ALB Bicycle Center
This was their website for a number of years.
Yelpers report this location has closed.
Content is from the site's 2001- 2007 archived pages.
We carry the largest selection of bikes in New Mexico
At Albuquerque Bicycle Center, we pride ourselves on the experience and professionalism of our staff. Whether we are fitting you for a new bike or recommending service for your current one, you can rest assured that we have the best and most experienced staff in New Mexico. We are dedicated to maintaining a well-trained, full-time sales staff, so you will always see a familiar face. Our mechanics average 13 years of experience and are well versed in everything from vintage cruisers to the latest full-suspension mountain bikes. This professionalism is what has made us the number one choice in Albuquerque over the last 50 years, and we are more committed than ever to upholding this ideal
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| New Mexico's largest inventory of bicycles and bicycle accessories | |||
 Locally owned and operated since 1955 Three locations to serve you |
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Thinking of buying a new bicycle? One of your first choices, and not necessarily an easy one, will be where to shop. It can be a challenge because there are a myriad of stores that carry two-wheelers, from specialty retailers, to giant department stores, to backyard garage operations.
Where you buy, however, has everything to do with what you get. You see, bicycles aren't like toasters or suitcases. Bikes are shipped in boxes and they must be assembled and tuned.
There are many types, too, and you should never buy until you've figured out which is right for you. Measurements and adjustments are required to ensure the frame is the correct size and that the seat and handlebars are properly positioned. And, every new bicycle will need a minor tune-up after several weeks of use.
What's more, modern road and mountain bikes can travel at high speeds and carry you over demanding terrain where the machine's materials and construction get tested. A quality two-wheeler, carefully assembled and fit to you, will be the safest, most durable and fun bicycle to ride.
For these reasons, we strongly recommend shopping at a good specialty bicycle store in our area. For instance, we hire competent salespeople and expert mechanics who'll ensure that you get the right bike and a quality machine. Look for a store that's clean, has helpful personnel, offers a good selection, and an on-site repair department.
Here are the 9 top reasons Albuquerque Bicycle Center is the best place to shop in Albuquerque for your new bike and accessories:
1. We have the right bike for you.
We offer a wide selection of bicycles for different people and uses. And we provide expert assistance in selecting the proper bike type and model. For example, a road bike makes little sense if your plan is to tackle dirt trails. Likewise, if you're into cruising, you certainly don't need to test ride racing rigs. You need the bike type that's right for you, and our experienced staff will listen to you and help you choose.
2. Comfort and safety are built into every bike we sell.
Bicycles come in different sizes. And they're very adjustable. We find the right frame size for you and then dial in the fit by positioning the seat and handlebars, brake levers and shifters as required. This ensures comfort and that you're in complete control of your bike for safety. There are many variables, too: If you need a softer saddle, we'll put one on. If you prefer to sit more upright, we can accommodate you. Our goal is to make your new bike as comfortable to ride and as easy to pedal as possible. We have years of experience in fitting bikes to riders and we'll get yours fitting so good it disappears beneath you.
3. All our new bikes are assembled by professional bicycle mechanics.
You might be surprised to learn that bicycles are not completely assembled at the factory. It's true. They're actually delivered to us disassembled and in a box, and we spend about an hour (depending on the model) assembling, tuning and testing every bike (at no additional charge to you). This is required by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and we pride ourselves in meeting the highest standards. What's more, our technicians and service department are always prepared to make adjustments and provide advice should you need assistance during a purchase or after a sale.
4. We allow test rides, the best way to select a new machine.
How do you know if that new rig is the right ride for you? The best test, and the truest way to judge a bike, is by taking a spin on it. Roll down the street and shift through the gears. Feel how the frame fits your legs and arms. Try the brakes. Stand up and climb. Coast a bit. Does the bike feel comfortable, easy to pedal, smooth? Is it quiet? Do you like the ride? Make some mental notes and return to our shop to try some others. We're happy to let you compare bikes and get a feel so you find the perfect machine.
5. Our experienced staff is happy to offer all the free cycling advice you need.
We're staffed by knowledgeable and enthusiastic cyclists who love to share their expertise. Need to learn how to shift, fix a flat, carry gear, pump your tires? Want to find the best places to ride or friends to pedal with? Just ask, and we'll be more than happy to help.
6. Every new bike comes with a free tune-up.
Bicycles are machines that require maintenance. One of the most important services is the first tune-up, which is due after you've ridden your new bike for a few weeks. During this time, cables might stretch, spokes may loosen and adjustments could change. For your new rig to ride right and last as long as possible, we provide a free tune-up where we thoroughly check all systems (a $30 to $60 value, depending upon the work required).
