Back Alley Bikes

Ben Ealy

2024-04

Stopped by to check out mountain bikes. Derrick was super friendly and helpful. I visited 3 other bike shops in the area and BAB was BY FAR the nicest and most knowledgeable. Also the only place that really made me feel comfortable and offered a test ride. I would recommend this shop over others in the area for anyone looking at bikes.

Nick Stroud

2023-10

Second time buying a bike from Back Alley. Tamara is awesome! Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. I got up and riding again with a Kona Dew and all the gear I needed for about a grand. Can’t beat that for a new commuter/casual bike. They put on all the accessories for me and saved me some time. They also answered all my questions and remembered to give me advice regarding all the things I may have forgotten in the 6 year gap of me riding a bike.

Claudia Richey

2023-07

The staff at back alley bikes are the best and very knowledgeable! They got me set up with my first good quality mountain bike. The shop feels a lot like old school bike shops and they really care about finding a bike that fits with your style. Thanks!!

Adam Davis

2023-05

Back Alley Bikes was a huge blessing for me as I tried to get back into biking. Not only was I able to find the right bike for me in my price range but the staff was super helpful and friendly. They got me everything I needed and I love my new Giant. Thanks again!

Duncan Morgan

2023-10

We just had two bikes repaired and bought a couple of new ones for our kids and couldn't be happier with the friendly, professional service we got at Back Alley Bikes. We'll definitely be sending any/all of our friends their way for anything bike related.

BugsCummins

2022-05

Back Alley Bikes is awesome, After a horrible experience online at another bike shop I quickly went looking for something local or somewhat local. Found Back Alley's website and they just happened to have the bike I wanted in stock. Quickly sent an email out to verify that they did have the bike in stock and actually in the shop. They replied right away. Not only was it in stock, better yet it was already assembled and tuned. Jason was quick to reply to all of my emails and questions, even agreed to hold the bike until the following day when I could make the hour drive to pick it up. I will definitely be shopping here in the future for my bike needs. Its nice to see a business that only lists for sale online what they actually have on hand, instead of taking peoples money and hoping the product comes in. Cool little spot and would recommend this place to anyone.Thanks again to Jason.

Marjorie Hartman

2021-05

Back Alley Bike is an amazing bike store. My family has purchased 4 bikes from them over the last 10 years. They have always provided excellent advice for the best bike to suit our needs. Jason (owner) is knowledgeable, fair, reliable, incredibly skilled, and cares about providing superb service. Repairs are done promptly at a reasonable price - much lower prices than the competition. I have tried the other bike shops and Back Alley Bikes is the Rolls Royce of all the bike shops in Chapel Hill.

Michelle Massa

2023-06

I just picked up my bike after being serviced and I couldn't have been more pleased with the whole process. Everyone I dealt with communicated promptly and as if they really enjoyed their jobs! That is rare these days! I wish I had more bikes to take to them! Thank you!

Luke Stevens

2021-05

I appreciate the care that this shop takes in its craft. Recently a couple dropped off a pair of bikes for service in our shop in Virginia. The bikes looked like they should be headed to the dumpster rather than the bike path. I agreed to fix them as a personal favor, knowing that it would be an uphill battle. Once the bikes were dusted off, it was apparent that the previous mechanics at Back Alley had done a great job, even though the bikes were nothing special. Because of the quality repair parts and thorough service work that they performed, 5 years down the road this couple was able to save hundreds of dollars on their bill, and I was able to turn a half day repair job into an hours work. Thanks y'all!

Jon Meyers

2019-05

I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of this shop. The few times I've needed help with my bike they have been very helpful. They always take a good look at my bike for free and have even done some simple tune ups for being a loyal customer. They also helped me find an old bottom bracket and cranks that saved me nearly a hundred dollars compared to buying new. I trust their counsel! If you're not sure what to do about your bike problem, just give them a try.

