Ata Cycle 
Ata Cycle
1773 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge MA 02140
Tel: (617) 354-0907
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 10:00am to 7:00pm, Saturday: 9:00am to 6:00pm, and Sunday: 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Listed in: Bike Shop
Neighborhood: Porter Square
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We are a full-service bike shop located in Cambridge and now, Concord Massachusetts. We carry a huge selection of bikes, parts, and accessories from kid's bikes to top-of-the-line racing frames and everything in between.
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Most helpful bike mechanics -- which store?
(created by neight on November 9, 2007)
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I'm riding the perfect Tri bike for my 5'2" self and the credit goes entirely to Husam at ATA bikes in Concord, Ma. I've been doing Triathlon for the past 6 years (or so) and decided it was time to graduate from a road bike to a tri bike. Prior to this committment, I paid $125 for a well-known bike shop in Arlington to spend 15 minutes with me and raise my seat, they call this a "Bike fitting". I then purchased a road bike at an "un-named" bike shop in Belmont where they spent about 2 seconds looking at me, then recommending a women's specific road bike.
Granted, I'm not the most educated or experienced cyclist, but I have some sense of what I needed and wanted guidance on this next purchase. So, I visited and contacted virtually all of the bike shops in the greater Boston area. The "Belmont" shop only recommended a bike to me that I could not stand over while the sales guy spent the entire time telling me about his Ironman race. (His recommendation on this bike was because that is what he rides.) Another shop kept telling me that he would give me a discount.
I did active research for about 2 months before I found ATA. I literally was driving to Anna's Taqueria in Porter Square and saw the window and gave them a call the next day. Husam answered the phone and basically told me that I would have to come in to explain the process.
Boy am I glad I did! Husam and I talked comprehensively about my experience and my goals, I shared my bike and race history and I felt confident that he understood what I needed and we started the fit process. Husam explained to me about power outputs and bicycle geometry and showed me that adjusting the bike geometry made me a much stronger cyclist. After two visits and extensive measurements (which included lasers and computers) we began to talk bike frames. Another visit and I was getting fitted on the built-up bike. Another visit to measure the aerobars, then finally a visit for a final fitting with optical sensors and I was able to take my baby out on the road.
Throughout this process, Husam and the guys at ATA were incredibly informative, collegial and professional. During one fitting, I brought my 3 year old daughter in and one of the bike mechanics was so sweet to her showing her tools and a bike frame kit. ATA is truly a different kind of bike shop and I would recommend it to without any reservations.
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Dumbledore, Hippocrates or Euclid?
Thanks to Husam, I survived a hilly Italian bike tour and came back smiling. Husam is chief wizard at ATA Cycle in Concord and a man of many talents. Three months before my mini-Giro, he worked his magic with my bike, a hi-tech fitting and insightful tips for its chronically-injured rider. With a shorter stem, longer crank arms and new saddle, Husam's custom fitting and advice to use bigger gears and to sit through the hills, my two-year knee problem disappeared in a few weeks. I was riding further, faster and without knee pain. The amazing part is that Husam figured all this out by just looking at my geometry and that of my bike - then used the computer fitting to verify everything with numbers and angles. I was able to put in the miles of training to conquer the mini-Giro and come home to the rolling hills of Harvard a very happy customer.
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My wife and I have both purchased road bikes from ATA Cycle in the last two years. We feel extremely fortunate to have met Husam Sahin and the rest of the staff in the Concord store. My wife and I are often asked "What is the best bike to buy?" Our answer is always: the best bike is the one that fits properly, regardless of price. In our experience, ATA is the best store to get the best bike.
After purchasing road bikes and working with fitters at another leading metro Boston store for many years, we thought that we were riding the right bikes. In his own quiet manner, Husam showed us what was wrong: wrong crank lengths, wrong frame geometries, wrong saddle position, wrong frame stiffness. It was a bit of a shock to have this kind of judgement passed on bikes that we had ridden for many miles. But after researching ATA and learning more about Husam, we decided to give him a try.
While other bike stores now have some of the fitting technology that ATA utilizes, the advantage to us was Husam's judgement and experience. Husam's philosophy is to match riders to stock frames which have the appropriate geometry and performance characteristics. Working with Husam to get our bikes fit was a great experience. ATA carries a variety of manufacturers which allowed them to find the right bikes for our budget. In my wife's case, she purchased a very high-end, expensive bike. I purchased one that was much cheaper ( two-thirds of the price). But both are great bikes and the difference in feel, comfort and performance are noticeable.
We have also especially enjoyed becoming a member of the ATA "family". We feel very much at home with the staff and are always treated well.