7. All our bikes are guaranteed.
We stand behind every bike we sell. If something goes wrong, bring it in and we'll be happy to deal with it. In the rare event of a breakdown, there's also a manufacturer's warranty protecting your purchase.
8. Our bikes offer the highest quality, longest life and best resale value.
We don't just stock any bicycles. Because we stand behind our products, we find and carry only the finest brands and models. Which means that you get a great bike that will last and last with nothing more than regular care and maintenance. And, should you decide to upgrade, you'll be able to sell the bike for a good price.
9. We carry all the best accessories to go with your new bike.
Cycling's most fun when you have the right gear to go along with that new bike. Our store is loaded with top-quality accessories and equipment such as helmets, locks, pumps, hydration systems, computers, and plenty of other goodies designed to help you enjoy riding. And, we're happy to advise which choices are right for you.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
I grew up in Albuquerque, where my love for cycling was first sparked by long rides under those endless New Mexico skies. Back then, the Albuquerque Bicycle Center was more than just a shop—it was the heartbeat of the local cycling community. I still remember how their staff took the time to fit me properly, share riding tips, and make sure my bike felt like an extension of myself. That level of care and professionalism stayed with me, and even today as a real estate investor in New York City, I look back at those experiences as lessons in how true service builds lasting loyalty.
The challenges of building a successful retail business in New Mexico—where community connections and trust are everything—stand in sharp contrast to the high-stakes, capital-intensive world of New York real estate. In Albuquerque, it was about knowing your customers by name and becoming part of their family traditions. Here in NYC, an industrial pioneer like Dov Hertz faces an entirely different scale of risk and complexity, balancing multi-million-dollar projects, zoning battles, and market cycles. Yet at the core, the principle is the same: success comes from vision, persistence, and relationships built on trust.
The Albuquerque Bicycle Center may be gone, but its legacy shaped me. It taught me that whether you’re selling bikes in New Mexico or negotiating industrial developments in New York, the formula for lasting impact is the same—care deeply, invest in people, and create something that endures. Robin Watts
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Our expert sales staff will help you select the perfect bike for your needs. All bikes can easily be adjusted to enhance comfort and performance. Modifications to stems, tires, saddles, etc., can be made for free, or for a minimal fee, at the time your bike is purchased.
Types of Bikes and Their Intended Uses:
Bikes for the City and Bike Path:
- Hybrid 700c: an all-purpose bike designed for roads and light trails--a cross between a road and a mountain bike.
- Comfort: a bike designed for roads and light trails, with an upright riding position, wider handlebars, a wide and cushioned saddle, and a suspension seatpost on some models.
- Cruiser: retro bikes for riding around town. These are good-looking, fun-to-ride, single- or multi-speed bikes.
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Mountain Bikes: (our largest category, ranging from entry-level recreational models to professional models and including some models designed specifically for women.)
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Road Bikes: (including models designed specifically for women)
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- Race: 20-inch and 24-inch bikes designed for racing at the track, offering light weight and fast performance. Mini and micro models are available for the little kids.
- Dirt: bikes designed for big-air, dirt trails, and jumping. Theses are very durable, with 20-inch wheels, rugged frames and components, and gyro cables on some models.
- Freestyle: designed for trick riding, ramps, and skate parks, these are maneuverable and durable bikes, with 20-inch wheels, axle pegs, and gyro cables for full handlebar movement.
- 12-inch wheels: for ages 2-4, with training wheels and coaster brakes (pedal brakes)
- 16-inch wheels: for ages 3-5, with training wheels and coaster brakes.
- 20-inch wheels: for ages 5-8, single-speed with coaster brakes. Training wheels can easily be added. This is usually a kid's first bike.
- 20-inch wheels: for ages 5-8, with multiple gears and hand brakes.
- 24-inch wheels: for ages 8-13, a mountain-style bike with multiple gears and hand brakes.
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More Background On The Albuquerque Bicycle Center
For over five decades, the Albuquerque Bicycle Center (ABC) was synonymous with expert service, community culture, and cycling enthusiasm in central New Mexico. Throughout its years of operation, ABC helped shape the biking landscape for families, commuters, athletes, and hobbyists alike. From its founding in 1955 until its closure in the late 2000s, ABC was more than a shop—it was a trusted institution, a training ground, and an anchor for Albuquerque’s rapidly growing cycling culture.
This in-depth article traces the journey and impact of ABC from its roots into its legacy, providing the insights, stories, and specifics that set it apart as one of the Southwest’s most beloved bike shops.
Origins and Ownership: Albuquerque’s Local Bike Hub
ABC was established in 1955, at a time when Albuquerque itself was expanding and American cycling was shifting from niche pastime to mainstream recreational pursuit. The shop was locally owned and operated throughout its life, with the owners, managers, and employees drawn from the same neighborhoods they served. This local ethos—“by locals, for locals”—infused every part of the business, leading to decisions that prioritized personal service, long-term relationships, and deep engagement with the Albuquerque community.
