The Hub Bike Shop

My son is a RISD student living a block from the Hub Bike Shop, who has no car and needed transportation to/from school. Having limited funds, he went to the Hub to purchase a bicycle, but they didn't have any used at the time and he couldn't afford any of the new ones they had in stock. Trying to help him, we ordered him an inexpensive bicycle online, and when the brakes and gears needed tuning, the Hub informed him that is was a 'toy' and they wouldn't service it. He left completely embarrassed and humiliated. And has yet to get it fixed, because he has no other means of transporting it elsewhere. more

The Hub is a small bicycle shop with limited inventory that is open during limited hours. However, it is my first choice of bicycle shops in Providence. While the stock is small the owners are incredibly knowledgeable and will be able to order anything you want or need. More importantly, the owners are incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of cycling and cycling history and culture and will take the time to talk to you as much as you want. It is the sort of place where you can just hang out without any pressure to buy anything. In addition, the shop is attached combined with a used furniture store, “The Zoo,” that has some really interesting stuff. Worth checking out, if it hasn’t been bought yet, is the toothpick coffee table by a RISD graduate. more