Ata Cycles

ATA has saved the bike shop industry for me. As much as I love cycling, and enjoy ogling bike shop goods, I always dread bike shops' notoriously poor service. ATA doesn't just raise the bar for bike shop service, it defines an entirely new category. I discovered ATA while looking for a bike fitter to help my wife, who is new to cycling. I've been through 3 prior fittings, including one by a nationally prominent shop, but none compared to the care, diligence and knowledge displayed by Husam. This was especially important for my wife, who was nervous just being in a real bike shop. When I went back for my own session, he immediately saw that my bike was way too large. I was initially skeptical, because the bike came recommended by a previous fitting session, but when my power went up 30 watts from my existing position to an idealized fit my hesitancy evaporated. People work all year to add 30 watts of power, and Husam did it in two hours! I ultimately ended up buying a gorgeous Museeuw MC-2 equipped with SRAM Force. Once again, Husam and the ATA staff showed amazing attention to every aspect of the buying experience. From selecting the frame and components that will work best together and for my specific needs, to aesthetic matters such as bar/stem color, everyone was extremely helpful and guided me with real world user experience. The build up was perfect, and the ride is just as smooth and fast as promised. I honestly don't think I could ever buy a bike anywhere else after my experience at ATA, and I know I won't let anyone else touch my fit. If you want someone to help you find the right cycling product for you - based on your body and needs - you need to go to ATA. more

ATA Cycle in Concord, MA\r This is the best choice for any dedicated cyclists. You will be blown away with the expansive selection of high end frames, wheelsets, parts, clothing, etc. \r \r However, this may even be overshadowed by the fitting knowledge of owner Husam Sahin. Husam has been fitting professional riders for over two decades now and carries some of the most sophisticated fitting technology in the business today. He will work with you for hours to ensure a perfect fit and years of comfortable, fast & improved cycling.\r \r ATA is a don't miss for any serious rider. Andrew M. more

I never post on chat boards, or write yelp reviews, or anything like that, but after my fantastic experience with Husam and ATA Cycles, I'm compelled to report on how much they helped me, and to encourage you all to check them out. I ride about 200 miles a week, and I ride through the winter, but as the days got colder, my chronic icy feet (even in the spring and fall) were just driving me crazy. Nothing, not the right shoe, or the ""technical footbed"", or the right bootie did anything. I was fed up with all the ""fittings"" I'd had at other shops that never were able to solve the problem. And then I went to Husam. He did the full ""FitLab"" fitting on/for me. I started on the dynamic fit bike that provides real data on what the exact dimensions of my ideal bike are. What a cool tool. Husam got me pedaling with the bike set to my optimum dimensions, and then with a push of a button--while I continued to pedal!--he was able to change all the dimensions. I was able to watch my wattage go up (or down) with each change. He was actually able to give me more power just by getting my body in the right position on the bike. And he was able save all that data on a computer that's connected to the fit bike. I'd read about stuff like this that pro cyclists use, but...I'm not a pro. I don't even race. I just ride all those miles for stress relief. But I can tell you right now, you don't need to be a pro to feel the joy of a proper fitting bike. I continued to pedal in the ""optimum"" fit and then Husam put the bike to where my current bike set up is. My wattage decreased like it was falling off a cliff, and I felt like I'd just pedaled into quicksand. And nobody wants to pedal in quicksand. I'd already learned a lot but we were just getting started. Husam then spent a good chunk of time with me discussing the options that would not only solve my chronic cold feet problem, but would also dramatically improve my overall comfort (including the chronic cold feet) and performance as well. I was impressed with his knowledge and how high-tech the Fit Lab fitting was so sophisticated compared to the other “eyeball” fittings I’d had in the past, but what I really, really liked was that Husam treated me with respect. He didn’t look down on me for the old bike I was riding or for the fact that I was pretty ignorant of all bike tech in general. He just saw that I love to ride and he wanted to help me ride better and more comfortably. We agreed that my current bike just doesn’t fit me and he showed a wide range of new bike options, but in the meantime, he did the best he could to adjust my current bike to my optimum dimensions (It’s a radical change. Seat height, stem length, and seat position have all been moved to their absolute limit) until I get the new bike in the spring. And then he had me come back and do the full video analysis (check it out on their website) of the new set up to confirm that everything worked properly. It did and it does. I'm riding 40 miles today in 20 degree temps and I'm not worried about my feet. I’m so enthusiastic (and verbose) in this review of Husam and ATA because of two things: 1. The Fit Lab fitting is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The ability he has to collect hard data and crunch the numbers into an optimum fit is just outstanding. But data collection alone isn’t enough. 2. Husam knows that cycling involves way more than just number crunching and his real gift lies in his ability to convert that data into joy on the bike for his customers. If you are serious about cycling, do yourself a favor and go to ATA Cycle in Concord center. They just get it. more

