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About Palo Alto Bicycles
Palo Alto Bicycles has sold and fixed bikes on University Avenue since 1930. The shop says it is proud to be led by the same family who founded it many generations ago, Our bike shops guide lists it as the oldest bike shop in the city. The main store is at 171 University Avenue, a short walk from the Palo Alto Caltrain station. A second space, the E-Bike Annex, is around the corner at 365 Alma Street.
The shop sells new bikes, apparel, accessories and Palo Alto branded gear. It also runs a full service department and offers bike fitting. Its location makes it the easiest bike shop for visitors who arrive by train. It is also a natural stop for downtown commuters with a flat tire.
Bikes and gear
The website lists Trek, Specialized, Stinner Frameworks and Electra among its bike brands, with Cervélo and Woom also appearing in its listings. For clothing, the shop carries cycling apparel from Assos, Café du Cycliste and Pas Normal Studios.
If you are upgrading, the shop runs a bike trade-in program. You get an estimate from the valuation tool on its website, bring the bike in for an inspection and receive credit toward a new one.
Service, wheels and fitting
Palo Alto Bicycles says it has serviced bikes in the community for nearly a century. Its technicians hold certifications from Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM, Bosch and Specialized. The shop works on electronic shifting systems such as eTap, Di2 and Campagnolo EPS. It also services internal gear hubs including Rohloff, Alfine and Nexus. It builds custom wheels in house and keeps a large stock of parts.
Service is offered in three tune levels, called Basic, Comp and Pro, plus individual jobs such as brake and derailleur adjustment, flat repair, wheel truing, hub and bottom bracket overhauls and boxing a bike for shipping. The service page does not say whether you need an appointment, so call ahead for bigger jobs. Consulting time is billed in half-hour blocks. The shop waives the minimum when you buy parts and have them installed there.
For fitting, the shop describes a Basic Fit with your bike on a stationary trainer. The fitter adjusts saddle height and setback, cleat placement and reach and drop. It fits road, cyclocross, triathlon and mountain bikes. Staff have training in BG Fit, Fit Kit and the F.I.S.T. protocol. Custom heat-molded insoles are also available.
The E-Bike Annex
The E-Bike Annex at 365 Alma Street is set up for electric and pedal-assist bikes. It sells new e-bikes, offers test rides and lists e-bike rentals. The annex keeps its own hours: closed Monday and Tuesday, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Its phone number is 650-656-9088. The rental section of the annex page names bikes from Electra, Gazelle, Go Cycle, BMC, Orbea, Surly, Trek, Urban Arrow and Yuba. Ask which models are available on the day, since rental fleets are small.
Tips for visiting
The main store is closed on Monday. Plan a Tuesday to Sunday visit. Remember that the annex is also closed on Tuesday. If you arrive by Caltrain, the walk from the station is short, so you can bring a bike in for repair on the train.
The shop publishes a set of local rides that start and finish at the store. They include Kings Mountain Road, at about 36 miles with roughly 2,790 feet of climbing. The Loop is shorter, at about 25.6 miles with roughly 1,170 feet of climbing. The Kings Mountain route climbs through switchbacks and redwood forest before a rolling, smooth stretch on Cañada Road. Others head through the Los Altos Hills, over Old La Honda Road or out to the coast past the San Gregorio Store. Our biking in Palo Alto guide has more routes. To make a day of it downtown, see our University Avenue shopping guide. The bike shops guide compares Palo Alto Bicycles with the other shops in town.
Location and getting there
Palo Alto Bicycles is at 171 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301, in the Downtown area of Palo Alto. Our Downtown guide covers what else is around.
The Palo Alto Caltrain station is less than a quarter mile away, a walk of a few minutes.
Parking: street spaces and city garages with posted limits (see parking in Palo Alto).
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday to Saturday | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Sunday | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Hours from the business's own website, checked October 29, 2026.
What is nearby
- Pho Ha Noi, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- T-Mobile University Avenue, shop, under 0.1 mi
- Yummy Future, cafe, under 0.1 mi
- Sprout, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- Starbucks University Avenue, cafe, under 0.1 mi
- Lytton Plaza, under 0.1 mi
- University Avenue, under 0.1 mi
- Cogswell Plaza, 0.1 mi
Other fitness, dance and martial arts nearby: Fjällräven (under 0.1 mi); MNT Studio (under 0.1 mi); YogaSource Palo Alto (0.1 mi); VeloTech Cycles (0.2 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 29, 2026 against Palo Alto Bicycles website; Hours and directions; E-Bike Annex; Service and repair; Bike fitting; Local rides. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Palo Alto Bicycles in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto Bicycles is at 171 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301, in the Downtown area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the Palo Alto Caltrain station, about 0.1 miles away.
How old is Palo Alto Bicycles?
Palo Alto Bicycles has served the city since 1930. The shop says it is still led by the family that founded it many generations ago.
Does Palo Alto Bicycles rent e-bikes?
Its E-Bike Annex at 365 Alma Street lists e-bike rentals and sells new e-bikes. You can also stop in for a test ride. The annex is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Is Palo Alto Bicycles open on Monday?
No. The main store at 171 University Avenue is closed on Monday. It opens 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
What are Palo Alto Bicycles's hours?
Monday: Closed; Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m..