Best of Boston

2002 Best Bike Shop

Back Bay Bicycles

The adage “size doesn’t matter” certainly applies here: Tiny Back Bay Bicycles can’t match the sprawling selections of many competitors. But what the shop lacks in space it makes up for in service, and that’s what counts for the average weekend bicyclist—not how many $1,000 bikes are in stock. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, consistently going above and beyond the call of retail by replacing your leaky tube on the spot or slipping different packs on your bike rack to see which fits best. As for variety, there’s more than enough in the way of mountain bikes, hybrids, and road bikes for any avid cyclist—whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend roadster.

336 Newbury St., Boston, 617-247-2336, papa-wheelies.com/