Very hidden gem in Urbana. Extremely knowledgeable and quick diagnosing AND fixing the issue! So reasonably priced too!! Sam is one of the few can work on Ebikes and scooters and just about anything with a wheel and motor! Highly recommend 10 plus stars!!!! It's like visiting an old hometown bike shop from the 70z complete with aquarium, shop dog, chickens and turkeys to entertain you. Oh and if you'd like some fresh egg, raw honey, homemade jam it's in the shed in back of the shop! Just ask Sam where find all the goodies read more

Not too happy. I paid $120 to have my bike fixed up earlier this year. It had a bent back wheel, needed the brakes fixed up, and the chain was skipping on the gears. Upon receiving the bike back from Baker's, I had to immediately correct crooked handlebars for some reason. The back tire had a slight wobble to it, and the chain still skipped (actually, the chain/gears were never fixed or addressed, but to be fair it may not have been made clear upfront that this was a problem that needed fixing). After about six months, the back wheel was totally bent again and the brakes were no longer working. My bike doesn't take any abuse - I just ride it a few blocks around the neighborhood daily. I think the biggest problem here was that Baker's may have been keen on billing for their own labor but they didn't buy new parts where needed. Maybe buying replacement parts would have resulted in less billable hours for the shop, or maybe they were just trying to save me money upfront and it really turned out to be the wrong call, I dunno. I thought for sure they would just replace the bent tire instead of trying to bend it back. Any person who test rode the bike would have realized the tire still had a wobble to it even after their repair work. Maybe a new wheel would have been overall more expensive, but that would have been fine by me to spend more and have things actually repaired instead of spending $120 to get partial function for a few months then be back where I started. I hate to give such a low review to local family-owned business, but I just really regret not spending the money on replacement parts and doing the work myself. read more

Went there today to get sons bike tuned up. Very quick service. Very reasonably priced. We even bought a new lock and helmet (both reasonably priced). Pleased and will be back! read more

This bike shop is a little far for the average campus student but it's totally worth it! The mechanics are speedy, thorough, accommodating, and very professional. I couldn't believe I heard back the next day from a mechanic saying my bike was ready to be picked up and that it was only going to be $50 for two new brakes, brake pads, a tune up, and a new front fender. The last Urbana bike shop I used to trust with my commuters could take up to a month and charge me 4X the price even during the slow season when I would expect them to at least do thorough or fast work and I usually had to frequently check in on the status of the work or risk my bike being forgotten about. The service Bakers provides is high quality for a low price. I'll definitely trust them to work on my commuters in the future. read more

I took my bike in to get new tire tubes and get fenders. They inflated my current tires to find no punctures and instead of charging me for new tubes they re-inflated my tubes and sent me on my way - for absolutely FREE!!! They also said they would special order the fenders for me and have them in a couple days and let me know when they're in. Not only did they fix up my current tires but they put my bike back on my bike rack attached to my car as well! These guys are awesome and really care about their business. I intend to continue using them in the future! read more

all five stars deserved. no cranky bike guy, no lame know it all vibe. I needed a new tire, I needed a new chain. Both bought and installed fast. The tire was not only much cheaper than the other spots in town, as I priced them last week, but it was the same very rad city road bike tire that I bought in Chicago 3 years ago. I like this shop, and enjoyed my conversations with the couple young kiddos that were hanging out while I was there. ride well friends. read more

A hard-learned truth: It is better to get a used bike that was well built 20 years ago and has been carefully tuned up than a brand new Wal-Mart bike. Don't believe me? buy a big box bike, then ask yourself how much you still love your ride 3 months later. The new cheap bikes are shoddily designed to make use of the lowest quality 'one size fits all' Chinese metal or plastic components and are assembled from kits by minimum-wage employees in big box backrooms or worse. Dont do this to yourself. It is far better to buy bikes from a bike geek who knows and loves what he is doing. Bike geeks want to hear how you ride and what you are looking for. Bike geeks relish matching the right bike to the right person. Baker's Bikes is run by just such a person. Mr. Baker is a 30 something Urbana family man who runs a used bike biz out of his house and garage. Many of his bikes are advertised on the Chambana Craigslist, but many more are not. If you are in the market for a used bike or some work on your current bike, I highly recommend giving him a call and perusing his inventory. The prices are very competitive and he does not sell bikes that he doesn't believe in. When I went, it turned out that the bike I wanted wasn't one of his. He tends to have less of the English 3-speeds (go to http://www.yelp.com/biz/flats-fixed-urbana for those), but many other bikes. He offers to service all types of bikes, even if you bought elsewhere. If you live close by, this is a great resource. He also sells accessories for good prices. Call before you go over, and don't be afraid to negotiate. read more

