We focus on bicycles and sundries designed for non-competitive urban, recreational, all-road, touring, bike-packing and gravel riding enthusiasts. We particularly appreciate bicycles, parts and accessories that are created to be comfortable over the long haul, mechanically simple and durable, and a well-balanced blend of form and function.
Those considerations lead us to steel as the material of choice for bike frames, so we offer new, steel bikes that fit that description from All City, Surly, Moulton and Pashley, and frame/sets from same, as well as Soma and Velo-Orange. We are known for being passionate about the outstanding quality of our maintenance, assemblies and custom work on bikes and wheels.
Those considerations lead us to steel as the material of choice for bike frames, so we offer new, steel bikes that fit that description from All City, Surly, Moulton and Pashley, and frame/sets from same, as well as Soma and Velo-Orange. We are known for being passionate about the outstanding quality of our maintenance, assemblies and custom work on bikes and wheels.
Reviews (25)
Danielle Clark
May 20, 2021
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Andrew Cloutier
May 10, 2021
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Martin loves bikes and like most cyclists, he's a little eccentric. That's what makes his shop so charming. He has curated a unique and thoughtful collection of parts and accessories that range from top-shelf race kit to everyday commuter gear. His selection of road and gravel tires is especially impressive. I've bought a Ritchey frameset, Kask helmet, Yokozuna disc calipers, a rack, numerous sets of tires, cables, housing, and other parts from Hoop Driver. The neighbourhood is lucky to have this shop.
V. M.
Mar 03, 2021
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I got my bike tuned up here years ago after I got hit my by a car and honestly I still think about the tune up to this day. I moved to the other end of the city so haven’t been able to take my bike back here but the attention to deal was insane, my bike has never had a tune up as good as it did here. The care and love shown to my bike was something I haven’t experienced at other bike stores and every time I get it tuned up I’m reminded again of just how good this place is. I’ll probably take the trip this spring to the west end because i don’t think I can take the disappointment of subpar
Andrew M.
Nov 27, 2020
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Just to update my previous review, I will say while I love all bike stores (they sell one of my favorite things, bikes!) There's intangibles that this boutique shop brings that let you know the work and care that Martin and David put into running this shop.
From the handwritten price tags to the displays of bells, handlebars, pedals, saddles, racks and panniers, cogs, cranks, hubs and lights, and even a panel of bar ends the attention to detail and displays show that it is a collective effort of people who care about the customer and making a shop that is as well dressed as the things they
From the handwritten price tags to the displays of bells, handlebars, pedals, saddles, racks and panniers, cogs, cranks, hubs and lights, and even a panel of bar ends the attention to detail and displays show that it is a collective effort of people who care about the customer and making a shop that is as well dressed as the things they
Emile Compion
Sep 23, 2020
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Grase Kim
Jun 15, 2020
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I recently saw the review where a customer was discouraged from receiving service at Hoopdriver. I had a similar experience in June. I was told first that I didn't have an appointment like the person he spoke to ahead of me and he would likely not be able to repair my bike until July. When I indicated I would be willing to just fix the front wheel and was willing to call to make an appointment, I was then told he didn't have time to check his messages and so not to bother calling. He said I should try arrive each day and see if he could take me or was too busy. The message I got was he didn't want
Zhe She
Jun 10, 2020
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The shop is small and busy, but Martin always try to do his best to help. He sold me a surly bike and another frame at very competitive prices. I came here for parts over the years also. When he learnt we drove 2 hours to pick up the frame, he did his best to help me install some parts on the spot. As I was going to build the rest myself, he was so patient and giving me lots of tips. Always enjoy checking out his shop room.
Rob O'Reilly
Oct 10, 2019
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Deborah N.
Jun 10, 2019
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I took my bike for service and loved the idea that they were so close to me. However, I didn't like the fact that i was severely taken advantage of; ripped off actually. They had to switch out a wheel- not change a tire. Just swap a wheel- takes maybe 2 minutes. And adjust a derailler. Maybe 5 minutes max. Cost $50. Really? I was too polite to argue in the shop. But I think because I have an expensive bike they figured they just could. Well, no that's not how it works. I won't be back.
Adam K.
Oct 05, 2018
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I purchased a bike from Hoopdriver earlier this summer and it was a great experience. They didn't try to up-sell me, and Martin gave me great advice to help me buy the right bike for me - be it from him or another store.
I'm glad I chose to buy my bike through them. I've gone back for various accessories (great selection of bags, helmets, shoes, etc) and the customer service and advice has always been great.
Discounts on accessories (for purchasing a bike through them) don't hurt either.
I'm glad I chose to buy my bike through them. I've gone back for various accessories (great selection of bags, helmets, shoes, etc) and the customer service and advice has always been great.
Discounts on accessories (for purchasing a bike through them) don't hurt either.
Parmeet Kohli
Sep 04, 2018
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Emily Quesnelle
Aug 26, 2018
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As a non-cyclist who only rides a bike as a means of short-distance transportation, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Hoopdriver. They were welcoming and did not try to sell me things I didn't need. My bike needed a lot of work after not being ridden for 8+ years. They understood that I did not need/want to spend a lot of money on expensive parts, yet still did a great job and got it into great shape. Will be back and will recommend! Thank you!
Nick M.
Nov 20, 2017
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Justin Lovell
Oct 20, 2017
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Martin is awesome. Went to a number of bike shops before settling in here to have him service my 2 older bikes. Affordable and takes the time to make sure you get the right work done. Felt at home speaking with him. Emma did a great job on the tune up also. Glad I found you guys (thanks to the team at sweet Pete's for the referral!)
