Helen's Cycles

09/18/2008 Posted by brian_the_knife

I went to Helen's Cycles for the first time with questions about converting an early 80s road bike into a fixed gear bicycle, which is a really common trend right now. Upon walking in, I was impressed by the store's size, selection, and layout. After taking a lap around the store to take it all in, I approached some of the sales staff at an oddly placed counter in a barely visible corner of the store. When I walked up, most of the staff scattered like rodents to avoid fielding questions. The one guy that would talk to me about anything was short with me answer-wise and I got the feeling the entire time that he was talking down to me because I didn't share his extensive knowledge of bicycles. To make things worse, he grew bored of me mid conversation and pawned me off on a coworker who was no where to be found. In his defense, he did page the guy repeatedly rather than going to find him...thanks, bud. By the time the guy surfaced, i had been waiting for 20 minutes. And to cap off a miserable shopping experience, he didn't answer any of my questions either...rather, he told me to go to a different bike shop and ask them. Don't worry guys, I will. I do NOT recommend shopping at or buying anything from Helen's Cycles.

Pros: Nice shop, big time selection

Cons: unhelpful staff, rude employees

09/11/2008 Posted by DiegoMilanovich

this place is horrible !! the people that works there is so rude !! I can saw the manager the short white guy was treating one of his employees really rude !! of course since the manager are rude of course all are rude !! I heard that before everybody told me that but I just confirm it I needed just some deralliur adjusment in my road bike and treat me like bad !! I will never come back to that place!

Pros: have a good stock of parts

Cons: they are rude

08/28/2008 Posted by baxop21

I just got back from Helens, and honestly, I cannot remember a time that I have been treated so poorly. I am looking to get into cycling and to BUY a bike, and I was basically ignored for 20 minutes. One guy finally at least responded to my "hello" and promised that someone would help me in just a second. I browsed for 20 minutes aimlessly while my guy just sat at a computer chatting with his other buddies. He even looked right at me again from across the store, and told me to hang tight...to no avail. I had heard some bad things about the service at Helens prior to my visit, but I wanted to give them a chance. I am now pretty sure I will never go back. I dont know if I would go there for a free bike. Go to Cynergy.

Pros: Big store, many bikes.

Cons: Everything else.

08/09/2008 Posted by vmasters88

Helen's Cycles on Broadway in Santa Monica=Bike Shop Hell. Salespeople pass you off to someone else if you are not dating material. Then I got a kid who couldn't tell me what size frame my son needed. I was also dropping my bike off for a tune-up. I asked the mechanic how long it would take. He grunted "7 days lady, you leaving it or WHAT?" I left it only because I was tired and wanted to get out of there. Then I got angry. I called friends who all hate Helen's and highly recommended Veloworx on Lincoln and Marine in Santa Monica. The staff couldn' t have been friendlier and their tune-ups are 40.00 vs. 55.00 at Helen's. My bike is now being repaired at Veloworx in one day (not seven) Helen's is dead to me.

Pros: none

Cons: bad service, costly tune-ups, sales guys with attitude

07/30/2007 Posted by mooshu22

I decided to pay a premium price ($400) to buy a beach cruiser from Helen's in order to ensure exceptional service. Boy was I wrong... The basket I wanted wasn't in stock so they had to special order it and made me pay in advance. When I called to check in, the order had been lost and never placed. Frustrated, I decided to cancel the order rather than deal with the irresponsible sales people at Helen's. They told me they couldn't process the refund over the phone and I had to come into the store to get the money returned to my credit card. I drove over to my local Helen's where I was rudely told by the store employee that I could have just done the refund over the phone. After being treated like a criminal who was trying to sneak money from the company, she told me it would take a day to verify that the return was valid. The next day I got a call saying the refund would go through. A week later I got a call from Helen's saying that they couldn't process the refund and I would have to go to the exact Helen's store where I purchased the bike (near my boyfriend's house, not mine) to get the refund. So now, two weeks later, I have to drive across town to get a refund on an order that they screwed up. AVOID HELEN'S! There are a ton of bike shops that would love to have your business and treat you with the respect a customer deserves.

Pros: None.

Cons: Terrible service.

05/10/2007 Posted by pourhomme

Alright, I am a novice cyclist and I ride a Schwinn and I don't even think they sell Schwinn there. There is a great selection of product and a ton of guys working there. I don't know what they do other than hang out there and look cool because I have only been approached for help there once. They like to lean on things and talk to eachother for the most part. When I commented on this the cashier said they are very busy on the weekend, but there were more people working there than customers at that time. All of the bicycles display tags of $1000-$5000+ and if I am not a shopper that is going to spend anywhere near that at this time starting out. I don't know if I give off the vibe that I'm not gonna spend that much or what, but I have gone in and dropped $100 at a time and had a great repair from a very nice mechanic in the back area. Just don't expect any help from anyone unless you want to hunt them down. I avoid this place whenever I can and only will go there for the convenience. I much prefer Safety Cycle on Western. They're much more courteous and I'm in and I'm out of there quckly feeling pleased with myself, unlike when I go to Helen's where I feel like I should have a Black Amex. I should note that you should be sure of your purchase. I took back a $7 bottle of lube that I did not use and I swear that it took 10 minutes of filling out forms by the cashier who is not knowledgeable of bicycles at all and pretty slow.

Pros: It's close.

Cons: Great if you have a Black Amex and are looking for a bike. You'll get los of help!

06/10/2006 Posted by credlich

Our sales rep was very courteous and personable. We didn't know much about yet about what we wanted, but he spent a lot of time with us...very consultative. I love my new bike!

Pros: Good location, Great service

Cons: none

04/24/2006 Posted by chloephd

I've been to Helen's twice... and that was enough. The first time they sold me an empty box. I figured it out before I drove off and went back in. The empty box was the last one they had! They were totally unapologetic and gave me directions to the store in Overland to pick up my goods... in rush hour traffic. I'm not easily ruffled and really, a simple apology for my inconvenience would have gone a very long way! Decided to give them a 2nd chance. The young woman double charged me and after saying she would, did not give me a discount for my participation in the AIDS ride. Again, no apology for my inconvenience at having to go back. I don't need my butt kissed, but I like some courtesy. They do not offer it and seem incompetent at the register. Check your stuff!!

02/15/2005 Posted by slhslh

If you're a bike geek like I am then you'll love this store. There's more carbon fiber and titanium here for you to shed the extra ounces off your bike or, even better, to buy that new frame you've been dreaming about as you've been trudging up Mandeville canyon. Seriously, this store offers great service, competitive prices, and has a sweet display of road and mountain bikes.

Pros: Great selection

06/27/2002 Posted by ronjon10

This is a great bike shop. No worries, good selection in a good location. They actually had a touring bike which are nearly impossible to find in stores these days.