Mad Cat Bikes

More Background On MadCatBikes.com

For much of the 2000s and early 2010s, Mad Cat Bikes occupied a unique place in Sacramento's cycling scene. More than simply a bicycle retailer, the shop became a gathering place where recreational riders, commuters, racers, mountain bikers, BMX enthusiasts, and families all found common ground. Although the business has since closed, many local cyclists continue to remember it fondly for its knowledgeable staff, active involvement in the cycling community, educational workshops, and customer-first approach.

Located at 2645 Marconi Avenue in Sacramento's Town & Country Village shopping center, Mad Cat Bikes served Northern California riders during a period when cycling was rapidly growing in popularity. Road cycling, mountain biking, BMX, recreational riding, and bicycle commuting were all expanding, and Mad Cat positioned itself as a shop capable of serving each of these audiences. Rather than specializing exclusively in one discipline, it stocked bicycles and accessories that appealed to riders across virtually every segment of the cycling market.

Founded by Cyclists for Cyclists

Mad Cat Bikes was established in 2005 by Mike and Erin UpChurch, local cycling enthusiasts who envisioned a neighborhood bike shop deeply connected to Sacramento's riding community. Unlike stores focused primarily on retail sales, Mad Cat emphasized relationships with customers and participation in local cycling culture. The owners were regularly seen at races, charity rides, club events, and educational clinics, helping establish the business as more than simply a storefront.

According to local historical accounts, Mike UpChurch's passion for cycling began as a child with a customized Stingray bicycle before evolving into road riding and eventually mountain biking. After serving in the U.S. Navy, his enthusiasm for bicycles grew into a profession, ultimately leading to the creation of Mad Cat Bikes. This personal connection to cycling helped shape the welcoming atmosphere customers frequently described in reviews.

A Strategic Sacramento Location

Mad Cat Bikes operated from the Town & Country Village Shopping Center on Marconi Avenue, one of Sacramento's established commercial districts. The location offered convenient access for cyclists living in Sacramento, Carmichael, Arden-Arcade, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, and nearby communities.

Its location also placed it within reasonable driving distance of many of Northern California's most popular riding destinations, including:

• The American River Parkway
• Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail
• Folsom Lake recreation areas
• Auburn State Recreation Area mountain bike trails
• Numerous organized charity rides throughout the Sacramento Valley

This accessibility helped make the shop a regular stop for both local residents and visiting cyclists preparing for rides throughout the region.

An Extensive Selection of Bicycles and Equipment

One of Mad Cat Bikes' greatest strengths was its carefully selected inventory. Rather than overwhelming customers with dozens of manufacturers, the shop carried respected brands that appealed to riders across multiple disciplines. Whether someone was purchasing their first recreational bicycle or upgrading to a performance-oriented machine, the staff could recommend equipment that matched both riding style and budget.

Among the primary bicycle brands carried by the shop were:

• KHS Bicycles, known for mountain bikes, hybrids, comfort bikes, and road models.
• Haro Bikes, a legendary BMX manufacturer that had expanded into mountain and freestyle bicycles.
• Masi Road Bikes, an Italian-inspired brand recognized for performance road cycling.
• Redline Bikes, another respected BMX and urban cycling manufacturer.

Complementing these bicycles was a comprehensive selection of accessories from leading cycling companies, including:

• Bell Helmets
• CamelBak hydration systems
• Fox Racing
• Terry cycling apparel
• Serfas
• SixSixOne protective equipment
• Profile Design components
• NiteRider lighting systems
• Park Tool professional repair equipment

The store even humorously listed "Meow Mix" among its product lines, a nod to the resident shop cat that became something of a mascot among regular customers. This lighthearted sense of humor reflected the friendly personality that distinguished Mad Cat from many traditional bicycle retailers.

A Full-Service Bicycle Shop

While bicycle sales attracted new customers, Mad Cat Bikes earned much of its reputation through its service department.

Experienced mechanics performed everything from quick flat tire repairs and brake adjustments to complete bicycle overhauls. Rather than simply selling replacement parts, technicians often took the time to explain why a repair was necessary and how riders could better maintain their bicycles in the future.

Customers appreciated that the mechanics worked on many types of bicycles, including:

• Road bikes
• Mountain bikes
• BMX bikes
• Hybrid bicycles
• Comfort bikes
• Entry-level recreational bikes

Although the shop specialized in performance cycling equipment, reviews indicate that staff frequently assisted casual cyclists who simply wanted to keep older bicycles safely operational. Many customers noted that repairs were completed quickly without unnecessary upselling, helping establish trust with riders returning for future service.

The Park Tool School

One of Mad Cat Bikes' most distinctive offerings was its Park Tool School, an educational program that went well beyond the traditional repair clinic offered by most bicycle shops.

Rather than teaching only basic maintenance, the multi-session course gave participants a comprehensive understanding of bicycle mechanics. Students learned how bicycles functioned, how to diagnose common problems, and how to perform repairs that would otherwise require a visit to a professional shop.

The program included more than nine hours of instruction from experienced mechanics and industry professionals. Tuition also included professional-grade equipment such as the Park Tool AK-37 Advanced Mechanic Tool Kit, the well-known Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair, and a Park Tool shop apron. Students also received discounts on future purchases of parts and tools.

By offering this level of education, Mad Cat Bikes demonstrated that it viewed knowledgeable customers as long-term members of the cycling community rather than simply retail buyers. The classes regularly sold out, illustrating the demand among Sacramento cyclists for practical mechanical training.

Financing and Customer Programs

Mad Cat Bikes also introduced several customer-friendly programs that were relatively progressive for an independent bicycle retailer during the late 2000s.

