Catonsville Bicycles and Skateboards — Local services in Catonsville

New to the area, really wanted to like them, but I was not impressed and will not be back. Took my bike in for a tune-up and new chain after seeing all the rave reviews; after they told me it was ready, the newly replaced chain jumped several times very loudly just biking it over to the parking lot. The guy at the shop sheepishly told me maybe someone forgot to test-ride it since it rained, but that they'd fix it. Wasn't impressed, but fine. Came back the next day to pick it up when ready, same problem. Mechanic was initially condescending, told me I wasn't supposed to be using a different gear and the problem wouldn't be there. Then took another look and told me additional work was needed. I was unhappy I had to be the one who found the problem twice just from biking to to the parking lot when they supposedly "test rode" it, asked for a refund for the tune-up. Manager/owner refused, but to his credit did offer to do the additional work needed at a discount. Never received an apology. I declined - for the price they charged, I expected more professionalism...

This bike shop is very well run. They are a distributor for several e bike brands, and last year I purchased an Aventon 500.3 ebike. They assembled the bike, and ordered accessories that they installed at a later date. There was an initial minor problem with the bike and they handled the part replacement efficiently. Later after 800 miles there was another problem and there was an ease in communicating the problem, and having it resolved. As the owner of 2 ebikes the down the road issues are part of the process of ownership. To have ordered from a well run bike shop, that cares for the bike after the sale is a huge benefit. The owner Trace Thompson is an enthusiastic guy who really likes what he does, and it shows. It is hard to find a business that checks all the boxes for ease of communication, professional operation, and fair prices, but this bike shop checks all the boxes...

Best bicycle shop in the area is the name that my son has given this business. He loves to come here and shop for all things having to do with his favorite hobby which is riding his bike. Everytime his bike breaks or needs any accessories, this is where he loves to go. I've had the pleasure of meeting the Owner, Trace Thomson. He's very knowledgable,personable, and very friendly with his all of his customers. He can also be somewhat a mentor to the younger customers that come through the shop which a big reason for my son choosing to shop here verses other like businesses. I think we can use more business like this in our neighborhoods because they make this old statement very true, "... it take a village to raise a child." For this reason as well as other, I truly believe that this is one of the best local businesses in the Catonsville...