Cycling has been my passion for over 40 years. I recently crashed my Madone and punked out the frame, no other bike shop would transfer my ultegra to another frame. Robyn and Husam found me a fantastic Wilier Triestina frame and transferred my components for a very reasonable price. Robyns Mantra was "" Lets get you back on the road safely"" this is the best bike I have ever ridden and the fit is perfect thanks to the time they spent with me in the fit lab. Thanks Robyn And Husam more

I?m an athletic 40 yr old male enthusiast rider who is 5?10?, 150 lbs. I don?t race or compete, because I?m overly competitive, a bit of a character flaw. What I do is ride all the time ? solo, with a friend, or up to a 30 person group; road and mountain. 5 years ago, thanks to a friend I got the bug for mountain biking. I picked up a full suspension MTB from a LBS at the end of the year on sale. The next year, I suffered through mud season. So, I picked up an entry level road bike from another LBS at a great price. That, combined with decent components, was my sole buying criteria. I didn't know what I didn't know. And neither of the LBSs were about to tell me what I didn't know. They were just happy to push me through the process and get the sale. Over the 5 years, my riding steadily increased. And the ratio of time in the saddle on the road bike to the MTB, did so, too. Unfortunately, the knee pain, saddle and hand numbness, and lower back stiffness also did so. Any ride >35 miles caused knee pain that was so excruciating that I couldn?t ride more than about 50 miles. And when I got off the bike, I was relegated to the couch. This summer, I decided it was time to upgrade to a bike that would allow me to increase the amount I ride, enjoy those miles more, be pain-free the rest of the day, and increase my speeds. Husam did it all. He scheduled me for a fitting a few days after I called. He took the time to get to know me and what I wanted to achieve. The fitting revealed I have short legs, a long torso, and short arms. Not an easy fit, but Husam figured it out. We then looked at frames and set-ups, all the time Husam working with me to recommend what I get and explain what a little more or a little less money would buy me. I ended up with a Museeuw MC2, Selle SMP Glider saddle and full Ultegra set-up. I?m about 10-15% faster. The third ride on my new bike was 90 miles ? twice as long as I could ride on my now trainer (which ATA retrofitted to have as close a geometry as possible to the Museeuw). No pain anywhere when I was on the bike or once I got off. I?ve put 700 miles on the bike. I wanted to wait a little bit to write the review to make sure that I wasn?t just infatuated with the new bike and that the service levels continued after the initial sale. I love the bike and the folks in the store treat me like family. If you want a great ride and to establish a long-term relationship with your LBS, there is only one place to shop in the greater Boston area ? ATA. more

I'm new to cycling and I'm so glad I found ATA. Everywhere else I looked just tried to sell me a bike. Husam had a much different approach in that he wanted to get me on the right bike so I would enjoy it and get into cycling. He started with the fit, not the bike. Husam explained his process in depth, including the why. He took a lot of time with me even though I'm sure I wasn't spending anywhere near as much as his top customers. He built me a bike from the ground up based on my measurements which feels great and I haven't rode consistently in years. Husam is a rare breed in that he really cares about customers being satisfied. His employees are great too. Everyone was super helpful. Buying a bike at ATA was an extremely positive experience and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a great fitting bike they can really enjoy. more

