New Canaan Bicycles — Local services in New Canaan

As casual cyclists, my wife and I felt it was time to get really good-fitting helmets, update the lighting on our bikes after seeing the visibility of cyclists who had LED lights, and to get advice on a bicycle rack for our car. Chad and Lou were very helpful and very friendly. Some years ago, at a different shop (now out of business), I was treated with diffidence because I wasn't there to spend several thousands on a bike. At New Canaan Bicycles, the staff took the time to make sure we got the proper equipment, particularly the helmets, and to answer our questions. They examined our car to determine the best bicycle rack.We had a little trouble finding the shop because although the address is 96 Park St. in New Canaan, the shop doesn't actually face Park St. but faces the parking lot behind the stores that front Park Street. Entrance to that parking lot isn't too visible, either. The sloping driveway to the lot is on the north side of Cherry Street between Park St....

Terrible service. I should have known when my cyclist husband (Triple Bypass, Grand Fondo, Bike to the Beach, Death Ride) said they were overpriced and lousy. I called ahead to see if they could fit my child’s bike with training wheels which had disappeared. After dressing me down about how worthless my bike was without them and how Specialized doesn’t sell training wheels separately - “why would they?”, he asked, “they are in the business of selling bikes.” We googled and found them available for $20 through Specialized. All the while my four year old is having an epic tantrum in the car. I went back to thank him for his condescension and explain we can easily get them. Instead of apologizing - he went on to further explain that he can’t get them as a distributor. Whatever. Irritating. Poor info. Unhelpful. Won’t ever ever go again. Love love love Wilton...

The honest truth is there are several good bicycle shops in Fairfield County. But I took the time to leave a review here, because New Canaan Bicycles is a great bike shop. All shops know customer service is their bread and butter, and NCB certainly excel in that area. In a recent weekend visit, there was a flurry of activity, but everyone seemed to get exactly what they were looking for. From child learners, and adult cyclists just starting out, these guys are a great resource for advice and direction. They have an excellent product line. What is surprising to me is, as an ex racer and someone who really is fascinated with the very high end of the cycling product range, these guys have that covered as well. From exotic european brands, to home-grown brands like Felt, there are lots of choices for riders...