" Nifty bike shop with a social change mission " If you need a bike or a repair this is your place . Check out their site so you can read about them and their mission . The staff is ultra friendly. They have reasonable pricing. It's definitely the at to go . They have a big parking lot; so parking should not be an issue . read more

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I don't know if I have just had exceptionally bad luck at my BnB visits or not but I have honestly never been super impressed. Sure, everyone is super friendly and their mission is A+ but for actually buying a bike here...it's a weird experience. I went in recently to get a bike for a kid (preferably used (and I specified this to the salesperson) and was immediately shown a $1200 new bike. After saying that it was too expensive, a (new) (and cheaper) bike was brought out to show the kid that was in a frame 2 sizes too small. We did a test ride, liked the bike, and then when going over more details of the bike, I noticed that the kid was already beyond the height range for the frame (XS frame). Fine. They bring out another size (M frame). We test ride that and it goes well but then a different employee says that THAT frame size was too small and to scale up to a L frame. I did not agree with this assessment. Inside the store, yet a third salesperson recommended we stay at the M, even with accounting for growth. We ended up buying the bike with an accessory that was to be installed upon purchase. We buy the bike, buy the accessory, they take the bike back to tune it up to leave the store. They take a long time to do that with a vague explanation about the rotors and the front brakes but that it was fixed. Awesome. We leave the store and are headed home but then I notice that the accessory wasn't installed. Back we go for another 10-15 minute wait and no real apology for not doing the work right in the first place. Years ago, I went to check out buying a bike (at the old location near Green St.) and the salesperson would only talk to me about single speed bikes even after specifying that I was only interested in a geared bike. Another time I went to pick up a pre-paid special ordered part and the floor salesperson didn't know how to find a special order in the store. I had seen this person on the floor before, so I knew it wasn't, like, their first day, week, or even month. I don't know. Everyone else seems to love this place and maybe I've just had continual bad luck here. 2 stars for everything about the store, the third star is for the mission and programming for kids. read more

Excellent values! I totally endorse their views and achievements. A donated bike can be utterly transformative for an individual to build a real life. read more

I was recommended this location for clip-in bike shoe parts as I just gained access to a peloton bike. The location has an off street free parking lot right off the main road. A large sign next to the cafe & brewery was easy to spot from the lot. I was met at the door and led right to the correct area, which is great as I've never been inside! I found a used set inside the original box that will work perfect! Now I've got a $15 set I can test out before spending more once I get my footing on style preference. read more

It's sad that organizations like this--originally started with stars in their eyes about their "great mission" of giving bikes to folks in the so-called "third world" (a phrase that in and of itself is completely insulting)--end up becoming, over time, a bunch of lackluster hippies with the "oh yeah man, we're too cool to be competent" vibe. They're too wrapped up in their own press clippings and glowing reviews (usually from other hippie baby boomers who, also with stars in their eyes, are too intimidated by these teenage slackers to demand respect, intelligence, or the basic competence to train kids to actually do their jobs). Sure, I've tried to support them. Over the past 20 years I've probably been there half a dozen times. Every single time, I've walked away aggravated by the bullshit, the inflated prices, and the "don't you understand, we're saving the world?" attitude of these hip zombies. I just couldn't keep throwing my hard-earned dollars into a place simply because it's supposed to be socially correct. Example: at the dawn of the electric bike era, I took my e-bike into their shop. Some snot-nosed kid finally dragged himself over to "help" me and said, "We really, you know, man, don't support this whole e-bike thing because, you know, they're not like really bikes, you know?" It was one of those comments so fucking stupid I couldn't even respond. I just left and pushed my broken bike sadly back down Amory Street towards home. Years went by. Then, finally, I see that Bikes Not Bombs is selling electric bikes. "Wow, cool," I thought, "I'll give them another chance." Big mistake. I brought my bike in only to be told: "We can't really help you because we don't support that particular electric bike. We only support the ones we sell." Here's the kicker: they only sold one brand of electric bikes. And as someone who was an early adopter of this technology, I knew that brand wasn't even very good. So, in other words, they weren't just arrogant--they were incompetent and pushing mediocre products. I pointed out--calmly, I might add--that my bike wasn't even some off-brand junker. It was built around the famous Copenhagen Wheel developed at MIT. The wheel itself was the only electric component. All I wanted was a tune-up on the non-electric parts, exactly like a regular bike. You'd think that might finally click for them. But no. The kid just parroted the same sentence over and over like a broken robot: "We can't support electric bikes other than the ones we sell." I don't mean to be cruel, but if there's any justice in the universe, the bowels of hell will open up and swallow these people whole. Perhaps Dante himself could create a very special ring of fire just for them. read more