The Keep It Rolling Protection Plan (KPP) provided extended warranty coverage lasting either three or five years. The plan was intended to reduce long-term ownership costs while giving customers additional confidence in their purchases.

Another popular offering was Ride Now—Pay Later Financing, which promoted twelve months with no interest and no payments for qualified buyers. The financing process reportedly took only a few minutes, and prospective customers even received a gift card simply for applying.

These programs reflected a broader industry trend toward making higher-quality bicycles more financially accessible. Rather than viewing premium bicycles as luxury purchases, Mad Cat encouraged customers to invest in equipment that would provide years of reliable riding.

A Strong Presence in Sacramento's Cycling Community

Perhaps more than any inventory or service offering, Mad Cat Bikes became known for its commitment to Sacramento's cycling culture.

The shop regularly organized and supported:

• Group rides
• Skills clinics
• Bicycle maintenance workshops
• Charity events
• Local races
• Team sponsorships
• Community meetups

According to LocalWiki, the store differentiated itself by immersing itself in the local riding scene rather than simply operating as a retailer. Riders could stop in not only for repairs or purchases but also for free coffee, conversation, and information about upcoming rides and cycling events.

Its competitive cycling team became a familiar presence at Northern California races, helping promote both the business and recreational cycling throughout the Sacramento region. One longtime customer noted that "their race team is everywhere," highlighting the visibility Mad Cat maintained within local cycling circles.

Awards and Recognition

Mad Cat Bikes' reputation extended well beyond word-of-mouth recommendations. One of its most significant accomplishments came in 2008, when it was voted Best Bike Shop in the KCRA A-List Poll, a community-driven awards program recognizing outstanding local businesses throughout the Sacramento region. Winning an award determined by public voting reflected the loyalty the shop had built among local cyclists and reinforced its standing as one of the area's premier independent bicycle retailers.

Some later business listings even describe Mad Cat Bikes as having been voted Sacramento's best bike shop for multiple consecutive years, illustrating how strongly the brand remained associated with quality service long after its initial recognition. While those claims are difficult to independently verify year by year, they reflect the lasting reputation the business earned within the local cycling community.

What Customers Appreciated Most

The overwhelming majority of customer reviews painted a picture of a bicycle shop whose greatest asset was its people.

Many first-time cyclists commented that the staff patiently explained technical concepts without talking down to inexperienced riders. Customers purchasing bicycles frequently described receiving detailed fitting assistance, recommendations tailored to their riding style, and continued adjustments after taking their bikes home.

Several recurring themes appeared throughout reviews:

• Friendly, approachable employees
• Knowledgeable mechanics
• Competitive pricing
• Fast turnaround on repairs
• Honest recommendations
• No pressure sales approach
• Strong post-purchase support

One customer recalled repeatedly bringing a newly purchased bicycle back during the first several weeks of ownership for minor adjustments. Rather than becoming frustrated, the mechanics continued making changes until the bicycle fit perfectly. Experiences like these helped establish customer loyalty that often lasted for years.

Another reviewer praised the shop after arriving with little understanding of bicycle tubes or repair parts. Staff members took the time to identify the correct components and explain their purpose instead of simply ringing up a sale. Others highlighted inexpensive flat tire repairs completed within minutes without attempts to sell unnecessary accessories or upgrades.

Balanced Customer Feedback

Like nearly every successful retail business, Mad Cat Bikes did not receive universally positive reviews.

A small number of customers reported interactions in which they felt certain employees were impatient or dismissive, particularly when discussing lower-end bicycles or cruiser bikes. One reviewer described feeling that his concerns were minimized because his bicycle was inexpensive, while another suggested the store's inventory had become more limited during its final months of operation.

What is noteworthy, however, is how these isolated criticisms contrasted with the much larger body of favorable reviews. Several longtime customers specifically mentioned owner Mike UpChurch personally resolving problems when they occurred, reinforcing the impression that management genuinely cared about customer satisfaction.

For many independent bicycle shops, strong relationships with repeat customers often determine long-term success, and Mad Cat generally excelled in this area.

Serving Riders of Every Experience Level

Unlike some specialty bicycle retailers that primarily catered to elite racers, Mad Cat welcomed riders across the full spectrum of experience.

Its customer base included:

• Families purchasing children's bicycles
• Recreational weekend riders
• Daily commuters
• Road cyclists
• Mountain bikers
• BMX riders
• Fitness enthusiasts
• Competitive racers
• Older adults returning to cycling

This diversity was reflected both in its product inventory and in customer reviews. Beginners appreciated the willingness of employees to answer basic questions, while experienced cyclists valued the availability of higher-end components, professional repair services, and technical expertise.

The shop's educational philosophy also appealed to customers who wanted to become more self-sufficient. Programs like Park Tool School empowered riders to understand and maintain their own bicycles, helping create a more informed cycling community rather than fostering dependence on professional mechanics.

Supporting Sacramento's Growing Cycling Culture

Mad Cat Bikes operated during an exciting period for cycling in Sacramento.

Throughout the 2000s, the city increasingly embraced bicycling as both recreation and transportation. Extensive improvements to trails, bike lanes, and cycling infrastructure encouraged more residents to commute by bicycle and participate in organized rides.

Sacramento was already well known for attractions such as the American River Parkway and the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, one of the country's longest paved multi-use paths. Shops like Mad Cat helped support this expanding cycling culture by providing equipment, maintenance, education, and community connections that encouraged more people to ride.

The store's emphasis on group rides and skills clinics reflected broader national trends promoting cycling as a healthy, environmentally friendly, and socially engaging activity. Rather than viewing bicycles solely as products to sell, Mad Cat promoted them as tools for recreation, fitness, transportation, and community building.