In addition to bikes, ATA carries the TACX Fortius trainers and Real Life Videos which have completely changed how we train in the off season. You absolutely should take a look at this technology and try them out at the store.
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ATA is by far the best performance bicycle shop in New England. Before I found ATA, I had myriad problems with pain in my hands, elbows, shoulders and back from riding what I thought was a bike fit for me. Since I met Husam, the owner of ATA, and he fit me properly on a frame that is truly right for me, I have not had a single problem. I am a 5' 3" woman and Husam educated me on which manufacturers make the best frames for shorter riders. He also completed a computer fitting that calculated all of the proper dimensions. I just completed a series of upgrades (carbon crank, "O" rings, carbon handle bars, and wheels) and I could not be happier with my bike's feel and performance. I am riding faster and climber better than ever. Husam has never steered me wrong. If you are looking for a bike to love, ATA is the place to find it!
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ATA Cycle is arguably the best bike shop in the US. ATA’a owner, Husam, offers amazing bikes and equipment. This is just the start. The fitting one gets ATA’s special fitting room is unique. Using special equipment, they will spend hours and sometimes days with you fitting the bike to your body. Never did I know that fitting made that much of a difference. I’m now able to bike for hours and not experience pain or muscle soreness. As a result, I bike more than I ever did. In addition to the fitting, ATA also offers very personalized and highest quality service.
I wish I had discovered ATA sooner.
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From Good to Great
In October 2007, I stumbled across ATA purely by accident. I was heading to Vermont for the weekend and knew I needed to buy some additional winter biking gear. I had found ATA online the night before and realized the store was right off route 2 in Concord, MA. Not bad I thought, in and out of the store in no time and back on the road. Little did I know...
It was early Saturday when I pulled in front of the red-bricked bike shop. Inside it was clean, light, and upscale. I knew right away the products they carried were some of the best. I thought to myself, how did I miss hearing about this place? When someone asked me if I needed help, it turned out it was the owner, Husam. We talked about cold weather gear for some time but never pointing me to the top-of-the-line jackets, only what was practical. I found this service very unusual, particularly from an owner, but it made me feel more comfortable and I started asking him more questions. Later he asked what kind of bike I had and I proudly pointed to the same model on his shop floor. "A Colnago," I said. I had been riding a Colnago all season and absolutely loved it. I had purchased the bike as a two-year old floor model at a well-known Boston shop and later had been “fitted” at another well-known specialty fit shop in northern New England. I had put a lot of miles on it, riding it in the hills of southern Vermont and had nothing but pure enjoyment. Well, according to Husam, the bike, though beautiful, was the wrong bike for me: “What do you mean,” I asked, “How could you know? You haven’t even seen it.” He said, “I can tell by your height, build, and frame size you mentioned, that the other shop, in order to fit you, changed the stem and handlebars and removed the fork to add another inch to try to stretch you out. That’s like changing the suspension on a Ferrari — it’s c-r-a-z-y,” he said with his great Turkish accent. He continued, “So you are 6 feet tall and the bike makes you look as if you are running through a tunnel that is 5 feet — you are all hunched over.” (I didn’t realize it at the time, because I was oblivious to how awkward I looked, and I had some late-season home biking video to prove it.) Man, oh man, what have I done, I thought — that bike cost me a small fortune and now it’s worthless to me? Is this guy selling me? How can he know? Husam said to bring my bike in to see what he could do.
I waited three months before bringing my bike to his shop. I think I knew deep down the bike could not be properly fitted and having just been through it once already at the end of the season I really didn’t want to do it again. So I was torn, spend even more money to be fitted again or just keep riding? I mean, how bad could it be? But a biking friend was the one who got me off the fence. She had recently visited ATA and was so pleased with Husam and the service that she insisted I go back. I agreed. Husam gave me his own fitting, and you guessed it, the Italian bike didn’t fit — not even close. His computerized video captures showed it plain as day and I looked like the profile of a VW beetle, curving uncomfortably from my hips to shoulders. That visual almost sealed the deal. I was still depressed to see my old bike go away, but Husam offered to sell my bike for me on eBay and apply the sale to a new bike. Hmmm, that kinda works, maybe this won’t be as bad as I thought.