Overall, friendly customer service..very knowledgeable about electric part..technician was able to diagnose the problem within a day... However the individual is Tamara was to help communicate when the bike is finish..Her response was I will call you when.its finish ..After waiting 5 days, I decided to call...Another person answered when I called and said the bike was completed 4 days ago... read more

Big shout out to Neo, he helped me get the right tube for my tire, and helped me install it when he saw I was struggling heavily, all right before closing. Give that man a raise. read more

This is a review for the mechanic not the bike shop. It's always a 50/50 if they will fix your bike the first time you bring it in. I've had the experience of dropping off my bicycle, getting a call a couple of days later that it is ready to be picked up, only to find that they messed up their system and no one had worked on the bike. I've had the experience of having them replace tires but in the process totally misalign my derailleur. But my recent experience trying to get the to repair my ebike has been the worst. It took over a month for them to return my ebike to me (and a lot of calling on my part just to get an update on what was happening) and when I got it back it had new and worse electrical problems. I brought it back and this time they went radio silence. Didn't respond to emails from me or the manufacturer. I'm pretty sure they never got in touch with the manufacturer even though they said that's what they needed to do to figure out how to fix the bike. While I believe in the mission of bikes not bombs, I wouldn't recommend using them for anything more advanced than replacing a chain. read more

This is a great spot especially if you're just getting into biking and don't want to shell out a ton for brand new gear. I walked in to see about getting a rack for my bike and they were able to put a (gently) used one on for me, and also helped me find some used shoes, some heavily discounted cycling kits, and some supplies to fix a flat etc. The staff (Charlie?) was super knowledgeable and took time to walk me through options and helped me find what I needed read more

Bikes Not Bombs is a community enterprise which has been serving Boston and world since the early 80s. I buy all my bike stuff here because it meets my needs in terms of price, sustainability and in contributing towards the movements for Justice and Peace. You can trust them to set you up with a bike or fix the one you've got. read more

Bikes Not Bombs - R4BL - Bikes Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

I had heard about bikes not bombs through a friend. Went there for the first time yesterday to get my second hand bike looked at. The staff was friendly over the call and in person and I felt welcomed :). JR thoroughly examined the bike, mentioned to me about the right size of bike for me. showed my how to fix the wheel right. filled some air in the tires and oiled the chain. also they didn't charge for it. My bike is ready to ride it and am very happy with their service. I would recommend a visit to anyone who needs a bike service or even to know more about bikes in general. thank you read more

Bikes Not Bombs - Ready to ride bike ! - Bikes Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

I love my blue cannondale and had it shipped back from Colorado. I thought it needed new inner tubes or even tires and a full tuneup. I have been dreading to take it in bc I thought there'd be a huge bill but Kareem took the time to show me it just needed the back brake adjusted as it was pressing on the tire, adjusted my handle bars, greased up the gears and saved me a ton of money. So grateful and can't wait to enjoy a long bike ride this weekend! read more

Bikes Not Bombs - Bikes Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

We used to bounce between 3-4 different bike shops in Boston. But, increasingly, BNB has pulled way ahead of the pack as our first choice. We're so lucky to have them in the neighborhood. Definitely the most helpful/honest and least pretentious mechanics in the area. Why go elsewhere when this is always the most positive experience and we get to support an awesome social justice oriented mission while we're at it. read more

Very kind and professional business with a great mission and super cool inventory! They can repair and refurbish bikes for sale - priority is safety ! read more