The best place where college kids should go for recycled bikes. They have all kinds of bikes here, Mountain Bikes, Vintage Bikes, Cruisers, 10 speeds..and kid bikes.. They converted their garage into a Bike Shop, and they have another garage where they fix the bikes. They really stand by their products. I bought a bike a year ago, when I got it out of storage for spring, it had a flat. I took it back, prepared to pay somewhere around $10 for the flat to be fixed, but they gave me a new tire tube for free! I am not saying that you are going to always get your bike repaired free, but they stand by their products. (I bought a 1960's cruiser from them) Their bikes went up in price, so they range from $100-$350. (I am honestly not sure about the kid bikes prices). Sometimes they post about only a fraction of what they have on this web site. http://bakersbikes.com/Bakers_Bikes/Welcome.html It's best to call ahead of time (217) 365-0318 read more

Unbelievably friendly, knowledgeable and reasonably priced. This place is the go-to place for bike service in C-U.

I've been to a couple of the other bike shops in "better" (more visible) locations in Urbana and Champaign and this is by far the best shop. The shop owner is very knowledgeable, serviced my bike quickly, and the prices he charges are lower than what might be considered fair. Most importantly, he is much more pleasant than many of the other bike shop owners and their staff in the area. I will be returning to Baker's Bikes and recommending them to anyone who needs bike service, parts, or a new bike. read more

This is by far the best bike shop in the Champaign-Urbana area. It is a local mom and pop shop where you can pick up used bikes, new accessories, and I hear very soon new bikes. The prices are totally reasonable and they guarantee their work. If you want them to build something totally custom (old classic restorations, or a new sweet bike) they will work with you to do it all. I love these guys... Oh and they're fast and cheap for repairs... and don't rip you off like others. Check out their website: http://www.bakersbikes.com read more

So happy I came here! They were extremely helpful in finding me a great new bike. They were very knowledgeable, friendly, and kind. I can't believe what a fantastic deal I got on a practically new KHS bike. Definitely come here before going anywhere else. read more

Small but great bike shop run out of a shed by the owner's house. It's not as shady as it sounds! The place is actually pretty cozy. A dazzling array of tires, spare parts, an accessories line the walls and hang from the ceiling. I went there to get my tubes and a tire replaced. Though the original quoted price was already reasonable, my final bill was reduced and I left very happily. I wholeheartedly recommend this place to friends in need of bike help. read more

If I could give 6 stars, I absolutely would! The staff was very friendly and very knowledge. They explained what the problems with my bike were and fixed it in under 10 minutes! I was expecting a hefty fee, as a part needed to be replaced, but it only cost me $15! This is a wonderful business, that I am beyond happy to support and recommend! read more

I went searching for a good quality used bike this weekend, and took along an experienced cycling friend to help me find a really good bike for my size and biking needs. We found this place on the internet and stopped by. It's an adorable little neighborhood shop, with a really huge selection of used bikes (they only have a couple of bikes shown on their website, they really have much more than that). Everything was very reasonably priced, and in good repair. My cyclist friend was very impressed by their honesty--if they said a certain part was in good or poor quality, or had a certain amount of wear, they were telling the truth every time. Although I did not find a bike for me at this place, I still am very glad that I visited. My friend and I already told our other friends in CU about this place. If you are looking for a used bike, this is the first place you need to check out. read more

Great people here at a cute, cozy place! The owner is honest and nice and he knows what he's doing. The new hire is a great guy, funny and a great addition to their team too. I just got a bike from here, and they explained everything to me as I was a newbie to bikes. I highly suggest this place to anyone who wants to buy a new bike or repair what they got. read more

Very rude on telephone... I called 217-365-0318 and the person hung up without letting me complete my first sentence. Please let me know if it was the wrong number though. read more