Husam and I talked for another hour while walking around the shop showing me different bikes and finally recommending the best bike and components within my budget. A week later I was picking up my new German-made Storck frame with the new slate gray Ultegra SL’s, and a much-needed longer crank arm to better fit my pedal stroke. (This detail was something the other shops never mentioned to me, but makes perfect sense when we further analyzed my cadence.) The all-black Storck, carbon crank and rims looked super stealthy and later, when I spun on his fit system, he double-checked the set-up through his video system. My new and improved posture, with proper seat height and natural-looking pedal stroke, proved it beyond a doubt. I now felt very comfortable on the fixed indoor test ride, reaching effortlessly to the handlebars. Husam continued his analysis, asking me to spin a little faster and then he asked me to stop and adjusted the seat slightly. That was his only adjustment.
Well, after a couple of 24-mile rides (even on a 15-degree Vermont day), the newly built Storck rides like a dream and I am much, much more comfortable. I never realized how inefficient I was on my previous undersized and poorly fitted bike. I thought it was normal to have tired shoulders after a long ride. Now I feel when I ride that my back and shoulders are relaxed as well as having more energy than I am accustom to — almost like an extra gear or a little more fuel in the tank. Plus when I jump on the pedals, the bike really screams! It’s so much faster it’s really hard for me to believe. Ziiiiinnnnnngggg!
Recently when I was back in Vermont and my brother-in-law shot some new video of me riding just to capture how cold and windy it was that day. The footage showed me heading up a gradual climb and I noticed immediately how my legs moved up and down, piston-like, rather than the familiar inside out pedal cadence. I looked very comfortable and natural spinning up the mid-pitched ascent.
I have since been back to Husam a couple of times to upgrade my crank to a Zipp Vuma and ZG brakes, and while I was waiting, Husam looked at the bike and said to me, “See this bike, it’s like a deer — long, fast, and powerful.” I couldn’t agree more — I love it! Now with the additional carbon and titanium gear the bike weighs a surprisingly light 14.8 pounds — with the paedals and cages — impressive!
Aside from creating an amazingly accurate fit, the entire staff at ATA really understands how to put a bike together. When you buy a fitted bike from them, they are not off-the-shelf and mass-produced, one-size-fits-all bikes. They are custom-fitted bikes built just for you. They examine everything, right down to the last (usually overlooked) detail — like my cranks or aesthetic choices like the small, custom-made carbon cap that sits on top of my stem. To me, my bike is art and I have to admit, I find myself staring at it and really can’t believe I own something so incredible. To me, it’s perfect.
The highest praise goes to Husam, John, and the rest of the staff at ATA in Concord, for delivering a-once-in-a-lifetime experience — I really enjoyed the entire process from start to finish. (And I know I’m really not finished yet — it’s a bike and there’s always something else I can upgrade. Husam, you mentioned my componets are next, correct?) With all of that said, being fitted at ATA was one of the most eye-opening and positive experiences I have ever had, period. If I had known then what I know now, without a doubt, I would have gone to ATA in the first place and spent less money for the right fit and ride.
Now I just need some good weather and a few good hills to climb — maybe the Vermont Gaps? Cheers — Robert.
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Whenever I tell my brother about some extraordinarily exquisite experience, he's fond of saying "It's not more than you need. It's just more than what you're used to."
ATA Cycles is more than what I'm used to when it comes to high end bicycle service. Husam is more than what I'm used to when it comes to cycling knowledge and his team is just more than what I'm used to when it comes to after the sale attention.
So four years ago I decided to get serious about cycling. Centuries, epic rides, my Colnago and I did it right....right up to the time my aluminum frame failed. Time for new bike - I wanted something that will be kind to my 50 year old bones over a hundred miles, low maintenance and high quality. I sacrifice a lot for family, firm, community and country. I wanted something I deserved.
Heard about Husam from my cycling mentors here in Chicago and reluctantly came to Concord to see what all the fuss was about. In the parlance of instant messaging - OMG! Lot's to look at but, as a Type B customer (Type A says I want this kind of frame, this grupo, that handlebar, these wheels, etc. Type B says "Here's how I ride. Build me a bike.), I just wanted a killer bike for me without paying for form over substance.
After a lot of research and two trips to Concord, I was convinced this was the way to go. Veni, Vidi, Visa and I'm writing this after hammering 50 miles this morning along the lakefront and Northwest Indiana - second ride of the season. and . Between the components and, most importantly, the computerized, custom fitting at ATA, I must confess that I rode like it was the middle of the season.
ATA Cycle is exactly what I needed and probably more than what you're used to. Before you invest in a high end bike, treat your self right and visit Husam. You'll smile.
