What are some of the most commonly-replaced bicycle parts?

More often than not, it has to do with the wheels: a new tube because you rode over something sharp, new tires after you've worn down the old ones with many miles of rides, or even a new rim if yours got bent from a minor accident. Brake and drive chain components are also fairly common purchases. And, many people who don't like the original seat (or saddle, as the experts would refer to it) opt to replace it with a more padded, ergonomic design.

Are there any accessories I should consider for my bike?

Of course! What you choose will naturally depend on your riding habits and preferences. If you ride at dusk, dawn, or in the dark, a headlight is a must - and it's not a bad idea even during the daytime, to give you added visibility. For the same reason, many cyclists also use a red rear light. If you need to carry things while you ride, from veggies you pick up at the farmer's market to camping gear for a cross-country journey, you may want a rear rack with or without carrying bags. Tire pumps, water bottle clips, and toe clips are also popular accessories you could consider.

I don't know much about installing parts on my bike. Where can I get help?

If you don't have a bike shop near you (or if you don't want to pay for a professional install), don't panic! You'll have no problem finding helpful step-by-step videos to guide you through the process. Many retailers of bicycle parts have a library of blog posts and videos you can use at your convenience.

How should I maintain my bicycle?

You should check your bike before each ride: properly inflated tires, working brakes, and clean and lubricated bike chain/gears will ensure you're safe and comfortable when you head out. From there, it depends on how often you ride and under what conditions (e.g. street, gravel, mud), but cleaning and lubricating are still the key tasks. You may even want to take it to a bike shop for a tune-up every six months to a year.

Is it safe to buy bicycle parts online?

Of course! Not only are there many retailers with decades of experience, but you'll also find the best inventory - often at prices that match or beat what you'd find in a local shop. With so many more people exercising at home, bike parts are often in short supply; shopping online gets you the bicycle parts you need much faster, and delivered right to your home. Plus, if you're not sure how to install it, you can often get help from the customer service team.

What if I order the wrong part? Can I exchange it or get a refund?

Policies vary by retailer. Some allow returns and exchanges for up to a year, but the part has to be unused and uninstalled to qualify. If you're not sure that the bicycle part you plan to order is the right one, most stores offer a knowledgeable customer support team that is happy to answer your questions prior to purchase (or after!).

Will I pay a lot for shipping?

How does "Free" sound? Many online bicycle parts stores want to earn your business, and so they offer free shipping to get your attention. You may have to place a minimum order amount to qualify, but some shops give you no-cost delivery on any purchase.

Is it possible to buy a custom-built bicycle online?

Absolutely! Not every retailer has that capability, but some of the best stores allow you to create the bicycle of your dreams from saddle to spokes. You already know that you'll pay more than an off-the-rack model, but it's worth it to get the perfect bike for your body and riding conditions.

Bicycle Warehouse Review for February 2026

Item: Bicycle Warehouse Review
Rating: 3
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Saturday, February 7th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Bicycle Part Store Reviews

Where's the best place to shop for bike parts? When you love riding, your bike becomes more than just a set of wheels - it's your freedom, your workout, your weekend adventure, or even your daily commute. And just like any other well-used machine, it needs some TLC to keep rolling smoothly. Whether you're a casual cruiser, a mountain trail shredder, or a road warrior chasing your next personal best, bike parts are what keep you moving forward (literally).

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

Bicycle Warehouse

Founded in 1992 as Mountain Bike Warehouse, now multiple stores and online catalog
Free shipping on orders over $99 within continental US (excludes bikes/oversized items)
30-day return policy with prepaid shipping label; e-bikes limited to 14 days/14 miles
Helpful online guides like "How to Buy Bike Tubes" and "Learn More about Bike Derailleurs"
$25 off first order of $100+ with email sign-up

AVERAGE

3.0

On the Bicycle Warehouse website

Bicycle Warehouse has been around since 1992, when it first opened as Mountain Bike Warehouse in San Diego. Over time, it's grown beyond just mountain bikes into multiple stores, related businesses, and an online catalog. The mission here is simple: "to inspire your passion to ride so you enjoy more fitness, freedom and fun." That's a great sentiment, but how does the shopping experience stack up? Let's take a closer look.

Prices and inventory are okay overall

You'll find a mix of strong and weak spots in Bicycle Warehouse's inventory. For some categories, the variety is fairly limited, while others rival the biggest online bike shops:

Tubes: With an inventory of just 106 products in the category, Bicycle Warehouse comes up a bit thin. They ranged in price from $1.95 (Kujo 26") to $37.71 (Pirelli Scorpion SmarTube); other brands included Giant, Surly, Specialized, and Slime.
Saddles: Grouped together as "Saddles & Seats", you'll see over 500 possibilities at Bicycle Warehouse (but it includes saddle covers, seat clamps, and other parts too). Lowest-priced saddles include several youth seats for under $25 and the GT-1 L2 FeC Alloy for $25 (on sale); high-end options available were the SLR C59 for $579.99, the Vento Argo 00 Adaptive Saddle we saw at most rival bike shops (at the same price: $449. 99), and several S-Works models for $475.
Derailleurs: From parts to full kits, you'll see over 400 choices in the inventory. The microSHIFT M21 rear derailleur was priced at $11.99 on sale, while the Campagnolo Super Record Wireless rear derailleur was nearly $1,000 (and wasn't offered at most of the bicycle parts stores on our list). Whatever you're looking to spend, Bicycle Warehouse probably has more than one option for you.