Peter K

2020-05

I think they're an honest bike store who cater to many different kinds of bike riders. I've found them to be fair over the years and also pretty engaged in their community with how they hold events and do outreach and such. More specifically, I thought their safety protocols during Covid19 were def. the best in town when I went for repairs in April. For example, I had gone to a competitor earlier in the day for repairs cause I was close by but I ended up leaving cause I felt like this other store was letting too many people into their shop and therefore couldn't/weren't control social distancing inside the space, which was obviously small being a bike store. Back Alley did not let anyone into the shop and kept the customers spaced away from one another in the parking lot, which worked well because the area was big enough to accommodate. The other bike shop had the same amount of space, but did not think to utilize it for social distancing. Overall Back Alley was the least stressful 'shopping' experience during the outbreak for me. Good guys.

Seth Hurley

2019-05

This is a great bike shop. Every time I have come here with a bike issue it’s been resolved. They are very considerate of the customer and the pricing is incredibly fair. The folks here always offer sagely advice and I leave knowing a bit more about my bike. Also - if you’re in the market for a new gravel, touring, or mountain bike I highly recommend stopping by. Back Alley Bikes will steer you in the right direction and you will inevitably ride off into the sunset with an excellent bike and a big grin on your face.

Drew Klein

2019-05

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.

Carter C

2018-05

Rob, Cole and the crew at Back Alley are a great group of guys who ride as hard as they work. They're always helpful, never condescending, and seem to always under-promise and over-deliver with their schedule and prices. I've never walked out of there feeling anything but confident that they did a great job with my bike.

Andy Philpotts

2021-05

Back Alley Bikes are what a bike shop should be, they are part of the community, they clearly love bikes, they value customers. Jason, who I think runs the place, went out of his way to help me sort out a problem that really wasn't directly their responsibility.I wholeheartedly recommend Back Alley Bikes to either purchase or maintain your bike!

heidi perov

2013-05

Back Alley Bikes is an awesome bike store. The guys at BAB have kept my bikes in top form for years (and I have lots of bikes). Jason and Rob are the best mechanics in the triangle. Not only that, but they also engage in community efforts to promote cycling and to improve cycling facilities. They provide outstanding service at an extremely fair price. In addition to repairs and overhauls, they also sell used and new bikes.

Margaret Fields

2013-05

I have been taking my bikes to Jason and Rob for years. They are both very knowledgeable, friendly, and clear about what needs to be repaired, what can wait, what the options are, and the turnaround for getting it done. Since Back Alley is not a corporate affiliate with the goal to sell sell sell, there is no "don't you want to replace this old thing?" conversation. I want to take care of my bike; they want to take care of my bike. We have the same goal before I walk in the door. And they always do a great job. My kind of place.

john healy

2020-05

Really great experience every time. from purchasing a new bike, to outfitting with additional components and accessories, to scheduling maintenance and even getting trail recommendations. They know what they're doing and toss in those personal extras that you don't get at big chain shops. Friendly people, good prices, and excellent service will keep me coming back.

Kyle REEVES

2014-05

When the crank arm on my bicycle broke midway during my ride to work, I immediately began to dread the process of getting my bicycle repaired. This was my first time at Back Alley Bikes, and I was more than impressed. They took my bicycle in immediately, explained my options for the repair, and fixed it up very promptly. The staff that I interacted with were both helpful and friendly. I had no reason to worry about the repair; the staff made it easy and straightforward.Given my experience with this quick fix, I would definitely recommend Back Alley Bikes. Back Alley Bikes will now be my go-to bike store.

sox fourtyfive

2019-05

I live a distance from Carrboro but Back Alley Bikes is my first choice for work being done on my bikes. I have been going to Back Alley Bikes for years and they are honest, give real estimates that they keep to and take care of your bike as if it was their bike. I recently had a fork rebuild and a couple of other minor issue fixed by them and they did it fast and for a bite less than originally quoted. I send all of my friends to this shop when they need work done or are looking for a bike.

