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Passion Trail Bikes
Our name says it – we are passionate about bikes and riding. Someone reported on MTBR.COM that “if it's in Passion, it's high quality and you won't waste your money. But, I'm sure that if you do want to waste your money he can help you with that too.” That sums us up pretty well.
Shop Summary: A high end shop specializing in mountain biking. Their primary interest is to get you going, and keep you going, on equipment that is exactly right for you. Everything is open, honest, and straightforward. Items are priced in round numbers, say $10 rather than the more psychologically appealing $9.99. They tend to stock a relatively small number of bikes, but they have demo bikes and arrange special demo days each season. This allows them to help you determine the correct bike for you and order it, rather than pushing what's in stock. They fit every bike they sell. When they ask "How does that feel?," they are not just asking if you like it or not. The bike has been adjusted to you for correct bicycling bio-mechanics, and they want to see if you are accustomed to riding a bike that is correctly set up.
They also create a real sense of community at the shop. The staff lead rides at local trails, and there are frequent gatherings.
Customer Service: I drive past probably a dozen bike shops on my way to Passion. I selected this shop because I wanted to be lead, step by step, through my first custom built bike. I got everything I wanted and more. When they said that to help me select my new bike they wanted to see me ride, they didn't mean around the parking lot. I joined them on one of the Wednesday off-road rides. Then they measured me on my bike, checking the fit and geometry I had been riding. When we went through part selection for my new bike, I wanted to consider the super stiff and light Maverick fork. After some calculations, Charles said that we should not consider it; since I'd be putting it on a 29er and I needed an upright riding position for my bad back, the top tube was 5/8" shorter than he'd like to see. We settled on the Fox F29 fork, but he did not want to sell me the one that had been on his shelf for a few months. That one was a 100mm travel model, and he felt that given what he saw of me riding, he wanted to put me on the new 120mm version. It speaks volumes to me that he bypassed an opportunity to move a costly piece of inventory in favor of making an incremental improvement in my build.
Other Comments: I have bought many expensive bikes and motorcycles over the years, and I have never had a better experience than having a custom build done at Passion. If you want to sincerely be called 'sir' each time you are addressed, go to Bicycle Outfitter. If you want a decent bike at a decent price, go to Wheel Away. If you want to be sold the absolute latest fad in equipment - whether or not it is for you - go to Trailhead. If you want the lowest price for a given set of components, buy a bike on line. If you want to be made to feel fortunate that someone paid you enough attention to read the price tag to you, there are any number of bike shops in Palo Alto to accommodate you. If, however, you want a really good bike that is just right for you, fits you correctly, and will be serviced by people who really take care of you, go straight to Passion Trail Bikes, and don't ever look back.
Shop Summary: Great shop, great service, knowledgeable, friendly staff. Good selection of bikes, tools, parts, and accessories. Love their dogs too.
Customer Service: Excellent customer service. Charles and Berry spent several hours when I was looking for a bike and Charles even let me take his Giant Reign 1 for a ride at Waterdog. Always helpful and when I have left a bike for service I always get a call when it is ready. They have always had the bike ready before they say they will have it done.
Other Comments: What I like most about everyone at the shop is their commitment to biking and mt. biking in particular. They have group rides for all levels, female fridays, demo days, and many other activities. They not only sell you the bike but they'll take you riding. Outside of the rides they spend time developing the trails, doing maintenance and attending events. For them it's not just about selling the bike to you.
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Shop Summary: I can't say enough good things about this shop. Charles, Patty, and crew are the best in the business. I do a lot of my own maintenance, but they handle all the hard stuff for me. . .and I get all of my parts from them.
They are located very close to Waterdog park, so if I need to pick something up from them, I just wrap it into a ride trip (I live in San Francisco.) A few months ago, I was looking for a small part to finish off a project, and drove all over the city to find it. I should have saved some time and driven down to Belmont in the first place, because after an hour or two of driving around the city, I called them and sure enough they had what I was looking for.
They are incredibly active in supporting the local mountain bike scene. Patty does more trail work than anyone I know and is a great bike activist; and they also host great rides and weekend trips.
Lastly, don't forget about their lounge. . .3 beers on tap, an espresso maker, and usually some other tasty goodies laying around. All bike shops could learn a thing or two from watching the crew at Passion.
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Shop Summary: LOVE this shop. Not only are they knowledgeable and helpful, they seem to have a great time doing it.
A little off the beaten path, this shop has a very different vibe than many others. Driven by a passion for and love of the sport, this crew is committed to developing the mountain bike community and keeping trails open. I have received expert advice every step of the way in my transition from roadie to dirt queen.
Customer Service: I recently bought my bike here and have to say the service was top notch. The staff at passion was patient and knowledgeable and always took the time to answer my questions and even just help discuss the various options, features, advantages of the different bikes I was considering. There was no pressure, but once I did settle on the bike, I think Charles was more excited about it than I - IF that is possible?
Other Comments: And the post ride bbqs ROCK!
They also have a monthly ladies ride designed to help women grow and develop their skills without the pressure of testosterone. Seriously -- the ladies only ride is still a kick axx ride, but with a very different feel to it.
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