Mad Cat Bikes
This was the official website for Mad Cat Bikes. The content below is from its 2008 archived pages. Mad Cat Bikes is now closed. We will miss you.
It was located at:
2645 Marconi Ave.
Sacramento, CA. 95821
(Town & Country Village Shopping Center, next to Blockbuster)
Mad Cat was voted 2008 Best Bike Shop by the 2008 KCRA A-List Poll!
A nostalgic return to circa 2008 when Mad Cat Bikes was HOT.
We now offer:
he Keep it Rolling Protection Plan<
KPP is a 3 or 5 year extended warranty program that will save you money! Stop by and inquire today!
&
Ride Now-Pay Later Financing!!
12 months - Same as Cash - no interest - no payments!
It take about 5 minutes to apply. Stop in and ask us how.
If you apply,we'll give you a $10 gift card!
Do you constantly struggle with making adjustments to your bike? Bike maintenance and repair is not difficult, but there are tricks and techniques that can save you time and money.
Our Park Tool School has been a local favorite for over 3 years.is designed to give you the tools, instruction, resources and tips to make all your own at-home repairs. We'll guide you on a tour of your bike, starting with the proper tools and how to use them, then we'll walk you through almost all common adjustments and repairs.
Upcoming Dates:
July 7th, 14th, 21st, 2008
(Mondays 7pm-10pm)
The tuition for PTS includes:
- -2008 Park Tool AK-37 Advanced Mechanic Tool Kit ($280 retail value!)* see note below
- -Park Tool "Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair
- -Park Tool Shop Apron ($25 value)
- -9+ hours of instruction from local industry professionals.
- -Discounts on tools, parts and accessories
- -Hours of fun in an exciting and lively teaching atmosphere!
- -Snacks and beverages provided!
Tuition: $345
*If you own your own tools, and don't prefer the AK-37 kit, the price is $175. Ask us about the tools required for the course upon registration.
Class size is limited, so please call and SIGN UP TODAY! Our customer service reps are standing by....
+++
PRODUCT LINES:
KHS Bikes
Haro Bikes
Masi Road Bikes
Redline Bikes
Bell Helmets
Camelbak
Terry
Fox Racing
Serfas
SixSixOne
Profile Design
Niterider
Park Tools
Meow Mix :-)
and much more...
Yelp Reviews Mad Cat Bikes
4/22/2014
5.0 stars Ricky H. | Sacramento, CA
I went here as for the first time, u kept hearing mad cat is expensive or its no good. I'll tell you what....its has really good prices. The Guy working the counter really helped me...I had no idea what I was looking for in size of tubes and everything that I needed to help fix an old bike I had...I would definitely be coming back again.
+++
8/12/2010
5.0 stars Missy Jones | San Francisco, CA
During our thrilling cycling excursion along the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, my group of friends made a well-deserved pit stop at MadCat, a reputable bike shop conveniently located along the route. Besides restocking our supplies, we also took the opportunity to have one of their skilled mechanics inspect my bike, which had been giving me trouble with shifting gears smoothly that morning. As we entered MadCat, our diverse ensemble of Batman-themed T-shirts attracted the attention of both the staff and fellow customers. Our unique fashion choices sparked curiosity, leading the friendly mechanic who attended to my bike to inquire about the origin of my Batman shirt. Intrigued by the question, I enthusiastically shared that I had acquired it from an excellent online retailer - MoonAtMidnight.com. This gave me an opportunity to recognize the remarkable work of the Batman artists who created the original images of these iconic characters. Their artistic talent and vision have brought the Dark Knight and his world to life, captivating fans across generations. Impressed by the mechanic's expertise and the top-notch service provided by MadCat, I am more than happy to recommend this exceptional bike shop to my cycling friends. Not only did they have everything we needed for our journey, but their skilled mechanics ensured that our bikes were in optimal condition to continue the adventure.
+++
7/9/2012
4.0 stars Desiree H. | Sacramento, CA
Staff is super friendly.