Wonderful place, friendly atmosphere. It's completely opposite to the "other" place where the owner ignores you and you have to wait half an hour to get his attention. I went to Baker's Bikes for a tune-up and Mr. Baker did it for free. He even adjusted the seat to the right height so I can ride the bike comfortably and appropriately. Also gave me some tips so I can ride for an extended period of time without hurting my legs. I'll definitely go back to them again for any biking needs. read more

Simple repairs done great. Super cheap Family place A little hard to find but a really cute shop. Relax when your there and they'll take care of you and get you back on the road. read more

Don't hesitate for one moment to take your bike here for repair/maintenance. The owner is super knowledgable and super personable. No bike snobs here. I had a cheap mountain bike that needed some adjustment. Work was done while I waited and at a price that was so low, I almost felt guilty. Bakers Bikes is #1 read more

This is my bike shop! So glad I found it! I have been there twice now and they have fixed my bike for free! My boyfriend had a tube replaced and it was a fraction of what it cost downtown. They also have a great used bike selection. I told them what I am looking for and when something like it comes in, they are going to call me and give me first priority. This is am awesome family business I am happy to support read more

I have been to this place for several times over the last year, and they have been very helpful! Once, they opened the door for me even during their lunch time (non-business hour). They've been quick to attend and fix my bike problems every time I have visited there. I bought a new U-lock from this place a few months ago, and it's often been having a problem of not being able to lock/unlock easily with the key (which got stuck). I've had enough and finally brought it to their attention. The owner gave me a more pricey U-lock worth almost $40 for free! It's also a plus that theirs is a family business, and that they have a cat, dog, and some chickens (maybe more animals!). I'd say they charge significantly less and are much friendlier than Du**t C. read more

Friendly shop with a happy local owner. Tuned up my bike and my friend's for free. If definitely come back

Brought my bike in after having some problems with another bike shop. I was treated extremely well, and the prices were half of what it would have cost at Durst. Baker's Bikes also repaired additional components that had been previously "worked on" over the ~9 months I had been taking my bike to Durst. The owner was well-versed and let me look at the work he was performing, and even explained clearly what he was doing. Quite simply: the BEST bike shop I have EVER been to!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!! A+++ read more

Great customer service! They seem to really know what they're doing and offer high quality repairs at a good price.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Baker's! It is a small business clearly started (and still in) the family garage. Low overheads keep their prices competitive if not lower than other shops. I hadn't ridden a bike in over 20 years and thought any bike would do so off to Wal-mart I went and bought an $88 Huffy. Which was probably fine for me 20 years ago when I was a kid but as a grown up it was disaster! Not only was the bike cheaply made and uncomfortable to ride after I got the tires pumped up but I had to adjust everything myself, which I don't know how to do. I then bought a Sun from Baker's and they were wonderful. Joshua took the time to explain what gear I want to be in for different situations and the pros and cons of coaster brakes versus handlebar brakes. Which might not seem like a lot but when you know absolutely NOTHING about riding a bike it is a complicated world out there! I will definitely continue to have the bike serviced at Baker's and highly recommend their shop for anyone needing a bike at any level! read more

When deciding on the number of stars to give this bike shop, I took special notice of the description of five stars containing the phrase "as good as it gets". The only way I could imagine this place getting any better is if they gave free massages or something outrageous like that. The guy who runs the place (who I'll call Baker) is the greatest bike mechanic I've ever met. Not only is he a fast, knowledgeable, and welcoming mechanic, he LOVES bikes. Sometimes I bring friends there just for the chance to talk with him about some new bikes he's recently fixed up. He loves to talk about the history of the frames he has in the shop and you can really tell the passion he has for every bike he puts together. I bought my every day bike from him a few years back and this season I started to hear some creaking coming from the bottom bracket. I took it in and not only did he replace the BB, but he adjusted the breaks, greased the chain, and gave me new handlebar tape. He did all of that FOR FREE since I bought my bike from him and this was the first time I brought it back for a tune up. Like I said before, this is as good as it gets. He is so invested not only in my business with him, but in ensuring that the bike I bought from him has a good home and is well taken care of. I cannot describe to you the loyalty this has brought out in me. If I ever buy a bike, or need to have repairs done, I'll stop at nothing to bring my business his way. Great service, extremely competitive prices, and just a cool atmosphere. This is a little out of the way for your typical UIUC student but the trip is well worth it. read more

Baker's bikes was easily the best experience I've had with a bike repair shop in terms of service, prices, and timeliness. They replaced a stolen rear wheel on the spot, and at an excellent price. This place is great, I would definitely come back! read more

