Is Cycle Gear a good store?

[MillCreek]

So the local paper reports that Cycle Gear, a nationwide chain of motorcycle gear, accessories and parts, has just opened a new store about 10 miles from me.  I have never heard of it before.  Is it worth the trip?

[Fitz]

THey are better than most dealerships in both price and selection. Their in-house brand is decent.

I vote yes.

The one i used to have near me had a tire machine in the back, and if you brought your wheels and tires they'd mount/balance for 40 bucks total

[BobR]

Given the lack of motorcycle gear "stores" just about everywhere, unless you count the stealerships as a store, whenever a new gear store opens it is always worth a visit.

bob

[Fitz]

Given the lack of motorcycle gear "stores" just about everywhere, unless you count the stealerships as a store, whenever a new gear store opens it is always worth a visit.

bob

This.

Your options usually consist of dealerships, with prices ranging from "almost competitive with the internet" to "what the frak is this crap? This is a 200 percent markup"

OR

A Cruiser oriented "gear" store where you can buy non-DOT approved helmets, fringe galore, and chaps, and there's usually a crowd of Hoover collection receptacles out front drinking beer at "bike nights"

[S. Williamson]

The one 6-7mi from me has a fairly good selection, acceptable prices, and decent (in the best meaning of the word) staff.  

Your options usually consist of ... Cruiser oriented "gear" store where you can buy non-DOT approved helmets, fringe galore, and chaps, and there's usually a crowd of Hoover collection receptacles out front drinking beer at "bike nights"

Also one of these in town I've been to a couple times. Cycle gear is professional. Papa's Leather Barn... well, could be better. They're staffed with nice people who are genuinely helpful, and some of their selection is... okay, but they seem more of the gimmicky "Harley Davidson or NOTHING" type. 

[AZRedhawk44]

I like.

I've bought three helmets from them.  I like being able to try one on rather than mail-order and hope for the best, and they have prices on par with most mail order places.  They also have neat specials from time to time.  Got a set of winter riding pants this winter for $40.  Was stoked about that.  I could ride up to Prescott Valley in the early AM of an Arizona winter using those, and other reasonable gear.

[wuluf]

i bought a set of electric gloves from them years ago, i still use them...

on the increasingly rare occasion i ride when it's cold.

[gunsmith]

I really like cycle gear, when I was a motorcycle messenger I always got a discount. They also had a return bin you could get stuff cheap, good prices on new and a good return policy.

The only problem, they're like gun stores-there is always something else you see that you need even though you already overspent your budget.