Celebrating forty years operating, Laughing Dog Bicycles carries this long history in their repair shop and sales floor. Downstairs and upstairs is a quiet drop-in space for bike sales, bike accessories, bike publications, bike supplies, and bike repairs. I brought two bicycles here for repair, one that as more of a child's toy instead of a bicycle industry piece, and another. Both needed some minor repair and upkeep, which Laughing Dog did for an affordable price for each bike, and included a safety inspection. Walking into their bicycle shop was half the treat, as they were done with the repairs within only a day. Settled in the back lot alley, with parking and two one-way driveways for in and out, Laughing Dog uses their space with a savvy of years. This is something they provide that a place which only "sells" or repairs bicycles probably can't offer you, and which I believe is common to the bicycle workshops of western MA. I had the impression that I could ask about local bicycling trails, bicycling races, bicycling events, bicycling tournaments, bicycling tracks, bicycling stars, bicycling history, and on and on, and get whatever insight I needed. Their sales floor wasn't jam-packed, and was navigable with the large variety of bikes on their sales floor as well. Bicycles ranged from entry level bicycles to professional, tourney, and off-road bicycles. However, their floor had such a variety, it makes me imagine the variety of customers they've helped over the decades. The variety of bells they have on a handlebar by the register add a cute little touch of bicycling history and options for noisy alarms. I found this place as such a treat to visit, I might as well consider it more than where bike experts meet, I would want to visit it for bicycle history and expertise in the local area. read more

Charged me $40 to adjust one brake pad, first and last time for sure.

Outstanding service and friendly manners. This place will take excellent care of you and your bike!

COVID CONSCIENTIOUS - NEW, USED, REPAIRS & CUSTOM BIKES I stopped here two years ago and they did some quick repairs on my mountain bike. Parker and his team were super friendly and helpful. Early this year I got a Merlin titanium frame but didn't really decide to build it until COVID hit and I decided to shelter-in-place with my daughter in Leverett. Once it was clear COVID was going to immobilize me for several months I decided to try to get my bike built out. I called Parker and he said bring in the frame and we'd talk. So I showed up with my Merlin Sandstone frame and Parker talked through my riding plans and component preferences and said he'd get back with proposals and budgets. Although COVID was impacting supply chain Parker's team came back with great component plan and built the wheels. Cole and Zack searched an procured parts and Jacob built the bike under Parker's experienced eye. Despite delays in Shimano cassettes and brakes, they completed a beautiful gravel bike beyond my dreams. After a couple rides they swapped pedals for me and tweaked gravel bar rotation and seat. After 30 years using my Cannondale MTB on road, dirt, trails and gravel, now I have a PRIMO Merlin Sandstone gravel that is light, nimble, versatile and beautiful. The LAUGHING DOG MERLIN photos speak for themselves. THIS SHOP CAN DO IT ALL! From simple repairs to all types of bike sales and THEY CAN BUILD YOU A BIKE. Parker, Jacob, Zack, Cole you are awesome! Merlin Marb read more

Saved me again! Installed two new tires on my very complicated fat tire electric bike. Thanks folks, again...

What makes Laughing Dog so great? Well, the yellow lab always there... but besides that This is the bike shop most people NEED. I will explain. Yes, they don't have a huge inventory of high end bikes. They doesn't have shiny floors and bright lights showing off all new technology, etc Which is FINE, and GOOD. Why because that appeals to 5% of the population. Most people, especially a college town, want a bike to get from point a to point b. and when it breaks, they want it fixed. easy, done well and inexpensive check. check check Need some accessories for your commute? they have them need a part? they have them. need to know how to rebuilt a sturmy archer 3 speed internal hub.. well, yeah, parker and do it for you. Like any shop, they can order just about anything and everything you want and need. but why stock super high end components and bikes when the market does not call for them? So you can discount them at the end of the season just to try to get rid of them without making money? They do what you need to keep your bike running. they do it friendly and safe and keep you happy. They don't oversell, they don't push, and they don't lie. If you have a bike and need service, go there. if you need a bike to commute. go there. if you need some good avid, funny stories, and want to listen to NPR mixed with some great eclectic music, guitar strumming and classic indy rock, then go there. Its just a great shop for bike people read more

I'm a touring cyclist. I rode Amherst during sleet storm in late November. My rear brake hydraulic disc brake was shot, and the front was failing. My rear dynamo light was out. I was frozen icicle-solid after 6 hours in freezing rain and in no position to be trying to bleed hydraulic brake lines in my hotel room. I had to be out of town the next day. Within 30 seconds the bike was in the stand. Within 90 minutes they had found two broken spokes in the rear wheel, and *made from scratch* two new spokes to fit the unusual wheel size. They had also drilled out a corroded brake pad bolt, and fixed a dynamo wiring set-up. And, of course, bled the brake lines and changed the pads. 5 star. read more

