River City Bicycles

I bought my last bike this past summer at River City. They had an outstanding selection and I found a great bike at a reasonable price. I particularly liked that a test ride wasn't just a few circles in a parking lot - they sent me off on a miles-long loop along the Esplanade and riverfront. Smart - because by the time I got back I knew it was the right bike for me.

I bought a new lower-end bike from River City 1 year ago. I'm car-free and I ride hard almost everyday, so my bike has needed several adjustments and minor repairs over the past year. I've been uber impressed with their customer service. I 'll definitely buy my next bike from them.

We went to River City because they have a great reputation for their custom fits, particularly for women and that reputation is well-deserved. I cannot say enough good things about Danni and her expertise in getting the best bike for me. I am really short and have had back and neck problems from riding a bike too big for me for several years. In addition to the custom fit she worked with us to pick out the frame and components within the budget limits we set. She was always willing to listen to what it was we were looking for, let us have control over picking things out but give feedback to help us make the best decision possible, and worked with the frame maker extensively. I have been riding my new bike now for several months and I LOVE it with a passion. A great thing about the fit too is it is good for a year, so that you can go back in after riding for a while if something is bothering you. I did that, Danni was awesome and has never made me feel like we should just be done with this already, in fact I felt she is genuinely excited to know how much I like the bike! It is so worth the time and money to have a good fit.

The reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is I have to agree with other posters here about the quality of the RC staff overall. The first time I went in the person who greeted me told me I HAD to wear bike shorts for my fit, even though that is not what I ride in, wouldn't let me borrow some but wanted me to buy some $100 shorts! Danni cleared that up right away. In general, about half the staff doesn't seem to know what they are supposed to be doing besides slacking, and have what I consider to be unacceptable customer services skills in answering questions or taking phone messages. Other staff are great. It also took a bit longer to get the bike than anticipated but I think that was mostly the manufacturers fault. There were a few instances of miscommunication or lack of information so make sure you ask lots of questions.

So I stop by today, interested in test riding a steel frame road bike, wanting to compare the feel of steel with the aluminum bikes I've been trying out, etc. I pick out a 53cm LeMond (my comfort zone is 52-54cm), do some laps in the parking lot, and the rep tells me it's too big. "Well, it's just a 53," I say; "They're made big," he says, cutting me off. I try to get him to elaborate ("Is the top tube too high?" etc.), and he impatiently repeats "I think this bike is too big for you," with a look on his face like the one your mother uses when she's tired of justifying the house rules. THEN, he takes me inside and tries to get me interested in a 50cm aluminum frame bike. (Right after I tell him AGAIN that I want to test ride steelIs this guy deaf, or just ignoring me?) I stand over it, just to humor him, and with the center of the handlebars practically jabbing my you-know-what, say "This is too small." "I wouldn't exactly say that," he mutters. (He muttered a lot, and in about every direction except my face.) I tell him I'll keep looking elsewhere, and he goes off to horse around with another employee, balancing a roll of tape on his head. I'm not making this up. Was this guy hired because he's the owner's nephew, or was it his hipster clothes and tattoos?

I'd overlook this if it weren't for the fact that the last time I was here, I had a mountain bike that needed a new crankset. A rep (not the same one) told me they couldn't even look at it for 3 weeks since business was just so "insane" right then. I took it a few blocks away to Bike'n'Hike, where it was taken care of in about 30 minutes, and with friendly conversation to boot. Insane, indeed.

With a city full of bike retailing competition, you'd think this place would try harder. If it weren't for all the PDXers who require the sense of status that comes with shopping only at stores with a large stock of elite-priced bikes and parts, this place would be 6 feet under.

The staff at this shop is knowledgeable and friendly. If you are renting a bike, they'll be sure you have all the appropriate maps and that you are aware of Portland's bike laws. They also are ready with suggestions of good places to stop on your ride and what to check out when you get to your destination!

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I have been to this shop twice and twice this was my worst experience ever! Their staff is useless, prices are a way too high with lack of sales regardless of season and the shop's attitude leaves much to be desired. First time they replaced the brake pads (perhaps ripped off from the other bike) for my road bike Lemond Zurich 2001 and they lasted only for 3 months. I could not believe it as opposed to the 3 years of original manufacturer' product. I was so disappointed so that I went ahead and purchased online two pairs of brand new Koolstop V - type brake shoes plus pads. The best thing happened today was when I installed them on my bike and got the Rivercity shop to adjust them for me, I was told that these new universal brakes are only good for a mountain bike. O, god, such an incompetent nonsense and lie it turned out to be when later on that day, "Performance" bike shop had tuned them up for me just fine and free of charge. Rivercity were trying to sell me the same crappy pads for $10.00 a pair which normally retails for $3.99 elsewhere. Never again in my life I would deal with Rivercity again and please do yourself a favor to avoid it too as much as you could.

I agree with other reviewers. I visit Rivercity somewhat regularly and their staff is good or miss. Last time I went, I asked if they had a particular bike in stock. The cashier said they did not and did not offer any recommendations. Minutes later I talked to Stefan, and he showed me other similar models. He was extremelly helpful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable but the best part was when he ran out to the other warehouse to find the bike that I originally inquired about downstaris from the cashier. SO COOL!!
So, in one visit I experience VERY GOOD and VERY BAD service from two different staff Rivercity should make sure to keep the good salespeople because they are very very good and willl make your experience very pleasant.

I recently decided to purchase my first bike in 30 years, and my first performance bike, ever. I don't like to shop (for anything!). What could have been a grueling process turned out to be an enjoyable and informative experience, thanks to River City Bicycles. The staff could not have been more responsive, patient, or helpful. And the selection and inventory of bicycles is without parallel (at one site) in Portland. I sampled several other shops to check out brands not carried at River City. Service at some was excellent, at others, notably less so, but none came close to the total package of service and selection at River City.

After several visits to River City and many test rides, I must admit that I find it difficult to understand other reviewers' complaints about remote, condescending, or oppressively attentive staff. Throughout, I found River City staff cordial, available, and responsive without being "in my face" at every turn. I tend to be a fairly demanding customer, and so I'm no "Goldilocks," but all in all, I found the experience at River City Bikes "just right" -- even one Spring-like Saturday when the shop was swarming with people.

I would recommend River City without hesitation.

We bought one and a half bikes here and received spectacular service!! Our tag a long was having problems, the fixed it and gave us an extra hitch, no charge!! When they did not have a basket for our daughters bike they gave it to us because we had to come back, truly a top notch company!!!

Very disappointing experience. Lots of annoying attitude and very little help. I called inquiring after a bike they listed on their website. After 15 minutes, one call back and three sighing employees, someone got around to telling me that they did not have the bike in stock, and they didn't know when they could get one. (The dealers website was down, the last guy explained).

I called another shop, they thought they had the bike in stock, and if they didn't they could get one in a week. No word on the "dealer website problem."

And they had the same bike for 50 bucks less.

I bought it there.

River City bikes.overpriced, inefficient, attitude challenged and poorly informed.