I LOVE BIKES NOT BOMBS! There, I said it. I love them for being one of the most accessible, inexpensive, conscious and progressive bike organizations around. 1) Affordable "reconditioned bicycles-- basically used bikes that have been refurbished by people who know what they are doing. Plan to spend anywhere from $250-500, depending on the style, make, and overall condition of the bike. Yes, that is not DIRT cheap, but it's a steal for the quality you'll get. And they sell new bikes too! 2) Top notch repairs! Yes, top notch because they will do the repairs that no one else will touch, or other shops will try to talk you out of. More than just tune-ups... they'll talk to you about your bike, walk you through it, and teach you something without making you feel like an idiot. 3) Bike mechanics classes for beginners through advanced levels! So you can learn to be self-sufficient. 4) All those random parts you have trouble finding anywhere else. These guys have buckets and buckets of things to poke through, and since most stuff is used, you'll get it for a bargain most of the time. 5) All of the other amazing work the organization does outside of this bike shop-- They train youth on bike mechanics to keep them off the street, and allow them to participate in their Earn-A-Bike program, which allows kids to put in shop hours in exchange for a bicycle. They also ship bicycles to communities in Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, and Central America as part of the Village Bicycle Project. They have hundreds of volunteer opportunities for YOU to help out with fixing bikes, supervise outings for the Girls in Action program, or help prepare bikes for shipment, among other things. Basically, this is just one of those organizations that I love to support and send business their way. So if you need a good and RELIABLE used bike, an obscure part, or a tune up, bring it here first and support all of the amazing work that BNB is doing. read more

Bikes Not Bombs - Bikes Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

Brought my son's bike here to have two tires repaired with new inner tubes. Paid $47.00 the employees were nice and service was quick. I will return again. read more

This place is the most useful for people who want to find good deals on used parts, build a bike, or want to learn how to work on bikes. It especially caters to people who are interested in a fixed gear, single gear, retro, or metro bicycles. Here's whatcha dooo: Find a retro bike frame you really like, spruce it up, put a leather seat on it, build a single gear wheelset, mustache handle bars, streamers, pegs ... whatever. It'll be your bike, and you'll love it, and it will take you places, awesome places. And you can also *just* buy a ready to go bike, but understand it won't be the cheapest. It takes a lot of time and parts to restore and customize bikes. I'd recommend doing it yourself, then you dictate where the money goes. Bikes not Bombs will help you get there. Either way, you're supporting a company with a good cause. read more

I've volunteered for various of organizations but never a bike shop. After learning about their Wednesday evening volunteer night from One Brick I decided to try them out. I know nothing of bike mechanics. Haven't ridden one since I was a teenager so whatever work they were going to have me do it would be on a blank slate. The atmosphere here is very, for lack of a better word bohemian. I walked in and asked a guy at the bike racks where to report to volunteer. I don't think he worked there but he was doing something with his bike and the first person I saw. He simply told me that I can just walk around and check out the place since I was 20 minutes early before it started. Everything here is so casual. I only freaked out once when I went to take a picture of their logo (for the Yelp pic) and a girl screamed asking who was taking pictures. I told her my name and apologized but she apologized too. I think the random camera shutter sound surprised her. The rest of the evening went off smoothly once we started. A worker gave a group of 10 or so volunteers a bit of background information about the programs they run and what they're doing abroad and locally in the community. They even give discounts for bike repair for folks who put in some volunteer hours. Also run a couple of educational programs for kids to earn their own bike and some work experience where you have the opportunity to learn mechanics. After the 15-20 schpiel they got right to showing us what we'd be doing which was re-assembling bikes properly for their overseas shipment. We broke into partners and grabbed some bikes and got started. The guy who did the demonstration was a pro but he also checked up on the groups to make sure we understood what we were doing or if we needed any help. It was a good learning experience and a different volunteer opportunity for those looking for a change from the ever so popular soup kitchen events. read more

Bikes Not Bombs - Bikes Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

Amazing staff and mission, fixed a problem quickly and inexpensively. Incredibly friendly and patient, highly recommend.

There's parking and a nice coffee shop on the premises. While waiting you can hang out with the kids outside playing on their bikes. They seem to know a lot on bikes. Employees are mostly young kids but they taught me a few things about my bike. And their charges are very reasonable. Grungy little shack. Recommend their chain change service among other things. read more

Love this place. For small repairs to tune up's they are always reliable. Friendly staff, a lot of them volunteers. This is a fine organization that offers a great service of promoting bike ownership in the Boston area - and restored donated bikes for those who can't afford bikes in this country as well as a number of underdeveloped countries. read more

