Changing Gears

My husband and I were pleased at the originally low cost of tuning up our bikes for a weekend trip. Unfortunately the second day they had our bikes we received a call that our bikes needed a lot more work than what was originally costed. After spending over $ 200 to tune up our bikes we arrived at our destination with a flat back tire; without having ridden 1 foot. On the second bike the front brakes were rubbing the entire time. If I could give negative stars I would.

Got an essentially new bike for my son at less than HALF of the best local or online price. The service was informed, helpful & conscientious. PLUS by doing business here you’re helping give back to the community. Everyone wins!

Awesome place. Donate your bike or pick up a new or used bicycle

I called the bike shop a day before I came in and spoke to a gentleman named Jay this cat was very helpful, knowledgeable and polite I stated to him I was a «cheap bastard» pretty tall and football player big hahah and was not looking to spend a bunch of money on a bike because I am new to the biking thing and needed to see if I was really down for it lol. Jay told me that he had a inexpensive as-​is bike for a gentleman of my big stature so fast forward I get to the shop I see a bike that is pretty nice looking visually Jay pretty must told me in a very nice and and polite way that I was making a bad decision because he felt I would not be comfortable with riding the bike that it was a little to small I greatly appreciated his honesty because I know absolutely nothing about biking but he let me test drive it out front and he was right!!! My back was killing me almost instantly so then he showed me the one that he had told me about over the phone it was older but cost less so I rode that one and it was way better so that was the one I bought I appreciate all the help that was given to me and the staff was very welcoming I will be bringing them alot more business!

Changing Gears in not your typical bike store. Not overly fancy such as a Performance bike store.
I was looking for a bike frame and my co-​worker told me about this location on the former Alameda Naval base. Changing Gears offers used bikes and parts for adults and children. If you are looking for used bike parts this is a place to visit. The bike frames ranged from $ 50 up to $ 700. Unfortunately I did not find a frame my size.
I noticed a large selection of used bikes and even some new bikes, maybe bikes that did not sale at a bigger bike store the past year or two. They appeared to be in great shape. I thought the staff was helpful and they offered bike services at better then competitive prices.

I’ve been here twice now and both times I’ve received EXCELLENT service!
Both times I’ve called in with an issue and Barry was very helpful in providing suggestions, options, guidelines, estimates, etc.
In the shop, «J» implemented the plan. Great people, great service.
Barry suggested more economical solutions than what other bike shops provided. Gave honest pros/​cons of each. Also gave option to go the more expensive route that other bike shops initially suggested. Got mountain tires changed out to road tires on first trip. Added a kickstand also.
2^nd trip, my gears or chain were doing something funny. Called shop near my house just to get an idea what the problem was. Got an idea but got the «I have to see the bike to give estimate and we cannot see it until next week» line.
Called Barry, and he gave some ideas on what the problem could be and general pricing. Brought bike in and they spent some time diagnosing and tinkering. It turns out I only needed an adjustment and some oil.
Very reasonable!!! While I stood around watching the team tinker with bikes, I felt like I was at my friend’s garage watching him work. When I was ready to leave, a dad & son came in with a flat. They asked for a new tube install and also for Barry to show the son how to do it. Awesome! I stuck around and watched too! Barry gave great tips and some great hands-​on opportunity.
These guys definitely earned my trust and business as my go-​to place for bike maintenance.

Awesome service and selection of kids bikes. We bought our first bike for our son here and returned when he was ready for another one! I’ve never seen as good a selection of second hand kids bikes.

