Great customer service and bike mechanic! Willing and able to accommodate my needs and schedule.

I decided to buy a new bike from Back Alley Bikes this past fall and it was one of my best decisions yet! They helped me weigh the pros and cons of different bikes to make sure I got the perfect fit. Tamara did a fitting with me to dial in the geometry so it felt even better. AND when my dropper post blew out for unknown reasons, they had it back in order within a day. Super friendly and easy to work with-- highly recommend for new purchase or maintenance or all things bike-related! read more

Well established independent bike shop run by good people. Excellent mechanical work.

Jared was kind, thoughtful, and listened to my needs as a customer. He gave wonderful information and helpful tips and even double checked my car rack to ensure I had it installed correctly. Honest, helpful, and kind. After having a series of very negative experiences at another local bike shop this experience was so refreshing! Good customer service is important to me and that's exactly what I received. I have found my new bike shop; people I can trust and whose behavior demonstrates that they value me as a customer. Thank you Jared and thank you Back Alley Bikes!! read more

Nice bike shop in Chapel Hill. They had the Kona Mahuna I was looking for. Jason helped me out with my purchased and answered questions I had. I would definitely recommend them. read more

Back Alley Bikes - My beautiful new Kona - Bikes Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

These guys replaced the rims and tires on my Wife's Schwinn Caliente and we couldn't be happier. We were able to drop off the bike and receive an estimate on the same day. The bike is like new now. I would definitely recommend this bike shop if you are in the area. read more

This is the best place to take your bike for advice/repairs in the area, hands down. I've been here several times and not once has anyone been condescending to me, despite the fact that I always come in with pretty stupid questions. Today I went in with the dumbest problem with my bike (I just needed to close my brake) and they didn't laugh at me even though I 100% deserved it, hah. The mechanics are polite and honest and the prices are fair. I've never felt like services have been pushed on me. It's possible repairs might take a little longer than other shops (I'm honestly not sure about this), but if they do, it's definitely worth it. read more

I bought a rugged road bike from Back Alley when I moved to Carrboro 2 years ago, which has made my commute a blast every day. The folks who own and work at Back Alley are top notch and are in it for all the right reasons. I've depended on Back Alley for parts and service over 2 years. They installed a rack, fenders, kickstand, and anti-theft seat and wheel fixtures for me that have all stood up to the test of time. They've been helpful when I've come in, providing some free help here and there. And I've always found their prices to be honest and reasonable. I'm now moving across the country and am sad to be selling my bike. But I know it's in great shape for the next owner, to whom I highly recommended Back Alley for any future tune-up needs. read more

I had good experiences in past. After this time I will not return as I was overcharged for incorrect repairs. They acknowledged the mistakes and did not offer to reduce charges. Overall the shop has expertise but they come off as arrogant and during this experience did not treat me with respect. Getting bike work done can be complicated so I hope I can find another shop. read more

