wait a few minutes and he got right on it. He told me exactly what it would cost and that was that, very pleased with the price and no surprises. Saturday can get busy there and new customers kept streaming in. He really made an effort to politely explain to each new person how long the wait would be. I work in a service business myself and I must say, I learned something watching them deal with people. Well worth five stars, I’m never going anywhere else for my family’s bike needs. Way to go!

atticus lee

I used to bring my bike in here. As far as how good they are as mechanics, both Greg and Aaron are solid. They will try to upsell you sometimes though. Also I remember once I had a carbon fork on my bike that wasn’t spec’d too well for my brakes (bb7’s are clunky). They were right to tell me to switch back to my stock fork, but afterwards Aaron offered to “take the carbon junk off my hands.” In retrospect, I was a kid who didn’t know much about bikes, and the guy definitely tried to take advantage of that. If you have the money to spare, and don’t mind an occasionally mildly condescending attitude, they will fix you bike, and fix it well. If you’re looking for something more affordable (I see you white center fam) The Bikery off Rainier and Dearborn is an excellent option and well worth the travel. The mechanics will show you how to work on your own bike, the prices on everything are way more affordable and overall it has more of a community feel.

Ken Strain

My Alfine 11 bike hub had never been serviced in the 4 years I'd owned it, and it was getting harder to shift and it felt like there was tons of friction, plus it was leaking all over the rear disc. I did some research, and none of the local bike shops in LA had much experience servicing internal geared hubs, so I went online and found this shop. I sent me wheel to them, and it came back sparkling clean, and shifting better and rolling better than when it was new. If I lived in Seattle, this is where I would get my bike repairs done.

Kevin Boze

The service is great, the prices are reasonable, the shop is clean and attractive, and the staff could not be more helpful and knowledgeable. There’s often a line for repairs, especially on weekends, but there’s a reason for it. I seriously doubt if I will ever take my bike anywhere else.

Lucas Thompson

Recently had some shifter and brake rotor fit-up problems with a homemade electric bike. Aaron was patient with my ineptitude, had the required parts on-hand and was able to straighten everything out quickly, even with my funky Chinese hub motor. He saved me *hours* of frustration and didn't even charge very much. Highly recommended!

Madeleine Borer

When we first got there did not get a warm friendly greeting. After they got right to work on our bikes and gave use good advise on how to fix them in the future. Thank you aaron's bicycle repair for fixing our bikes.

Jillian Sankey

Best first experience with a bike shop ever. We got their early as y'all opened and y'all were able to help us right away and be quick and precise with accurate information. Hard working, fruendly, amazing service, fair prices and excellent work. You also gave us great advice for the future of my bike (miles peterson). P.s the breaks worked great, and the bike felt amazing after you worked on it. Thank you again :)

Christopher Ferguson

I recently stumbled upon Aaron's while on a errand-run. Entering their business the staff was alert and attentive and very customer friendly. On that short positive introduction I'll be sure to bring my families bicycle needs to Aarons. Hopefully their prices match the hospitality!

Mae Normand

Came in for a master link, bought a rear light too because I needed one, service was ok, prices were expensive; could have been friendlier but I wasn't there to spend a lot of money. Great selection of used bikes, love the large selection of components and antique parts. Basic selection of accessories. I would trust them with repairs, but would definitely go somewhere else with a larger selection if you're looking for accessories.

Lynne Cooney

My favorite Seattle bike shop. The only place to go if you have internally geared hubs -- they are experts. They do high-quality work on the spot, quickly, and for a much too reasonable price. They never try to sell you work or stuff that you don't need. In fact they will talk you out of buying stuff you don't need. You know that feeling when you take your bike to a shop and the work done is so pathetic that you would have done a better job yourself and you know that you are a crap bike mechanic? That never happens here. Ever. Just go to Aaron's.

