I like nice stores as much as the next person, but I don't like it when I end up paying for that nice store through my purchases. I dislike that even more, when I am buying something practical, like a bike tune-up.

Toronto is loaded with fancy bike-gear-wearing sales teams in these fancy stores, selling fancy bikes and shiney locks. That might be fine for someone in the biking 'scene', but I just want a simple service for my bike, man.

For those who know what I am talking about, I have found the perfect solution.

People, meet Cyclemania. (863 Bloor Street West, 416-533-0080)

Allow the unassuming entrance to welcome you. Rows upon rows of bikes will lead you in, inviting you to explore the store at will.
More adventurous visitors will enjoy the random and scattered workspace out the back door, and if you are nice, you might even see the basement they proudly escavated themselves.

The very fact that the place is so open is a direct reflection of the service there. They help you as much as you need to be helped, offering the assistance they can to meet your needs. So rarely in stores can you see what you are getting right in front of you. They are not hiding behind anything.

The guys are cool, the price is right and my bike has never looked better. Enough said.