Excellent customer service. I came into the store looking for a bike with very little knowledge about what's out there. I was shown two different hybrid models and given very straightforward info about how they compared in terms of quality and price. I actually ended up getting a cruiser instead after testing it out and being totally charmed (I felt like a kid at Christmas!) I was welcomed to try out each model I was interested in which was an essential step of the decision making process. I also got help picking out a helmet and lock. As a side note, my mom was with me and was curious about a folding bike-- she was clear that she didn't intend to buy one at the moment, but still she was allowed to test one out and was given great info about them. All around super helpful and friendly experience! read more

I asked to have my bike packed and shipped from Amherst to California. When I received my bike in California, I realized that several components of my bike were missing. Now I have to get new pedals and front wheel axel. Do not trust these guys with packing your bike for you. read more

Laughing Dog Bikes rules. Was having a ton of noise coming out of my drive train, thought it might be the crank set. Brought my bike in hoping they could figure it out. In less than two minutes the super nice dude new exactly what the deal was. All he had to do was tighten down the crank arm bolt, but instead he took apart the bottom bracket, re-greased it, used some teflon tape to seal it up - all under two hours of time and only for $10!!!. Amazing. If your new to town and looking for a great bike shop, just go here. read more

Terrible bike shop with rude workers and owner. I originally went there to get a new derailer and I decided to have it put on. They charged me $40 just to put it on and it didn't even work. Fast forward to today I have gone for the 5th time back. Each time with more problems and sounds coming from my bike. When I spoke to the owner about getting my money back because it obviously wasn't working he told me "your bike is a piece of shit." My bike worked beautifully before I went there. Don't go here you will lose money and get terrible service. read more

Small place that's been there forever, owned and operated by quirky, friendly bicycle aficionados--exactly what I want in a bike store. No attitudes, judgement or haughtiness, and you won't feel self conscious if you ask for a bike that costs less than a thousand dollars. Pricing is very reasonable but more importantly I never feel like I have to be careful of being ripped off. Helpful but zero pressure. I would also send anyone there for maintenance and repair. read more

I needed some wheels built for my mid-range steel road bike. Any cyclist knows that wheels are tricky. Good ones make your bike feel excellent, but they can be expensive. I talked to the mechanic at Laughing Dog for a half hour. He helped me find the perfect combination of spokes, rims, and hubs for my wheels. They custom ordered everything and it arrived in less than a week. Then the owner actually hand-built my wheels himself, so they'll be much stronger than machine-built ones. When I came in a few weeks later to have them re-trued, the mechanics checked them thoroughly free of charge. I feel safe knowing an expert built and checked them with their own two hands. You can buy online, but you'll never get the service and expertise of a real human in a local shop. For this reason, I'll be back to Laughing Dog anytime I need something bike related. read more

Parker and John, owners of Laughing Dog, are both extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Everyone there does excellent repair work, and they don't push expensive parts or upgrades on you. I can always trust them to recommend the best products, not the most profitable. John did a bike fit for me and did the most thorough job I've ever seen, he even had a protractor thing. They helped me pick out a bike that has been absolutely perfect for my needs and that was within my price range. The atmosphere there is friendly and relaxed, and prices are very reasonable. My bike shop back in seattle isn't half as good as them and charges more to boot. read more

Laughing Dog is great! Very helpful folks working there that have always given me great advice and quick service. They always have the parts I need I need as well and the prices are often better than I see online, awesome. read more

I got my bike repaired here and I've been regretting that ever since. The repair was extremely expensive, they tried to upsell me on the parts and on top of it all, now my bike is broken again (it literally fell apart after their hack of a job) and I don't even want to come back because of how unfriendly the people who are working there are. I felt very unwelcome. read more

These guys are really great. They are incredibly friendly and helpful, and don't make you feel like an idiot for needing even the most trivial amount of help with your bike. Their prices are very fair, too; I honestly don't think I've spent maybe more than $40 there, and that was getting a substantial amount of work done on my bike. Also, they work really quickly and do a solid job. I ride my bike everywhere, so she gets beaten up a lot; these guys do a great job of making sure I can continue this. read more

I have had my qualms with the vibe I get here but as far as quality and sense of satisfaction go, Laughing Dog is top notch. You get a quality product and knowledgeable staff at Laughing Dog. read more

Been coming here for a few years for spare parts and some repairs. They are always pretty helpful, free with advice, and pretty quick with service when necessary. They have a good selection of accessories and parts, and are very conveniently located if you ever pass through downtown Amherst. Whenever I need something, I stop by on my way home. They have whatever you need, and have done the research for picking out which is probably best. Prices are fair, but not cheap. The convenience and personal advice is worth the difference from online warehouses. Their used bike selection is great, with fewer bikes but less junky ones than Hampshire Bike Exchange. If you don't really know what you're looking for, and can afford it, you can rest assured that the bike they sell you will be in good condition. Prices reflect the selection (relatively high), and if you are looking for a cheap bike, go to Hampshire or look on craigslist/ebay, especially if you know something about bikes. I had my eye on several of their used bikes, but ultimately found a better deal on craigslist. A good friend of mine found the bike of his dreams there for pretty cheap. For new bikes, I think they only carry Surly, which is a good bike for commuting around Amherst. I appreciate that they're not racing bikes, but also not mountain bikes sold to people who will only be riding on roads. Until recently, they had a decent website. Bummer about that. read more

