Cole's Bicycles Inc

For residents of Pennsylvania, especially those in the Carlisle area, finding a dedicated and reliable bicycle store is essential for enjoying the region's diverse cycling opportunities. Cole's Bicycles Inc, located in Carlisle, aims to be that trusted local resource, offering a range of bikes, accessories, and repair services. This article is crafted for you, the Pennsylvania local, to provide a detailed look into what Cole's Bicycles Inc offers, helping you decide if it's the right fit for your cycling journey.

In the world of local businesses, bicycle shops play a crucial role in supporting the cycling community, from outfitting new riders to keeping seasoned cyclists on the road. Cole's Bicycles Inc positions itself as a long-standing establishment in Carlisle, offering both products and services to cater to various cycling needs. While customer experiences can vary, with some praising their quick service and helpful staff, and others voicing significant concerns about pricing, product selection, and customer interaction, it's important to understand the full scope of what the shop provides. We’ll explore their location, the services they offer, and what customers highlight about their experience, to give you a comprehensive picture of Cole's Bicycles Inc as a local option for your cycling needs in Pennsylvania.

Cole's Bicycles Inc is situated at 327 N Hanover St, Carlisle, PA 17013, USA. This address places the store in the heart of Carlisle, a historic borough in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Hanover Street is a significant thoroughfare, making the shop easily identifiable and accessible within the town. Carlisle itself is known for its blend of historical charm and a bustling local economy, connecting to various parts of Central Pennsylvania.

The accessibility of Cole's Bicycles Inc is generally convenient for those in and around Carlisle. Being located on a main street, it allows for straightforward navigation for local residents. It's important to note, however, that according to their website, "long term construction is impacting parking on Hanover St." They advise customers to "click on the picture on the right to see a PDF of a street map to our back parking Lot," indicating that direct street parking may be limited and customers might need to utilize an alternative parking area. This consideration for parking is important for customers planning a visit, ensuring a smoother experience. Despite potential parking adjustments, the central location aims to serve the Carlisle community effectively for their cycling needs.

• Bicycle Sales: Cole's Bicycles Inc displays a wide variety of bicycle brands and styles across its over 2000 sq. ft. showroom space. They offer models including road, mountain, hybrid, comfort, cruiser, BMX, and children's bikes to fit various needs. They are a preferred retailer for brands like Trek and Electra.

• Bicycle Maintenance & Repair: The shop features an "open air mechanic facility" that provides full service for any style and make of bicycle. This includes free estimates and advice (written estimates are extra), tune-ups, overhauls, tube and tire changing, boxing bikes for shipping, and accessory installation.

• Bicycle Fitting: Cole's Bicycles Inc emphasizes the importance of proper bike fit for maximizing riding pleasure. Their staff, with "over 65 years experience" collectively, is trained to help customers ensure their bicycle fits them perfectly, whether it's a new purchase or an existing bike.

• Parts & Accessories: A full range of accessories is available, including clothing, helmets, locks, lights, bottles, bags, replacement parts, car racks, trainers, and pumps. They aim to stock everything needed for cycling and will attempt to source items they don't have.

• Women's Room: Since January 2009, Cole's Bicycles Inc has dedicated a special room in the store specifically for women's biking needs, featuring bikes, clothing, and accessories designed to provide a better shopping experience for female cyclists, with staff trained to help with issues specific to women.

• Keys & Locksmith Services: Uniquely, they also offer key cutting services ("keys made while-you-wait") for hard-to-find keys and can re-key existing house locks at the store. (Note: They no longer do outside house calls or auto lock-outs.)

• Established Local Presence: Cole's Bicycles Inc has been a long-standing fixture in Carlisle, indicating a history of serving the community's cycling needs.

• Customer Service for Tune-ups: One positive review highlights "excellent customer service and quick turnaround time for a bike tune-up," with specific praise for Cinda and Will for being "kind and helpful." This suggests a positive experience for specific service needs.

• Specialized Women's Section: The dedicated "Women's Room" is a unique feature, aiming to create a more comfortable and tailored shopping experience for female cyclists with specific products and knowledgeable staff.

• Experienced Staff for Bike Fitting: With "over 65 years experience" in bike fitting among their staff, they highlight a commitment to ensuring bicycles are properly adjusted for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

• In-House Mechanic Facility: The presence of an "open air mechanic facility" allows for various repair and maintenance services, providing a local option for bike upkeep.

• Unique Locksmith Services: The offering of key copying and re-keying house locks is an unusual, but potentially convenient, ancillary service for customers.

To connect with Cole's Bicycles Inc, you can reach them via phone or visit their physical location.

Address: 327 N Hanover St, Carlisle, PA 17013, USA

Phone: (717) 249-3833

Mobile Phone: +1 717-249-3833

Operating Hours:

• Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

For residents of Carlisle and the surrounding areas in Pennsylvania, Cole's Bicycles Inc presents itself as a long-standing local option for various cycling needs. Its suitability for locals can be viewed through the lens of its accessibility, its range of services, and the specific positive experiences reported by some customers, while also acknowledging areas of concern raised by others.

Firstly, the **central location on N Hanover St** in Carlisle offers convenience for many within the immediate vicinity. While current construction may necessitate using their back parking lot, the overall accessibility within a compact town like Carlisle means that for many daily cycling needs—from quick tune-ups to Browse new bikes—it remains a relatively easy destination. Having a physical shop within the community provides an immediate resource that online-only alternatives cannot replicate, offering in-person advice and hands-on service.

Secondly, Cole's Bicycles Inc offers a **comprehensive array of services**, aiming to be a one-stop shop for cyclists. Their wide selection of bike styles, including children's bikes, road, mountain, and electric models, provides choices for various riders. The presence of an "open air mechanic facility" for repairs, tune-ups, and overhauls means locals have a designated place to bring their bikes for maintenance. The emphasis on bike fitting, with experienced staff, is a valuable service that can significantly enhance a rider's comfort and performance, ensuring that whether you're buying new or adjusting an old friend, your bike is tailored to you. The unique "Women's Room" also indicates an effort to cater to specific customer segments.

However, local users should consider a range of feedback when evaluating suitability. While some customers, like the one praising Cinda and Will for "excellent customer service and quick turnaround time for a bike tune-up," highlight positive interactions and efficient service, other reviews express significant dissatisfaction regarding pricing, product selection, staff knowledge, and perceived customer service issues from the owners. The concern about a limited range of "mid-level bikes" and the specific feedback on brand exclusion due to non-business reasons might be important for customers seeking a wide array of options or those who value specific brands.

In conclusion, Cole's Bicycles Inc in Carlisle is a established local bicycle shop with a physical presence and a range of services from sales to repairs and fittings. For those in search of convenient tune-ups and potentially a specific type of bike, and who appreciate a dedicated section for women's cycling needs, it presents an option. However, for those with specific brand preferences, budget constraints on parts and repairs, or expectations for a certain level of direct customer engagement from owners, it may be beneficial to consider the full spectrum of local feedback and potentially explore other local options like Gung Ho, Cycle Works, or Holmes Cycling, which some customers highly recommend.

Cole's Bicycles Inc

327 N Hanover St, Carlisle, PA 17013, USA