Reno - must visit bike shop(s)

[Ciavete]

Greetings Paceliners. Any recommendations appreciated. Cheers!

[AngryScientist]

Spoiler Alert: Reno is a dump.

I was there for work a few weeks ago and couldnt help but think it was one of the most depressing "cities" on earth.

[Mike V]

None.

Have fun at Interbike

Do what Greg did. Ride to Tahoe.

Visit Roland

[ptourkin]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

Spoiler Alert: Reno is a dump.

I was there for work a few weeks ago and couldnt help but think it was one of the most depressing "cities" on earth.

I spend a week there every year for the 508 and don't find it a dump at all. There's good coffee, good food and lots to do outdoors. Even some nice dedicated bike paths.

Great Basin is a big supporter of my race with good people. Check them out for bikes.

[Lanternrouge]

Reno should have turned out much better given what there was to work with.

[FlashUNC]

Call Roland Della Santa. Stop by, hang, get measured for a frame, see photos of him with Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond and some World Championship jerseys.

[Ciavete]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

Spoiler Alert: Reno is a dump.

I was there for work a few weeks ago and couldnt help but think it was one of the most depressing "cities" on earth.

You obviously didn't get serenaded by a singing public fountain while walking by a giant casino early one morning. I believe it was a cha cha cha. I would post the video I took if I could.

The built environment is dreary, as it is in many places - especially near casinos, but I found the natural landscape quite pretty. My buddy Tony who invited me to the bike show told me stories of the young Greg LeMond developing as a world class cyclist with all the high-altitude climbing near there once upon a time. If you ever want to seem him take on LeMond:

Thanks for all the advice. If I ever go back I'll be sure to bring a bike. As for Roland, maybe one day if I'm lucky.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

Spoiler Alert: Reno is a dump.

I was there for work a few weeks ago and couldnt help but think it was one of the most depressing "cities" on earth.

Ahh, geez, it isn't that bad. Ever been to Anaheim? I spent more than a little time there while flying out of Fallon....Gotta look some and no strip/etc like Vegas and it certainly isn't Vegas but it's not bad..

[VT Skier]

Sorry to hear someone had a bad visit, but I have friends there I visit every year to ski, ride, and enjoy the great weather and wonderful city. Great kayaking on the Truckee, and terrific riding everywhere.

College Cyclery downtown (622 S Virginia St) is my favorite shop, well worth a visit, and where I bought my Serotta and my Merckx, but never did get the Moots. It may also be the oldest shop in Nevada, run by Randy Collins et. al. since the early 1970s. If that's not enough of a recommendation, there's a fine beer bar (pints, growlers, etc.) walking distance from there, the name of which escapes me, but ask in the shop and they'll direct you.

Speaking of Roland, one of the guys in the shop was working with him when I was last there.

They'll also be able to refer you to one of the many excellent restaurants in Reno: Vietnamese, Thai, Mexican, Peruvian, Indian, etc.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by VT Skier

Sorry to hear someone had a bad visit, but I have friends there I visit every year to ski, ride, and enjoy the great weather and wonderful city. Great kayaking on the Truckee, and terrific riding everywhere.

College Cyclery downtown (622 S Virginia St) is a great shop, well worth a visit, and where I bought my Serotta and my Merckx, and may be the oldest shop in Nevada. There's a fine beer bar walking distance from there, the name of which escapes me, but ask in the shop and they'll direct you.

They'll also be able to refer you to one of the many excellent restaurants in Reno: Vietnamese, Thai, Mexican, Peruvian, Indian, etc.

AND smaller, friendlier casinos, if that's yer gig..kinda like going 'downtown' in Vegas...I liked Reno...Certainly not the crappyness that is so common in Vegas..

[VT Skier]

I love downtown Vegas.

If anyone wants a great read about the early days, try "Blood Aces: the Wild Ride of Benny Binion, the Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poker" by Doug Swanson.

[OtayBW]

I lived in Elko for 3 yrs. Going to Reno was bright lights, big city, and Lake Tahoe for me....

[Ciavete]

Originally Posted by VT Skier

Sorry to hear someone had a bad visit, but I have friends there I visit every year to ski, ride, and enjoy the great weather and wonderful city. Great kayaking on the Truckee, and terrific riding everywhere.

College Cyclery downtown (622 S Virginia St) is my favorite shop, well worth a visit, and where I bought my Serotta and my Merckx, but never did get the Moots. It may also be the oldest shop in Nevada, run by Randy Collins et. al. since the early 1970s. If that's not enough of a recommendation, there's a fine beer bar (pints, growlers, etc.) walking distance from there, the name of which escapes me, but ask in the shop and they'll direct you.

Speaking of Roland, one of the guys in the shop was working with him when I was last there.

They'll also be able to refer you to one of the many excellent restaurants in Reno: Vietnamese, Thai, Mexican, Peruvian, Indian, etc.

Bikes, beers, good food... these all sound like great reasons for a return trip someday!

[donevwil]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

Spoiler Alert: Reno is a dump.

I was there for work a few weeks ago and couldnt help but think it was one of the most depressing "cities" on earth.

Unexpected and unwarranted negativity from you. Maybe get to know a place better instead of rushing to judgement.

[Hindmost]

Apropos of Reno / Tahoe, I have enjoyed the movie Cobb with Tommy Lee Jones for its bit of history and local color.