So I’ve never bought anything or had any services done by this shop. Just wanted to put that out in front. I’m writing this review based on the fact that I believe that there are better places in the area to go for service and products.
I checked this place out when I first moved to Alameda thinking that it was a cool idea to have a used bike shop (and that the prices would be relatively reasonable). I was looking for a F/​S pref. something I could use for D/​H or S/​T. I came across a 2002 – 2004 giant F/​S in pretty bad shape. I gave it a run outside and it wasn’t to terribly bad… but the price that they were asking for it was! If I recall they wanted 750.00 for a 10+ yr old bike. Of course I ended up going on Craigs List and finding one that was not only 4 yr’s old but for 200.00 less.
I decided to give them another try a week or so ago because I’m in the market for a commuter bike. By the way the Giant is still there with the same price tag… I digress. I came across an KHS Vitamin B that looked new, but was at least a 2013. I took it out around the block and it handed good. Seeing that many shops will sell older models at a discounted price (much like car dealerships, boat dealerships etc) I was curious to see what their asking price was. That’s when I was shocked to see that they were asking 25 – 30 dollars MORE than what the bike cost on the companies website. And that’s when the bike was brand new (it was a 2013).
I understand you have to make a living and you need to compete for customers. But why would I consider a shop who’s asking more for their products than the company who makes the bike is asking.

Off the beaten path, Non profit bike shop! Everyone is super friendly and helpful. They exist to serve the community. Super reasonable pricing, and great service. No frills, just the goods. What more can you ask for. Fixed my bike for $ 20. And plenty of parking!

This place is great for new and old riders you can buy a bike here, you can buy add-​ons here, you can get repairs here, and everyone is really nice and welcoming.
I came in because I was interested in buying a new seat, my old seat hurts my butt. They have a great selection of used and new seats, they have bells which I bought one. I bought a red bell pepper bell, super cute.
This place is great for the local community, I highly suggest you take a stroll here. in the area you can see the quality of the community and this bike shop really helps! show

This looks like a really cool community-​type business. I rode in during my usual base trek to see what they’re all about and I needed new cushion pads for my helmet. They gave me a set, no charge! I will have to try them next time I need more service or want to buy a used bike. They have quite a number of used bikes on display. The gentleman that have me the pads (Jordan?) was super friendly!

This place is great! Staff are super friendly and cool, no attitude like you get at some of the other bike shops in the city. Need a flat tire fixed, I think I was in and out in under 1o minutes. If you want to learn how to do it yourself they let you do it and coach you along. Never going anywhere else for bike maintenance.

Amazing place. I enjoyed seeing young kids volunteering. People were super friendly and respectful. The team leader was kind to the kids working and encouraged them to complete their tasks! I would highly recommend this place!

I was browsing Craigslist to get a decent used bike for my daugther when i found this shop. i contacted the shop and ask them what colors do they have for Specialized Hotrock im looking for a neutral color that my kids can use and pass i hate characters bike because its very specific i have girl and boy and i dont want to buy them different bike each time. atleast if i buy a decent bike im sure it gonna last them long and if the color is neutral they can pass to each other. Barry is really helpful he email me a picture of some bikes that are neutral color they have 20 or more in their inventory but mostly pink, purple or blue for specialized they also carries GIant, Raleigh and TRek bike but i prefer specialized so Barry emailed me the picture and i know i like it. i came to the shop during my lunch break it was my 1^st time in alameda and i can say that Changing Gears was a Jewel hiding in that open space they have a lot of very good decent bike for kids and adult and Barry give me a good deal he replaces the grip and tires for me for the same price he mentioned over the phone. the condition of the bike was very good. I really recommend this shop specially if your getting a bike for your kids and you dont want to spend lots of $$$ i attached the picture so you have an idea how their bikes looks like =)

I brought my 15 year old here today to look for a used bike after I was told that the cost of fixing his bike would be MORE than his bike was worth. Sadly, I came to terms with it and headed to Changing Gears to look for a replacement.
I have to say I am beyond happy with the service my son and I got today at the shop. Ebony was able to assess his bike’s problem on the spot and in less that twenty minutes and for $ 23 bucks his bike was completely fixed. She saved his bike, saved me a ton of money, and restored my faith in bike repair shops. We got horrible service at another island bike shop on Santa Clara and High that shall remain nameless — nahh… actually I’m Unilocaling it next. I digress…
Check out the shop. I’m so impressed and happy with the great service, knowledgeable, friendly, down to earth staff. They even invited us to watch the repairs and offered to teach my son how to fix bikes in the future. We will be back.