Marc D.
Jul 02, 2016
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Update:
I was in a serious collision. Martin inspected the bike, made some adjustments, disposed of damaged parts and installed replacements, and advised me on subtle but unthreatening damage to the frame. Restored my confidence, and as usual after a Hoopdriver tune-up, the bike rides like a dream. Great place.
From 2014:
I have had two bikes built up at Hoopdriver. The owner treated me with friendliness, good humour, patience and courtesy. The builds are beautiful. He used parts I sourced from alternate locations without issue. He (and his terrific mechanic) found some very creative ways to work
I was in a serious collision. Martin inspected the bike, made some adjustments, disposed of damaged parts and installed replacements, and advised me on subtle but unthreatening damage to the frame. Restored my confidence, and as usual after a Hoopdriver tune-up, the bike rides like a dream. Great place.
From 2014:
I have had two bikes built up at Hoopdriver. The owner treated me with friendliness, good humour, patience and courtesy. The builds are beautiful. He used parts I sourced from alternate locations without issue. He (and his terrific mechanic) found some very creative ways to work
Elise H.
Jun 01, 2016
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Martin's been fixing my bikes for years. Whenever I go somewhere else for a tune-up (i.e. cheat on him), I end up regretting it and hafta go back to Martin.
I commute about 30 km a day, 10 months of the year. My bike takes a lot of abuse, but Martin always gets it into top shape. He's really knowledgeable and cares that you're going to enjoy your ride. That's what motivates him, not the sale.
Lovely store, lovely guy, lovely bike rides!
(Keep your eyes peeled for the new store - if you're not careful, you'll miss the discreet signage and have to double back)
I commute about 30 km a day, 10 months of the year. My bike takes a lot of abuse, but Martin always gets it into top shape. He's really knowledgeable and cares that you're going to enjoy your ride. That's what motivates him, not the sale.
Lovely store, lovely guy, lovely bike rides!
(Keep your eyes peeled for the new store - if you're not careful, you'll miss the discreet signage and have to double back)
Jess C.
Mar 18, 2016
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Salome J.
Oct 07, 2015
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Martin can be a bit taciturn, but he's honest and fair. This shop doesn't sell junk, which I respect greatly, and they cater to a certain type of buyer - you won't find much Linus-type stuff here.
It's not the cheapest place, slightly above average, but I send people here knowing that no one will get cheated or pressured.
It's not the cheapest place, slightly above average, but I send people here knowing that no one will get cheated or pressured.
Christiana E.
Apr 18, 2015
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I recently purchased a bike from Hoop Driver and I was really happy with the service I received. It was unpretentious and very hands on. I visited a number of other bike shops in the city and I finally decided on Hoop Driver because I didn't feel rushed or pushed into something that I didn't need. I was helped by two awesome staff members (wasn't Martin but he is lovely) and I walked away with an amazing bike at an affordable price.
Stev N.
Sep 26, 2014
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This is a bicycle shop run by a cyclist, for cyclists. A particular breed of cyclists in my opinion. Cyclists like me, who must have rides that function flawlessly. I'm talking about bikes that ride smooth, quiet and straight. Not necessarily all shiny, at least in my case.
This shop specializes in road and touring bicycles. Not off road behemoths.
The selection of parts and accessories is fantastic; unbelievable really when you consider the tiny floor space here.
Martin and his staff know bikes. You will probably pay slightly more for service here, but I doubt you'll be bringing
This shop specializes in road and touring bicycles. Not off road behemoths.
The selection of parts and accessories is fantastic; unbelievable really when you consider the tiny floor space here.
Martin and his staff know bikes. You will probably pay slightly more for service here, but I doubt you'll be bringing
Daniel C.
Aug 25, 2014
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Great shop. knew what i wanted, but didnt know what i needed. martin and alex listened to the issues i had with my current bike, we talked about price, and martin was able to list every single thing that didnt work for me with my current cycle and solve them with my new bike. I was able to get an off the rack solution that i immediately knew was right, but im envious that i didnt just spend the extra money getting a bike just for me.
M. S.
May 15, 2014
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Although the owner of this establishment has an enviable collection of items that are of interest to people like me, I am hard pressed to recommend his shop. Some here on Yelp say that he's overpriced, but I think that they don't understand the metrics of running a profitable bike shop.
My problem is that in this cramped space, virtually all sales inquiries are handled by the owner, a man whose range of emotions runs from taciturn, to unfriendly, to unwelcoming, to ornery, to indifferent. After a number of trips to his shop, and having made purchases there, I can honestly say my last
My problem is that in this cramped space, virtually all sales inquiries are handled by the owner, a man whose range of emotions runs from taciturn, to unfriendly, to unwelcoming, to ornery, to indifferent. After a number of trips to his shop, and having made purchases there, I can honestly say my last
Lisa G.
Mar 21, 2014
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C. L.
Aug 02, 2012
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Stephan J.
Jul 15, 2011
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I like to support local businesses so I brought my bike here for an overdue tune up. It was a little more than the competition but like I said I'm trying to support the locals. $60 for a tune up seemed a bit much plus another $17 for cables and housing. It also took 6 days which seemed a bit long for my liking. Tack on some pedal straps and the grand total was just under $100. My bike runs great but this seems like a lot of cash for a tune up that took almost a week.