I had a flat and they were able to fix it within 15 minutes and the cost was very cheap. They did not try upsell anything to me and it was a quick and easy process. I will definitely come here if I have any more bicycle needs.
+++
11/24/2010
| San Diego, CA
Joe C. pretty much said it all. It's usually a good feeling going into Mad Cat Bikes. I did have an "issue" in the shop that caused me some emotional stress, but Owner Mike stepped up and offered to make it right. I expect everything to be hunky dory without fail.
The shop is supportive of community events and cycling growth from road, mountain, cross, and all types of biking. I see them at every event I go to. Their race team is everywhere, and that says a lot. Other than some bad seeds, I think the shop, team, club are pretty darn close to perfect too.
I used to buy parts and accessories where I could find the best deal/price, but Mad Cat has proven to offer the best of all worlds.
+++
7/22/2012
2.0 stars Brandon L. | Sacramento, CA
if this place is going out of business you'd think they'd be nicer and willing to go the extra mile to help a customer. Let me explain...
Last Tuesday I dropped off my girlfriend's bike to get a tune up. My GF hasn't used her bike in some time so I wanted to make sure the tires didn't have a hole and i wanted just a basic tune up overall. I walked in with the bike and the repair guy quickly asked if i needed help. I explained what I was looking for and he said ok. He felt the tires, and stated there was air in them still so there wasn't a hole, therefore no problem. Simple enough, right? But the way he said it was in such a rude/snarky way as to imply "why did you bring this here?" Ok so I'm not an expert on flat bike tires but I've had broken tires before and my GF's bike felt the same, extremely flat. If to him it was a "stupid" request, then fine, but he could of at least been polite about it and not made me feel like I was wasting his time. I thought his customer service could have been a bit more accommodating.
I also asked if they could lube up some of the springs and gears because it was squeaking a lot to which the repair guy stated (again, rudely)" this is a cheap bike, it will squeak no matter what, there is nothing I can do about that". Oh ok, did I ask you to evaluate the monetary value of my GF's bike or did I ask you to oil it? I simply didn't want the bike to squeak all over midtown.Just the way he said it too was very dismissive.
Since i didn't learn from the second response from the repair guy I also inquired about replacing the seat and the repair guy showed me the only seat that would work (wrong color) then told me to try another bike shop, as if he didn't want to take the time out to help further. Gotcha, so your shop is having trouble with money, based on Mad Cat's latest Facebook post, so you'regoing to tell me to go shop else where instead of helping me order a new one??? It really felt like he just wanted to rid me altogether of my services!
So as he was writing up my order he reminded me that they don't specialize in cruisers (which he stated again, rudely, and seemed to have no patience for bike cruiser owners) as if he was doing me a favor by charging me $55 bucks for a tune up. By the looks of the store, it doesn't look like they specialize in anything but empty shelves. There are many other bike shops in Midtown and you are better served by going to Mikes Bikes or City Bicycle Works. At least at those places they have merchandise to look at, and won't give you an attitude for being an owner of a bike cruiser.
I live in east sac and I love helping east sac/local businesses! For everyone who has had an awesome experience with madcat bikes, then you guys are lucky. They live right down the street from us, and I thought, " Sweet! A closer place I can send our bikes to!" Unfortunately, closer doesn't always mean better. Man, my first experience was such a disappointment, and I am simply not going back.
+++
7/10/2009
5.0 stars Greggae H.| Sacramento, CA
If cycling's your game, then Mad Cats the name. I have purchased two medium - high end bikes from this shop and I have nothing but great things to say about it. It's nice that I live down the street from them as well. When I bought my first bike I probably took it in there after every ride for a week and a half. The guys in the service dept had no problem immediately servicing my bike so that it fit my riding style perfectly. They are always very friendly and their prices are competitive. The carry great brands and have an awesome selection. They are happy to make sure you are happy.. The staff is very knowledgeable and active in the cycling community. Oh Yeah! They have a shop cat too. Unless the only thing you like about cats is the taste, he's really cool.