Went here to donate a couple of old bikes and ended up buying a new one.
Changing Gears is located in an old warehouse at Alameda Point. Easy to find with all the abandoned space at the old naval air station. You have to walk through the warehouse toward the middle before you find the cage with the bikes and the cage next to it with the repair shop. There are also plenty of other used bikes behind the repair shop. Lots of used bikes for sale, including plenty of tyke bikes.
Got a good price of a new bike and Changing Gears was very helpful in assisting me while choosing a bike. Along with tons of used bikes for sale, Changing Gears has new KHS bikes for sale and can order other KHS bikes too.
Changing Gears gives good prices on repairs and you can also rent out their space to work on your own bike too.
A great non-​profit.

I commute from Oakland to Alameda on my bicycle Daily. Usually, I do all my own repairs, but Friday I broke a spoke on my rear tire while cranking to make a light on Webster Street.
Since there shop in within 2 miles of Webster, I called the repair shop, and they understood my need for an immediate repair, and they were able to replace the spoke and tru my rim in about 30 minutes.
They are a very down to earth easy going crew out there on the base.
Lots of good deals and inventory of refurbished bikes. looking for a great deal and an investment in your community, then head on out to one of the funkiest and most unprentious bikes shops in the East Bay!

I visit Alameda twice a month, I take my bike aboard Amtrak from Sacramento to Jack London Square, then ride in to where I stay. I’m no slouch when it comes to maintaining and repairing my own bike, and carry most of my own tools, but my trusty ride was making a strange pinging sound I couldn’t identify, and by Sunday it was making me crazy. I’d browsed Cycles of Change (aka Changing Gears) once before, and thought I’d give it a try.
Both Ebony and Jordon were sociable and eager to help – a slow day, apparently, and caught up with other repairs. Long story short, my front wheel needed a quick overhaul – nipples lubed (still can’t say that with a straight face), spokes tightened all around and the wheel trued – problem solved. The level of service and competence I received was exemplary, and the fee charged for their service was pleasantly affordable. I was especially pleased by how friendly the whole shop atmosphere was, and how quickly Ebony had my wheel off the bike, tube and tire off, trued and back on the bike. She’s a real pro.
Note: read the map or use GPS – the shop is out in the decommissioned Alameda Naval Air Station, and getting there is surprisingly confusing – all the buildings look the same, and the streets are disconcertingly wide, as they used to be taxiways. If your’e not familiar with the area, it can be stranger than you think.
When in Alameda, and when your bike needs a tune or true, maybe a tube or tire change? Take it to Cycles of Change/​Changing Gears. You wont’ be sorry, and maybe even more? You’ll be impressed.

I took my bike to this shop a couple weeks ago. First thing I notice that I really liked was the family atmosphere. One of the workers there was teasing the director, Barry, just as a younger sister to her older brother would do. They both were super helpful and attentitive after teasing one another. I found it to be very warming and again, family-​like.
They did a bunch of stuff to my bike and I got it back better than ever. One of their mechanics was fabulous at keeping me up-​to-​date with all the changes that had to be done to my bike. She felt like she was calling me too much, but I particular like when people overcommunicate as oppose to under communicate, especially when it comes to my money.
Overall, great shop, friendly people, and communication is great!

Awesome service — these guys are super nice.
I came in 10 minutes before closing and they still took the time to talk to me about bikes and let me try one out for a good 25 minutes. They were totally patient even though I knew absolutely nothing about bikes.
Deducting 1 star just because of lack selection — there was only one nice road bike that would’ve fit me (50 cm frame). it would’ve been nice to compare even a couple bikes.