Just wanted to chime in with agreement of Paul on this one. University is a fun shop to browse with a large selection of vintage and classic bikes - everything from track iron to highwheelers to a Paramount hanging on the wall just as you enter the shop (last time I was there anyway). I found the staff helpful (bought a pair of Sidis from them) but didn't talk to them too much about bikes and such.
Vecchio's is a great shop - much smaller than University but has a very interesting mix of old and new. Lot's of old Campagnolo parts in the display cases the last time I was there. Even had a pair of those old Cinelli clipless "suicide" pedals. Peter and Sean (sp?) are very knowledgeable and nice to chat with. Hey, they even have a friendly, easy going shop dog.
The shops are not too far apart that a long walk (or short ride) wouldn't allow you to stop at both the same day. I think University rents bikes too (none of the classic stuff though!) so if you want to take in some nice rides (and there are plenty in the Boulder area there's your chance.
John Price
Denver CO
> Jerry,
> Two shops that I know of are Vecchio's at 1833 Pearl St. and University
> Bicycles at 839 Pearl St.. University Bicycles has old bikes on display
and I
> am told that the owner has a fondness for the same. Many of his employees
(in
> my experience) are clueless though. Vecchio's people will have an
interest in
> older bikes and there are often a few on display. Most Boulder shops seem
> more interested in the recreational and/or MTB customer.
> If you take a bike with you, you will find many routes to choose from.
>
> Paul Patzkowsky Longmont, Colorado