My bike is my primary mode of transportation. Expert service for it is imperative. When I moved to Carrboro last year, I went with another local bike shop that a colleague and another avid biker recommended. Everyone goes there! But they kept doing me wrong. So wrong. Attitudes, poor communication and social skills, high prices, not backing their work. So, I went on the hunt for an alternative. Word on the street was that the town's beloved NicePriceBooks was closing! Oh no, a real loss. Thankfully, though, it was being replaced by BABs, and so there I found myself shortly after their opening. I've had four visits, all of them positive and professional. My first visit was to have them troubleshoot a creaking problem with my crankshaft, and to adjust some top screws as I kept dropping my chain. The problem was spotted immediately: you're missing a part here, and this needs to be tightened. Wanting to compare, I went back to the other shop. I was given dumbfounded looks, the mechanic rode it and wasn't sure still. I pointed at the space where BABs had said something was missing, he said, "huh, I'm not sure, I've never seen anything there before." Long story short, I brought it back to BABs, where it was fixed promptly. They even adjusted my index shifters which had been loose for years--did that without my asking and without telling me or charging me for it. Smooth operations. Second visit was to replace some cables and a housing hub/nub/whatever. Done and done, no nonsense. Third and forth visit were due to a blown tube. I was a ways from home with no gear, so needed it fixed fast. They dropped what they were doing, fixed it for cheap, and I was on my way. The next day, same tire blew. I bring it back in, they drop what they're doing (rockin' out), check the tube, ditch it, replace it, replace the stripping (?) on the rim, and I'm back in business, complimentary service even though it blew due to no fault of theirs. 5-stars pain me to give out, but my visits here offer me no alternative. BABs gives dependable, friendly, superior service. You can expect: -- Good conversation with staff who actually talk with their customers -- Making good on labor, backing what they sell and do -- Honest appraisals and suggestions on what needs or does not need to be fixed -- Bonus points for having a sweet-natured burly dog who's either zonked out on the couch or by your side to keep company while you wait. Between that and being invited to their 7-yr anniversary party on Saturday (6-10pm, free PBR and light show), BABs is about as perfect a local, homey bike shop can be. read more

Rebuilt my road bike and my mountain bike. Will trust my bikes to no others in the area. Rob and Jason started up this little hole of a shop, but oh what a glorious hole it is. I heard about it from my neighbor who described them as "my guys". These guys won't bullshit you. They don't have a giant store that they need to keep slinging the latest wares of Trek or Specialized, so you can trust what they say. They're services are well priced and if it's something that would take like 5 secs to fix, they've fixed it for me no money asked. Rob and Jason used to work at some local bike shops as mechanics and decided to do their own thing. Support these guys as they're good and just doing it for the love of bikes. They fix up and sell some used bikes and do consignment for others. I usually walk in and check out their wares. They've had some sweet bikes in there. Oh if only they were my size! read more

I have an entry-level mtb that I use for commuting to school. On recommendation from a friend, I took it in to Back Alley Bikes to get my derailleur fixed. They got it done many days before they said they would and charged me less than they originally quoted. I rode it today and sweet mary, it feels like a totally different bicycle. No longer does it kick my feet off the pedals when I change gears. No longer do I have to hold my gear shifter in place with my thumb to keep it from moving when I go bouncing over Durham's crappy roads. Thanks to these guys, I arrive at school much happier and less sweaty than I used to. It is true that they're not the most warm and friendly people I have ever met. But who cares; I'll take results over attitude any day. read more

Back Alley Bikes gives me that awesome feeling I used to get scouring punk rock record shops for Vinyl. every nook and cranny is filled with something interesting. The service is top notch as is the work they provide. I passed like 800 bike shops I could have chosen between Dirtham and Chapel Hell. I went for a tune up for a Gary Fisher Craigslist find. They offer packages. I figured I'd need the most expensive of the variety and was talked out of it. The mech said it wasn't necessary which is awesome, the integrity speaks volumes. My bike was finished the day of. Easy parking, No up-selling or greater than though attitude. I've seen the Crimson skull in some kind of logo and that alone makes the shop cool... Up the Punx! read more

Fantastically helpful and knowledgeable. They have an improved space with an assortment of used bicycles for sale. Goods and services are well priced. Craftsmanship, workmanship and general niceness are without reproach They always take a minute to explain things. read more

I have a solid commuter bike that I actually bought from these guys that I use every day. I cannot say enough about how great these guys are. Their rates for repair are solid, their expertise top notch and more importantly they just seem to like working on bikes. I see the owner around town a bunch and he has twice now been persuaded to take a look at my bike just when I bumped into him and he fixed it both times. Jacob P noted above these guys do not give off the most professional appearance when you encounter them, but I prefer my bike guys rough and friendly over corporate and sterile. Besides, they are always courteous, their prices are competitive and they have great hands on knowledge. They aim to please, plus if you are lucky you might meet the real boss of the shop: a sweetheart of a dog that spends his days on the storeroom couch. read more

