Blackstone Bicycles

Hello, fellow Rhode Island cycling enthusiasts! When it comes to finding a reliable and community-focused bicycle shop in our beautiful state, Blackstone Bicycles in Cumberland stands out. This isn't just a place to buy a new bike; it's a dedicated hub for all your cycling needs, known for its expert mechanics, fair pricing, and genuine commitment to getting you back on the road or trail quickly and efficiently.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes Blackstone Bicycles a highly recommended choice for local riders across Rhode Island. We’ll cover its convenient location, the comprehensive range of services it provides, its unique features and highlights, and essential contact information. Our goal is to provide you with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of this local business, helping you understand why many local cyclists consider it their go-to shop for sales, service, and expert advice.

For many of us in Rhode Island, cycling is a vital part of our lifestyle, whether it's enjoying the scenic bikeways, commuting, or tackling mountain trails. Having a trusted local shop that truly understands the intricacies of bicycles and the needs of riders is invaluable. Blackstone Bicycles aims to be that partner, with a team that not only fixes bikes but also rides where you ride, ensuring they grasp the practical demands of our local terrain and conditions. Let’s explore what makes this shop a standout in the Rhode Island cycling community.

Blackstone Bicycles is conveniently located at 391 Mendon Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864, USA. This address places it in a highly accessible part of Cumberland, making it a practical destination for residents of Cumberland and surrounding towns across Rhode Island. Mendon Road (Route 122) is a significant thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward vehicular access to the store.

For those traveling by car, there is typically ample parking available, which is a significant convenience in a local business setting. The shop's location on a main road means it's relatively easy to find and reach.

What makes Blackstone Bicycles particularly appealing to cyclists is its proximity to the renowned Blackstone River Bikeway. This extensive multi-use trail runs through Cumberland, Lincoln, and Woonsocket, offering miles of scenic and historic riding. Being near such a popular cycling route means that riders can easily integrate a visit to the shop into their rides for a quick repair, a browse for accessories, or simply to pick up their serviced bike.

While public transportation options in Cumberland might be more limited compared to larger urban centers, the shop's accessibility by car and its direct connection to a major cycling path make it highly convenient for the majority of Rhode Island cyclists. Its strategic placement allows it to serve as a hub for the cycling community in the Blackstone Valley region.

Blackstone Bicycles offers a full range of services designed to meet the needs of all types of cyclists, from casual riders to dedicated enthusiasts. Their focus is firmly on providing high-quality service to get bikes back to their owners quickly and efficiently.

• Bicycle Sales: They carry a diverse selection of new bicycles from reputable brands. Their inventory includes:
  • Mountain Bikes: From brands like Salsa, Transition, Banshee, Revel, Surly, KHS, and Ibis.
  • Gravel Bikes: From Salsa, KHS, Fuji, Marin, Revel, All City, and Surly.
  • Fat Bikes: From Surly, Salsa, and KHS.
  • Bike Path Bikes: Durable, comfortable, and affordable options from KHS Bicycles and Haro.
• Parts, Clothing, and Accessories Sales: They stock a wide array of cycling essentials, including components from SRAM, Fox, RockShox, WTB, Kenda, Maxxis, and tools from Park Tool. Additionally, they offer clothing and accessories from brands like Endura, Serfas, and Kali.
• Bicycle Repair and Maintenance: This is a core strength of Blackstone Bicycles, with a mission to focus on service. They pride themselves on:
  • Fair Estimates for Any Job: No "bike snobbery," ensuring transparent and reasonable pricing.
  • Quick Turnarounds: Minor repairs often done on the spot or same day. Tune-ups and more involved work (like suspension overhauls or brake bleeds) typically completed in one to three days, reducing waiting time significantly.
  • Comprehensive Tune-ups: Starting at $125, covering all adjustments, cleaning, frame/fork inspection, wheel truing, and repacking of ball bearing hubs, headsets, and bottom brackets. Includes small part installation (brake pads, cables, housing - external only).
  • Suspension Services: Labor for fork services starting at $130 (parts extra), with wiper seal and air spring clean/inspection from $50-60. Rear shock services at $45 for air can service, and $130 for complete service including new seals, oil, and nitrogen charge.
  • Wheel Builds: Labor at $80 (parts extra).
  • Work on All Makes and Models: Including e-bikes, ensuring they can cater to a wide customer base.
  • Brake Contamination Solutions: As highlighted by a customer, they are adept at fixing complex issues like contaminated brake components, restoring bikes to optimal performance.