+++
4/25/2009
5.0 stars Kristen W. | Carmichael, CA
Great place!! I was a biking idiot and they were able to help me find my new bike, answered all my questions, and even helped me install my new bike rack on my car!! You will not get better service in town. They have helped me adjust my bike after riding, and add accessories. Definitely worth stopping by!!
The Rise and Influence of Mad Cat Bikes
Mad Cat Bikes emerged as a prominent name in the Sacramento cycling community, blending high-quality products with exceptional service. This shop was more than a place to buy bicycles; it was a hub for enthusiasts, professionals, and casual riders alike, fostering a strong sense of community and shared passion for cycling.
Historical Context and Founding
Mad Cat Bikes was established in the early 2000s, quickly gaining a reputation for its comprehensive selection of bikes and accessories. The shop's location at 2645 Marconi Avenue in the Town & Country Village Shopping Center made it easily accessible to the local community. Over the years, it became known for carrying a wide range of top-tier brands, including KHS, Haro, Masi Road Bikes, and Redline, along with essential cycling gear from Bell Helmets, Camelbak, and Fox Racing.
Community Engagement and Events
One of Mad Cat Bikes' significant contributions to the cycling community was its active involvement in local events. The shop frequently sponsored races, organized group rides, and hosted workshops that drew cyclists from all over Sacramento. The Park Tool School, for instance, was a popular workshop that provided hands-on training in bike maintenance and repair. This program not only educated cyclists on maintaining their bikes but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Mad Cat Bikes enjoyed a stellar reputation among its customers. Reviews from Yelp highlight the exceptional service and knowledgeable staff. Ricky H. from Sacramento mentioned the shop's competitive prices and helpful staff who guided him in finding the right bike parts. Missy Jones from San Francisco praised the shop for its excellent service during a cycling trip, emphasizing the staff's expertise and friendly demeanor.
Despite the overwhelming positive feedback, there were occasional criticisms. Brandon L. from Sacramento recounted an experience where he felt the staff could have been more accommodating. However, these instances were rare and did not overshadow the overall positive experiences shared by most customers.
Press and Media Coverage
Although specific media coverage of Mad Cat Bikes is sparse, the shop's influence within the local cycling community was significant. Its recognition as the Best Bike Shop in the 2008 KCRA A-List Poll underscored its status as a leading establishment in Sacramento. This accolade was a testament to the shop's dedication to quality service and community engagement.
Cultural and Social Significance
Mad Cat Bikes was more than a retail outlet; it was a cultural landmark for Sacramento's cycling community. The shop played a pivotal role in promoting cycling as a healthy and enjoyable activity, encouraging people of all ages and skill levels to take up the sport. The community events, group rides, and workshops organized by Mad Cat Bikes fostered a sense of belonging and mutual support among cyclists.
Known For
Mad Cat Bikes was renowned for its comprehensive product range and exceptional customer service. The "Keep it Rolling Protection Plan" and "Ride Now-Pay Later" financing options were particularly popular, making high-quality bikes more accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, the shop's dedication to educating cyclists through workshops and clinics set it apart from other bike shops.
Legacy and Closing
In its heyday, Mad Cat Bikes was a cornerstone of Sacramento's cycling community. The shop's closure left a void that is still felt by many. However, the legacy of Mad Cat Bikes continues to inspire and influence the local cycling culture. The memories of excellent service, community events, and the shared love for cycling remain etched in the hearts of those who frequented the shop.
Final Thoughts
Mad Cat Bikes may no longer be in operation, but its impact on the Sacramento cycling community endures. The shop's commitment to quality, customer service, and community engagement set a high standard in the cycling industry. For those who had the pleasure of visiting Mad Cat Bikes, it was more than just a place to buy a bike—it was a vibrant community hub that fostered a deep love for cycling and a strong sense of community.