As a performance driven cyclist my fitting with Hussam gained me a 15% imporovement in power instantaneously and the frame he set me up on provided me with the most comfortable ride i have ever been on... It made the road feel like butter while my pedaling translated into real time power... more

Make Ata Cycles your first stop, you will save yourself a lot of trouble and gas. Husam will help you find the right bicycle for you and your budget. He will make sure that you are happy with what you decide to buy. more

As a longtime rower who has finally found his ideal sport in cycling, I cannot express how fortunate I am to have found Husam Sahin and his team at Ata Cycle. Husam, the owner and lead bike fitter, is a professional in the truest sense of the word: he is both an expert at his craft and a person with integrity, humor, and genuine concern for his customers and friends. Attention to the needs of the individual from start to finish - this is what sets Ata apart from all other bike shops. To a degree that few (if any) businesses do today, Husam and the team take that extra minute to do everything properly and to the best of their ability. In short, I have had a more positive experience working with Ata than with any other business. Ata Cycle will build you the best bike for your individual physiology and provide you with a family of passionate cyclist-engineers who will ensure that you achieve your personal goals. If you are passionate about cycling, you owe it to yourself to go to Ata Cycle. more

I have been riding and racing for over 20 years. Through all the miles logged on my various bikes over the years, I always assumed there was a certain amount of pain you had to accept on the longer rides (aching back, numb feet etc..) no matter how well your bike fit. NOT TRUE. I recently moved to the Boston area and when I started inquiring as to where I could get set up on a new ride a friend steered me toward ATA in Concord. I met Husam who set to work on my measurements using state-of-the-art technology that he developed. The end result was not only a recommendation for a frame that fit my body type and riding style but an exquisitely built ride with an absolutely perfect fit! I am consdering purchasing a cross bike and will look nowhere else other than ATA. Great experience, great staff, perfect fit. more

I am a 62yo competitive cyclist who has been racing for 25+ years. After spending a lifetime dedicated to competitive athletics, including years of running and cycling, I recognize the importance of proper fit and position to avoid injuries and produce optimal power and results. As I approached 60 yo I knew I wanted to continue to race and be competitive; however, as I got older I was plagued by back pain and neck pain, and the 15 year old bike frame I had cracked and needed to be replaced. A fellow master racer mentioned Ata and his extremely positive experience with the fit and the bike he purchased there, which made me look into learning more about the fit and expertise offered by Ata Cycles. I decided that if I wanted to continue to race at this age, and were going to invest in a new bike, I wanted to ensure the bike was the proper bike, which fit me well. I investigated Ata and decided it was worth taking the 184 mile round-trip drive from my home to learn more and consider being fit. Upon walking into to Ata Cycles in Concord a few weeks following back surgery, I was greeted by owner Husam Sahin to discuss a potential fit and quickly noticed the high quality of bikes in the shop. I was iimmediately impressed by Husam’s professionalism and interest in understanding his clients potential issues and concerns; his approach was very much akin to a physician trying to diagnose and treat a problem. Upon return for the professional fitting, Husam’s approach to the bike fit was scientific and methodological, he put you through a series of tests to understand how you generated power and based upon your body’s biomechanics, Husam discussed potential bikes and suggested a fit position that was appropriate based on my results. Husam is about identifying the right bike for the right person. All bikes are not created equal, and some may be more appropriate for one person vs. another. Husam tries to understand each person’s unique biomechanics and riding style, and fits their bike to them that results in the most comfortable position and efficient generation of power. Husam achieves these results in a scientific, craftsman-like manner and, most importantly, he is a pleasure to work with and takes a genuine interest in understanding each persons individuals needs in helping them achieve the appropriate fit. After going through the fit process, Husam unaware of the current bike I was riding, said there are three bikes which, based on your body and fit results I would not recommend for you, and one of them was one of the bikes I was riding. My goal of the fit was to identify the right bike and fit for my body to minimize the risk of injury and ensure comfort on the bike with efficient generation of power. I cannot be happier with my experience or selection. Husam fit me with a fantastic bike, which fits great and is the most comfortable bike I have ever been on. Husam, Kate and the other members of the shop have consistently demonstrated a professional and positive atmosphere to not only fit and purchase a bike, but to address questions, tweak position, as well as ensure the cleats were adjusted properly based on my fit when I purchased new cycling shoes. I highly recommend Ata cycles for anyone looking for the right fit and the right bike. more