Hmm...I'm a newcomer to Boston, so I was simply looking for a cheap place to get my Craigslisted bike tuned up. The brake pads needed to be changed out & the brakes needed fixing (the fronts wouldn't grip). Clearly, I don't know much about fixing a bike; but I was taken aback when the supervisor on duty told me the brake pads would cost $20 per set to install and adjust!!! That's $40 to install & align, plus the $12/pad set...to total $64 for adjusted brakes w/ new pads. WTF!!!! I bought the friggin' junker for $90! But they were my brakes & I'd biked down to J Plain from Back Bay Station. So, while I hesitantly ok'd the pricey repair, I called around and learned other bike shops charge $10 for the same service. So, I called the repair off. To their credit, half the installation/adjustment was already done & they didn't charge me for it.....BUT they wouldn't lower their prices to meet the market rate!!!! They just sent me out the door w/ mostly-functioning brakes. Coming from San Francisco's Mission District, I'm not used to such a lack of service & competitive pricing. Luckily, they're in B.F.E. in a town where bike shops are as prevalent as relaxed people w/ good tans--few and far between. It sounds like their community building is solid...so, I hate to rip on them. But I wasn't in the market for a built community that day....maybe I shoulda been. ;) read more

I was very impressed with Bikes not Bombs repair of my bike. I have had the bike for 9 years and getting a little worn so was not sure if it was worth saving but they fixed it up quicker than I expected (3 days with a big backlog of other bikes) reasonable rate, good social distancing/masks. I also love their mission and focus on youth empowerment. I live about 35 min away but will be back next time I need a bike repair! read more

I wanted to like this place because the mission and community aspect is so good, but I have to go with 2 stars because of a recent bad experience and the high cost of their single speed bikes. I showed up at the shop with a broken spoke, which is normally something I would fix myself but I didn't have an extra spoke or my spoke wrench and had a 7-mile ride ahead of me. I figured it would be $5 or $10 at the most, but it cost $21.63! It took about 5-10 minutes and the wheel definitely was not trued as there was a noticeable wobble after it was reinstalled. I was not overcharged--the bike mechanic (who was a nice guy) got the rate from their book. If it's $20 just to install a spoke, I can't imagine what they charge for other services. What if I needed to replace all the spokes on my 36-spoke generic wheel? $720?! The point is, if someone shows up at a shop with a broken spoke, you can do them a solid and not gouge them. I had time to check out their single-speed rebuilds and was a little taken aback at the prices, which were $400, $450, $500, and $550. Yes, they pick good steel frames to refurbish, and yes, they put new, good quality components on the bikes, and yes, it goes to a good cause, but I can't see charging this much for single speed bikes. I think they could still make a profit and get people good bikes if they charged $50-100 less. read more

Like someone else mentioned, the cheapest bikes here are $325. That's not a steal, and if you're short on money and have the time, buying a broke-ass bike on Craigslist and fixing it up is a better deal. On the other hand, you're buying a really good used bike for that price. They don't sell second-hand Walmart bikes here; everything in the store looked to be a high-quality frame with good parts (often new). For example, the bike I bought (for $325) has --an awesome old road bike frame --the original shifters and brakes --a new saddle (and they have three you can choose from) --new upright handlebars --new wheels and tires --new brake pads and brake cable and casing What I'm trying to say is, this bike has everything that's good about used bikes (sturdy frame, well-made parts) and everything that's good about new bikes (true wheels, brakes that work well, and a comfy seat). That $325 doesn't sound so bad when I consider how much time and money I could've spent to buy a shitty bike myself and then replace a ton of parts. Also, the staff was great. The guy who helped me was friendly and patient, even though I showed up at 8:40 on Wednesday night and they closed at 9:00. Oh yeah -- late hours on Wednesday -- how cool is that? read more

Although I did not purchase a bicycle from here, I think Bikes Not Bombs is worthy enough for a review. As I walked in the retail store (searching for a new bike), I was not bombarded with pushy salesfolk, no. Instead, I had a nice conversation with a woman who talked to me about the bikes they have, the prices, why they are that price, and what BNB is all about. It was great to not be pressured to purchase anything at the time. I was impressed by the non-profit organization status. I really like knowing my money is going to good use instead of fueling corporate bullshit. I will say, though, the bikes here (for what they are) are pretty overpriced. If you aren't a softie who loves non-profits, I would suggest checking out Cambridge Antiques before coming here. read more