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Living in Boston but having grown up in Carlisle and now working in Concord, I cannot tell you how excited I was to hear that ATA was opening up a shop in Concord. Considering how successful the Cambridge store has been and knowing how long Concord (and surrounding areas for that matter) has lacked a true and dedicated bike shop, the fit couldn’t be more perfect. I first heard about Husam and ATA through a friend that I grew up with and who actually went on to pursue a professional road, mountain and cyclocross cycling career. ATA's underlying ethos seems predicated upon combining the professionalism of a high-end bike outfit with the feel and warmth of a local shop. This in turn instills tremendous loyalty. I personally have purchased everything from a tricycle to high-end road and mountain bikes and exclusively use them for all component, fitting and wrenching needs. There is no better...I highly, highly recommend ATA no matter your cycling skill, knowledge or experience. - Peter Sullivan
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I am an avid cyclist and triathlete, who recently traveled from Atlanta to have a fitting with Owner Hussam at the Concord ATA shop. I had previously been experiencing back and knee pain due to a prior poor bike fit. Ample time was taken to do a thorough fitting, which measured both my power and comfort based on a series of initial body measurements. After my fit, I was taken through the store and built a bike based on my personal anatomical geometry. I received my bike in just 4 days (they worked over New Years Day building the bike) and the staff walked me through its final assembly over the phone. ATA even sold my old bike, putting the sale towards my new purchase. The ATA staff is genuinely helpful and passionate about cycling. No pressure, and a desire to help each rider find their perfectly matched bike is what really separates this shop. Additionally, ATA is great place to drool over high performance bicycles and/or just to talk bikes on a Saturday with the friendly staff. Using the most unique/highest performance frames (Fondriest, Aegis, LaPierre, Trek, Kuota, to name a few) and components, ATA treats each bike like a piece of art carefully selecting the best components for each budget. I couldn't be more pleased with my Fondriest, as I have seen vast improvement in my performance and overall comfort. If you love cycling you will love this place.
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How good is ATA Cycles? As my screen name implies, I am from Chicago. We have several good local bike shops in Chi-town however; I had the pleasure of talking with the owner of ATA Cycles in the spring of 2006 when I was searching for a particular Italian frame which they had in stock. The owner, Husam, was very helpful, extremely knowledgeable, personable and passionate about the sport of cycling. I quickly came to the conclusion that what sets ATA apart from most other shops is their desire to put you on the best bike possible according to your riding style, needs and budget. You never feel as if you are being sold something to meet a sales quota. They work with you and for you.
I shared my experience with several of my buddies and they all had the same comments. Recently several of us decided to take a trip to ATA, or as we call it “Bicycle Mecca”, where we were treated like lifelong friends. The staff at both shops actually knew us by name and the bikes we purchased even though we had never seen each other in person. Husam took the time to fit us properly (note: the fit system that they use is state of the art and was worth the trip) and he answered each and every question. As a result, two of my buddies walked away with new top end bicycles that were perfectly configured and sized for their needs. I walked away with not one but two of my dream frames and the knowledge that my power output will be much better when I set them up because of the time I spent being fitted by a professional whose goal is complete customer satisfaction. We will be back… and we will bring more converts to ATA’s Bicycle Mecca.
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Great bike shop - varied and unique bike lines, best fitting anywhere, attentive and knowledgeable staff, dedication to making sure you purchase what's right for you, thorough service with quick turnaround times. The shop to go to if it's about you, not just about the bike.
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Ingenious bike fit system ideal for road riders and triathletes. Very knowledgeable and helpful staff and top of the line equipment.
Best Bike store around!
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I was looking to upgrade my bike and decided on ATA Cycle (Concord) based on recommendations from fellow riders and web reviews. Working with Husam on both the fit and frame choice was fantastic. He is an expert on bike fit and is interested in finding the best bike for you -- not selling you the most expensive frame in the shop. I've put hundreds of miles on my new bike since I bought it this summer and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I highly recommend ATA.
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After years of suffering discomfort from a bike that was improperly fit, Husam skillfully fit me to a new frame. The results are increased comfort and a significant increase in power and speed. Everyone in the shop is extremely professional and has a true service mentality. Best place around to buy a bike.
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ATA Cycles earned my highest personal recommendation. Husam Sahin, the owner, works at the Concord store (the other is in Porter Square) and spent a lot of time with me helping me select a higher-end road bike and then professionally fitting the bike to my body and riding style. I've been completely delighted with the new bike and wouldn't go anywhere else for my cycling needs.
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If the bike fits...
