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About Summit Bicycles Palo Alto
Summit Bicycles is a small Bay Area chain of bike shops. Its Palo Alto store is at 392 California Ave. The shop's page puts it at the corner of Ash Street, across from the Hotel California. It is just off El Camino Real. The chain's other stores are in Burlingame, San Jose and Los Gatos. It also runs an online sales department.
When Summit announced the Palo Alto store, it called the opening the start of a project it had worked on for more than five years. It said Palo Alto was a community it had wanted to join for some time. The store's focus is clear from its own description: it specializes in electric bikes and commuter bikes. It also handles repairs and bike rentals.
Bikes and brands
Summit's website sorts its range into electric, road, mountain, gravel, hybrid and fitness, commuter and city, cruiser, BMX and kids' bikes. The brands featured include Trek, Santa Cruz, Surly and Sun Bicycles. The shop also publishes buyer's guides for Trek e-bikes, Trek pedal bikes, Santa Cruz and Yeti. It also has a page on electric bike safety.
The Palo Alto store leans toward e-bikes and bikes for getting around town, which fits the neighborhood. California Avenue has its own Caltrain station a short ride from the shop, which makes a bike and train commute practical. Stock varies between Summit's stores. If you want a particular model or size, call the Palo Alto store at 650-304-0035 before you go.
Repairs and service
Summit runs what it calls the Summit Service Center. The shop says most services can be completed while you browse the store. If a repair needs more work, it guarantees the bike back in 48 hours or less. You can book a service slot online. Summit also offers suspension service and describes itself as a one-stop shop for maintenance and suspension work, which matters if you ride a full-suspension mountain bike or a suspension e-bike.
Buying an e-bike here
Because the Palo Alto store specializes in electric bikes, it is a sensible first stop if you are shopping for one. A few practical steps help. Decide whether the bike is mainly for commuting, errands with cargo or weekend rides in the hills, since that narrows the field quickly. Ask staff about battery range, charging and how the bike handles service at Summit's other stores if you live or work elsewhere on the Peninsula. Read Summit's electric bike safety page before you buy. Consider a test ride or a rental first. Palo Alto has no public bike share program, so owning or renting is the main way to get around on two wheels.
Rentals, trade-ins and financing
Bike rentals are bookable online or by phone. Summit says it rents mountain, road, electric and city bikes. The rental page groups its bikes by the store where you pick them up. You must show physical ID at pickup. A rental is a good way to test an e-bike on real hills before you buy one, or to give a visitor a bike for a weekend.
The chain also runs a Trade Up Program for trading in a bike toward a new one and offers financing through Synchrony. Its Summit Advantage pitch includes a satisfaction guarantee. Ask the Palo Alto staff how trade-in values are set before you bring your old bike in.
Tips for riding from here
The posted hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. California Avenue between El Camino Real and Birch Street is closed to through traffic. The city allows bikes there at low speed, so walk or ride slowly to the door. Our California Avenue neighborhood guide covers parking and the Sunday farmers market.
For routes, our guide to biking in Palo Alto covers the city's bike boulevards and longer rides. The bike shops and outdoor gear guide lists the other shops in town. If you plan to bring a bike on the train, see riding Caltrain for bike rules on the train and the stations nearby.
Location and getting there
Summit Bicycles is at 392 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the California Avenue area of Palo Alto. Our California Avenue guide covers what else is around.
The California Avenue Caltrain station is less than a quarter mile away, a walk of a few minutes.
Parking: street spaces and city garages with posted limits (see parking in Palo Alto).
Hours
| Monday to Friday | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Saturday and Sunday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Hours from the business's own website, checked October 30, 2026.
What is nearby
- Sun of Wolf, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- Palo Alto Sol, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- The Cobblery, store, under 0.1 mi
- Massage Therapy Center, salon or spa, under 0.1 mi
- California Paint Company, store, under 0.1 mi
- Bowden Park, 0.3 mi
- College Terrace Library, 0.3 mi
- Peers Park, 0.4 mi
Other fitness, dance and martial arts nearby: Victoria Ballet (under 0.1 mi); Tamayo’s Judo (under 0.1 mi); Silicon Valley Fit (under 0.1 mi); Pure Barre (under 0.1 mi). Browse the full fitness, dance and martial arts list.
Before you go
- Many studios offer a first class or trial pass. Ask before you buy a membership.
- Classes at popular times fill up, so book through the studio's app or website where that is offered.
- Bring water and check whether the studio provides mats, towels or rental gear.
About this listing
Checked October 30, 2026 against Summit Bicycles Palo Alto page; Summit Bicycles website; Rentals; Summit Service Center. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Summit Bicycles in Palo Alto?
Summit Bicycles is at 392 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the California Avenue area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 0.2 miles away.
Does Summit Bicycles in Palo Alto rent bikes?
Yes. Summit says you can book mountain, road, electric or city bikes online or by phone. Each rental lists the store where you pick it up. Bring physical ID, which the shop requires at pickup.
How long do repairs take at Summit Bicycles?
Summit says most services can be completed while you browse the store. For bigger jobs it guarantees your bike back in 48 hours or less.
What are Summit Bicycles Palo Alto's hours?
The store page lists 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
What are Summit Bicycles's hours?
Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m..