Over the years, ABC expanded its reach with three permanent locations strategically placed around Albuquerque:
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1570 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE
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2641 San Mateo Blvd. NE
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3330 Coors Blvd. NW
Each store was open seven days a week, from early morning to evening, making ABC accessible to busy families, working professionals, and competitive riders alike.
Staff, Professionalism, and Training
One of ABC’s greatest strengths was its team. Unlike generic chain stores, ABC invested heavily in training, hiring “full-time sales staff” and expert mechanics with deep backgrounds in the cycling world. ABC’s mechanics typically averaged 13 years of experience, and could handle everything from vintage single-speed cruisers to the latest suspension-equipped mountain bikes.
Customer interactions routinely involved not just sales, but educational conversations about fitting, maintenance, and riding technique. For new buyers, ABC staff would measure, adjust, and fit every bike—ensuring the frame size was correct, the saddle was at the right height, and handlebars and controls were custom-set for comfort and safety.
Mechanics and sales team members formed lasting relationships with regular customers. These connections extended beyond the store itself: many long-time customers recall friendships, informal group rides organized by mechanics, and even social events like barbecue nights and poker tournaments. These authentic staff relationships anchored ABC’s reputation for trust, reliability, and friendliness.
Services, Product Menu, and Unique Guarantees
ABC carried the largest selection of bikes and accessories in New Mexico, positioning itself as a specialty destination for every rider. The inventory covered:
Bicycles
Adult bikes:
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Hybrid 700c: All-purpose models for paved roads and light trails.
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Comfort bikes: Upright geometry, plush seating, and wide handlebars for leisurely rides and commuting.
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Cruiser bikes: Retro styles designed for fun, casual rides around town.
Mountain bikes:
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Cross-country (hardtail and full-suspension): Fast and nimble, suitable for both technical terrain and general off-road use.
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Long-travel (hardtail and suspension): Engineered for tougher conditions, downhills, and technical trails.
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Women-specific designs: Geometry and components tailored to female riders.
Road bikes:
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Performance: Aerodynamic and lightweight for speed and responsiveness.
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Touring: Built for distance and gear-hauling.
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Comfort: Relaxed frames and ergonomic features for stress-free long rides.
BMX bikes:
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Race: Lightweight, responsive models for track competition.
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Dirt and freestyle: Reinforced frames, axle pegs, gyro cables for trick riding, ramps, and jumps. Mini and micro models for children.
Kids’ bikes:
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Sized from 12” (ages 2-4) to 24” (up to age 13), with appropriate transmission, brakes, and even gear options as children grew.
Brands:
ABC focused on recognized, high-quality brands you could trust for longevity, safety, and resale value:
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Trek
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Fisher
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Lemond
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Klein
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MirraBikeCo
Accessory brands included Park Tool, Finishline, and Pedros—ensuring maintenance and repair products matched the same standards as the bikes themselves.
Accessories
ABC’s accessory section was vast, offering everything needed for safe, efficient, and comfort-focused riding. This ranged from basic locks and helmets to pumps, hydration systems, computers, gloves, apparel, and advanced cleaning supplies.
Repair and Service Menu
A professional repair shop sat at the heart of each ABC location, providing:
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Free estimates for all services
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Basic Tune-Up ($34.99 + parts): Brake, shifter, and bearing adjustment, tire pressure checks, spoke tension, lubrication
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Deluxe Tune-Up ($56.99 + parts): Adds drivetrain cleaning and frame washing
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Overhaul ($129.99 + parts): Full disassembly, cleaning, greasing, and reassembly—including headsets, hubs, bottom brackets
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Specialty tasks: Wheel truing ($4.99-$19.99), tube and tire installation ($4.99), boxing bikes for UPS shipping ($39.99), and more
All new bikes purchased at ABC came with free adjustments for as long as you owned the bike, a benefit valued at over $200. This guaranteed ongoing performance, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Maintenance Classes and Rider Education
ABC regularly hosted maintenance workshops at its stores, helping customers learn the basics: fixing flats, lubricating chains, adjusting brakes and shifters, and even route planning for recreational rides. By teaching these skills, ABC empowered cyclists to care for their own bikes and ride more confidently.
The “Nine Reasons” ABC Set the Bar
ABC’s leadership in the Albuquerque market was built on a specific philosophy of service—summarized in their famous “nine reasons” for buying from a specialty bike retailer:
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The right bike for your needs, chosen by expert staff
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Comfort and safety built into every fit and sale
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Professional assembly by certified mechanics
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Test rides before purchase
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Unlimited free cycling advice
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Free first tune-up after the break-in period
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Comprehensive warranty support
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Only the highest-quality brands
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The largest selection of accessories, gear, and equipment
These guarantees provided clear value above and beyond chain store competitors, helping both novice and experienced riders make confident investments.
