December 28/24 14:15 pm - 2024 Best Bike Shops - The Winners

Posted by Editor on 12/28/24
 

We are pleased to announce the winners in our 13th annual search for the Best Shops in Canada, as chosen by you, the readers of Canadian Cyclist. Thousands of votes were cast from all across Canada. It's been another difficult year for small businesses across Canada, and bike shops had it extra hard.

We have gone through the ballots and broken them down by region to determine the 2024 Canadian Cyclist Best Bike Shops. A total of 38 shops from across the country have been selected - if the shop wishes to receive a certificate identifying them as the local bike shop most respected by their customers, please contact us.

Twenty five (25) shops repeated as winners - up three from last year. The two shops that have won in the previous 12 years - The Cyclery in Ottawa and Pedalhead Road Works in Edmonton - are on our list again, making them the only 13-time winners.

Over 250 shops received nominations, with many shops tweeting about the competition, or including a link to it in their newsletters and social media pages. There were many newcomers to the nomination list.

Two things shone through for all of the top ranked stores: customer service and passion for cycling, often expressed by involvement in the local community.

Congratulations to all our winners.

Here are the 2024 Canadian Cyclist Best Bike Shops. We have included a quote from a voter for each shop.

Atlantic Region

Explore Velo - Fredericton, New Brunswick Paul and team are the absolute best! Not only is ExploreVelo the best bike shop around, but they're so involved in the local community, sponsoring riders, events, and giving back to community organizations. Over the past few years the number of ExploreVelo jerseys you see around town has grown and grown, you've never seen a bike shop so well represented by its customers, and that says a lot. Not only are people happy to shop there, but they want to go out of their way to buy a shop jersey to promote while they're riding.

Hub Cycle - Truro, Nova Scotia Hub Cycle is my favourite bike shop because they value their customers so much. Each employee goes above and beyond to make sure their customers are happy. They have built such a wonderful cycling community in my town and I'm very grateful!

Mike's Bike Shop - Dieppe, New Brunswick It feels like home to me. Every staff person envelopes whoever is before them. It doesn't matter if you are there to browse, buy, or just belong. It always feels just right.

Outdoor Elements - Sussex, New Brunswick I moved to Sussex in February 2019 and the first mountain bike I bought was at this awesome bike/ski shop on the main strip. I grew to love the area and scenic terrain. Along with The Bluffs , Poley Mountain offers not only ski/snowboarding but has expanded from 4 Mountain biking trails to 10 in 5 years is phenomenal. A great deal of the success of this is with the help of John McNair and his top team of techs, sales and helpful advice . They have literally grown the community and surrounding areas to become outdoor enthusiasts !! They go beyond the call of duty and are all about growing the sports, showing extreme passion for the land, nature and ecological appreciation for the beauty of Southern New Brunswick. I have bought 5 bikes over the last 5 1/2 years , tons of gear and biking clothing . This place has it all !!


Quebec

C & L Cycle - Montreal They provide an exceptional array of products and services focused on riders doing fun and useful things on beautiful and practical bikes. They are humble and approachable yet profoundly skilled and experienced. There is no bike shop in Canada that balances all of these attributes as well as C&L! I try to support my LBS when I can, but more often than not I can only get the parts and services I need with C&L, despite being a province away.

Centre du Velo La Shop - Gatineau Great service. This shop is owned and operated by regular riders...makes all the difference when it comes to useful tips!

Polo Vélo - Chelsea They have great service, a nice espresso machine, are located next to Gatineau Park for any last minute needs, and sponsor local teams (Rouleurs Polo Vélo and Agowatt).

Studio Vélo - Drummondville I love the variety of products they have in store. They always have new products and are always on the lookout for new products on the market. In addition, the advisors are simply incredible. They know their products, and always offer sound advice whether it's on the road, gravel or mountain. My parents even bought their electric bikes and they loved the service before their purchase but also after.


Ontario - Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Attune Atelier - Toronto These guys are easily the best mechanics in the city. They do all things most shops won't touch, wheel builds, Campagnolo, custom builds, you name it. I also know this is one of those places other shops bring work they can't figure out - it's a new shop but they really do deserve it.

Bicycles Plus - Whitby John and Arlene cultivate a close knit cycling community that is inclusive and supportive by creating cycling groups that keep people riding and connected long after the bike purchase is made. They are pillars of the cycling community.

Blacksmith Cycle - Toronto Mike and the team at Blacksmith go above and beyond. While their focus is on high-end and custom builds, the driving force in the shop is exceptional customer service and community building. They organise rides, host how-to sessions, and generally promote good vibes. Lots of love for Mike and crew!

Cyclepath Danforth - Toronto Friendly staff, great service and selection. Weekly group rides and they give back to the community. They are a cornerstone of the cycling community in Toronto.

D'Ornellas Bike Shop - Scarborough Eon's store is one of a kind. A family owned business that has no match. Personalized shopping and service from the knowledgeable owners and staff.

Giant Scarborough - Scarborough Very knowledgeable and friendly staff, will assist you in every way they can help.

Kind Human - Toronto Ayal and the team are the best. As a new cyclist, they helped me understand the nuances of frames and sets and got me kitted out perfectly. I always feel safe and secure on my bike with those guys. And the tune ups are next level.

Via Ciclante - Mississauga JP and the team are truly knowledgeable not only about bikes , but endurance training (nutrition, clothing, etc). They are absolutely passionate about the sport and fitness. When you shop at Via Ciclante it's more than the bike. Always a fun store to visit.