Phil Gregory

I have a Schwinn Typhoon that I bought as a kid back in 1961. I have restored it but I couldn't get the Bendix 2-speed hub to change gears. I found Aaron through an internet search. I contacted him and shipped the wheel and hub from Columbia ,SC out to Seattle. They fixed the hub for a reasonable price and shipped it back. The Bendix hub works perfectly and the bike rides like it is new. Makes me feel 12 years old again.My experience with Aaron's could not have been better.

Quinn Taw

Aaron's is much more about maintenance and keeping a bike enjoyably rideable than selling stuff - as evidenced by their lack of clothing and energy gels. They can fix (and actually stock) the arcane and idiosyncratic. There is no shortage of POV on parts, industry fads and what works, which may turn some people off. However, I love the place and there is no place I would trust more with bike repair and advice.

stephen dewitt

This is the bike shop that had what was not available to me in the others. I had need of trouble shooting for my trike which was complex, yet solved in one day. The knowledge and expertise that was shown and demonstrated to me seemed to surpass those who originally designed my trike and I left on a greatly improved machine. It is now a super fine ride that I don't want to dismount from. Everyone at the shop was personable and friendly. This is the one that I will return to with confidence. Thanks much.

Sam Witus

Outstanding! Took my wheel there after Greggs and Montlake bike shop couldn’t figure out what to do. These guys figured out the problem in like 2 mins and had it fixed in 20 for a very reasonable price. If you don’t want to waste your time, check these guys out. Very experienced and no BS.

Hilton Concierge

Aaron and his boys are the best wrenches around and often can fix your ride on the spot. Aaron once re-spoked my incorrectly spoked road bike in less that 25 minutes!!! My Jamis Dakar was needing new brake pads and after talking with Aaron I ended up getting a new-used set of calipers and new cables with compression-less housing and the disc brakes now work a lot better than when I first got the bike. Chuck

joe pleasants

I am happy to drive from Tacoma to visit Aaron’s shop. He and his wife have a real mom and pop shop. Something you don’t see much. And something that should be supported. My local shops do not have the openness and sincerity to all people that I find at Aaron’s. Their quality of workmanship is 5 stars . His openness to all people is 5 stars. And his professionalism is 5 stars. Don’t buy online. Save our small businesses.

Nick Raymond

I recently had my bike jacked in South park. Really sucked had the ride for over 10 years. Anyway have been shopping for a used bike since then and hadn't had any luck. Lot's of places trying to sell used equipment for way to much. Luckily I ran into someone in Georgetown and they drove me upto Aarons. Got a used bike that was far superior to the other local bike shops inventory for a far better price. Aaron's has definetly got my business going forward. Thanks for helping a Biker get back on the road.

2944577457 Parker

This guy's 40 years experience and miraculous hands will give you the best service for your money. You can trust him to do the best for your safety and your pocketbook. Little old lady bike rider.

Lisa Zander

This place is a classic, quality bike shop. I've been in the bike world for 18 years (wrenching, riding, advocating, etc) and this place is the real deal. Plus, I love looking at the old new stock while repairs are being made. Can't recommend enough.

Tim Tetrault

This is a great LBS in the West Seattle/White Center area. They are all about no-bs practical advisement. They make it clear that they want you on a safe and functional bike when you're on your way out, they work to cut down on waste in ways that are easy to overlook, and they don't upsell on unnecessary tech. I'm glad they're around, and I hope they don't go anywhere anytime soon.

Eric Miller

These guys do excellent work. My road bike is riding smoother than I ever thought possible. Highly recommended!

Luke A

Amazing place! Went here to get my electric scooter looked at he spent awhile with it. Turns out there is a part i need so something on the company's end and I'll have to get that. But best part is friendly guy, very experienced and also charges for the repair not by hour. Recommended!!!

steve s

Came in during the C-Virus with an issue on a used bike I had just bought. Aaron and team was super helpful in giving me straight up advice with choices plus lots of safety procedures to keep myself and themselves safe and healthy during this crazy times. Thanks!!

헤이할로Hey Halo

This is one of best bike shop ever. Bike, tools and some bike stuff are basic. Owner and staff are really friendly and nice. They were really loose and fun. I'd definitely recommend here. Ever!

