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The Top 5 Best San Francisco, CA Bike Shops

Plus The Best Local Trails, Bikes for Sale, Events & More

#1 - The Bike Connection

Offers a comprehensive biking experience for enthusiasts and casual riders alike. They’ve got one of the best selection of e-bikes we’ve seen in the area, and are well-stocked with Santa Cruz as well. They offer some of the largest selections for apparel to boot. The usual bike services, 2 locations, and some great customer service to shout out about.

Address: 1090 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone: (415) 934-8000

#2 - Valencia Cyclery

This shop has a diverse selection of bikes, including road, mountain, cyclocross, commuter/urban, cruiser, fitness, hybrid, children's, BMX, and of course electric bikes, catering to all types of cyclists. They’ve got a dedicated repair facility to handle the volume of work they do and are a bit of an institution in the area having been in business for close to 40 years.

Address: 1077 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Phone: (415) 550-6600

#3 - Roaring Mouse Cycles

Located in the San Francisco’s Mission District, Roaring Mouse has a great selection of Specialized bikes, offers a wide range in apparel and components, and perform bike fittings as well.

Address: 934 Mason St San Francisco, CA 94129

Phone: (415) 753-6272

#4 - Trek Bicycle Cow Hollow

This is a Trek shop with one of the highest ratings in the area overall. A great neighborhood corner location with a rental service. A little light on variety of bikes but makes up for it with their excellent staff, worth a visit if in the area.

Address: 3001 Steiner Street San Francisco, California, 94123

Phone: (415) 346-2242

#5 - SF Wheels

A great e-bike specialty shop, with a good selection and some brands you don’t typically find anywhere else. Solid reputation for service with a bike rental option as well. These folks seem to go above and beyond to make customers happy, so they’ve made our list.

Address: 842 A Cole Street San Francisco, CA 94117

Phone: (415) 731-6265

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Top 3 Bike Trails In San Francisco, CA

Explore San Francisco on pathed roads or MTB trails!

#1 - The Golden Gate Bridge Bike Trail

Famous for its breathtaking views and thrilling climbs, this paved route offers a roller-coaster-like experience as you ascend the headlands and descend steep hills​​.

Location: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Distance: 11.7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Loop

#2 - Angel Island Perimeter Loop

Offers panoramic views of the Tiburon Peninsula, the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, and Alcatraz Island. The trail begins and ends at Ayala Cove, providing a magical riding experience​​.You can bring your bike on the ferry to Angel Island. The island offers a calm and less crowded environment with awesome views​​.

Location: Angel Island State Park, Tiburon

Distance: 6 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Loop

#3 -Mount Tamalpais Old Railroad Grade MTB Trail

This trail, formerly a railroad route, takes you through forests to the summit of Mount Tamalpais, offering spectacular views of the Bay Area​​.

Location: Mount Tamalpais Watershed, Mill Valley

Distance: 14 miles

Difficulty: Intermediate

Route: Out and back

Local San Francisco Bike Events & Races 2024

Push your limit or ride with a group at these San Francisco, CA bike events.

#1 - AIDS / LifeCycle 2024

Date: June 2 - 8, 2024

A seven-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. This 545-mile journey is not a race but a ride through some of California's most beautiful countryside, raising funds for San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the HIV/AIDS-related services of the Los Angeles LGBT Center​​.

#2 - California Coast Classic Bike Tour

Date: September 21 - 28, 2024

Organized by the Arthritis Foundation, this scenic bike ride covered 525 miles along the coast on Highway 1, starting in San Francisco and ending in Los Angeles. The ride welcomed cyclists of all skill levels to enjoy the California coastline​​.

#3 - Grizzly Peak Century

Date: May 5, 2024

"There are four paved routes to choose from, all of them very hilly: 30 miles, 50 miles, 75 miles, and 100 miles. The 100 mile route starts earlier and does a full south loop first. The 75 mile and 100 mile routes will again use a section of the San Francisco Bay Trail between Pinole and Rodeo. This year we offer two gravel routes; 100 km and 50 km, which include some rest stops that are shared with the road routes. The 100K Gravel Route explores some of the greatest hits in our wonderful East Bay Regional parks. The first half of the day will take you through Sibley, Tilden, and Wildcat parks before turning south to revisit Sibley en route to Chabot park where the difficulty ramps up! "

San Francisco, CA Bike Laws & Regulations & Tips

Stay up to date on San Francisco, CA bike laws and seasonal riding tips.

Cycling Laws:

- Right of way: Pedestrians Have the Right of Way: Cyclists and drivers must yield to pedestrians, whether they are in a crosswalk or not​​.

- Stop Behind the Crosswalk: Cyclists should always stop behind the crosswalk line to keep it clear for pedestrians​​.

- Mind the Signs and Lights: Like all vehicles, cyclists must stop at stop signs and obey red lights​​.

- Stay on the Streets: It's illegal for anyone over the age of 13 to ride a bike on the sidewalk​​.

- Go With the Flow: Cyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic. If you find yourself on a one-way street going the wrong way, walk your bike on the sidewalk​​.

- Take the Lane: If you're riding next to parked cars or in a narrow lane, and feel safer doing so, take the lane and ride outside the door zone​​.

Light up the Night: Reflectors and a front white light are required by law. Using a rear light is also recommended​​.

Seasonal Tips:

Summer:

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is a significant risk for summer cyclists. Always carry plenty of water and drink regularly during your ride​​.

Cover Up: Protect yourself from sun exposure with loose-fitting, light clothing and sunscreen. Avoid loose fabric around your legs that might get caught in the bike gears or chain​​.

Be Prepared for Sweat: If you're commuting or meeting friends, bring a change of clothes and items to freshen up​​.

Slow Down for Pets and Kids: Remember that dogs and children have lower heat tolerance. Ensure they stay hydrated and check in with them regularly​​.

Ease Into Bigger Rides: Plan for challenging rides to take extra time. Carry snacks and extra water, especially in hotter weather​​.

Winter:

Plan and Pack Accordingly: Watch the weather forecast and pack a water-resistant layer, gloves, and winter cycling shoes. Carry a mini-repair kit and a spare tube​​.

Prioritize Bike Upkeep: Pay attention to bike cleanliness during rainy seasons. Use fenders to protect your tires and yourself, keep your chain clean, and ensure your lights are working properly​​.

Beware Your Route: Be aware of new hazards like potholes or illegally parked cars in bike lanes. Check your route in advance for bike lanes and infrastructure​​.

Adapt to Conditions: Be cautious in rain, as visibility is diminished and surfaces can be slippery. Use the rear brake more than the front brake to avoid sliding. Watch out for street markings which can become slippery when wet​​.

Remember, the weather in California allows for leisurely cycling year-round. San Francisco has over 300 kilometers of bike paths, providing ample opportunities for cyclists to enjoy the outdoors across different seasons​​. These tips can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable riding experience throughout the year.

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