When you step into The Peddler, you immediately feel comfortable. There’s something about their space on North Loop that just feels “homey” and inviting. They opened in 2005, and got just a little bit more space in their admittedly tight shop in the heart of the North Loop area about six months ago. The shop is pretty small inside, but not that much smaller than many Austin shops. Getting some more space would be good down the road, 
according to shop owner Aubrey Camp. The Peddler started with just Aubrey working by himself and in less than four years the staff has grown to five employees.
For the last couple of years, Aubrey says, they have focused on transportation bikes, although they like them all. Among the brands The Peddler carries are Breezer, Redline, KHS, Swabo and Surly, along with a few brands of BMX bikes. 
Interestingly, when I asked about the Surly Big Dummy (one of the most utility-focused frames out there) XtraCycle frame, Aubrey said they had only done one buildup on that frame, but it’s a good one.
When gas hit four dollars a gallon last summer, their business was insane! Almost too much work to keep up with. So many new customers came in and a lot had absolute beater bikes that took tons of work to get running again. “We got a lot of new people on the road,” Aubrey says. Although things have slowed down from that pace, the tough economy doesn’t seem to be affecting them much. The mild winter helped so there wasn’t much of a drop off. One thing that probably helps is that The Peddler gets a good mix of sales and service – about even in each.
The Staff: Mike Dolan, Ron Belcher, Aubrey Camp, Russell Pickavance, Tom Washburn
There is no typical Peddler customer. “We have a wide mix. Everyone from college professors to professional racers to homeless people. The whole gamut of the neighborhood.” They have fixed all kinds of rolling vehicles for their customers, even jogging strollers and wheelchairs!
When I asked Aubrey how he felt about Austin’s cycling infrastructure, he had a sharp response. “Weak, weak, weak.” He said we have a good cycling town because the weather is good, not because of our infrastructure. One that that would especially help would be better legal protection for cyclists once they have been in an accident.
They like commuters at The Peddler, but weekend warriors are good too. Having fun with your bike is what’s most important.
The Peddler Bicycle Shop (map)
5015 Duval
Austin, Texas 78751
(512) 220-6766
Hours:
Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm
on Feb 25th, 2009 at 11:25 am
The Peddler is the best bike repair shop I have found yet in Austin. They have that rare (in the bike world) combination of customer service with competence. I live in far SE Austin and go out of my way to take my bike there.
on Feb 25th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
[...] 22. Peddler Bike Shop 119 E North Loop Blvd Austin, TX 78751 Phone: (512) 220-6766 Hours: Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 10 am-7 pm, Wed 12 pm-6 pm, Sat 9 am-7 pm, Sun 12 pm-5 pm [...]
on Mar 6th, 2009 at 9:54 am
I’d like to elaborate more on my comment of “weak weak weak” regarding our cities cycling infrastructure and say thanks to the people that are out there trying to improve what we have. I don’t want anyone to feel that I don’t appreciate what’s being done. I just think that the city could be a little more supportive since Austin does enjoy a silver medal level from the League of American Cyclist for bicycle friendly status in the U.S. And it does attract cyclists to our great city. But things are hopefully improving with the new improved bicycle plan and the passing of some new projects!
on May 21st, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Here are the Peddler’s current hours, from their website:
Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm
I wouldn’t recommend anyone try to head there on a Saturday at 9 am because nobody will be there.
on Sep 11th, 2009 at 9:32 am
[...] One of our favorite shops, The Peddler, has moved to a new location down the road at 5015 Duval, at the corner of 51st and Duval. They’ll be having a causal stop in party this Sunday afternoon with some beer tastings whilst you check out the new digs. More on the Peddler in our shop review. [...]
on Dec 21st, 2009 at 7:14 am
Went by twice — once without my bike, once with it.
The first time, the staff seemed mildly disinclined to come out from behind the counter, at least until it became blatantly obvious that I wasn’t going to find what I was looking for on my own.
The time I came by *with* my bike, by contrast, the owner came out, took a look at it, chatted for a bit, was tolerant (and gently correcting) of some misunderstandings on my part, diagnosed an issue I’d been having, offered to loan me tools, and otherwise made the visit a wonderful experience.
My household is in the market for another bike (a commuter for my wife) — and as my primary shop’s inventory is mostly focused on sport, we’ll certainly be making The Peddler one of our stops.
on Dec 21st, 2009 at 1:20 pm
The Peddler is a great bike shop. I made my first visit last week and bought a seat bag of the Velo Orange style. It is big enough to be useful for carrying more than tube and tools. I found the staff friendly and helpful, especially the man from England. This is the shop for people who love their bikes and use them for transportation and touring. The staff has a lot to offer those new to cycling or new to Austin.
on Jan 5th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Great shop. I stopped by after reading this review to get a new helmet for my wife for x-mas. The owner was very helpful and we got my wife the perfect lid. Thanks guys!
on Jul 4th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
This shop’s repair services are sloppy with little attention to detail. They didn’t notice the tube was outside the tire they installed, scratched my new Nitto stem during installation, and installed new cables and housing like amatures. Plus they act funny. Rude dudes.