After several years of racing, I always had this feeling that my fit was not perfect because of my saddle movement. After working my way up to CAT2 a couple of years ago, I decided it was finally time to treat myself and get a professional fitting. Figuring I had reached my maximum power output over the years, my main goal was to increase comfort. After checking with my team and several of my racing friends the majority of recommendations were to visit Husam at ATA. \r \r The first step of the fitting was to measure my body structure and analyze my pedal stroke. Witnessing the process first hand, I was very impressed with his methodology and thoroughness. The final step was working on the fit simulator bike were I spent a majority of my time as he made several adjustments. After we got the fit just right he put the simulator back into my current riding position and asked me to get on again. I started a comfortable 270 watt spin and after about 5 minutes, at the same power output, Husam reconfigured the simulator to his new proposed position as I was riding. My pedal stroke felt much freer and my effort level dropped. Then I looked down at the power meter; 290 watts! I stayed spinning for another 10mins without saddle movement while still averaging the same higher wattage.\r \r On the post fit analysis, Husam showed me how much hip movement I had in my previous position caused by my femur pushing back into the socket leading to discomfort and power loss. In his new position there was almost no movement at all and my pedal stroke was much more fluid. The end result, more power, more comfort and a more aero position. Do yourself a favor, before dropping thousands on a new frame or bike, get a fitting here first and find out your numbers.\r more

I recommend ATA because the shop will work with you to address your goals as a cyclist, work within your budget, and it offers an expertise on fit and technical knowledge that I have not found elsewhere. It has an immense inventory of frames and other parts , and ATA can build you a bike that you can ride for a long time. At ATA, the personnel listen and work with you, and it does not occur that on the day you go to the shop the good mechanic is out that day.\r \r A serious and strong cyclist recommended ATA to me when I started biking as a committed recreational cyclist. Husam and the rest of the crew at ATA took steps with my old bike to help the fit of the bike as well as improve my power and speed short of replacing the bike, all within my budget of what I could afford at the time. But the bike did not fit me as it should, and a too long top tube cannot be shortened. ATA worked with me to replace what I could on the bike to improve power and speed while at the same time making sure that I could move those parts to a new frame that would fit me. At last the day came that I purchased a new frame, fitted to me precisely and the quality parts purchased from ATA moved to the new frame. The new bike has a completely different feel to it, and it moves like a dream. \r \r more

14 years ago I treated myself to a post-divorce gift: a Colnago Tecnos w/Campy Chorus. I have babied that bike like a living member of my family for all these years. I can count on one hand the number of nights the bike spent outdoors and those nights were in a tent with me. One day, I roll up to ATA in Concord, MA for spare tubes and a staff member plainly states, “your bike is set up for a 6’+” rider, do you have IT band issues and saddle soreness?” (I am 5’10”). Yes to both and the conversation that followed was informative but, I remained a skeptic thinking I was simply being thrown a sales pitch. I had already been to a few reputable shops in the Belmont/Boston area tweaking my fit a little here and there. I left the shop with my tubes yet, kept mulling over the conversation for the rest of the ride.\r \r When I got home I Googled ATA and found a series of videos on YouTube that feature Husam describing his fit philosophy and process – figure out your optimal power & comfort configurations and then look for a frame manufacturer that builds a frame to match your personal body structure. Wow! How simple and how opposite of most shops! I was convinced I needed to have a fit done.\r \r Fast forward about a year (economy got in my way) and I am on Husam’s fit bike set up to my Colnago geometry. I get an average power reading then he switches the fit bike to what he feels is my optimal configuration and BOOM!, my power increases drastically with no discernable increase in effort. Having been a Colnago-phile for the better part of 2 decades, I had no idea of what to buy in a new bike. Husam and I reviewed options based on my new fit and my budget limits. Together we created the nicest, lightest and most responsive and comfortable bike I have ever owned.\r \r Husam took the time to double check all of my measurements, review with me my bike build part by part and make sure my frame/components/wheels combination stayed within my budget. The most amazing part of the entire process was from the outset, Husam made it clear that I didn’t have to spend as much money as I had anticipated to get a top quality high-end bike – and he delivered on that statement. Top quality bike, superb fit, fantastic value.\r With me, ATA has a customer for life.\r \r PS – since purchasing my bike at ATA, the customer service experience has only gotten better. The staff has been very helpful in answering cleaning and maintenance questions. With each visit to the shop, Husam continues to ask about my fit to ensure everything I experience on the road is as comfortable and efficient as we dialed into on the fit bike.\r more