Y'know...I'm all for helping out the community. But $325 (low end) for a USED bike is outrageous. I could get a shiny brand new Gary Fischer for that kind of money somewhere else. In fact, that's what I eventually did. I don't believe anybody here is deliberately ripping anybody off, I think they're probably just finding ways to waste money through various inefficiencies and they're forced to overcharge in order to operate and carry out their mission. But being a non-profit is no excuse for wasting money. And service is hit-or-miss...this place is a mix of bike enthusiasts/experts who've taken voluntary vows of poverty, and neighborhood kids who really don't have a clue and don't care. It's just not worth it. Go to International Bicycle Center and get a good deal on a new bike that's exactly what you need, and then make a donation to your favorite charity. Don't waste your time and money here just to make yourself feel better. read more

In the grand scheme of things, I'm a fan of BnB. Their schtick is awesome - sustainability, charity, community - all that jazz is awesome. I came in wanting to upgrade from my hybrid to a road bike, all the while knowing nada about them. I knew my old bike was too small, but I didn't entirely know how to tell what size was juuuuust right. The mechanic who helped me was very friendly. He showed me some tips and tricks to ensuring a proper fit, and didn't even get annoyed when I kept knocking things over with my gangly legs, haha. But after all was said and done, I didn't end up buying from them. Because they refurbish old bikes, the selection is inevitably hit or miss. The best fitting bike for me at the time was an old Trek from the 80s with pepto bismol pink accents (I'm not quite THAT hipster), and it was selling for $500. After the addition of some little extras I require (fenders, security bolts on the wheels, etc), the bike would've been well over what I wanted to pay. Like Quinn, I feel a little guilty that I didn't just pony up and consider the overage a charitable donation. But when there are similar bikes on craigslist for much cheaper, it's hard to justify. That being said, I'd gladly donate at one of their community events, and advocate their shop for excellent service and business ethic. read more

The service here was amazing. I didn't end up buying anything but I did try a lot of bikes out. They understood that I hadn't ridden in ages and were patient and helpful. Had I found a bike that fit me I would have bought it from them for sure. Definitely a laid-back experience, it was a nice change from the ubercyclists at ATA. Come here, support them, be happy. read more

I wanted to upgrade from my craigslist-bought mountain bike to a road bike. Figured I'd check out BnB since they advertised refurbished bikes starting at $340. I wasn't disappointed. The knowledgeable staff guy talked to me about the differences in bikes and asked what my main purpose was in biking (commuting) as well as sizing the right frame for my height. I was able to test ride around the back parking lot, and went for a nice refurbished road bike that came in at the $340 price. The bike is in amazing condition-- all new parts, and nary a rattle when I'm pedaling or shifting gears. They also have bins of used gear in the back-- varying degrees of wear but definite bargain bin prices at $5, $10, $15 a pop, with bigger stuff a bit more. The staff are especially great. I got fenders installed by the next day. My husband came with me for pickup and asked to get new wheels and new handlebars put on his bike (gear envy, perhaps? ;) , and they did it while we waited! This was all at the tail end of a Sunday too. Quite a good number of purple came in around closing time, and as far as I could tell the staff took care to handle each customer. All in all a great deal that goes to a great cause. And absolutely zero bike snobbery. I may never go to another bike shop again. Now if only spring can get here... read more