Decided I wanted a project, so I bought a rusty old bike on craigslist to clean up and restore. The guys at Laughing dog were a big help! They looked over all the parts of the old bike to tell me what could be restored, and keep the replacements to a minimum. They gave me lots of advice about how to do all the work (which was the fun part anyway!) Highly recommended. read more

I have sent at least a half-dozen friends and acquaintances here over the years, because Parker, the owner, was friendly and low pressure, and I like to support small local businesses. Today, Parker wasn't there, but his young manager was--and he was so insolent and rude that I walked out. read more

My husband and I had a great experience here last month. The owner immediately saw we were lost newbies and offered a wealth of helpful information and knowledge. We didn't feel snubbed because we were obviously not cycling fanatics, as we had felt in other local bike shops. He is clearly passionate about his work, and he even talked us down from buying a more expensive bike which made us confident he truly wanted us to have the right fit for us, not just a quick sell. He even waived the tax because we were willing to buy two bicycles and the rack that same day. We have to yet to go back for our free 30 day tune up, but we plan to do that this weekend, and within the first month, you also get 10% off anything in the store, so we're so excited about installing that bell and water bottle rack! They seem to carry a lot of great high end equipment which can be expensive in and of themselves, but compared to other rates at other shops or on the internet, I found their prices are actually quite spot on and reasonable. We have been loving our 7.1 Trek hybrids and our Saris Bones 2 bike mount rack, exploring all the neat bike paths around here on the weekends. read more

Bought my road bike here 3 years ago. Every time I go in, the service has been great, and accompanied with honest advice. Just had some routine maintenance done, along with new tires. Bike feels like it's new. read more

Brought The Barking Dog a brand new expensive old school shiny box H+Son TB14 rim and a brand new Velo Orange freehub as well a NOS Sachs freewheel to have him build up, everything carefully wrapped and boxed for protection. No hurry, take your time, and thanks! That was last summer. Finally got around to installing a tire on the wheel this summer and upon taking the wheel out of the box was disappointed to find that shiny new rim covered in scratches, some of them fairly deep, and the spokes sloppy with spoke prep. Oh well, at least it's true I thought as I took it out for its maiden voyage yesterday. And then I noticed a high-pitched metallic jangle I've never heard before... The smallest cog had unscrewed from the the rest of the freewheel and was dangling on the hub as it rotated. No worries, I thought as I stopped and threaded the cog back on, at least I didn't shift into that gear while going down the steep hill I just climbed up, somebody up there likes me. Obviously not the Barking Dog! Yikes! read more

I hope I never need a new bike because I love my "Oldsmobile" --a decade-old Trek hybrid, which I ride every day. If I ever do need a new bike, I'll get it here. Every couple years, they tune up my steed, and it feels brand new again. I should've written this last fall when I walked the bike in with some minor problem, and the owner fixed the do-hicky for nothing on the spot--wouldn't let me pay. The shop is one of those places that gives me a hometown feeling--it has a great local vibe along with a mountain of expertise. Thank you! read more

I had bought a tire from there yesterday and received a flat last night, and the staff was more than happy to solve my problem free of charge. The people there are extremely nice, knowledgeable, and will cut you a good deal. I highly recommend this place after visiting other bike shops in town. read more

I went to Laughing Dog countless times and with all manner of questions and needs and various different bikes throughout my 4 years at Hampshire college and while I lived in Amherst. Simply put, it is the best bike shop I have ever been to better than any of the shops I have used in NYC. The staff is super knowledgable, patient and care a lot! Don't be intimidated by their hipness, they are super friendly. They have done everything from wrapping my drops (when i was still a nube) to building me a track hub and wheel set and followed up with free hub adjustments and wheel truing. Laughing Dog is what I wish every bike shop could be like. Simply put, they are the best. read more

Went there once to get a valve cap and some quick adjustments done on my old Peugeot during a ride. At the time I didn't have any cash on me, so I felt really guilty after being treated to pleasantly wonderful service free of charge. While I can't speak for the purchasing experience at Laughing Dog, since this was my first visit there, I can definitely say that the customer service experience is everything you would hope for in a chill and friendly local bike shop. They will be the recipient of my business as long I am in the area. I hope this review compensates for the lack of a tip I was able to provide last time! read more

Great, fast service and friendly staff. My costs were quite reasonable for the labor involved.

My experience here was phenomenal. I brought in my very beat-up 7 year-old bicycle for repairs to my derailleur and gear shifter, and originally I was quoted for a price that was around $50. I was surprised to find out that just 4 hours later, my derailleur had been fixed, my brake cable had been replaced (I had no idea anything was wrong with it), and my final bill had come out to about $25. They even fixed my lock and pumped my tires at no extra charge! I definitely recommend them to anyone who needs bike repairs of any kind. read more