Their emphasis on quick service and thorough work, coupled with a wide selection of brands and products, makes them a comprehensive cycling resource for Rhode Islanders.

Blackstone Bicycles stands out in the Rhode Island cycling community due to several key features and highlights that are consistently praised by its customers:

• Exceptional Service Focus and Efficiency: A primary highlight is their strong emphasis on service and a commitment to quick turnaround times. They understand that cyclists don't want to wait weeks for repairs, often completing minor fixes on the spot and major work within days. This efficiency is a huge benefit for active riders.
• Expert and Thorough Mechanics: Customers consistently commend the staff for their thoroughness and attention to detail in repairs. They are experienced bike mechanics who handle repairs with "great detail," even salvaging bikes after issues from other shops. The ability to restore a bike to its "original glory" or get it "running smooth" after significant damage speaks to their high level of expertise.
• Fair and Honest Pricing: Customers repeatedly highlight that Blackstone Bicycles is "always fair with pricing and honest with their work." This transparency and integrity in billing contribute significantly to customer trust and loyalty. They provide fair estimates for any job, without "bike snobbery."
• Staff Who Ride: A significant highlight is that the staff "ride where you ride." This means they have firsthand experience with local trails, road conditions, and the specific demands of cycling in Rhode Island. This personal experience translates into more relevant advice and a deeper understanding of customer needs, making them truly local experts.
• Community Engagement: Blackstone Bicycles actively engages with the local cycling community by hosting a weekly NEMBA (New England Mountain Bike Association) mountain bike ride at Lincoln Woods every Wednesday. This demonstrates their commitment beyond just retail and service, fostering a sense of community among riders. They also host a Thursday night brewery ride from the shop through local trails to Phantom Farms Brewing, further cementing their community ties.
• Wide Brand Selection: Offering a diverse range of new bicycles from various respected brands for mountain, gravel, fat, and bike path riding ensures that customers have plenty of options to find a bike that perfectly fits their needs.

These features collectively make Blackstone Bicycles a highly recommended and valued establishment for the Rhode Island cycling community, offering not just products and services, but also a genuine passion for cycling and a strong community connection.

To get in touch with Blackstone Bicycles or plan your visit, here is their contact information:

• Address: 391 Mendon Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864, USA
• Phone: (401) 335-3163

Their typical hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 12 PM to 6 PM, and Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. However, it is always recommended to call ahead or check their official website for the most current information, especially for specific service inquiries or to confirm inventory.

For residents across Rhode Island, particularly those in Cumberland and the surrounding Blackstone Valley area, Blackstone Bicycles stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local resource for all things cycling. Its suitability for locals is multifaceted, combining expert service with a deep understanding of the local cycling landscape.

Firstly, the shop’s unwavering commitment to service excellence is a significant draw. Customers consistently praise their ability to handle complex repairs efficiently, providing quick turnarounds that minimize downtime for riders. The honesty and fairness in their pricing, coupled with a transparent approach, foster a strong sense of trust, making cyclists confident that they are receiving quality work at a reasonable cost. This reputation for integrity is invaluable in a local business.

Secondly, the fact that the staff "ride where you ride" is a crucial advantage. This intimate knowledge of Rhode Island’s roads, trails, and riding conditions means they can offer truly relevant advice on bike selection, maintenance, and local routes. This shared passion for cycling creates a welcoming and understanding environment for customers.

Finally, Blackstone Bicycles actively contributes to the local cycling culture through community rides and engagement. This fosters a sense of belonging and provides opportunities for riders to connect. When you choose Blackstone Bicycles, you're not just getting a service or a product; you're supporting a local business that genuinely invests in and enhances the cycling community right here in Rhode Island. For quality service, fair prices, and a team that understands what it means to ride in our state, Blackstone Bicycles is undoubtedly a premier choice for locals.

Blackstone Bicycles

391 Mendon Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864, USA