Review Date
September 7, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Customer Service Rating
 5 of 5

Technical Expertise Rating
 5 of 5

I visit this shop:
Once a year

Reviewed by: GlowBoy ,  Cross Country Rider

Shop Summary:
Coventry Cycle Works has gained a strong reputation for recumbent sales from its low-key Hawthorne Boulevard store. They carry 9 different brands of recumbent two and three wheelers, including the predominant brands Easy Racers, RANS, Burley and Bacchetta (my personal favorite).

Customer Service:
After having my neck injured in car accidents (rear enders, not my fault) two years in a row, I decided to check out recumbents in case it turned out I would no longer be able to do long road rides on upright bikes without discomfort. Although an enthusiast rider in his 30s is not the typical recumbent buyer profile, the staff at CCW were extremely helpful, demonstrated proficient knowledge of the differences between and models, and took the time to help me figure out which bikes would fit my needs. They let me ride numerous bikes, taking them out for as long as I wished. I was allowed to ride the bike I ultimately chose as my favorite, the Bacchetta Giro, for about an hour, taking it all over SE Portland including some dirt trails on Mt. Tabor.

Although my injuries have abated and I can comfortably ride upright bikes again, I am grateful for the help I received at CCW and for now being able to know exactly what I want should I ultimately decide to buy a recumbent. Not a full-spectrum bike shop by any means, but if you're in the market for a recumbent they rate 5+ stars across the board.

Other Comments:
Other shops in the area that sell recumbents? Are you kidding? OK, sometimes River City stocks a few, but that's about it as far as I'm aware. Coventry is THE place to go.