Coleman Houser

Wanna get your bike fixed? This is the place where you'll find good ol' fashioned service and dependability. Years of experience and know-how will get you out the door smiling.

Michael Calkins

They did an excellent job and were able to reuse my freewheel so that it came way under budget. My ride is now smooth and quiet. I will definitely come back here.

The Order Of Asterales

Over 20yrs of both local & universal bicyle knowledge from a linage of creative bicycle repair persons.... Aaron is an artist!

Raquel Sudol

Aaron was the only bike shop that was able to repair my Shimano Nexus 3 speed internal hub.. Local bike shops were useless as they did not have the experience or knowledge to repair my hub..

shainalovesfood

Aaron was great, super helpful and creative! Love the used bike selection

Eli Pecori

Aaron knows his bikes. Took my bike there this afternoon and he knew exactly how to fix a botched up brake job. Thank you Aaron!

Sandra Kemp

This Bike shop is family made the best in Seattle

randall wilson

I was having problems with my IGH that turned out to be unusual and difficult to fix. Aaron's stood behind their work and tenaciously worked on the problem until it was corrected. Definitely recommend!

Trissa Hodapp

Competent, fair prices, and were able to repair my shifter instead of having to replace it. They were able to fix it while I waited.

Michael In Lakewood

So happy we drove from Kent to come here, fixed 2 bikes, that we were frustrated with and were ready to donate away, while we waited at a really reasonable price. We will be bringing them back every year.

Ronald Verano

Took my English three speed in for repair, was completed while I waited for a very reasonable cost. Super happy with the service I received!

Carl Sanman

They helped me to figure out what I had to do to resolve an issue with my bike even though they didn’t have the part in stock. Super helpful.

Guy Bucasas

Great Service from a very experienced Bike Mechanic. I would give 10 stars if that were an option!

Brian Bassett

It's all in the title. This is where I come for any bicycle repair or rebuild. Where others can't... Aaron and Mikey can.

Matthew Naylor

they work as a team i love this shop you guys know your stuff for sure thank you for your consideration in the motorized bicycle community

charles shull

Aaron fixed my obsolete tyre pump and saved me dinero and helped save the planet!!! Thanks!

Sam Lundeen

Beyond just repairing my bicycle, the employee helping me explained how to maintain it to last longer.

Jacob Smith

Great, fast service. Including advice on how I can keep the bike running well.

Chris Knudsen

I really appreciated the drop in service and value. They also really thought through their social distancing procedures.

Tim Farrell

Cool dudes and not pretentious. Built me a couple good wheels too

Mike Bailey

Excellent work! Anytime I need something fixed on I can't do myself I come here.

Dan Allison

Two words, sturmey archer. They are friendly and thorough. Close to great food as well.

MrLilbryan13

Pro level mechs! Well worth the trip to White Center for sure.

Josiah

If you want a master to work on your bike then this is the place.

Jeff

Repaired my broken Brooks saddle while I waited! EXCELLENT WORK.

Margus Rumberg

Excellent and fast service. Very friendly staff, including cat's :)

Snowboard-EN

This is the spot to go for professional service from two knowledgeable mechanics.

Valerie Miller

They fixed my grandsons bike in 2 minutes.

Lars Halstrom

Best Bike Shop rating in 2017. Keep it going!

Robert Harvey

Knowledgeable staff and great bike mechanix.

Dominique Johnson

Good place to bring your bike!!

Joseph Jones

Great prompt quality service!

Tyler Whitaker

Super knowledgeable and helpful

John Smith

Highly experienced and efficient.

Ramon Soliz

Fast responsive service!

anthony yes

Great

Evita Scott

Friendly, helpful and informative

John Kropp

Aaron is the BEST BIKE SURGEON IN AMERICA. He really knows his trade. Honestly the most knowledgeable efficient and reliable and reasonable bike mechanic I could ever imagine. I EXTREMELY Recommend him!

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