Lightning Cycles

"It is truly unfortunate that I have to write this review. I bought my bike here about 9 months ago, and have purchased one other bike from the shop, as well as another Norco privately that I hoped to have serviced here as well. During a recent trip I had an issue with my rear hub that fell under the warranty, and brought my bike in. They said no problem, that it was covered under warranty, and they would get it taken care of. Almost five weeks and 4 phone calls later, they finally called to say my bike would be ready for pickup shortly, but that I was in need of a chain and new cassette as well (I had put a new chain on less than 8 weeks before, 5 weeks of which it was in the shop). I declined the service, as I do all of my own routine maintenance, and knew it didn't need a chain anyway. When I went to pick my bike up, the total for my "warranty" work was $98. I was charged $40 for the warranty work, about $10 in shop materials (both of which are kind of an "eh, whatever" charge), and then charged for replacing rear brake pads. The thing is, I had replaced both sets of pads and discs less than 10 weeks before (remember it was in the shop for 5 weeks), and when he showed me my old pads, they weren't the Jagwire pads I had installed (which are blue), but a yellow set, presumably a set they show everyone they decide to change pads on without their prior knowledge. I was charged an additional $45 for these pads, that weren't mine. I paid and left, and have decided to take my business elsewhere. It is a shame, as I was growing to like the shop and sending them more business, but there are too many other shops with far more honest tactics for paying the bills."

"BEST SHOP EVER. Super cool, down to earth staff that listen, understand bikes, and are super accommodating in both pricing and their time. Personally traveled over 2 hours twice, in the same week, to do business here. Good selection of bikes, gear, and apparel."

"With no bikes to be found in the great state of Michigan, I expanded my search out of state and boy am I happy I did! After selecting the bike I wanted in the size and color I wanted, Specialized website directed me to Lightning Cycles in Hickory, North Carolina. After an initial phone call with Cody confirming the bike was indeed in their store and available, I went to work on planning a road trip with my 2 teenage sons and their mountain bikes in tow. Before hitting the road, Celeste held the bike to ensure it would be waiting for my when I arrived. After arriving at Lightning I received a warm greeting and Mike went to work setting up the front and rear shock tuning, tire pressure, and seat height tailored to my body type. After a test ride around the shop there was no way I was leaving without that bike!!! Added a pair of One Up platform pedals and I was ready to ride! Can't say enough positive things about my experience, from very cool shop, to the friendliness, to the knowledge - all great! If you can't find your dream bike where you live and Lightning has it in stock, I highly recommend making the trip!"

"Mike, Celeste, and Cody are super helpful, knowledgeable, and accommodating! I came from Raleigh during the pandemic and bike shortage to get my dream setup! They saved me from having to go to PA! Love my local shops but may travel 2.5 hours just to visit these guys again! Thanks a million!"

"Best bike shop in Hickory. They have more inventory than the others I’ve been to as far as pretty much everything you need. I love Celeste she is ultra supportive and knowledgeable. All the employees are sociable and not awkwardly quiet or uptight. I like going here because of that and like I said their inventory. It’s a one stop shop so you can upgrade/repair your bike with quick turn around time, or look at various items as far as parts, safety gear, and anything else bike related. You can goto any local trail on any given day and run into someone who works here doing what they love which is cool. You can know very little or a lot and they can match your speed. Not going anywhere else after finding this gem. Highly recommend."