Rick’s Cycle Shop

This place is great. I went in with a hundred questions regarding bikes. Tom took the time and walked through each of my questions. He asked me what I was looking for, price range and brought out a few bikes for me to test ride. Got a bike i am very happy with that was on sale. Also pointed me in the right direction of a helmet, and pump. Have me a free water bottle which was nice touch. Very good experience and I would recommend this place to anyone. This place is for bike enthusiasts and they were real blunt with customers they considered were likely to take advantage of them. But my experience was very good. Treated me well, got great service, got the bike I wanted… and found out they are no nonsense customers. I took off a star because they were so so Blunt with two other customers.

I bought a second-​hand crossover (street/​mountain) bike + lock and cable + helmet + panniers and bike rack at Rick’s Cycle Shop last weekend. It was a fair deal (not crazy-​good, but reasonable) and I received very good customer service — I did not want to look at every bike and accessory in the store, so I just rattled off my requirements and the person helping me grabbed the appropriate thing for my needs.
My nit (and even this turns out to be a «plus» about the business) was that I said I wanted to use my bike for commuting and grocery shopping but the panniers that the guy grabbed off the shelf were not at all up to the task I described: though I did not at all stuff them with groceries, they split (one seam and one pressure point) in their first use. Further, though my bike was given a tune up before I left the store, the Rick’s bike mechanic dude left the handlebar joint too loose — it skewed off to the side after I started off in the wrong gear and I had to wrestle it back into position to correct this and use it. The following day I contacted the store and explained what happened and they said that they’d issue a refund on the panniers and tighten the loose handlebar gizmo — and when I went into the store, they delivered on what they’d promised.
Of course, a purchasing experience with zero problems is what we aspire to have, and I did not get that. But I think it is also useful to see how a business responds when things go wrong, and these guys passed that particular test with flying colors.

I’ve heard mixed things about buying a bike from here but honestly it was simple and nice for me. Got what I paid for, new handlebar/​brakes are nicely done. Done when they said they’d be. My girlfriend also snagged a beautiful bike from the basement at a good price. All around no complaints.

recently went into ricks shop and was very disappointed with the customer service. the one guys was rude and really wasn’t knowledgeable of the bike he sold me. i bought a trek apperently from him it was supposed to be last yrs model turned out to be a 7yr old model, on top of that i payed 400 for a bike that i could of got brand new for the same price. with that said if you do go in there please know what your buying, look up on bicycle bluebook. the bike i bought was 180 on the website so u could only imagine how i felt. i called the next day to get a refund and the refused to give me a refund the very next day!!! On top of all that i went back and gotta say he took care of me gave me some money back and put new grips with attached add– ons. Made me feel alot better of the service.

Purchased a used German touring bike at this shop. They took quite a bit of time helping me select from among the new and used bikes while busy providing service and repair to others. I rode the bike 432 miles on the Erie Canal starting the day after my purchase. I was very happy with the bike and the service they provided.

So I been inspired by Buffalo’s surge in bike culture and decided to purchase a used bike on Craigslist. It was inexpensive but runs great and has the vintage flair. By no means am I even close to being an expert. I just knew I needed a helmet and a lock.
Went in and although I was helped by a very knowledgeable person, it was as though he was looking down on me for not knowing certain things about my brand new to me bike. I literally had it for less than an hour. I know in a newbie which is probably annoying to a know it all, but show a little compassion on someone trying a new hobby.
Ended up spending $ 70, with no receipt mind you. I don’t mind spending a few extra bones to support a local place but a little kindness with my customer service would have made me a repeat customer. Now, I may just take my business elsewhere for the future.

rick, s bike, s is the best bike place to go they are very friendly and nice to there customers

And so begins my new life by bike. Upon learning that my old gal, a ’95 Toyota Camry Wagon, was in need of some serious repair in order to pass inspection, I made the decision to free myself of this automotive burden.
My roommate, a life-​long bicyclist, sent me to Rick’s. After several visits, researching, learning and preparing myself for this life changing purchase, I cannot believe that this place only has three stars.
What I AM certain of, is that Rick’s Cycle Shop is NOT out to make a quick sale, but a long-​term customer. On my first pop-​in, Rick answered all of my questions and was happy to educate me in the time allowed with no pressure to buy. On my second visit, I met Jon who was equally willing to help me out, (and I know nothing about bikes). On visit #3, Jon demonstrated sincere dedication in aiding me with my purchase, finding the right fit for me and was sensitive to my budget. In the end, I came home today excited, with not only a new bike, but almost all of the accessories I feel I need.
I will come back for fenders so, we shall see. But despite my lack of knowledge, I did not feel talked-​down to in any way by anyone from Rick to Jon, to the other employees that I interacted with regarding the purchase of a helmet (at pick-​up) or adjustments to my handlebar grips. I look forward to doing more business here as I need new accessories, tune-​ups or repairs.

I really REALLY wanted to like Rick’s but unless you are willing to put up with rude, uncaring and condescending service I cannot recommend them to you. As a city resident I try to shop at city businesses, and Rick’s has a great location in an old cool building that deserves to be occupied. They have a remarkable selection of bikes, as other reviewers have said bikes new and old, lots of choices. But, maybe I wasn’t their right demographic, I’m old. Maybe I wasn’t their right type of customer as my needs were simple. Maybe I didn’t look like I was going to come back, I don’t know how that can be predicted. Maybe I had the nerve to ask a polite question. Maybe they were having a bad day. It doesn’t really matter. When I’m treated poorly and disrespectfully I will not provide a merchant with my business unless I have no other options. In Buffalo we have other options. I left for another option.

This place is great for riders of all levels. Lots of great used stuff as well. The staff was super helpful and happy to answer any questions that I had.