A couple of years back I sprung for my first high-end, custom titanium bike, a Seven. I was fit at a local bike shop and waited for my masterpiece. The build and quality were superb, but the bike just never fit. When I finally gave up the ghost on feeling one with my bike, I ran into Hassam at ATA Cycle. He introduced me to the best bikes on the market, guided me through the process of selecting the right bike for me, and spent at least three times more time fitting me than the other shop did for a custom bike. My Look 585 stock frame fits me even better than my Seven custom bike. Go figure. No, go to ATA--especially if you want a bike that fits your body, your riding style, your fitness level, and your budget. ATA is the only place to go. The best service, know-how and quality in the Boston area.
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If you are looking for the best fitting, personal service, and high-end bicycles, go to ATA. I had a bike that gave me lots of problems. I ended up buying a new bike and spending lots more than I anticipated, but it was so worth it. The owner, Husam, is great and gave me a great discount. They even sold my other bike on eBay for me. Great service.
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Best people. Best selection.
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ATA Cycle is a great bike store. They are really helpful and have great stuff.
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I have had such a great experience with them and I ride a lot.
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Ata Cycle is a great bike shop. I get both professional and personal attention, that covers everything from bike selection and fitting to helmet and toe clips. The measurement and fitting was fantastic. I feel so comfortable and fast on my new Kuota. The position analysis with the cameras gave me additional confidence that my biking fit and form are correct. I recommend Ata Cycle to all my friends and family.
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True professionals, excellent service, great selection especially those Italian frames and they are dedicated to giving you the best fit for your bike. Husam the owner has been doing this for 25 yrs. and he knows his stuff. Check em out, they're the BEST!
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They'll spend an entire day making sure you have the right bike and equipment. Jason is the best!
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Knowledgeable, professional staff, and not a Trek in sight....
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The folks at ATA have done amazing things for my riding lately. Husam took one look at the TT bike I had for two years and could tell that it was set up badly for me and would probably never fit right. I signed up for a fitting - which was meticulously done - and got to watch my wattage increase as the seat tube angle decreased on the fit bike. Needless to say, I ended up with a new, perfect-fit bike, and am so much more comfortable (not to mention speedier!) In all, the services I have had at the store (sales, maintenance, bike fit) have been excellent.
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Best bike shop in Boston
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ATA Cycle is by far the BEST bike shop around - OUTSTANDING customer service, great equipment, and friendly knowledgeable staff. Hussam is fantastic and really knows his stuff - truly a bike guru. Don't waste your time and money at the other shops - go to ATA where they get it right the first time ! Once you become part of the ATA family you will never want to go anywhere else!!!
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Great selection, knowledgeable staff, and ultimate fitting for pro bikes.
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This is an awesome shop. They have a tremendous inventory of high end high quality racing and competiton equipment supported by a great team of mechanics and sales staff. ATA gives you very personalized service in a nicely merchandised setting....you need to check this place out!!
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In a saturated market, ATA Cycle provides an alternative to the mainstream "American" cycling products. ATA also provides expertise and accurate information when choosing the right bike for you.
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ATA is the one of the most informed and helpful bike shops in the United States.
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They are the only shop in the area that carries Kuota and Wilier, two great Italian bikes. The service was knowledgable, friendly and they didn't mind showing off their fun toys at the Concord shop (the virtual reality rider).
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Number one bike shop in Boston
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Stop thinking about your ride and ride! After buying several high end bikes, I never got it right. I was always thinking about the bike, and never quite satisfied. Husam has hooked me up with two super bikes, road and TT, and both perform and fit so well that I never think about the bike, only the ride.
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Great shop. Very knowledgeable and friendly. they can sometimes do the work while you wait.
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Great service and extremely helpful
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Best Bike Shop in the Boston area
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I have used both the shop in Cambridge and in Concord for the past few years. The folks who work in the shop are smart and savvy in terms of helping you find the right bike, components and position on the bike. They are good at working with in your budget and will guide and direct you to the best possible outcome. My cycling has improved 110% since I started doing business with them. I love going to the shop (s), just to see the folks who work there and exchange ideas with them or other customers. They have been fab in the service area too. I recommend them highly and with out reservation.
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The best shop around hands down!! Excellent selection of bikes and their fitting facility and knowledge is amazing. F.I.S.T. certified. And they carry AEGIS.
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Great stuff all the time
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Aegis bikes! Most knowledgeable bike shop in town. Friendly and attentive service.
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Lots of high end stuff, and you get great service and attention.
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simply the best bike shop
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The guys @ Ata exceed expectations when it comes to knowledge and offering help beyond the basic service needs...they've been extremely helpful in all cases when I've been clueless in what to get/what to do/etc.
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hard to find bicycles and high-end components, great service for the novice all the way up to racers and triathletes
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Those guys sell the best stuff. If you are serious about cycling this is the only place in the Boston area.