Diamond Cycle Montclair — Local services in Montclair

Here's my update, 1 year later. I would rate them even higher now, if only I hadn't already rated them at 5 stars before. Summary: A bike shop is so much more than just the bikes you see on the showroom floor.

When I visited the store in December of 2020, the pandemic had already made buying almost ANY new bicycle next to impossible. Thankfully, I wasn't in the market for a new bike, anyway. Or so I thought. But Joe asked me if I had any interest in a really nice road bike. I said No, because I had only just bought a Trek Domane the year before, literally a few months before the pandemic hit. But then he showed me something I had thought completely impossible: a beautiful, sleek, light, and seriously-equipped road bike: the Giant TCR Advanced Pro. I'll never recall the number (Pro-0?, Pro-1?), but it had electronic shifting, in the form of Shimano Ultegra DI-2, as well as hydraulic disc brakes, and even a power meter! Even more scary, it was my size. I couldn't really understand how such a high-end bike was on sale at this store. Turns out that they had special-ordered it for a customer, but it had arrived much earlier than they had expected, not to mention much sooner than the customer's finances were ready to absorb. But there it was, and I tried it out, and it felt great. I've been riding it for the last year, and it is hands-down the best bicycle I've ever ridden. Whenever it has required any tune-ups and/or repairs, Chris has always handled them quickly and expertly.

It's now a year later, and just yesterday I happened to mention to Chris--arguably the lead mechanic, and the one who not only knows way too much about high-end bicycles and how to fix/upgrade them, but also owns, rides and races them himself, religiously--that I was interested in a really nice, electronic-shifting gravel grinder. At first, he said exactly what I expected him to say: that the pandemic made the lead-time for ordering such a bike something like a year, and possibly even a bit longer. But then he surprised me: he told me exactly how to go online and find a perfect machine--also built by Giant, and somewhat of a close-cousin to my TCR road bike--that was for sale at a shop an hour south of me, and in MY exact size. I inquired what he and Diamond Cycle would earn from such a sale. "Nothing, but I just want to see you get the best bike you can possibly get".

This pleasant episode sort of capped a gradually-forming understanding, on my part, that a bike shop in general, and Diamond Cycle in particular, is more than just the bikes that they have on display when you peruse their stock. It's the combined knowledge and experience of the guys that work there, not just selling and servicing bicycles, but also researching them and the evolution of product offerings over time, experimenting with them and all their newest features, and getting incredibly resourceful when it comes to locating a bike to meet your special need/interest.

In all those traits that I just mentioned, Diamond Cycle has one incredibly top-notch mechanic in Chris!! Sure, he and the shop won't get any economic reward when I pick up my new gravel grinder. But you can rest assured that they will be doing all of the repair work and every single upgrade that my newest machine ever requires.

For a few years running, I've brought pretty much every one of my high-end, performance bikes here for service. They've never once let me down. Craig, Chris, Vinnie and Joe are all accomplished mechanics, who have always been able to solve every problem I've brought their way. And the problems only get harder as you get into the performance market (hydraulic disk brakes, electronic shifting, and more). So consider: they don't routinely sell bikes at my price point, but I routinely bring my bikes to their shop for service, instead of to the shops that I've bought them at. I think that says it all. Now I just need to figure out a way to buy my next bike...

TLDR: great service, scheduled drop offs for maintenance, always nice and accommodating.

I've been coming to Diamond Cycle since 2020 when I purchased my first bicycle (as an adult) and they continue to do phenomenal work.

This shop helped set me up with what has turned out to be the best commuting bicycle I could have ever wanted, including warranty and maintenance. They talked me through all the maintenance I should do to be a good bicycle owner, including for the tires and chains for longevity. They've also worked with me to help determine good intervals for maintenance vs how much I ride, since I average ~40 miles commuting per week.

Diamond Cycle was able to help me fix my bicycle after I was hit by a car. They got my bike back in pristine order and for a reasonable maintenance service charge.

I bought a second bicycle with Diamond Cycle last year, and they were instrumental in helping me obtain a newly released Brompton T Line model that is still difficult to come by.

Diamond Cycle has always been great with scheduling and getting my bikes in for services as a drop in or as a planned drop offs. While they can definitely get busy (which I believe shows how many people love this shop and their service) they always do their best to help and service as many people as possible.

I am planning to drop off my skis for service this year as well, and have no doubts they will do an...

Love the boys here, been going for years. Joe always helps me in the front and is super chill and knowledgeable, everyone in back works so darn much I've never spoken to them because this place is always busy - which is a great sign. No storage fees if you drop off a bike early or pick it up a few days after repairs... I can't find a negative thing to say.

Just had ebike tune-up (mechanical only - they're upfront they don't play with the electronics, which is fine and they are upfront to say so which is nice) and they were super transparent about pricing - which, when you're dealing with bikes that cost as much as they do, is a relief. It's exceptionally reasonable.

Hell, I asked them to bleed the brake lines if they even had a dream they needed to and they didn't bother. No need. They don't rake you over the coals. You pay for excellent service with no frills. Wish car mechanics were half as honest!

I cannot recommend them more highly. Even when I moved further away, I go back to them every time regardless. Earned my trust and business.

Oh, and the door conveniently swings inward so you can wheel your bike in there with little issue! Even for my beast of a 100lbs Himmiway Zebra!

Go there. No further...