GREAT service!! My partner purchased a used bike here recently for an unbelievable price. My partner was given a helmet & told to take the bike for a test drive. The other shops we visited didn't offer this. They guarantee their workmanship and really wanted to make sure we were pleased & all questions are answered before we left. The thing we appreciated the most was that they arent pushy or trying to sell you a bunch of stuff. Back Alleys doesnt just sell bikes,they also service bikes & sell other good quality items like locks & helmets. We really like this place. It will be the ONLY place we take our bikes for service. read more

The dudes that work @ Back Alley couldn't be any more chill. They offered their time to give me solid advice and helped me pick the best bike out by going above and beyond by looking online for it. My new ride is going to be shipped to the store in less than a week. Thanks for hooking it up, guys! P.s. I respect businesses that are dog-friendly. When I noticed there was a boxer in thecorner laying on his dog bed, I couldnt have been more in love. Thanks for that. read more

These guys are great. They don't make you feel stupid when you go in for repairs, and they have by far the best prices in town, coupled with the best quality repairs I've ever had. My only complaint would be that they are so busy, sometimes it's hard to get your bike in to get looked at. Even so, it's worth the wait. The folks at back alley bikes just clearly love bikes, and want more people to ride them. They are honest, bullshit free, and if something will save you money, they will tell you. They're not out to scam you for your money, they just want you on a healthy bike. I'll go nowhere else in town. read more

The best bike shop in Chapelboro. If they can't fix it... it can't be fixed. Straight forward, no nonsense operation. Everything you need and nothing you don't. Very experienced staff that can resolve even the most challenging repairs. Bikes Back Alley read more

Another really well regarded shop in Durham had changed the derailleur cables on my road bike, but when I told the mechanic that it was still hard to shift he didn't have a solution. So I stopped in at Back Alley, and Jackson recognized the problem immediately -- the other shop had used the wrong cables. I had to wait for about a month until they got to my bike, but the outcome was worth the wait. These guys are friendly, and they know what they're doing. read more

I've brought my bike to three different shops in the Triangle, and Back Alley is by far the best for maintenance. My bike has never shifted this well since the day I bought it! They were also able to help me find an obscure spoke for an old race wheel I was given that three other shops tried to find, but were unable to service. Thanks so much Back Alley Bikes! You're now my go-to bike service shop. read more

I brought in my bike because it needed some serious TLC. They serviced it wonderfully and more cheaply than I expected. Even better, they had it done THAT DAY! I got a call later that day and they said they had even replaced my busted up pedals while they were at it. They really went above and beyond my expectations. I'm a loyal customer now. read more

Super helpful, courteous and most of all - they know bikes. I trust Rob with my precious Seven road bike as I would no one else. And I got my commuter townie bike there which they recently serviced and now its in tip-top shape after a tune up. Since I ride to work daily, I need a reliable bike and they have made that so. read more

If you don't want service, don't do business with Back Alley Bikes. If you'd rather be treated like a tool, don't do business with Back Alley Bikes. If you're feeling the need to be lied to, don't do business with Back Alley Bikes. If however, you're a normal person, who wants to be treated with respect; who wants to deal with an honest business, then by all means Back Alley Bikes is the place for you. It doesn't look like much on the outside, but the old saying holds true for Back Alley Bikes. Don't judge a book by its cover. This is hand's down, the best local bike shop in the Triangle. My dealings with Jason and his team have always been extremely laid back and friendly. Not to mention, the folks here actually know what they're doing. Most of the other bike shops in the area were trying to just sell me something, and get me out of the store. Some even tried to put me on bikes that were too big, because they didn't have a bike with the right frame size. Jason worked with me, and found me a great bike. He even checked to see if there was a prior year model of the bike, and saved me some cash. If you're thinking about a new or used bike, stop by Back Alley Bikes, and see what they can do for you. read more

