FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions, we have answers!

Our phone number and email are here if you don’t see an answer to your question below. 

 

  • We do not require appointments for service! Please bring your bike by anytime during our business hours for a free estimate for any services that might be needed. Many services (including flat tire repair) are usually able to be completed while you wait. If we cannot complete your repair immediately, we will schedule your bike for service and it can either wait here or we can set up an appointment so you can continue to ride the bike until the scheduled service date.

  • We service all non-electric bikes and trikes! We can also repair electric bikes (ebikes) with the following motor systems only: Shimano STEPS, Bosch, Fazua, Yamaha, and Hyena. We CANNOT perform any kind of service or repair on ebikes that do not have one of the motor systems listed above due to insurance regulations.

  • We are able to fix flat tires and do other minor repairs on non-motorized wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers! Unfortunately we are not able to work on any scooters or skateboards, with or without a motor.

  • We will send a notification when your bike or order is ready for pickup via text message and email, or we will call you if you have let us know you prefer a phone call. If you have not received any notification, your bike or order is not ready for pickup. If you’re not sure when we were scheduled to work on your bike or when your order is expected to arrive, please give us a call.

  • Yes on both counts! Please let us know ahead of time if you are shipping a bike to us directly so we are expecting it. Our mailing address is:

    Downtube Bicycle Works

    466 Madison Avenue

    Albany NY 12208

  • Yes on both counts! We pack bikes securely in cardboard boxes or you may provide a case if you wish. We offer shipping though BikeFlights, which is sent via UPS. You can also pick up the boxed bike once completed, or you can arrange your own shipping label and pickup from our store if you prefer. If you need your bike shipped ASAP, we recommend making an appointment in advance.

  • Items that were not special orders or closeouts can be returned in new condition for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Trek and Bontrager accessories and apparel that are covered by their Unconditional Guarantee can be returned for a full refund or exchange in a used condition, as well. Bikes cannot be returned or exchanged after purchase; we recommend test riding the bike you plan to buy before purchase!

  • No, we do not currently rent bikes. We recommend using the CDPHP Cycle! Bikeshare program to rent bikes for local transportation. The closest shop to Albany that currently does rentals is Overlook Bicycles in Shokan, NY.

  • Yes, we do sell used bikes! Most of the ones we sell are used kids’ bikes in great condition; occasionally we also have used adult bikes as well. Please call or stop by and we’ll be happy to tell you about any used bikes currently in stock.

  • We do take trade-ins of used bikes, typically through BicycleBlueBook.com. When you trade-in your old bike, we apply a credit towards a new bike purchase. We do not buy bikes for cash and trade-in credit cannot be used for any non-bike purchases. Because we are a bicycle dealer, our trade-in offer is typically quite low; you can get a sense of what we will offer using the BicycleBlueBook.com Value Guide or bringing by your old bike for a free trade-in evaluation anytime.

    We do not sell bikes for consignment.

    Your unwanted old bikes or parts can be reused to enrich our community and help someone in need of transportation, but we do not accept donations! Please drop off bikes and parts you wish to donate to the Albany Bike Rescue or Troy Bike Rescue directly. Donations for the Albany Bike Rescue are accepted at the Trinity Alliance building, located at 15 Trinity Place, during business hours (9am-4:30pm, M-F).

  • The Capital Region has something for every kind of bike rider to enjoy! Please check out our posts with ride recommendations: Pavement Edition and Off-Road Edition.

  • Yes, we offer flexible financing options on new bikes through Klarna! Learn about Klarna here: https://www.klarna.com/us/what-is-klarna/