I like this place but a bit disturbed to know that they may be part of a theft ring. Selling stolen property is just wrong. I bought a new bike here about 5 years ago and love the bike and loved the service. I’m back again to buy a new bike and the service was still good. I just cant bring myself to buy from these guys if it is true that they sell stolen bikes. I will take a pass on my purchase.

+500 points for their bargain basement with tons of used bikes. Just walk in and go ask to see the basement if you’re shopping for a bike. You’re bound to come across something you like. Everything from hybrids to mountain bikes to road bikes. I bought a used road bike here for $ 200 and it’s served me well so far this summer.
It’s a hipster bike shop. Most of the employees I’ve talked with here have been very nice, but aside from their basement where I bought a bike… I haven’t had any other services done here.

I live in Chicago, and thought it might be cheaper to buy a «new» used bike in Buffalo, my hometown. I bought an amazing 3 speed cruiser from here about 10 years ago, and wanted to try the shop again.
I walked into Rick’s and met Jon, who talked to me about their new bike selection, and then described some of the used bikes downstairs that might fit me well. He was extremely knowledgable, super personable, and I never felt pressured. Some people said this shop was disorganized, but Jon sent my brother and I downstairs to look at the bikes he thought I’d like, and knew exactly which row and about how far down the bike was located. I had a really great experience here, spent less than I thought, and they attached all the extras I purchased for low cost (nice bonus.) Jon also took the time to make sure I understood the parts of my bike, which I really greatly appreciated.
I highly recommend Rick’s!

Came to Buffalo to visit a friend for a week. I had no mode of transportation since his bike was stolen shortly after he moved in to a new apartment. Went to Rick’s to rent a ride for the week. Lo and behold I am perusing their selection of used bikes and there is my friend’s bike. I tried to rent it and even buy it. No such luck, even after I explained to the gentleman that was helping me that it was in fact stolen. Long story short, I left the shop, called the police, and eventually the bike was returned to its rightful owner.
Can’t believe the lack of morality in some people. My advice is don’t patronize a shop that buys and sells stolen property! Not cool, Rick! Not cool!

I like their bikes, I didn’t think they were too pricey considering the types of bikes. Nice selection from old and junkie to nice and fancy. My sales guy must have farted as he was recommending bikes to me. It was bad. minus a star for that. They seem to have a lot of people on staff to help out.

We felt manipulated by the owner Thomas Azzarella. His prices are inconsistent. We were quoted one price and once we received the invoice the service was $ 25 instead of the initial quote of $ 5. He was replacing brake cables, which I got for $ 3 at another local bike shop. Rick’s was trying to charge $ 15. His bike renting rates are unreasonable. His customer service skills are horrific. I will never patronize this business. It doesn’t make sense when there is a decent alternative on Elmwood.

My husband and I go to both Rick’s and Campus for our bicycle needs. My husband is the super serious cyclist of the two of us. He collects and does serious cycling, fixes bikes on his own etc… He likes both places.
As an occasional cyclist, meaning I commute with my bike, but I don’t do 100 mile rides yet I am working up to it, I don’t find them to be snooty or anything. I went in on my own a couple of times to buy a U lock and to drop off my bike for a tune up. The person who did help me (taller guy) did correct me and call the U lock I guess by its correct name but I don’t think he meant it as a snobbish thing, its just what its called. He did help me, but left me to my own devices to pick one. Tune up was fine, no problems.
This place satisfies my need from them as an occasional cyclist.

I was directed over to Rick’s Cycle Shop from Campus Wheelworks since I was in search of a used bike– lady on a budget.
It took a few minutes of wandering around for someone to come over, but we had their undivided attention after that. I wanted a commute-​friendly bike for my ride to work. As a newcomer to this (only having a mountain bike previously), the staff member I worked with explained everything, broke down the positives and negatives of certain features and made sure I was comfortable with what I picked out.
The bike I purchased was unfinished at the time (around 10am on a Saturday morning), so they said they would have it ready Monday with the modifications I had requested (freewheel from fixed, brakes). To my surprise they called back the same day and had it ready to go!
The experience was great and the bike was affordable. Just what I wanted.

If you are looking for rude and lousy customer service paired with incompetent technical service, then Ricks Cycle Shop is your kindof place. After 8 consistently craptastic, rude, condescending visits to Ricks Cycle, I am fairly certain that I can adequately assess this… ahem… «business» (You would have think that I would have learned my lesson after my first experience, but I am a sucker for pain and punishment).
Upon moving to Albuquerque, NM, I brought my Canndondale into one of the local bike shops for a service. They could not believe that another bike shop (Ricks Cycle) had recently serviced my bike! The rear hub was completely trashed and this type of mechanical failure does not happen overnight. They estimated that the rear hub failed over 2 years ago, which means that Ricks serviced my bike twice without noticing this critical drivetrain failure.
Lets talk about a past experience at Ricks: My crank was replaced under warranty. I pedaled up Linwood Avenue and made it as far as Gates Circle because the crank fell off. So, this necessitated me walking my bike back to Ricks. To add injury to insult, they blamed me for the crank falling off. Really?! And here is the kicker– they were too busy to adequately repair my crank because they were super busy and behind in repairs. Apparently, they do not understand the concept of making things right.
This place is a never again. I recommend avoiding Ricks Cycle at all costs. Check out Northstar bikes on Eggert Road in Amherst.

Still don’t know if it’s Rick or Rick’s (contradictory info on website), but either way, I was not impressed.
I’ve been to enough bike shops to know that you often get very aloof service, but this place was the most aloof I’ve seen. I was looking for used bikes. They have a large selection, but I couldn’t get a staff person to help me at all. They were milling around doing their own thing and not acknowledging the customer. I would understand if I got a «Hi, be with you soon,» but we received no greeting. I will not be returning unless I’m desperate.