I went to Ata Cycles after visiting several other bike shops to discuss fit and the right bike for me to replace a bike that I knew did not suit me. After talking with Husam, things finally made sense. He spent a good deal of time explaining what fit would work best for me and why and took several measurements. When I picked up my new bike I was amazed at the improvement in the fit, what muscles I used and how much faster I was able to go. I highly recommend a visit with Husam to find the right bike and fit. I'm extremely happy with the performance of my new bike. more

After getting a fit by Husam, the owner, I no longer have back pain on longer rides plus I can ride farther and faster as I'm more fully engaging my hamstrings and glutes. It's absolutely astonishing just how much faster I am now. Pros: Extremely thorough fitting process. more

I just returned from the ATA Cycle Shop in Concord, MA, where I had my new bicycle adjusted after riding it for its first 600 miles. As usual, Husam Sahin, its owner, and his staff were quick to assist me with their expertise and good humor. I am obviously writing this note of thanks and praise to alert anyone who is seriously interested in cycling to visit ATA. Whether you are in the market for a new bicycle or just require advice about a component or your riding position, Husam and his staff will provide you with what you need. This past February, I was anticipating the summer cycling season and decided to find out if I was missing anything by riding my Klein road bike, which has a zirconium aluminum frame and reasonably good components. I did my homework to learn about carbon fiber frames and visited at least 8 bike shops to examine some of the well-known brands– e.g., Cervelo, Bianchi, Specialized, Trek, Giant, etc). The consensus from every sales person was that I needed a carbon fiber frame and all were eager to sell one to me on the spot. But no one could tell me why carbon fiber was superior or why one brand was superior to the next. So I was still on my own– until I visited ATA Cycle and met Husam, Peter and Kate. I had read an internet piece that spoke about a shop where the proprietor used a relatively sophisticated bicycle machine, cameras and computers to determine the rider’s characteristics so that a bike could be built to match his or her size, shape, posture and riding objectives. Being a technical person, this philosophy intrigued me so I visited ATA. I was immediately introduced to a new world and saw bicycles that I could only dream of owning, but Husam convinced me that he could build one that I could afford and one that would serve me for the years of “performance riding” I had remaining. I laughed knowing that I wasn’t a competitive racer, but it sounded good. I asked Husam the same question– was I missing anything by not riding a bike with a carbon fiber frame? This time I received a convincing answer via demonstration. Husam handed me an aluminum frame which he subsequently struck with a rubber mallet. I felt the shock wave at the end where I was holding the frame. Next Husam handed me a carbon fiber frame and repeated the experiment by striking the frame on one end. I barely felt any vibrations. This was a beautifully simple experiment that showed how much kinder the carbon fiber frame would be to my body on long rides. I was duly impressed. So I took Husam’s advice and purchased a frame made from carbon and flax fiber- a new design that came from a small manufacturer in Belgium, Museeuw MC-6 (it turned out that this frame was recently reviewed and given very high marks in several bicycle monthlies). Husam also fit the frame with excellent components– the ride is silky smooth and all components are performing well. I am enjoying the bicycle immensely while riding faster and further. So be sure to visit ATA Cycle in Concord– you will no doubt be impressed. Pros: Knowledge, state-of-the-art equipment, fitting and service more