A couple months ago I decided to go a cross-country bike tour. Step 1: get a touring bike. Having only ever ridden mountain bikes, I really did not know anything about touring bikes or components. I did a lot of research on my own and then stopped in a number of bike stores to see what I could get and at what price. I was frustrated by a few shops because the moment they heard I was doing a cross-country tour, they wanted to outfit me with all the highest-end components imaginable. One place told me I could expect to spend $3-4K for a custom built touring bike! Well, that's not cool on multiple levels. First, I'm a bit of a biking minimalist--I know way too many people who get way too caught up and spend way to much money on cycling gear, apparel, and accessories. IT'S A BIKE. Remember, that thing you fell off in your driveway when you were 8 and skinned your knee? Your trusty steed when you got into water gun fights with the neighbor kids? The thing you threw at your brother while re-enacting scenes from the Incredible Hulk? Second, I'm taking 4 months off to do this trip. That's 4 months of not making money. I would rather spend the money I do have on fun experiences along the ride, not on tricking out my bike with every hi-tech gadget imaginable. But that's just me. So after all this I walk into Bikes Not Bombs, and they inform me that while they rarely have used touring bikes in my size (I'm 5' 2"), this is my lucky day. I test drive the Kuwuhara SuperTour and the Surly Cross-Check (which they carry new in a variety of sizes) and fall in love with the SuperTour. For the base price of $700 (used frame, new components, wheels, and tires) I added a Brooks Saddle ($175--SO worth the investment), fenders, a rear rack, new handlebars, and top brake levers. Grand total, including labor, came out to about $1100--a fraction of what I would have paid at any of those other shops! Highlights: * Very friendly helpful staff, no bike snobbery detected! * When you buy a bike, you get a 10% discount on components for one year! * They stand by their work - I brought the bike in a week or 2 after I bought it because it had shifting problems. It turned out there was a bent gear and they replaced it for free. * One employee let me test drive her bike so I could try the Brooks saddle before buying it. * They helped me try out some different adjustments to get the fit right. * All the work they did got done within the time and cost they quoted. * They sell Tazo chocolate. Try the Guajillo chili one! YUM. The possible drawbacks: * I was glad I had done some research beforehand, because while people were knowledgeable, they weren't particularly proactive about offering suggestions for long-distance touring. * I realize I got lucky, and the selection could be pretty hit or miss--but it's well worth a stop in to see what they have. So yeah, I've had a great experience on my several visits to BNB this summer. I definitely recommend checking it out! read more

Great place to volunteer on a Thursday night. There are a lot of opportunities to help out and you can get a reward like card if you go often enough which can be redeemed to use a bike. Because you can see the results of what you are doing, it is a very rewarding experience for everyone, and you learn a few skills about bike building and repairs. read more

Helpful staff that explain everything for you. (Which can lead to long wait times on the weekends.) Relatively quick turn around times. They're a nonprofit with a pretty awesome mission. They are darn more expensive than anywhere else I've checked out. read more

I have to give them 3 stars just for the following reasons... - They are very knowledgeable. I have called here a few times and always get the info I need. I have gone here a few time just browsing and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. - They have a great idea and do a lot of good. - I have read that their classes are very good. I can't give them 4 or 5 stars for the following reasons. - Location is not that great. - They are overpriced. The new bikes they have are market priced, but the refurbished bikes are pretty $$$. $400 plus for a pretty old, refurbished single speed is not that great of a deal when you can spend anoth $100-$200 and get something new. Don't get me wrong, if I had the extra cash to put down on one of their refurbished bikes I would. Just to support their cause would be justification enough. Unfortunately, I can get the same type of bike at a yard sale or through craigslist for half the price. I will definitely take bike here for service, but unless I need a new bike I can't see myself buying a used bike here. The organization gets 5 stars.... the store gets 3. read more

My friend gave me her old bike because she got herself a new one and she knew I was looking into getting a bike myself. The only thing was she had left it outside and it needed a few things. When I got to her house to look at it,it was clear it needed more than just a seat and a new chain. The bike was completely rusted and needed some major help. I figured it would be about 150$ to fix it and when we went to BnB it was more like a $250 fix. It was right at the limit I was willing to spend so I did. A few days later I picked up my bike and as me and my friend were riding home the chain broke ten minutes into the ride. I called BnB and explained it to them and after a few calls and some explanations they agreed to take my bike and do another round of alterations. I got my bike back and I'm happy to say it rides beautifully. This place was helpful and the people were nice. I'm sure bike enthusiasts are more apt to want to go to them. When I discussed this matter with a friend who is much more serious of a rider she laughed at me and told me $250 is "a drop in the bucket". I just wish there was more of a understanding for people who arnt full time riders who just want an easy rider. read more

Really nice people here, and a very welcoming, friendly atmosphere. As as been noted elsewhere, the used and reconditioned bikes for sale seem very expensive. I've had work done on my bike a couple of times, and it's been...well, hit or miss. Price is reasonable but I haven't had a great experience with the quality of the work. This is such a great organization and the people who work here are so nice that I wish I could give them more stars, but I'll trade a fair amount of friendliness and earnestness for a repair I can rely on. read more