Good guys who know their stuff and are honest and very friendly too. I brought my bike in for a tune up. It was done when they said it would be and when a week later I had a small problem they fixed it immediately and didn't charge me for the labor since my bike had just been in. And when my boyfriend brought his bike in for a tune up it turned out it didn't need as much work as they expected and they just charged him for the minimal tune up. And they have popsicles! read more

I have had nothing but good results from their work and I have used them probably 5 or more times in the past couple of years. They have never been condescending to either myself or my spouse. Recommended highly. read more

Minus a star for taking a full week to assemble the bike I shipped to Chapel Hill, another for not repairing the tire I asked them to, and another for looking high and smug, if that's possible, when I arrived. read more

Best quality repairs a local favorite for years. Owner operated by die hard bikers and community builders.

One of the best places in town to buy a good used bike or a new and affordable Kona or Surly. Great mechanics, friendly too. Can't go wrong. read more

I went to Back Alley looking for a used hybrid bike, and they really did not have much in the way of used bikes at all... so just an FYI. They did, however have plenty of new stuff and great service. read more

This is THE place to take your bike. They are busy and book out their appointments far in advance because they are thorough. What really earned my loyalty though is their willingness to take a look at small stuff on a walk in basis. They've done tons of minor brake adjustments, seat post tightenings and even a derailleur adjustment while I waited without charging me a penny. All the guys seem to really be into bikes and biking and I trust them with my bike. Be ready for up to a month wait for a big appointment though, esp in the fall when school starts! read more

Great shop, super helpful and knowledgeable staff. I bought a bike from them recently, and Jason was super helpful in selecting the bike and accessories. He even helped me get the bike in my car, which was no small feat. I will continue to buy bike stuff from these guys, and would recommend this shop to anyone! read more

Really great people working here. We came in knowing close to nothing about bikes and the guys found us the perfect ones. I'm just over 5 feet tall and they went the extra mile to adjust the smallest bike in the store to fit my needs without me asking for extra adjustments. I wouldn't have even known adjustments were needed, but they consider every detail when helping their customers. Even though we came in less than an hour before closing, they didn't rush us and took care of us. Awesome people! read more

Helpful with anything and everything. Best place in town to get good quality used bikes and parts. Rob will help you with all things that have to do with riding in the dirt. This shop is honest, fair and friendly! read more

I rely on a bicycle for transportation, and I rely on the folks at Back Alley Bikes for keeping my bike in shape. They offer quality service, reasonable prices, and most importantly unpretentious customer care. I will be reluctant to take my ride anywhere else. read more

Good folks; excellent work!! This shop specializes in quality service and knowledgeable mechanics. They also have affordable bikes.

I've taken my bike once with what turned out to be problem with the cone in the rear wheel. I experienced something of a miscommunication about how long repair would take and I was unhappy with them. They didn't leave it there, they took a look at the bike, phoned me back, and communicated well. I rarely give 5 stars but this was great they actually turned what was a bad experience into a good one. And they are bike experts. read more

Awesome shop. The staff are professional, friendly, hardworking, and genuine. I take my commuter bike in whenever I seriously break something--about once every 4 months--and the guys always fix me up quickly and inexpensively so that I can get back on the road. I would recommend this shop to anyone for repairs and maintenance work. No condescending BS, just affordable, quality service. read more

Good guys. Great wrenches. They get your bike back to you quickly cause they know you want to ride it.

Jason and everyone at Back Alley happily takes the time to give honest and helpful suggestions on work that has been needed on my bike, which I use for transportation daily. He's told me stuff that I NEED right now, that I could do, and that will need to happen, and gives me his opinion based on what HE would do and for what is safe. And though I made an appointment for 10 days in the future for the tune-up I went in for, he did some work on my bike that day for the stuff that needed to happen for safety. I'm thrilled to take my bike there AND I love that they have bike air outside available 24/7/365, for Presta AND Schrader! Thanks y'all! read more