Joe Ryan

2013-05

Good people doing good work. Jason and company are the only shop in town I turn to when I need to get my bike fixed, order snappy new parts (still loving my Honjos), or get advice about the kinds of bikes I should buy. They never push a sale; they take the time to listen to you and find out what you want. I trust them completely, and they have superior taste in music.

Jon Lumpkin

2019-05

Always great service at Back Alley Bikes. I have had them build a set of wheels, replace bearings, and perform some off label work such as respacing axles and popping stuck outer races from Speedplay pedals. Prices are fair, mechanics do good work, and the entire vibe is no BS. Fantastic bike shop.

Adam Leman

2013-05

The crew at Back Alley will take the time to work with you on anything you need for your bike, present or future. Repairs, replacement parts, upgrades are all done at the best prices in town. If it's not in the shop, they can get it quickly and will let you know when it's in, faster/cheaper/easier than mail order.It's also the kind of place where you can take anything in and be confident it will be fixed/maintained upgraded, from your 1970s drop bar road bike to a modern full suspension MTB.+ 100 bonus points for having a shop dog.

Lucas Jacks

2019-05

Everytime I go in back alley bikes I feel like I belong. The atmosphere, the people, the products...everything about it feels right to me. The staff is super friendly and know about all things bike. BMX, road, mountain, cruisers they have the bases covered when it comes to knowing bikes. They have managed to pack a great assortment of bikes and parts/products in this small store without making it feel too busy or cluttered. They don't carry everything in the world but all the essentials are there. I love this place!!

Matt Shangler

2019-05

BAB is far and away the best service experience I’ve had at a bike shop. Rob, Cole and the rest of the staff treat everyone with respect, patience and fairness. I recently shopped for a coil spring swap on my RockShox fork, and though Rob couldn’t source the coil spring from RS, he went the extra mile and found an air spring instead - win! I also want to mention their attention to detail - I picked up my bike after the fork service and not only did they include an o-ring on the stanchion for setting the sag, but they reset the steerer tube spacers evenly (overlooked by the bike builder). Like, who does that? Someone who cares, that’s who. Bottom line: great people, great products and top-notch work - everyone wins.

La Familia de Fontaine

2013-05

I drive well out of my way to venture to Back Alley because they are a no BS bikeshop and do great work. I know they will always give me a very honest assessment to the point that I've been talked out of a senseless 'upgrade' or two. They are responsive, enjoy philosophizing about bikes, and are straightforward about workload so you don't wait around unnecessarily. Jason builds a darn fine set of wheels too. But in all honesty, Basta is the superstar of the shop.

Nicholas Oberle

2013-05

The first thing I did when I moved to the Carrboro/Chapel Hill area was check out the bike shops, big and small. I found that Back Alley not only had great prices and variety of items but also great customer service. The tires they recommended worked out perfectly and the advice on bicycle safety was much appreciated.

Daniel Amoni

2013-05

Getting my bike serviced at Back Alley is one of the great benefits of being an avid cyclist. These guys are honest, affordable, and do the job right--also, they're super friendly and cool. You'll want to ride your bike more just to come here more.

John Rees

2013-05

What a bike shop should be.What this place is NOT: A glitzy, corporate bike shop, with a lot of clothes and low end bikes and poorly trained mechanics.What this place IS: A friendly neighborhood bike shop, with guys who are real mechanics that ride bikes each and every day. These guys will happily fix the flat on your kids sidewalk bike. But they are equally adept in running new hydraulic brake lines for your high end mountain bike. Bonus, they speak fluent Campy as well. They usually have a good selection of good quality real bikes in the shop, both new and used.Yeah, it looks a little scruffy right now, but they just moved from a smaller shop. This place is larger, and the will have more room to server their customers

Tom Bodo

2013-05

Excellent bike shop with great service. I wouldn't get parts or service anywhere else. The mechanics are friendly, extremely knowledgeable, approachable and honest. Not only do they provide tremendous service, but they are also extremely dedicated to the local bicycle community. I recommend BAB to everyone from novices who are thinking about trying out recreational cycling to dedicated racers.