Backyard Bike Shop

Kevin Wright

2020-05

We recently rented two bikes from Charlie at the Backyard Bike Shop. (Longboat Key) Included combination lock and removable handlebar basket (super practical) for each bike. Excellent value and very friendly and knowledgeable staff.Great area to cycle and explore.I highly recommend Backyard Bike Shops if you're in Longboat Key.

Ben Slomic

2023-11

Owner is very nice, explained to us all the options we have on renting a bike. Prices are more than fair. Highly recommend if you want to bike around longboat key.

Terry Baugh

2023-05

I stopped by to rent a bike for a week in January. During an earlier visit, I checked to see what types of bikes they carried. I was told that I couldn't reserve a specific bike in advance, but it looked like there should be something that would work for me when I came back, as there was quite a large inventory on hand. My primary ride at home is a hybrid that leans toward road bike. When I arrived this time, there really wasn't anything quite close to what I was looking for. I did end up taking off on an older hybrid-ish bike that initially had a seat the size of a pie pan, but was swapped out for a smaller seat. After riding over the weekend with it, there was considerable slipping when I would take off from a stop - enough to make it very difficult to ride. Back on Monday I went. I suspected a problem with the derailleur, and that was indeed the issue. I asked if it could be repaired/replaced, but was told "pick out another bike". There were many bikes on hand, but looking over them, most looked like what someone might want to rent for a casual/slow ride for a few hours: older bikes, vertical seating position, large seat, etc. Just about to throw up my hands, I spotted a hybrid similar enough to what I hoped for. I took a couple slow circles around the parking lot and proclaimed it good enough. The problem arose a couple miles down the road when I realized the back brakes were about 95% non functional (that might be generous). After a closer inspection, I could see that the back pads were worn flat. I guess I would have hoped that this type of thing would be checked out before allowing a customer to take off on the bike, as this is clearly a safety issue. When I arrived back the next morning, the owner was just opening. When I pointed out the issue with the brakes and asked if he could flip a new set on, he told me "I don't have time, pick out another bike". I see a pattern now - "pick out another bike" is apparently the regular response. I told him that this bike was working good for me, but just needed the brakes repaired (10 minute job). He just stared at me and said "all good"? Well, no, not all good. I ended up riding it back to my place and swapped the somewhat functional pads on the front to the rear, to at least make it rideable. Thankfully, I had a couple bike tools with me, and was able to do this. Overall, just a frustrating experience, as I don't think my request to fix the brakes was unreasonable.I guess that if you are considering renting a bike from here, your experience will likely depend on your expectations. Mine were likely higher than the average person that might be looking for a slow casual ride. But that aside, I was still surprised to find that both bikes that I rode had an issue with their performance and safety, and the answer seems to be "pick out another bike"

Pascal Krombach

2023-05

I was looking for a roadbike during our stay on AMI. Backyard Bike Shop had a Specialized Allez for me, which worked well for my 40mile trip to Sarasota and back. The shop is run by lovely people. Give it a try if you are around town or on Anna Maria Island. Would definitely recommend!Lock and helmet was included in the rental. They only accept cash and checks. No credit or debit-card!

Roey Gangloff

2023-08

Bought my bike here three years ago and have been using it almost daily since. Just had it for a tune up and it feels so good to be back on my bike after borrowing one for awhile. Thanks, Charlie.

Jo Michaels

2022-05

I stopped into Backyard Bike Shop with some friends. I asked the mechanic if he could fix grinding gears on my bike. He was obviously very busy but stopped what he was doing and made a quick adjustment that solved the problem. I received great customer service and would highly recommend this bike shop for rentals or repairs.

J F O'T

2023-05

This is a great place, I highly recommend it. Good selection of rental bikes at fair prices. They also repaired my very old, beat up, much-loved bike. A real pleasure dealing with Backyard Bikes.

Terese ONeill

2023-05

Nicest and cheapest place. We rented hybrids. $5/hr. Not electric. It was too hot for me and a south wind. Lots of bike choices. Free basket and lock if requested.Definitely going back.

Barbara Radcliffe

2022-05

We’ve been renting bikes from Backyard since 2017, a few times a year for a week each time. Very reasonably priced, decent selection to choose from and easy pick up and drop off. Just remember they only accept cash or checks, no cards. They also include a lock, basket and helmet if you choose.

Scott Hammond

2021-05

As a business owner I can fully appreciate how well organised their shop and they are working together. The workmanship and cost Work hand-in-hand. Especially on an island of Longboat Key I would expect the prices to be up besides 30% more than what they charge. Very reasonable and Looking forward to Break something else on my bike so I can go and see them. The 2 of them work together Perfectly and the review conceived the respect between the 2 of them. You won't be disappointed And they keep their rental bikes in tip top shape. Think you, Scott Hammond.

Randy Collins

2021-05

Priced reasonably. Service was lacking the day we rented two bikes for kids. A few bikes had flat tires, instead of airing them up, were told to select another. They refused to remove training wheels from a small bike when they could not find another one the size we needed. Finally found a small one tucked back in the corner. It was a challenge to do business that morning. They must have been having an off day.

