On this page
About Cardinal Bike Shop
Cardinal Bike Shop is an independent bicycle store at 1955 El Camino Real, on the stretch of road between Stanford and the California Avenue district. The location suits campus riders, since the shop is a short ride from the university and from the California Avenue Caltrain station.
The shop sells new bikes, gear and parts, runs a repair department and does custom builds. Its website carries a full online catalog with in-store pickup, so you can check stock before you go. The site lists the same hours every day of the week, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., which makes it one of the easier shops to reach on a Sunday.
Bikes and brands
The online catalog groups bikes into road, mountain, commuter and women's models, plus electric bikes. Brands listed on the site include Giant, Liv, Momentum, Marin, Gazelle, Felt, Norco, SE Bikes, Batch Bicycles and X-LAB. The home page currently promotes X-LAB, a brand the shop describes as bringing race-level design to everyday riding. It invites riders to come in to be fitted and test ride one. Marin bikes get their own feature under the line "Made For Fun Since 1986."
For e-bike shoppers, the site links to a guide to Giant's electric bikes by class and a guide to safe e-bike riding. Gazelle electric bikes are listed as well. The shop also stocks cycling apparel, components and accessories, from tires to bags. It also publishes a page of commuting setups for students getting around campus.
The site also lists a sale section and an in-stock section, which helps if you need a bike this week rather than on order. Stock moves quickly. If you want a particular model or frame size, call ahead or check the in-stock listing on the website before you make the trip.
Repairs and tune-ups
The repair page says the mechanics have factory training and can handle anything from a derailleur adjustment or a broken spoke to a complete overhaul. The shop recommends its complete tune-up packages for the most thorough service but also takes single repairs for smaller fixes. Estimates are always free, according to the shop. You can bring the bike in to talk through what it needs. If you need a bike ready quickly for a ride or event, ask about rush service. The shop says an express charge may apply. A basic seat and handlebar adjustment is free with a new bike. There is also an online service request form on the website.
Custom builds
The custom build page walks through how a build comes together. You start with a frame. The shop names Ritchey, Soma, New Albion and Surly as options. It will also work with a frame you already have or an older one you want to upgrade. Next come wheels in 26 inch, 650b, 29er or 700c sizes, then a groupset, then brakes for rim or disc frames. The last step covers the seatpost, saddle, stem, bars and grips. The page refers to this side of the business as Cardinal Vintage Bike Shop. It is a good fit if you have an older frame worth rebuilding.
Tips and policies
- Order ahead: the store policy says most in-stock online orders are ready within one business day. The shop will call or email when your order is ready. Orders not collected within 15 days may carry a 10% restocking fee unless you arrange otherwise.
- Returns: most items can be returned within 30 days for a replacement or refund. Bikes can only be exchanged or returned for store credit and must be in new condition.
- Shipping: apparel and accessories can ship within the continental United States. Some bikes cannot be shipped because of dealer agreements.
The Bike Connection is a short walk south on El Camino Real, so it is easy to compare two shops in one trip. Our bike shops and outdoor gear guide covers the rest of the city. For riding ideas, see biking in Palo Alto, which covers the city's bike boulevards and the trails in the foothills. Lunch and coffee are close by on California Avenue.
Location and getting there
Cardinal Bike Shop is at 1955 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the California Avenue area of Palo Alto. Our California Avenue guide covers what else is around.
The nearest train stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 0.4 miles away. That is roughly a 10 minute walk.
Parking: street spaces and city garages with posted limits (see parking in Palo Alto).
Hours
| Monday to Sunday | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
|---|
Hours from the business's own website, checked October 30, 2026.
What is nearby
- Sundance The Steakhouse, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- Radhika Beauty Salon, salon or spa, under 0.1 mi
- Starbucks 2000 El Camino Real, cafe, under 0.1 mi
- The Good Salad, quick-service spot, under 0.1 mi
- Silicon Valley Orthodontics, practice, under 0.1 mi
- Peers Park, 0.3 mi
- College Terrace Library, 0.3 mi
- Bowden Park, 0.5 mi
Other fitness, dance and martial arts nearby: The Bike Connection (under 0.1 mi); Electric Bike Center (0.1 mi); Summit Bicycles (0.3 mi); Club Pilates (0.3 mi). Browse the full fitness, dance and martial arts list.
Before you go
- Many studios offer a first class or trial pass. Ask before you buy a membership.
- Classes at popular times fill up, so book through the studio's app or website where that is offered.
- Bring water and check whether the studio provides mats, towels or rental gear.
About this listing
Checked October 30, 2026 against Cardinal Bike Shop website; Cardinal Bike Shop: contact, hours and directions; Cardinal Bike Shop: repair and tune-ups; Cardinal Bike Shop: custom builds; Cardinal Bike Shop: store policies. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Cardinal Bike Shop in Palo Alto?
Cardinal Bike Shop is at 1955 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the California Avenue area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 0.4 miles away.
Is Cardinal Bike Shop open on Sundays?
Yes. The shop's website lists hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Holiday hours can differ, so call 650-328-8900 if you are planning around a holiday.
Can Cardinal Bike Shop build a custom bike?
Yes. The shop does custom builds starting from a frame from Ritchey, Soma, New Albion, Surly or another maker, or from a frame you already own. You then choose wheels, the groupset, brakes and the finishing parts.
Can I return a bike to Cardinal Bike Shop?
The store policy says bikes can only be exchanged or returned for store credit. They must also be in new condition. Other items can be returned within 30 days for a replacement or refund.
What are Cardinal Bike Shop's hours?
Monday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..