I am a junior cyclist who races around America and Europe with my trade team and the US National Team. Despite all the countless hours I have spent riding my bike, my fitting had generally been based on total guesswork. \r \r When I started having IT band issues in Europe this spring, I decided to have my fit looked at. My teammate Stuart Wight recommended ATA cycles. It was a four hour drive each way, but I was desperate to get looked at before going back to Europe, so I made the trip. It turned out to be worth the time, as I found that my current fit was way off and causing problems. As we fine-tuned the position I was able to get more power.\r \r I am now in Switzerland with the team after having just finished a large international stage race. The new fit felt awesome and I was able to ride on the front for hours to help my team leader spend 3 days in the yellow jersey and finish 3rd overall. I'm only disappointed that I didn't find ATA sooner! more

I would most likely be classified as an avid recreational cyclist as I have yet to get involved in organized racing. That being said, I come from a background in competitive sports, specifically swimming, and I love the challenges of rigorous training and the rewards of consistent improvement. From April-November I average about 150-200 miles per week on my bike. My first experience with ATA was for a simple fit. At the time, I was experiencing pain in my left knee and lower back. In addition, I just felt fatigued and uncomfortable on my bike. During my session with Husam, he proved to be incredibly focused and professional. You can genuinely tell that Husam's work is his passion. After all was said and done, we'd made significant adjustments to nearly all of the bike's dimensions and replaced a few key components - stem, pedals, and crank - to aid in the fit. Following my fitting, I was astounded at the immediate results. I felt powerful, smooth, and comfortable right off the bat. What a difference! Over the next week or so, each ride got better as my body adjusted more fully. I was riding pain-free with lots of power! I truly enjoyed the rest of the 2009 season and after a winter of indoor training, began to think about that new frame. I made the switch in April of 2010. Husam completed the 3 step Fit Lab process and set me up on a beautiful Look 595. What an unbelievable difference again! I've been regularly averaging between 21 and 22mph on the same 20-30 mile solo training runs where I'd struggled to maintain a 20mph average before.The performance properties -stiffness, compliance, weight distribution, geometry - along with a perfect fit that have all been a great improvement. Sure going faster and punishing your riding buddies is fun, but the most important thing is that your experiences at ATA motivate you to spend more time on the bike, work on your weaknesses, sign up for tougher rides and continue to push the limits of your fitness. All the while, you'll ride comfortably and injury free. If you're looking for the best selection of high quality bikes and accessories, the most passionate staff, and the best fitting and mechanical services in the area, ATA is the only place to go. Pros: Service, Knowledge, Passion, Selection/Inventory more

I'm a junior cyclist who races all over the world in World Cup races as well as World and National championships. I never really thought I had problems with my position, which I've been using for the last year with lots of success, but recently I developed some knee tendinitis after getting new team equipment for 2010. I stumbled across ATA and thought they could give me a hand. During my fit, we adjusted a few things to help the knee, and also a few things that were just wrong to start with and making me slower. After a little while things were starting to feel really good. Even though my old position didn't feel bad originally, after seeing what it should feel like, I couldn't believe I used to compete in big races in the old position! The day after getting my fit, I went out and did some intervals. To my, and my coach's, amazement, I was able to hold about 30 watts more than I could do before, just based on a few minor changes. So, I guess the moral of the story is that even if you don't think your position is wrong, it might not be right either. I'm feeling really fortunate that I came down with some knee tendinitis, since if I hadn't I never would have had my position looked at. I want to really thank the folks at ATA cycles for helping me with my fit and I know it will be a big part of the success I get throughout 2010! Pros: Lots of knowledge, nice guys, waaay more power! Cons: not a whole lot more