I've been around to quite a few shops in the Seattle area and none of them have the level of skill or service that Arron's has. That said, STAY AWAY FROM THIS SHOP IF: you want the absolute lowest... More

I've been around to quite a few shops in the Seattle area and none of them have the level of skill or service that Arron's has. That said, STAY AWAY FROM THIS SHOP IF: you want the absolute lowest prices and don't care about service; you want to try parts and return them if you don't like them or they don't fit; you are easily offended or upset if someone disagrees with you. THIS SHOP IS FOR YOU IF: You want the job done right (they aren't perfect, but you'd be hard pressed to find anyone equal, let alone better); are willing to pay more for the right part; aren't going to be offended if someone tells you something you don't want to hear. One of the things that separates Aaron's from other bike shops is the immediate (when possible) service. They'd rather fix your bike while you wait rather than keep it for a week. With the newer shop they do have more space to store bikes, however, and are probably going to be better about accepting drop-offs. Often, they will insist that you bring your bike in before selling you something. So even if you just want to buy a set of fenders, it's best to bring the bike in. I can't count how many times I've been spared buying something that wouldn't have worked because they had me bring in the bike. To me, that's worth paying extra. If you bring your bike in, they won't touch it unless you are prepared to do what is necessary to get it into a state that they deem safe. That means, that if your handlebars are ready to fall off, they won't just fix a flat tire. They prefer fixing something before replacing it, if it can be done safely. Many customers happily leave with a their old refurbished bike, rather than a new one. Aaron is opinionated. Occasionally (or often) you won't agree with him. If you're the kind of person who can agree to disagree, you'll be fine. He may, at times, seem grumpy. Chances are it's nothing personal and if it is, I doubt you'll need to guess. He takes pride in his work and only hires people that do the same. 'Nuff said.
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Perfect new name for this shop. I have spent sooo much money in there and am treated like new meat every time I walk in. AA is so freaked out about being sued, he refuses to give a simple answer to... More

Perfect new name for this shop. I have spent sooo much money in there and am treated like new meat every time I walk in. AA is so freaked out about being sued, he refuses to give a simple answer to a simple question. His responses transport me to a twilight zone induced state every time. Also, can't figure why such nice employee's stay in an obviously abusive relationship. Get out while you can - you all deserve better
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These guys may have a good selection, but they will charge you 25%-50% more for the exact same part. The location is convenient, but I can't afford it. I've started driving over the bridge to save... More

These guys may have a good selection, but they will charge you 25%-50% more for the exact same part. The location is convenient, but I can't afford it. I've started driving over the bridge to save money.
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The guys working there are very nice and helpful. I have nothing but good things to say about them. i like the general: bike as a mainstream transportation mindset and high quality products. ... More

The guys working there are very nice and helpful. I have nothing but good things to say about them. i like the general: bike as a mainstream transportation mindset and high quality products. i think their prices are a bit high, but they carry nice stuff and i think we should all pay a couple extra bucks to support local small retailers. my personal perception of the owners attitude is another story... I don't feel he had my best interest in mind in our transactions, but sometimes folks don't click and maybe that was all it was...
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All I did was ask Peter White if he was OK with the online, public, discounted order. (discounts should be taken in person at time of sale). It was Dutch Bike Seattle's FIRST order for B&M lights. ... More

All I did was ask Peter White if he was OK with the online, public, discounted order. (discounts should be taken in person at time of sale). It was Dutch Bike Seattle's FIRST order for B&M lights. It seemed like a back door deal. The truth came out later when the owner, David, said he was not aware of the order! Now if Dutch Bikes had been a stocking dealer and actually had lights in stock then I would not have said a thing. Still the fact remains that I did NOT do anything wrong. It was Peter White that stopped the sale, not me. All I did was ask him if he was OK with it. As some have said, I narked or snitched them out. But get real, that is so grade-school. It was a business decision, nothing more.
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The owner of this shop is very good at fixing bikes, but is ridiculously possessive of his customers. Even though I was a frequent and high-spending customer, he'd complain if he noticed a part on... More

The owner of this shop is very good at fixing bikes, but is ridiculously possessive of his customers. Even though I was a frequent and high-spending customer, he'd complain if he noticed a part on my bike not purchased at his shop. When he found out I was getting a discount on a headlight light from another shop, he called the distributor and had the other shop's account suspended for providing "too much discount". I will never shop there again. Google "Busch & Muller Aaron" if you're curious.
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They build nice wheels and you know you are supporting a real family, but it's otherwise hard to justify paying 30-50% more than anywhere else. Every part is astoundingly expensive. I just got... More

They build nice wheels and you know you are supporting a real family, but it's otherwise hard to justify paying 30-50% more than anywhere else. Every part is astoundingly expensive. I just got charged $50 for an LX hub out of the box, no documentation, and he made me pay extra for the skewer. All the Rivendell stuff is 50% more than the non member price from their site. Next, you feel like you get conned into buying stuff you don't really need, service you wouldn't otherwise order, and the hidden costs are just silly. I'm tired of it. The only nice thing about the place is that Val works there on Sundays. Buying at a local shop may be a mark of personal virtue but there are other shops that are much nicer to you, don't ridicule your bike, and don't fleece you unnecessarily.
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I purchased a bicycle online and had Aaron's build the bike for me once it arrived. They did a great job and at a fair price. They also worked with me to make sure things would fit before I ordered... More

I purchased a bicycle online and had Aaron's build the bike for me once it arrived. They did a great job and at a fair price. They also worked with me to make sure things would fit before I ordered and then when the built the bike they measured me again to make sure it was just right. I have even stopped by occasionally when I needed something tuned and they did it free of charge.
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and let me tell you. i like fried stuff with cheese aaron not only owns and runs a bike shop, but he gives a shit about people in teh bike community. He regularly rides with local groups, always... More

and let me tell you. i like fried stuff with cheese aaron not only owns and runs a bike shop, but he gives a shit about people in teh bike community. He regularly rides with local groups, always helping out with info and quick fixes out on the road. Spending your money with someone that will fix your bike right the first time, and also comes out and rides with you... that's pure awesome ABR is relaxed and cozy like a home. You'll find some shop cats rubbing up on your leg and might even get offered a cool one while you wait for a repair. I can't forget to mention the bicycle tube vending machine outside the front door. only place that ive ever seen that. more awesome than fried stuff with cheese
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Aaron has helped me and a lot of my friends with many bike related issues. He helped me build up my new bike and has been incredibly helpful both with his knowledge and skills as a bike mechanic... More

Aaron has helped me and a lot of my friends with many bike related issues. He helped me build up my new bike and has been incredibly helpful both with his knowledge and skills as a bike mechanic and by being sensitive to my budget. If i didn't live so far away i would be at ABR at least twice a week. Four stars, he'd get one more if he built a north end outlet ;)
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