I bought my first bike here when i moved to the city. It was a nice Univega single speed, $425. I initially balked at paying that price, but it had all new parts so i thought, nice vintage bike, money goes to a good cause. I still think I overpaid, despite knowing it is a non-profit. And this is for a few reasons. One, the bike I bought was waay over sized. It was 58cm and i belong on a 54cm frame, but the un-knowledgeable lady who sold me it said bike fit was more about how you "felt." I went in another time to buy something, and the person sold me an adjustable wrench, and someone at another bike shop told me I was going to ruin my track bolts and strip them. There are a few great knowledgeable people in there, but some volunteers/youths have no idea what they are doing. Ive had issues with a tune up I had done there, and it led me to believe they had one of their students work on my bike. Id rather not pay a premium if there is the potential for someone to practice on my bike. Two, i really don't know what they do with their money. All of those bikes are pretty much donated and they still charge an arm and a leg for them, and they have TONS of volunteer help, i know as Ive volunteered a few times with them. Three, I know someone who's custom fixed gear bike was stolen and ended up with them a few months later. They stripped the custom parts off of it and slapped some new parts on and tried to sell it. It was obvious this bike belonged to someone, and when my friend came to claim the bike, they gave him shit and wanted him to pay for the 'upgrades.' I'm sure the staff of BNB enjoyed his custom parts for their own collection. This was my final straw with them. Id recommend them for tires, bike accessories and that sort of thing. And they have a great youth program and free classes. But you can get a much better tune up somewhere else, and you'd be better off buying a bike off Craigslist or out of someones basement and fixing it up yourself. read more

Bikes not Bombs has a new address down Amory street and will have a newer actual bike shop near Green Street T- BNB at the Brewery has some styling non-profit digs... 2 tiered office space with loft, including 3 MAC workstations for volunteers. Macs for everyone! there is lots of fresh colorful paint, and bicycle inspired art; stained glass, posters, sculpture, etc. the former BNB office space was a loft constructed literally on precarious wooden planks on the more crackpipey side of Amory. The brand spanking new BNB has a kitchen, TWO bathrooms, a patio to lock the bikes and a huge volunteer room. Again the actual bike shop is due to open Feb 1st (inside joke). They have so much money suddenly that they are able to create a second entirely different new store for selling and repairs. I was never able to get a bike here myself. If you want to get a bike for kind of cheap from scraps go here. But I ride a fancy hybrid for my winter commute. I highly recommend volunteering here if you have time on your hands on a Wednesday night, they are now open until 10pm. My experience volunteering was extremely positive. Bike experts took the time to break it down in layman's terms for me. There was always work to do, if you like to get very dirty. (There's special soap to clean your hands.) I learned about bike parts by deconstructing and sorting parts for the Guatemalan bike drop off. You get $2 BNB cash for every volunteer hour. You can listen to the radio,chill with friends, meet lots of bike dorks while you use parts of your brain you prolly don't normally use--unless you're already a mechanic. And there are most likely kids around so I don't bring my beers. (Actually its not the kids presence but my friends who stopped me from my brilliant idea.)There is an earn a bike program and some of the neighborhood kids just live here- it seems like a great thing. I lost what I call my $70 water bottle. You have to fundraise to ride the official bike rides with them.. read more

I brought my bike here after being involved in a car accident, they gave me a quote for the damage so that I could send it to the driver's auto insurance agency USAA. During my initial visit, I purchased a used quick release rim for $70 (still have the receipt) and an inner tube, in the hopes of a quick repair. Upon receiving a settlement check, I visited for a second time, to drop off my bicycle (containing the original rear wheel and the newly purchased quick release wheel). Upon pick up a week later, the quick-release rim I had purchased had been replaced with some cheap non-German-engineered bolted rim. Upon inquiry, both clerk and technician were clueless and claimed I never brought in a front wheel for my bicycle, when in fact I had, and placed it next to the work area upon drop-off. My settlement check did not cover the $70 wheel purchased with my own money and is money lost out of my pocket. Shop is unorganized. read more

I had gone into BNB a few months ago looking for a seat post tube for a bike that my friend had given me. I had no idea about the size of what I needed, I just had the bike there with me and spoke with one of the employees. He was extremely helpful, taking the existing seat post tube, measuring it, and bringing me out a choice of two colors, silver or black. While I'm sure any of the other bike shops in Boston could have also provided the service, what was most helpful was the fact that the parts were used and more importantly cheap. It cost me ten bucks for the tube, which could have easily been twice as much in a different store. I was only looking for something to go on the beater I was riding, so this fit my need perfectly! read more