Performance Bicycle is a national chain with physical stores and online ordering
Performance Bicycle operates retail locations across the United States and sells bikes, parts, and accessories through its website. The chain carries road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and e-bikes from brands like Trek, Specialized, Giant, and Cannondale, as well as its own house brand. Most locations offer in-store service — tune-ups, brake adjustments, wheel truing, and assembly — though the range and pricing of services varies by location.
Performance Bicycle is owned by Ackerman Bike, which also owns Nashbar and Staples' bike department. This means inventory and pricing can overlap across those retailers, though each operates separately. You can buy online and pick up at a store, or have items shipped to your home. Return policies and service availability differ between locations, so checking your nearest store's hours and services before visiting saves time.
Key Takeaways
- Performance Bicycle stocks major brands and house-brand bikes at a range of price points, with in-store service available at most locations.
- You can purchase online and pick up in-store, or order for home delivery, though shipping times and return windows vary by location.
- Service pricing and turnaround times are set by individual stores, so calling ahead to ask about repair costs and wait times is necessary before dropping off a bike.
- Performance Bicycle's inventory overlaps with Nashbar and Staples bikes, so the same model may be cheaper at one retailer than another on any given day.
Bike brands and price ranges at Performance Bicycle
Performance Bicycle carries established brands across road, mountain, hybrid, and e-bike categories. Trek, Specialized, Giant, and Cannondale are stocked at most locations, along with brands like Scott, Kona, and Diamondback. Entry-level bikes typically start around $300 to $500, mid-range models run $800 to $2,000, and high-end bikes can exceed $3,000. The store's own Performance brand offers lower-priced options, usually $200 to $800.
E-bikes at Performance Bicycle range from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on motor type and battery capacity. Prices fluctuate based on sales, seasonal inventory, and whether you buy online or in-store. Checking the website and calling your local store to confirm stock and current pricing before making a trip prevents disappointment, especially for specific models or sizes.
In-store service and repair options
Most Performance Bicycle locations offer basic and intermediate repairs: flat tire fixes, brake and derailleur adjustments, chain cleaning and lubrication, wheel truing, and full bike assembly. Tune-up packages — typically a cleaning, adjustment, and safety check — are common. More complex work like bottom bracket replacement or suspension service may be available at larger locations but not at smaller ones.
Service pricing is set by individual stores and is not standardized across the chain. A basic tune-up might cost $50 to $100, but this varies. Turnaround time also depends on how busy the shop is; some locations complete work the same day, while others may take several days. Calling ahead to ask about the specific repair you need, the cost, and how long it will take prevents surprises.
Online ordering and in-store pickup
Performance Bicycle's website allows you to order bikes, parts, and accessories for pickup at a store near you. Pickup is usually available within 2 to 5 business days if the item is in stock at that location. If the item is not in stock locally, you can order it for home delivery instead. In-store pickup avoids shipping costs and lets you inspect the item before taking it home.
When ordering online for pickup, check the store's hours and confirm the item is actually in stock at that location — the website shows availability by store. Some locations may charge a small assembly or preparation fee for bikes ordered online, so ask when you place the order. Returns and exchanges follow the store's policy, which can differ between locations.
Shipping and delivery for online orders
Orders shipped to your home are typically delivered within 5 to 10 business days, depending on your location and current shipping volume. Bikes arrive partially assembled and require final setup — handlebars, pedals, seat, and front wheel installation — before riding. Performance Bicycle provides basic assembly instructions, but if you are not comfortable assembling a bike yourself, you can pay a local bike shop to finish the work.
Shipping costs vary by item weight and destination. Large items like bikes may have higher shipping fees than small parts. The website shows the shipping cost before checkout. If an item arrives damaged, contact Performance Bicycle's customer service with photos; most will arrange a replacement or refund.
How Performance Bicycle compares to independent shops and other chains
Independent bike shops typically carry fewer brands but often have deeper informed in those brands and offer more personalized service. They may charge more per hour for labor but sometimes spend more time on each repair. Performance Bicycle, as a chain, offers consistent pricing and wider brand selection but less personalized attention and variable service quality between locations.
Other national chains like Trek stores, Specialized shops, and Walmart or Target bike departments differ in focus. Trek and Specialized stores carry only their own brands and tend to be higher-priced. Walmart and Target sell budget bikes but offer minimal or no in-store service. Nashbar, owned by the same parent company as Performance Bicycle, carries similar inventory and pricing. Local factors — store location, staff knowledge, service wait times — matter more than the chain name when choosing where to buy or service a bike.
Warranty and return policies
Bikes purchased at Performance Bicycle typically come with the manufacturer's warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship for one to two years depending on the brand. The warranty does not cover wear and tear, crashes, or improper maintenance. Performance Bicycle's return policy allows returns within 30 days of purchase if the item is unused and in original packaging; bikes that have been ridden or assembled may not be returnable.
Return policies vary slightly between stores, so check the receipt or ask at the time of purchase. If you buy online, the return window and process depend on whether you picked up in-store or had it shipped. Damaged items during shipping are handled separately from regular returns — contact customer service with photos rather than returning to the store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a bike if I've already ridden it?
Most Performance Bicycle locations do not accept returns on bikes that have been ridden or assembled, even if returned within 30 days. Defects covered by the manufacturer's warranty are handled through the bike brand directly, not through Performance Bicycle. Check your receipt or ask the store about their specific return policy at the time of purchase.
How long does a bike tune-up take?
Tune-up time depends on how busy the shop is and what work is needed. Some locations complete a basic tune-up the same day; others may take 2 to 5 business days. Call your local store and ask how long the wait is before dropping off your bike, so you know when to pick it up.
Do I need to assemble a bike I order online for in-store pickup?
Bikes ordered online for in-store pickup usually arrive partially assembled. The store may finish assembly before you pick it up, or you may need to do final steps yourself. Ask when you place the order whether assembly is included or if there is a fee for the store to complete it.
What's the difference between Performance Bicycle and Nashbar?
Both are owned by the same parent company and carry overlapping inventory and brands. Prices and stock can differ between them on any given day. Performance Bicycle has more physical locations, while Nashbar focuses more on online sales, but both offer in-store service at some locations.
Can I buy a bike online and return it in-store?
Return policies for online purchases vary by location and whether you picked up in-store or had it shipped. Check the website's return policy or call your local store to confirm where and how you can return an online order before purchasing.