Best of Tucson 1996: Best Bike Shop

Best Bike Shop

Full Cycle
3232 E. Speedway

READERS' PICK: There's no shortage of bike stores in Tucson, but you'd be hard pressed to find a full-service shop on par with Full Cycle. Following the industry trend, the shop has swerved off the beaten path to include all the latest for your mountain-biking needs, from a lifetime of free tune-ups (if you buy your bike there) to ongoing classes, weekend rides, and even the inside scoop on nutritional supplements. The real draw here is the shop's crack team of professionals, who always make you feel like they've been waiting for you to walk in with a problem they can solve. They always have the same answer when we call on a Saturday (their busiest day) with some minor adjustment: "Just bring it in and we'll take a look at it." You don't have to be an expert to feel at home at Full Cycle; but they'll turn you into one in no time.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Speedway Bikes, 3013 E. Speedway.

STAFF PICK: You're the engine! But propelling yourself on two wheels in the nineties has the added challenge of selecting and then maintaining the proper drive-train for your cycling needs. The TW staff has chosen Racer's Edge Bicycles as their officially recommended bike shop for three reasons: selection, service and dependability. Is there a giblet they don't have or can't get? Don't think so. If you need it, they'll get it. Road or dirt, novice to pro, the Edge staff can help you pick out your first bike or custom fit you to a new racing machine. A super in-shop selection of quality brands like Diamondback, Giant and hand-built Cannondale are always worth a look, even if you're just in for a few Power Bars. With the complexity of modern bike components, it's quite a relief to have their expert staff take the time to acquaint you with your new purchase.

And your relationship with the Edge doesn't end when you step out the door: The expert service department can keep your steed running clean, well after the break-in period. Top-notch service builds confidence and comfort out on the road or trail.

Already have a bike? It isn't made of a space-age metal and its brand name also makes lawnmowers? Perhaps you need to hear the story of The Weekly Staff Bicycle. This $50 beauty was purchased from an editor's "brodder," who'd brought her over from Jersey. She was dusty, rusty and hadn't been ridden in years. She needed help...she needed the Edge. Dave and Sam, the surgeons at RE, brought the 16-year-old 10-speed back to life. Now "Wind Chaser" is a daily commuter in the downtown Tucson area and the Tucson Weekly Staff Bike. She's a fast retro ride, and she rocks! Oh, and punks don't want to steal her. The story leaves us teary-eyed, and also clinches our vote.

A PERFECT 10: The Ordinary Bike Shop is unpretentious and unimposing. It's small, but crammed with new and used bikes and all the basic appliances you'll need to hit the road (or trail). Unlike other more pricey joints, where you may feel like an outsider unless you're up on headsets, hydraulic calipers and fork shocks, the Ordinary feels homey and peaceful: You'll want to pull up a chair and hang out awhile. And if they don't have what you want, owner and resident expert Doug Horner will do his best to tell you the most reasonable place to find it. Be sure to note the extraordinarily cool lighted bike suspended above the front entrance.