Bear Valley Bikes review and rental guide for trail riders

The owner, a licensed mechanic and coach, gets the credit in reviews for hands-on fitting and trail advice.

The shop is small and popular with serious mountain bikers; a few reviews are mixed specifically about e-bike rentals.

Bike options for every rider

Bear Valley Bikes offers a wide array of rental bicycles to suit different riding preferences and terrain. For those interested in leisurely rides on paved paths or around town, they provide cruisers. These bikes are suited to neighborhood and paved-road riding.

For adventurers looking to tackle Big Bear's trails, a selection of mountain bikes is available. This includes both front-suspension and full-suspension models for different terrain. Additionally, the shop carries road and cross bikes, which are well-suited for cycling around the picturesque Big Bear Lake.

Additional rental choices and included gear

Beyond traditional bicycles, Bear Valley Bikes also provides pedal-assist electric bikes. Families with younger children can find kids' bikes and trailers, for families riding with younger children. This variety ensures that most visitors can find a suitable bike for their Big Bear adventure.

When you rent a bike from Bear Valley Bikes, a standard helmet is included as part of the rental package for your safety. Additional protective equipment is available. The shop has been a part of the Big Bear community since 1995.

Gear and range

This criterion measures the equipment and how much choice there is. Bear Valley Bikes scored 7.5 out of 10 in this area. The shop offers kids' bikes and trailers, and helmets are included with rentals.

Value and location

Value measures what you get for what you spend, and Bear Valley Bikes received a score of 7.5 out of 10. The location criterion assesses where the shop sits and what is close by, with a score of 6 out of 10. The shop is located 2 miles from Snow Summit's main address, which is farther than some other shops.

Service and fitting

This measures the help with choosing and fitting the gear. Bear Valley Bikes scored 9 out of 10 for service and fitting. The owner, who is a licensed mechanic and coach, is frequently mentioned in reviews for providing hands-on fitting and trail advice. Strengths include hands-on fitting and trail advice.

The shop is a popular spot for serious mountain bikers. Some weekdays, the shop operates by appointment only. Reviews are mixed regarding e-bike rentals.

Our verdict for Bear Valley Bikes is: Expert, hands-on service; check the hours before you drive over.

Bicycle offerings and custom builds

Bear Valley Bikes offers a range of bicycles for various riding preferences. They list brands such as Cannondale, Marin, Oh Wow, Freesky, Kasen, and Speed-Evolution. The shop organizes custom builds. This process involves researching suitable frames and accessories, discussing the concept with the client, and then designing and producing the bicycle.

The shop's cruiser bicycles are described as featuring smooth tires, wide saddles, and an upright riding position, complemented by mountain-bike-style brakes and 24 speeds. Additionally, Bear Valley Bikes carries race, cross, and triathlon road bikes in men's and women's models.

Expertise and maintenance

The owner of Bear Valley Bikes is Derek Hermon. He is recognized as a member of the Big Bear Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and is a former USA Cycling Board member. His technical background includes graduation from Specialized Bicycle Component University and certification as a UCI technician.

Bear Valley Bikes provides bicycle-maintenance services. These services include cable replacement, wheel truing, brake bleeding, suspension-pressure checks, and drivetrain overhauls.