B Smith

2020-05

Our family recommends Backyard Bike Shop for all your island road & trail needs. After growing up in Manatee by the beaches and waterways of the island, then moving to Lakeland/ Polk , I can’t imagine not stopping by year after year to rent, repair, or just say hello to Charlie & Lisa (owners). They continue to add new toys -Beach cruisers, Kayaks, paddle boards, etc., for rent or purchase.I decided to bring one of my own road bikes for spinning this year, only to get a flat two days in. BBS/ Charlie was there to hook me up and get me back spinning quickly.If you live or visit the islands of LBK and/or AMI, we highly recommend BBS - Charlie and Lisa are just great people - just a good place to stop/go.

Evan Clarke

2019-05

I wouldn't recommend going to backyard bike shop for the following reasons. Number one, my back tire was slightly flat and so I decided to stop in just to have a little bit of air pumped in it he hooked my bike up to a gigantic air compressor and over-inflated it and blew up the tire. Then he continually insisted that it wasn't his fault in there must have been a hole, when it was just missing a little bit of air and I had been riding it for days. Then he gave me a loaner bike to use while he fixed the flat which was a terrible rental bike. The chain popped off every time I rode it and I was forced to get my hands greasy and disgusting to get the chain back on just to get where I needed to go. And then he charged me over $45 just for a new tube and tire when at Walmart it comes to about $12. then I called to see if I could come get my bike and they told me that the gentleman who loaned me the bike and was fixing my tire wasn't around and that he would be back the next day and then I explained that I couldn't come the next day but I could come the day after. then the day that I was on my way to go bring the spare bike back and get my bike a truck with backyard bike Shop logo comes barreling down my road and a woman jumps out and asks are you actually bringing my bike back today?! When i had already let them know today was the day I'm bringing the rental back. I got my bike back, and i was riding it for about five minutes and the tire goes completely flat. I was on a sidewalk on longboat key for five minutes (i doubt i popped it in that terrain for that amount of time) i call backyard bike to tell them what was going on and they become irate with me, accusing me of putting the blame on them for the new tire going flat, when i was simply explaining the situation. Then they were mean, belittling, and rude, but agreed to check out the bike under the condition that i never contact them ever again. This isn't the way to do business. They came hunting me down, were extremely rude, extremely over priced, and didn't display proper customer service at all. I wouldn't recommend you do business with them.

Doug N

2022-05

Rented a multispeed for a week. Quick and pleasant process, bike in excellent condition. The bike was sensibly equipped for a casual rider using it for fun and for errands: basket, lock, bell, and helmet. I recommend Backyard Bikes highly!

Captain Artie Conforti

2022-05

After taking my bike in and being told I am getting nice new grips and a tune up and my bike will be like new. It's the farthest thing form the truth. I had a professional shop do the work for 35% less. They never knew what I was ripped off for. These people want a check for a reason. I am so mad

Keith Harrison

2020-05

I had my granddaughters 4 and 6 here for the pandemic and we rented bikes their size with training wheels- they got to pick their color and size along with fun helmets. They adjusted everything for their size and even gave me a week free! Great experience and really very nice people

William Paul

2022-05

They saw me coming. Such a ripoff. Over charges and didn't know what they were doing. My bike still screeched and just as bad as It was when I went in. This place rents bike and they will throw a wrench at it if you are stick. Beware

Ben

2021-05

These guys are friendly, helpful, punctual and go above and beyond. I had the gear shift and seat replaced and the rust disappeared off the chain!Awesome to have locally.5 stars.

Caitlyn Jones

2020-05

Convenient location, perfect for biking down long boat key! Shop owners were very personable and helpful, and the bike rentals per hour or day were very reasonable

rick witkowski

2021-05

I had noise coming from my crank/bottom bracket. Charlie quickly diagnosed the problem and got me going again. I have found my go to bike shop. I will be back.Rick

Cameron DeBruin

2019-05

What a great shop and friendly staff. Helping people enjoy their visits to Longboat Key for years. Cameron with Conscious Cab and Longboat Key Taxi.

CC Beach

2019-05

Tons of bikes even during spring brk. Staff was so nice and got us on our way quick! Baskets and locks are a big plus

Paul Welch

2022-05

The best bike shop not only in longboat key area but sarasota/manatee CountyCharlie and Lisa are great

Ed Diem

2019-05

Been fixing my bikes for years. Never let me down. Great people. Great dog too.

Patrick Fink

2020-05

Doesn't take cards but great bargain on renting a road bike. Helmet, toe clips, and bike lock were included in the price. Would rent again.

Arleen Klein

2023-08

Thank you Charlie for always fixing my bike so quickly 👏🎉

Tammy Battista

2020-05

They are always willing to help us out with bike repairs and rental.

Donn Knight

2020-05

Could not have had a better experience.

Ralph McConnell

2018-05

Pleasant experience beginning to end

John Stinehour

2020-05

Very helpful