Urbane Cyclist - Toronto Urbane has fair and affordable bikes with the best in-store merch in Toronto. Urbane also advocates for the rights of people who bike in Toronto and is run fairly as a worker owned co-op with staff and customers treated well.


Ontario - East & Center

The Cyclery - Ottawa Vince and his staff always manage to find what you are looking for. He is so generous with his time and sponsorship whether it be the women's team, behind the scenes for crits or the EOCX series. Absolutely love this shop!

Wildrock Outfitters - Peterborough They have good scheduling, take time to understand concerns, communicate well especially around pricing of parts and labour, explain how things work so I can keep my bike in top condition. Comprehensive bike fits have been stellar for me. The prime focus is making my bike work best for me.


Ontario - North

Algoma Bicycle Company - Sault Ste Marie Algoma Bikes is an amazing shop. They are really great. My family has been dealing with them for over 17 years.

Crank & Sprocket - Orillia I live an hour from Orillia and I will drive the distance because it is a very welcoming place and if you go in once they will try to remember you and call you by name. They also have great products.

Parry Sound Bikes - Parry Sound Great people! (And great service and products). Excellent knowledge and service whether it comes to bikes or Nordic skiing. Great support of riding in the community with weekly group rides for all levels. Best shop dog ever - Franklin the Springer spaniel. And co owner Aleesha Clarke is a Parry Sound native committed to her community along with husband Thomas Clarke.


Ontario - Southwest

County Cycle - Beamsville Nik and the crew stand behind their work and their products! Wide range of bikes from top shelf eMtBs to kids whips and accessories! Espouses everything important (local, environment, fun, style, humour, togetherness) to the cycling community!

Dundas Speed Shop - Dundas Chad G is a legend. So nice, helpful, and humble. I learned he has been to dozens of championships and the Olympics for Team Canada through another customer not through him. He works with you to find what you need for your riding style not what marketing departments are pushing.

Ziggy's Cycle - Kitchener The staff are always friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. They support so many adult and youth cycling programs in our community. We are so grateful to the owner Marta for all she has done for the community as a whole and our own family who has two high performance athletes.


Manitoba/Saskatchewan

Bikes & Beyond - Winnipeg, Manitoba This past year I have had the opportunity to travel, east, west and south of the border. During this time I visited many different bike shops. Bikes & Beyond knocks it out of the park for me because of its vast selection of bikes, equipment, but most importantly the knowledge and friendliness of the staff. The owner does a great job of giving back to the community and encourages people to get out and ride no matter what kind of bike you got! Their overall enthusiasm for bikes and everything that goes along with that is exceptional!

Prairie Velo - Winnipeg, Manitoba The service was wonderful. The owner Brian and his employees truly care about their customers. They spent time with me in showing the various types of e-bikes and this allowed me in choosing the best one for me. I purchased my bike over a year ago and still have no regrets; in fact I love, love riding it!! Thanks again to Prairie Velo - can't wait for next spring to ride it again!!

Western Cycle - Regina, Saskatchewan The facility, the stock, the people, the support, the community, the group rides..... this shop is the real deal!!!!!


Alberta

Big Hill Cycle - Cochrane Very friendly , respectably and helpful! I'm not young and the team at Big Hill Cycle treat me like just any other mountain biker! Thank you!!

BikeBike - Calgary Sean is not just a guy who owns a bike shop, but a fierce advocate for safe streets and community in Calgary. I have always left feeling confident that I am being taken seriously and will get the very best advice - something that many women in bikes shops do not take for granted. Simply the best place to buy a bike in YYC!

Bike Bros. - Cochrane I was looking for a Marin Mountain bike and Bike Bros were the only shop around that had both the models I wanted to see. Matt helped me figure out which one suited my needs and I've been thrilled ever since.

Bow Cycle - Calgary The most knowledgeable staff I've come across. Always willing to go the extra mile in getting you out on your bike. Had multiple trips and events saved by their help. They enrich the cycling community. They have the size and scale to make me comfortable that they're always going to be there to help, but still approach things the way a LBS always has. Service and support come first!

Hardcore Bikes - Edmonton Sales and service is very knowledgeable. Several times they have performed a small service or repair simply from walking in with my bike. Such a life saver. Great shop. Support local!

Pedalhead Road Works - Edmonton The best people. Guri, Kim, and Sam are the best to ever do it. It also has the best bikes, gear, space, and quality of work too - but at the end of the day it's the people that keep you coming back, and PRW has quality humans in spades!


British Columbia

Bishop's Family Cycles - Victoria Rob has a wonderful selection of practical vehicles and sets families up with car replacement bicycles. Also he won't sell you things you don't actually need. And provides great support and accessories.

Corsa Cycles - Squamish Friendly, affordable, knowledgeable and no pressure to upsell. Corsa Cycles also does a lot for the local community and trails, as well as supporting the local BC Cup downhill series.

Norco North Shore - North Vancouver Their service is second to none, very knowledgeable about the local trails and always treat my kids well, even when they're being total spaz's.

Okanagan Bike Co. - Armstrong We were told about this road bike only store in the Okanagan. One of our friends went there and told us that we should go and check it out. Our first thought was that it was all the way in Armstrong. Three hour drive from our town. So one weekend we decided to make the drive. Well, wow. Professional service, comfortable buying atmosphere and great products. I mean...really great products. I ended seeing a bike that was my favourite colours and components and basically everything. The staff helped me with fit and got it all ready. I have been back multiple times to that store as they treated me so well and continue to help me out. It is great when you walk into a store and they greet you by name. 100% amazing! We love this store.