I'm in Berkeley

[lavi]

I'm here for a few days a few blocks from the Cal campus. What things should I check out? Any cool bike shops here?

I have a view of Mt. Tam from my window here too. If there's anyone that wants to yard my ass around (road or mtn), that'd be great. I just need everything. If anyone feels like kitting me out, I'd be greatly obliged. Size 58ish please.

[chancerider]

Check out Jitensha Studio.

[Blue Jays]

US Bicycling Hall of Fame is just a metric century ride away.

[maunahaole]

If you make it up to Davis, hit the Tuesday/Thursday race ride. http://http://dbcraceteam.org/rides Normally fast, but orderly. Mostly flat, but can be windy.

[RudAwkning]

Come visit Stone's Cyclery in Alameda!

[sbornia]

I'd offer to play tour guide, but my bikes are too small and I'm headed out of town tomorrow. So here's some 2 cents...Grab a beer on Telegraph or College Ave. For bikes, Stone's is cool, especially if you catch Jason there. Montano Velo has sweet Pegoretti on display. Jitensha has some neat stuff, but imho a decidedly unpleasant owner. Solano Cyclery may still rent Specialized bikes if you can't find one to borrow. If they do have something your size, ride back up Solano Ave., get yourself on Spruce St., then head up into the hills. Right turn on Grizzly Peak and follow the ridge to Skyline Blvd. If it's clear out, you'll have perfect views of the entire bay.

[EddieBirdsell]

Yo Lavi,

La Burrita for burritos. Top Dog for "gourmet" hot dogs. Next door to one another.

Jitensha Studio a block south and a couple blocks east of the two mentioned above.

The taco cart on Bancroft is pretty solid.

Kips for divey, sloppy, college bar scene.

Caffe Strada for espresso.

[Zimmermanbicycle]

+1 on Jitensha,never had any conflict with the owner,only happy experiences for me there.
-Eric

[sjauch]

Come visit Stone's Cyclery in Alameda!

A must! Stumbled across this shop my on my last visit. I've never seen a shop with this much cool stuff.

[Sasha]

Do yourself a favor and go over to Montano Velo on Piedmont ave (in Oakland). While you're on that street, you can eat dinner or get a beer.

[Vlad Luskin]

snip:

Caffe Strada for espresso.

Strada, bah! It's still "Roma" for Berkeley old-timers. A great place to hang out and people watch. If you're bike-less, hike up Centennial Drive behind the campus and go up the Strawberry Canyon fire trail. First mile is forested and serene, then a leg-busting climb up the connector to the upper part of the fire trail, where it flattens and after another mile you get huge views. Beer at the bar at Claremont Hotel for views.

[RudAwkning]

I'm here for a few days a few blocks from the Cal campus. What things should I check out? Any cool bike shops here?

I have a view of Mt. Tam from my window here too. If there's anyone that wants to yard my ass around (road or mtn), that'd be great. I just need everything. If anyone feels like kitting me out, I'd be greatly obliged. Size 58ish please.

I can probably get you on a 58 for the day (if you don't mind riding something steel). Can't help you in the kit department though. I'm 5'6" and wear medium gear and a size 41.5 shoe :P

[Rodador]

snip:

Strada, bah! It's still "Roma" for Berkeley old-timers. A great place to hang out and people watch. If you're bike-less, hike up Centennial Drive behind the campus and go up the Strawberry Canyon fire trail. First mile is forested and serene, then a leg-busting climb up the connector to the upper part of the fire trail, where it flattens and after another mile you get huge views. Beer at the bar at Claremont Hotel for views.

Yes, it's still Roma for me. Vlad, you're bringing back great memories of Strawberry Canyon runs. Love that connector. And hate it, too.

[halbritt]

Stone's and Montano Velo are both awesome shops to gawk at nice bikes.

If you get a bike, ride out to Mt. Diablo, the ride up it.

[protorio]

Ride the Berkeley Hills. Visit Montano Velo. Ride out to Mt. Diablo and ramble around the trails. Jitensha is a design studio. Oogle.