General Classification Introduce
Welcome to General Classification, an independent bicycle store nestled in the vibrant heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! For discerning cyclists across the Keystone State, this is more than just a place to buy a bike; it's a specialized hub for those seeking a truly personalized cycling experience. In a world dominated by big-box stores and mass-produced options, General Classification offers a refreshing alternative, focusing on custom solutions, precise bike fittings, and unique components that cater to the individual needs of every rider.
Philadelphia, with its rich cycling culture, diverse urban landscapes, and proximity to scenic routes, demands bike shops that understand the nuances of local riding. General Classification aims to meet this demand by providing a focused approach to cycling that prioritizes performance, comfort, and the perfect fit. Whether you're a seasoned road cyclist looking to optimize your performance, a commuter seeking a uniquely tailored ride, or someone interested in exploring custom build options, our shop is designed to bring your cycling vision to life.
We understand that the relationship between a rider and their bike is deeply personal. That's why we emphasize a detailed, attentive process, especially when it comes to bike fitting and custom builds. Our goal is to ensure that every cyclist leaves our shop with a bike that not only feels amazing but also enhances their riding experience. We pride ourselves on offering something "a bit different than a big brand store," providing a curated selection and expert knowledge that caters to those who appreciate craftsmanship and individual attention.
Come discover the difference at General Classification. We are committed to helping Philadelphia's cycling community achieve their goals with bikes that are truly their own. Step into our world where passion for cycling meets precision engineering, and let us help you build the best bike you've ever owned.
---General Classification is conveniently located at 1002 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. This address places the shop squarely in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, making it highly accessible for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania. Pine Street is well-known for its charming character and is easily reachable from various parts of the city.
Being in Center City, General Classification benefits from excellent connectivity via public transportation. Numerous SEPTA bus routes, subway lines (Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line), and regional rail stations are within comfortable walking distance, providing convenient options for cyclists traveling from different neighborhoods or even the wider metropolitan area. For those cycling to the shop, Pine Street is a bike-friendly thoroughfare, allowing for an easy ride directly to our doorstep.
While street parking in Center City can sometimes be a challenge, there are often metered spots and parking garages available in the vicinity. We encourage visitors to plan their travel accordingly, perhaps by utilizing ride-sharing services, public transit, or cycling, to make their visit as smooth as possible. Our central location ensures that premium bike services and unique components are within reach for a wide range of Philadelphia cyclists, allowing easy access for those looking for specialized bike builds and fittings.
---Custom Road Bike Builds: General Classification specializes in building new road bikes from the ground up, tailored to the individual rider. This involves a collaborative process of selecting frames, components (like handlebars and crank length), and conducting fittings to create a unique and optimized bicycle. This service is ideal for riders seeking a personalized performance machine.
Bike Fitting Services: The shop offers bike fitting to help riders achieve optimal comfort, efficiency, and performance. This service aims to adjust the bike to the rider's specific biomechanics and riding style. While customer experiences may vary, the intention is to improve ride quality and address discomfort, potentially through adjustments or component changes.
Parts and Components Sales: General Classification stocks and sells a variety of bike parts and components, catering to specific needs for custom builds, upgrades, or replacements. This makes it a go-to spot for riders looking for specialized or unique items for their bicycles.
Expert Consultation: The staff provides consultations to discuss bike options, fitting needs, and component choices. The aim is to guide customers through the complexities of custom bike building and fitting, helping them understand the impact of various adjustments and parts.
General Bicycle Maintenance & Repair: While the primary focus is on custom builds and fittings, the shop also handles general bicycle maintenance and repair needs, ensuring bikes are kept in optimal working condition. This allows riders to maintain their investment and ensure safe operation.
Specialization in Custom Builds and Fittings: General Classification's primary strength lies in its specialized focus on building custom road bikes and offering fitting services. This approach caters to cyclists who are looking for a unique, personalized bike that is precisely tailored to their body and riding style, rather than a standard off-the-shelf model. This allows for specific choices in components like "handlebar width crank length" that might not be standard.
Independent Shop Vibe: The store offers a distinct alternative to "a big brand store," appealing to customers who prefer the atmosphere and personalized attention of an independent bike shop. This often translates to a more curated selection of products and a focus on craftsmanship over volume.
Potential for Highly Optimized Bike Fit (with right approach): While one customer's initial fitting experience was negative, another's success with Sam in building "the best bike I've owned" suggests that when the fitting process is approached collaboratively and with proper assessment (e.g., getting on the bike), it can lead to exceptional results. This indicates that the expertise for a "dialed in" fit exists within the shop.
Curated Component Selection: The shop is a good place to "stop in for parts," suggesting they stock a selection of components that appeal to cyclists looking to upgrade or build a custom bike. This makes it convenient for those seeking specific or higher-end parts for their road bikes.
Focus on Road Cycling: The emphasis on building a "new road bike" and discussion of components relevant to road cycling suggests a strong focus on this discipline, making it a potentially ideal destination for serious road cyclists in Philadelphia.
Potential for an "Amazing" Final Product: One customer's experience resulting in an "amazing" final product and "the best bike I've owned" highlights the potential for General Classification to deliver truly high-quality, high-performance custom bikes when the fitting and build process aligns with customer expectations.