Perks for new shoppers

How about a $25 off coupon? If you're a first-time Bicycle Warehouse shopper, you can enter your email in the pop-up and get that discount on any order over $100. That gives you an incentive to test out the site, especially if you're stocking up on multiple parts at once. On top of that, the site has some helpful extras like "How to Buy Bike Tubes" and "Learn More about Bike Derailleurs" - great for beginners who want guidance before making a purchase.

Shipping is free with a minimum

Orders over $99 ship free within the continental US (excluding bikes and oversized items). That's a lower threshold than some bike shops, so you won't have to add as much to your cart to get free delivery.

Returns are fairly standard

Bicycle Warehouse offers the usual return policy. Most purchases can be returned within 30 days for a refund, with a prepaid return shipping label provided (a $10 fee is deducted unless the item was defective or incorrect). Bikes are more limited, though: you only get 14 days or 14 miles for e-bikes. No surprises here.

Store and customer service are easy to access

If you're near San Diego, you may already recognize their Pacific Beach warehouse location off I-5. In-store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am-6pm (Pacific). For online help, customer service is available by phone, text, email, and live chat during those same hours. They even advertise a personal touch: "Call Kathleen" if you need help choosing a bike.

Reputation is decent overall

Bicycle Warehouse has a "B-" rating from the BBB due to one complaint they didn't respond to, but nothing that seems like an ongoing concern. On Trustpilot, they hold a 3.5-star average from just over a dozen reviews. Customers frequently praise the communication and delivery on bike parts but warn that buying full bikes can mean longer shipping times than expected. The site talks about "thousands of 5-star reviews from happy riders," but we didn't find evidence of that - still, the general consensus is that people who shop here tend to be satisfied.

Good enough for a bike parts store

Bicycle Warehouse does a lot right, from its long history to free shipping and an industry-standard return policy. The inventory is solid in most categories, but not exceptional across the board, and the reputation is good but not stellar. It's a middle-of-the-pack option in our rankings: worth considering, but we recommend checking higher-rated bike shops first and then circling (or cycling?) back to Bicycle Warehouse for comparison.

On the Bicycle Warehouse website

Continued from above...

Where's the Best Place to Shop for Bike Parts?

When you love riding, your bike becomes more than just a set of wheels - it's your freedom, your workout, your weekend adventure, or even your daily commute. And just like any other well-used machine, it needs some TLC to keep rolling smoothly. Whether you're a casual cruiser, a mountain trail shredder, or a road warrior chasing your next personal best, bike parts are what keep you moving forward (literally).

Some of the most commonly-purchased bike parts are the ones that wear out first. Think tires and tubes, brake pads, and chains - all of which can make or break your ride if they're in bad shape. Then there are upgrades you might want for better performance or comfort, like a lighter crankset, a more ergonomic saddle, or a set of high-visibility lights for safer night riding. You'll also find riders stocking up on essentials like grips or bar tape, pedals, and derailleurs, especially if they've taken on a DIY repair project. And of course, there's the customization factor: maybe you're adding a splash of color with anodized components, or swapping in carbon fiber parts to shave ounces off your setup.

Buying bike parts online can be a game changer - especially if you're looking for specific components that aren't in stock at your local shop. Online stores typically have a much wider selection, making it easier to find exactly what fits your bike and your style. You can compare brands and specs side-by-side, read reviews from other riders, and often score better prices than in-store. Many retailers also have guides, sizing charts, or even live chat with experts so you can shop with confidence without having to haul your bike into a store. And for anyone who rides often, buying in bulk (like extra tubes or a few spare chains) can save you both time and money in the long run.

Of course, not all online bike part retailers are created equal. Before you load up your cart, here are some good criteria to keep in mind when deciding where to shop:

Selection. Do they carry a wide range of brands, models, and sizes so you can find exactly what you need?
Pricing. Are their prices competitive, and do they offer price matching or sales?
Shipping. How fast can they deliver, and is shipping free or affordable?
Return policy. If the part doesn't fit or isn't what you expected, can you return it easily? What time window do you have to get a refund?
Customer reviews. What do other cyclists say about the store's products and service? Does the bike shop have a positive reputation with the BBB and in online reviews?

Whether you're replacing worn-out parts, upgrading your bike for better performance, or just grabbing a spare or two for your gear stash, the right bike parts store can make all the difference. That's where we come in: the team at Top Consumer Reviews has done the research to review and rank some of today's most popular bike parts stores, so you can skip the guesswork and get back to riding. Happy trails!

Bicycle Warehouse Review: Bicycle Part Stores

2026 Bicycle Part Store Reviews

Bicycle Warehouse

Where's the Best Place to Shop for Bike Parts?

Bicycle Part Store FAQ