I heard about Baker's Bikes from a friend, and decided to stop by to purchase a used bike. I was on a tight budget, and the shop owner gladly helped me find a nice bike within my price range. He checked to make sure everything was adjusted properly and even let me take the bike for a ride around the neighborhood before I made up my mind. They are friendly and easy to do business with. I highly recommend this shop, especially if you're a college student in need of a reliable bike at a modest price. read more

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BAKER'S BIKES. Really wonderful family owned business. They are very understanding, take time to explain, and stand behind their bikes. I love the philosophy they employ of taking old bikes and recycling/reusing them into great, fully functional and well-performing/user-friendly bikes! Baker's bikes are the people to do this. I enjoy going to their shop, in beautiful residential Urbana, and really appreciate all the tune-ups and minor fixes they do, often for free or low/reasonable charge. Always reasonable! If you are in the Urbana-Champaign area, or even within 50 miles of here, and looking for a bike, I'd HIGHLY recommend going to Baker's Bikes. read more

Great Bike store! The owners were very skilled and extremely helpful. They fixed my bike brake in minutes. I highly recommend this bike place to people in the Champaign-Urbana area read more

Friendly, efficient, knowledgeable. Took my stroller from my trunk, evaluated it, fixed it cheaper than I thought possible and put it back in my trunk. Wow! read more

This place is wonderful. And really, really fast. And inexpensive. Elsewhere, the few times I've had my wheels tuned, I've been asked to leave my bike for a few hours or a day. Here, tuned my wheels in a few minutes, while I was standing there, when all I really needed was a new inner tube for my tire. I hadn't even asked them to do so, and they only charged me for the inner tube. (The wheels did need to be tuned, I just kept putting it off.) They also changed the grips on my bike with extra (old) ones without charging me for it. read more

I dropped off my bike a couple of days ago to fix up the chain as it was bent and was quoted $5-$15 for the repair. I got the call to pick up my bike today and the total came out to $46, which was way over the price they quoted. I explained this to the woman who was working hoping to get an explanation or a corrected price and she then called her husband, the owner, and handed me the phone. The owner then was extraordinarily rude and disrespectful and said, "I don't know what you're trying to pull here, but just take the bike and leave and don't ever come back." I had not said one word to him besides hello and couldn't believe such a rude reaction came out of nowhere. I originally chose this place because of the positive reviews of the small family business, but absolutely do not recommend this place. Look elsewhere and avoid this unprofessional, disrespectful business. read more

A friend took me to this shop when I mentioned I was looking to replace my daughters 16 inch bike with something bigger and with gears. This great shop had exactly what we were looking for, and the best part was they told us my daughter could trade her bike for the bigger bike. The trade needed a little work, the owner told us to come back the next day and we did. I'm glad we did, he cleaned up the bike and it looked great! My daughter traded her old bike for this "new" bike which was everything she wanted. She just promised to pass the bike onto another little girl when she outgrows it. This was a great deal, saved us a lot of money, and the owners a super friendly. I will be going back for all of our biking needs. read more

Horrible customer service! I only heard good things about this place so I went to get a bike and the owner couldn't have been less helpful and cooperating. He made mean comments and wasn't willing to negotiate, something I was able to do at Champaign Cycle and Durst. He told me I shouldn't try to haggle and disrespect his business even though I did not make one single disrespectful comment and I was very nice the whole time. The way I was spoken to came out very sexist. I would never recommend this to anybody. The place needs to work on attending their customers and learn how to communicate in a respectful manner. read more

I bought a newer bike they made from parts of other bikes, and not only is it beautiful but it rides great. Mr. Baker has fixed two flats including replacing the tire for me completely for free and refusing to accept any payment. The customer service is unbelievable, and they treat you like family. read more

Good service, good prices, very fast! I will definitely go back if I have trouble with my bike again.

Certainly the best place in Champaign-Urbana to buy or learn about bikes. They have an awesome selection of good, used bikes in all sorts of styles and brands and if they break, Baker's is great about getting them fixed back up and on the road. They don't sell any high end new bikes, but even if that's what you're after, I would check by Baker's first. I've seeen nearly new high end bikes for sale in there on many occasions. read more

Very friendly group of people. They know their bike stuff & are super reasonable on prices. I would highly recommend.