To learn more about custom bike builds, schedule a fitting appointment, or inquire about parts at General Classification, please contact us using the information below:
Address: 1002 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
Phone: (215) 279-7064
We invite you to visit our shop in Center City Philadelphia during business hours to discuss your cycling needs. Due to the specialized nature of our services, particularly bike fittings and custom builds, we recommend calling ahead to schedule an appointment to ensure dedicated time with our experts. We look forward to helping you achieve your ideal cycling experience in Pennsylvania.
---For residents of Philadelphia and the broader Pennsylvania cycling community, General Classification offers a distinct and highly suitable option for those seeking a truly personalized and high-performance cycling experience. Unlike larger, more generic bike stores, General Classification positions itself as an independent, specialized shop focused on custom bike builds and precise fittings, making it an ideal choice for a particular segment of local riders.
The shop's suitability for locals lies in its ability to cater to individual needs, which is crucial for cyclists who spend significant time on their bikes across Pennsylvania's varied terrain, from urban streets to scenic rural roads. As one satisfied customer experienced, working with the team, particularly for a custom build and fitting, can result in "the best bike I've owned." This suggests that when the consultation and fitting process is thorough and collaborative, the outcome is a bike that is perfectly "dialed in" to the rider's body and preferences, enhancing comfort and performance significantly. This level of customization is invaluable for serious cyclists looking to optimize their ride or address specific ergonomic challenges.
While one review highlights a less positive initial fitting experience, it underscores the importance of clear communication and ensuring the fitter fully understands your needs, ideally by observing you on the bike. However, the success stories demonstrate that when the fitting process at General Classification hits its stride, the results can be transformative, leading to an "amazing" final product. This potential for excellence in custom builds and precision fitting makes it an attractive option for Pennsylvanians who value a bike that truly feels like an extension of themselves.
Furthermore, for those seeking "something a bit different than a big brand store," General Classification provides that independent, curated experience. It's a place where you can find specific parts and receive focused attention from staff who are passionate about road cycling and custom solutions. Its central Philadelphia location on Pine Street also makes it accessible to a wide range of city dwellers via public transport or bike, ensuring that specialized cycling services are within reach for many local enthusiasts. For the discerning Pennsylvania cyclist who prioritizes a custom fit, unique build, and a personalized approach, General Classification is a strong contender.
General Classification Photos










General Classification Location
General Classification
1002 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
General Classification Reviews
I didn’t like the experience I had at this shop. I called ahead explaining I needed help making some adjustments to get my bike feeling more comfortable. The rep assured me they could help and asked me to make an appointment. I show up for my appointment and as soon as I walked in the in the door the fitter eye balled me and the bike and started making suggestions on the parts I should buy to improve my reach. He never had me get on the bike so he could see the issues I was having for himself. There was no explanation on how or why the suggested parts would help me. I left this shop demoralized, feeling like I bought the wrong bike and would never get it feeling comfortable because of the issues I was having with the reach.I went to a different fitter who actually put me on the bike and took some measurements and explained why one of the main suggestions General Classification made could cause more issues. The other shop took their time and explained everything to me. After 2 sessions with a better fitter my fit is dialed in and the bike feels great. Glad I got a second opinion!
May 12, 2025 · EGThis is my go to bike shop in center city. I often stop in for parts, and recently worked with Sam to build up my new road bike. We did a fitting and ended up choosing sizes (handlebar width, crank length) that I never would have gone for. The final product is amazing and the best bike I've owned. If I was looking for something a bit different than a big brand store I would definitely check them out.
Feb 25, 2025 · Mike BaerI had Sam do my bike fit today and could not be happier with the experience. This was my first professional fit on a new bike and he made the entire experience comfortable from start to finish. His approach was no-nonsense but thorough, and my bike feels much better. The price was INCREDIBLY fair for what I got, and he worked around the limitations of my bike without a hard sell on changing a million parts. 10/10 experience at a super cool shop.
Dec 06, 2024 · Brian ThomsenThe General Classification is one of the best bike shops I've ever been to.If you’re used to bike shops that feel like warehouses full of inventory, where it can be difficult to get someone’s attention or know where to start, visiting The GC will feel like a breath of fresh air. The shop is a clean and open space, with real plants among the inventory. Not sure what you’re looking for? Give the shop a call or stop in and sit down for a chat. The team will take the time to ask you questions and give you guidance as to the best fits for your specific needs, without rushing you to make a decision or pressuring you to spend as much money as possible.Service at The GC is similarly excellent. Whether I need my commuter tuned up, my mountain bikes serviced (including suspension maintenance/rebuilds), a quick tune up ahead of my next road race, or anything in between, service at the GC is consistently top-notch. From a pricing perspective, the shop does labor at an hourly rate, which makes their rates extremely fair and competitive for service.If you’re looking to purchase a bike or equipment, The GC also carries and sources an impressive array of bikes and equipment, and will work with you to help you source the best option for your needs.
Feb 24, 2023 · Sam RiegelGreat folks here! Sam and Dan's recommendations are undeniably sensible and their wisdom is well beyond their years... First went inside by chance, wound up talking about resistance/load/leverage/mechanical theories, and found myself purchasing a MTB frame, something I do once every 15 years - and was clearly worth it. Added benefit: the interior design of the joint is spot on perfect.
Jul 24, 2024 · Curtis Krauss
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