Mike's Bike Park - Best of Dayton! - Sales / Service / Indoor Riding — Attraction in Dayton

When I arrived, the walkway to the entrance wasn't cleared of snow, and I almost fell while walking up the incline. When I got inside, I immediately noticed that there was absolutely NO heat inside.(this to me was the biggest issue) I thought this was unusual, because the handful of other times I have been there(always in winter) it has been kept around 55-60°. At first I thought it would be fine, I'll probably warm up. After I rode for about 10 minutes however, I still wasn't comfortable. It was warmer than outside obviously (20°) but my face and hands were really cold and my discomfort was already affecting my riding. Besides the lack of heat, the ceiling was leaking in spots, and there were quite a few buckets in areas, some actually on riding areas, plus wet spots on the floor. A lot of the lights were not turned on either. There was also construction happening on the second floor, which I think is great! More stuff coming! But unfortunately it was just another thing to me at the moment, because a whole section was unridable. I am from out of state and I drove over 2 hours to ride here, only to stop after a few minutes. Pretty bummed. I tried getting a refund but got a store credit instead, using it to buy a small part. I would have rather gotten my money back, so it could have at least helped with gas. It's a pretty big deal to drive as far as I did just to immediately go home. I hated to write this review because I also work in the bike industry and know shops have off days, so I don't want to put anyone down. I usually love coming here! Definitely have a good thing going on, but this was enough of an issue to me that I felt I needed to say something.

Best...

First off... Mike is a stand-up guy. Mike could've chosen a career as a professional baby-sitter. He's a hip dude, rocks a sweet beard, and keeps cool under pressure. But instead, Mike decided to construct a bike park for Dayton with his bare hands (and by the sheer will of his beard). To say the least, Mike is a phenomenal guy. When I first visited his pride-and-joy of a bike park, he let me sample every bike in sight, including his own personal bikes and bikes that I didn't even rent just so I could get a clearer understanding of how a dirt jumper is the best for his playground that he has built for all of us Daytonians.

In summation, I can't recommended Mike's enough. He was there late when other bike shops were closed and I needed a tune-up/inspection on my road bike's rear derailleur. Do I recommend riding a carbon fiber road bike at Mike's? HECK NO! Do I recommend you support his business though by taking your bike there for tune-ups, buying parts and equipment from him, and obviously riding on his wooden creations? Yes... fo' sho' bro'!

Have fun... burn some calories... and support Mike and his business because he MADE it and it's local.

And just for the record, I have not been compensated for this review. This is an all organic review typed with locally-sourced words....

I had Mike's build a custom bmx bike for me without ever visiting the place before. Weeks later I returned to ride their park for the first time.

I dropped off a frame, parts, etc and approximately 48 hours later they had it all put together and tuned up for me ready for pick up. Price was about $140 for a complete build, plus two wheels including spokes in each wheel. From what I've found this is on par with other bike shops. It was worth it to me to know that it was done right and not have to mess with it myself. Very pleased with their services there.

Weeks later I returned with my wife and son to ride the park itself. They recently had a price change which we were informed of upon check in. It used to be $20 all day pass, and is now $25 for an all day pass. I understand why they do all day passes, but which they offered session prices somehow (1-2 hours for X dollars). I rented my son a scooter for $20 and helmets were a couple dollars to rent too.

The ramps are really fun to ride, and it was not that crowded at all. Personally wish there were longer rhythm sections to ride but was still fun. The arcade room is an added bonus for kids to take a break from and chill out.

Definitely worth checking out and wish them all...