Samson Cycles

All my heart ever wanted was a bright red bicycle. I wish I yearned for more from this fine planet, but I am a simple gal and a bright red bicycle will do.
I had purchased my first bike two years ago from Reid Cycles — a cute little vintage style bike with a wicker basket on the front, but when I asked for it in red, I was laughed at. «It’s a good six-​month wait for the red.» So alas, I went home with a mint green (which was totally cute anyway.)
But this week! Finally! I found my red bike at Samson Cycles! My mint green had done it’s day and it was time to find a younger model.
There was no six month wait. I walked in, stared at it for about three minutes and then told a staff member «GIMME». They allowed me a test ride to ensure it was the right height and even knocked off $ 10 as I didn’t need another wicker basket.
But the best bit? It was a HELLUVA lot cheaper than the competing stores selling this type of bike.
While they have bikes for all styles (including people that take their cycling very seriousy) if you’re looking for a cute vintage-​style bike that is still affordable, Samson is the place to be.

Came in with a punctured tire and they replaced it on the spot. The girl was very helpful and I’ve never been helped so quickly. Great that they’ve got long opening hours as well.

Rolled past Sampson last weekend with a punctured tyre: $ 20 and 10 mins later it was fixed. Great and friendly service — wheely happy (sorry)!

Ive had nothing but excellent service from Ryan and Clair, who have helped me with lots of problems in the past as well as built up several bikes and wheelsets for me. Excellent mechanics and really good prices.
Totally recommended for anyone who wants a simple but high quality bike or mechanical jobs.

I went into Samson Cycles today to have my front bike tyre looked at because it never held air well. I phoned ahead and clearly explained my issue, was met with friendly service over the phone and told to bring it down right away.
Popped the wheel in my car and took it down to the shop which is only 5 minutes from home.
I’m in a bit of shock over how I was treated by Ryan on staff here. I introduced myself when I walked in and explained I had spoken to him on the phone only a few minutes prior. I reiterated that I don’t know anything about bikes, it was rarely ridden, and the tube/​tyre on the bike was the one that came with it when purchased. He had a good laugh at my expense, and the proceeded to condescendingly question me about everything to do with the tyre — despite having clearly explained the situation to him twice already.
Why was the tyre flat? It doesn’t look punctured? This tube is the wrong size! Why did you put this on? Why can’t you just replace it yourself? Another man in the shop added in «Don’t you have a boyfriend to help you?» That last question didn’t even warrant an answer, I just looked at him incredulously.
I’m not sure what his issue was with me, if it was because I was a girl or some other problem, but I was not impressed with how I was spoken to and I won’t be returning. Sad, because apart from the poor attitude, the service was fast, efficient, and affordable.

After my local bike repair shop in Coburg fell prey to ‘Sydney Road Small Business Depression’ and the old gent who had run the business for aeons closed up and retired, I was on the hunt for a new bike servicing place in the area. There’s a lot of really excellent bike shops in and around the Brunswick area, but many are either too busy/​popular, too expensive, or both.
A google search reminded me of riding past a sign for Samson Cycles on my way to work each morning. The workshop is located about 50m from the Upfield Bike Path, between the path and Sydney Rd, on Barkly St (right next to Jewel Station). Super convenient location given the number of punctures I’ve had on the bike path! I went in this morning and was blown away by the friendly, honest service and CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP prices. The store looks really cool, some great low-​key street-​art style wall painting and a nicely curated stock. Ryan said he had heaps of experience at lots of different bike stores over the years and wanted to offer a more affordable service. You really can’t go wrong with $ 15 inner tube replacements with friendly service and such a convenient location. He even replaced my (worn) back tyre with a brand new one for just another $ 15, and it was all done and dusted within 5 mins.
I highly recommend this place and will defo make it my new regular bike workshop. Great to support new, super-​small businesses in the area, it’s why I love Brunswick.