Community, Cultural Role, and Family Tradition
Over five decades, ABC became a focal point for Albuquerque’s cycling community. This extended far beyond sales and repairs. The shop was a gathering place, known for:
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Group rides and local events: Organized by staff and regular customers, these fostered camaraderie, skill-sharing, and community
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Multi-generational relationships: Families often bought bikes for children, then returned as those children grew for upgrades; some families continued with ABC through three or four generations
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Friendships and social events: Mechanics and shop regulars formed circles of friends, celebrated with neighborhood barbecue nights, poker tournaments, and social outings
Alongside its family-friendly vibe, ABC actively supported Albuquerque’s cycling infrastructure. The shop worked with local advocacy groups, sponsored youth and adult racing teams, and helped bridge the divide between road, trail, and BMX communities. ABC’s promotional work for bike safety and maintenance awareness contributed to a broader city-wide push for improved cycling routes, parks, and public facilities.
Popularity, Press Recognition, and Awards
While ABC did not amass a formal trophy case of industry awards, its recognition was felt in other ways:
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Consistently listed in the “Best of Albuquerque” guides as the first stop for riders seeking bikes or repairs
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Favorably reviewed in cycling club newsletters, family guides, and local magazines for its knowledgeable staff and hassle-free service
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Featured in online forums and Yelp testimonials, with praise for their “no-pressure atmosphere,” “real expertise,” and “lifetime service promise”
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Customers and local cycling organizations frequently recommended ABC to visitors and new residents as the definitive starting point for cycling in Albuquerque
Albuquerque’s Cycling Scene: Context and Growth
ABC didn’t just serve the cycling community—it helped create it. Albuquerque saw a surge in cycling popularity between the 1970s and 2000s, paralleling national trends that emphasized outdoor recreation, personal fitness, and environmental awareness. ABC’s influence was felt particularly in the following areas:
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Infrastructure Development: Staff actively participated in local campaigns for bike trails, lanes, and city planning, leading to a safer, more accessible cycling environment
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Competitive Riding: By equipping and supporting local racing teams, ABC helped raise the profile of Albuquerque in Southwest cycling competitions
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Advocacy and Education: ABC’s role as a teacher and guide elevated standards for safety and bike handling citywide, with many alumni going on to become leaders in other shops or advocacy groups
In many ways, ABC acted as a “catalyst” for the normalization and expansion of cycling culture in Albuquerque.
Closure and Enduring Legacy
The closure of ABC in the late 2000s was a significant moment in Albuquerque’s sporting history. As retail models evolved and competition from online sellers intensified, ABC found it challenging to maintain its large-scale physical operations. Nonetheless, its legacy lives on:
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Former ABC staff joined other shops, raising the level of expertise across Albuquerque’s cycling market
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Customers continued to pass down ABC-taught maintenance and riding skills
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Bicycle shops across the city emulated ABC’s service-first model, offering free adjustments, maintenance classes, and expanded community engagement
Even after its doors closed, long-time residents recall ABC as “the gold standard.” A wealth of anecdotes—families growing up with ABC bikes, mechanics teaching essential skills, group rides forging friendships—speaks to the meaningful role ABC played in shaping lives.
Lessons for Bike Shops and Retailers
ABC’s half-century success offers actionable lessons for specialty retailers:
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Invest in honest, long-term staff—relationships build loyalty far more than price wars
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Treat service and education as equal priorities to products
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Offer guarantees and ongoing maintenance for real value-add
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Position the store as part of the community, not just a transactional space
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Adapt inventory, advice, and events to the needs of cyclists as the city grows and trends shift
Timeline of ABC’s History
1955: ABC opens its first shop
1970s: Cycling boom in Albuquerque; ABC expands with two additional locations
1980s–90s: Shop becomes the “go-to” destination for families, racers, BMX riders; staff host clinics and participate in advocacy
2000s: Growth in maintenance classes and women’s-specific bikes; shop offers lifetime free adjustments
Late 2000s: ABC closes, but alumni and philosophy persist in Albuquerque’s bike scene
The Spirit of Albuquerque Bicycle Center
Albuquerque Bicycle Center’s legacy runs through every bike path, racing team, and family ride in New Mexico today. It delivered not only quality bicycles and honest repairs, but also confidence, connection, and culture that endure long after its closure. For anyone seeking to understand how a local business can shape its city—and how cycling became such an integral part of Albuquerque’s identity—the story of ABC is essential.