Second Ascent

They have large selection, good prices, staff that knows the gear and local climbing scene, and they support local climbers with bringing in experts, events, etc... more

5 stars for the best sport services. more

Just check out all my posts regarding Second Ascent. This is a down to earth shop in old town Ballard, next door to the Tractor Tavern. No computer there - you will get an old fashion hand written receipt AND an awesome bike repair job! more

You can look at all my posts to see that I am a huge fan of Second Ascent, for many many reasons. But I can tell you that the service is second to none and I have been all over town: Gregg's, TiCycles, Montlake. I manage a cycling team and have chosen Second Ascent to service all of our bikes. Ask for Aaron or Andrew - you can even tell them that Lisa Miller sent you. more

Bar none, this is the best bike repair place in Seattle. Aaron and Chad have never steered us wrong and I love seeing them out at bike races! They have a great selection of new and used gear, the price is always competitive and the people there are fun to talk to. If you know all about bikes or nothing about bikes, they will make you feel comfortable! They're honest, skilled at what they do and quick! more

I have been a faithful customer of Second Ascent on Ballard Ave. for 10 years, back then they were called Second Bounce and were right in Fremont on Leary Way. Over the years, I've found some great deals. Recently I found a pair of lightly used telemark ski boots that retail for around $500. I paid $180. My most memorable other find was a used McHale backpack, custom made by one gruff craftsman in Seattle. Who uses McHale packs? Imagine you are a thrill seeking millionaire who threw down almost $100,000 to climb Mt. Everest with some superstar mountain guides. Chances are at least one of guides pulling your sorry ass up the world's highest mountain will be carrying a McHale. But I digress. Basically these packs cost like $800, I got mine for $200. more

I'm one of those people who gets lost in REI. Second Ascent is a lot smaller but also more affordable. It carries a lot of outdoor equipment both new and used. They have a great sale selection with a big turnover so you have to visit often to see all their stuff. And the sales staff don't bother you while you shop, but if you have any questions they're very knowledgable. Got a nice little shell for skiing here. more

This is my shop. I buy everything at Second Ascent and I get my bikes worked on there. They have all the gear you need, and what they can't stock they will order for you. EVERY employee there is an experienced adventurer and can answer your questions, or find someone else there that can... unlike REI where it's hit or miss... mostly miss. If you are on a budget they also have the best used gear in the Seattle area - trust me I've looked. They are privately owned and also sponsor a bunch of local adventure racing and cycling teams. This business is an asset to Seattle. more

Search Judy's book for Second Ascent. These guys are awesome, expecially for the urban cyclist!! Ask for Andrew or Aaron and they will hook you up with either a new or great used bike to suit your needs. more

Second Ascent is a great multi purpose outdoor shop. Specializing in new, used and demo/sample gear, there is something for everybody. Besides the usual climbing hardware you will find an ample supply of boots, new and used, that will fit your style and budget. In the winter their ski shop has great selection and a knowledgeable shop who can mount your gear. In the summer, skis make way for a fabulous bike shop. Road and mountain bikers alike can find great service here. Their guidebook and instructional book section is quite vast as well. Overall, excellent prices and great gear. more

There should be more places like Second Ascent. Consider their business model: They buy gently used outdoor equipement such as tents, backpacks and clothing (not climbing gear) and re-sell them at a substantial disount. You can get last year's used-one-weekend tent at a good price, or a generation-old, still usable backpack at a very good price. Now why don't more stores do that? They also sell a good selection of new equipment, including lots of climbing gear (with good discounts on climbing shoes from time to time), bicycles and accessories, clothing and shoes/boots, ski gear in the winter and camping gear in the summer. more

One of the few places that you can find a quality selection of used camping gear and clothes in Seattle. They also have a large selection of new gear as well. The staff is great. It seems like everyone there would rather be outside than working but if they have to be working they love want to do it sharing their passion wtih and experience with the outdoors with rookies like myself. The staff has been helpful and knowledgeable every time I've been in to shop. They also have bike department in the back. From the looks of things they do both repair and sales. This place often reminds me of what REI used to be when it was a little rougher around the edges. more

Awesome store. more

check out Second Ascent more

see my review for Second Ascent in Ballard. more

Second Ascent is awesome in so many ways!! Located next door to the Tractor Tavern in old-town Ballard, this family-owned outdoor store is second to none in service, employee knowledge, friendliness, originality, and deals. The store caters to all outdoor enthusiasts including cyclists, climbers, skiers, and hikers. They offer new and used equipment and clothing. The owners of the shop (Greg and Paula) are wonderful people and they bring their baby girl and their dog to work. The employees are long-time employees and demonstrate enthusiasm and allegiance to the Second Ascent family. The guys in the bike shop rock!! Andrew and Aaron are extremely knowledgeable, trust worthy, and are awesome at finding cost saving alternatives. I trust them with all of my bikes. Having cycled for many years and having my repair and maintenance work done by several Seattle bike shops, I now use Second Ascent exclusively. This is not like your typical corporate outdoor retail store; you won't find a large parking garage, World Wraps, water fountains or even a computer (your sales receipt will be hand written). But what you will find is a really hip and friendly store that you will be excited to support and frequent often. more