Durham Cycles

What an awesome place.
I have lived in the area for about a year and a half now and am an avid cyclist. As such, I have been hitting all the local shops in the area trying to find the best one for maintenance and upkeep of my bikes. I took in my road bike after having it tuned up elsewhere before. Just before taking the bike to Durham Cycles, my previous tuneups left something to be desired as far as ride and shifting quality are concerned. That all ended with Durham cycles. After a brief explanation of the shifting problems I was having with the rear dérailleur, the mechanic took a few notes and quoted me something like $ 30. Not bad, considering there was a pretty significant amount of adjustment/​re-​cabling that was going to be needed. A couple days later I got a call that it was done and picked it up. The price was exactly what I was quoted and I can safely say that the shifting is now better than it has ever been!
While I was picking it up, the friendly mechanic even took the time to walk through exactly what was done and made some simple upkeep recommendations for me to do myself to prolong the life of the bike. That being said, I can’t recommend Durham Cycles enough! I will gladly be back for all of my bike maintenance needs!

Went in to rent bikes for an afternoon ride around the American Tobacco Trail and the price was fairly cheap and bikes were in good condition. Shop is located on ninth street, pretty close to the trail and staff are super helpful!

Great guys and gals who are also great with a wrench. Clearly care about their customers and not just the bottom line.

I can’t say enough about Durham Cycles. I have been to several cycling shops across NC and VA and I can say that this place is where I have had my best experience and most detailed and genuine help. They are happy to educate you, regardless of your level of experience and are more than willing to help you find something to fit your needs (not to just bring money to their store). I recently bought a new bike from there (after coming in several times prior) and since then I have returned for help/​pointers here and there. No matter how often I come in, there is always a welcoming employee who seems happy to help. It also made my husband and I feel valued when on return trips, both Ben and Dom remembered prior conversations and didn’t hesitate to stike up a conversation. Dave is also incredibly smart and did a wonderful job helping me decide on a bike that was right for me and did a great job fitting me on the bike. I have never experienced such genuineness from a cycling shop. You can tell they expect to see their customers back.

I don’t have much in life. I have a good dog. A cat showed up one day. Oh, and I have a high-​maintenance trophy wife. But the thing I really love – the thing that gives as good as it gets. That’s my bike. If you are in the Durham area – trust no other than Durham Cycles to work on that thing you love most. Trust Durham Cycles.

Really knowledgeable and professional. They have some very cool things you won’t find anywhere else. I’m very impressed, and I’ve seen a lot of bike shops in my days.

I have been looking for a road bike for a while but am new to cycling in general. The guys at Durham Cycles (especially Dave) were knowledgeable and helpful. I didn’t feel like it was a big sales environment, but instead they even suggested I try out bikes at other shops before making a decision. I bought a bike yesterday after 3 visits there, and I love my bike! Dave fitted me to my bike and explained the whole process to me. They also give 3 free tune ups during the first year that you have your bike. Absolutely recommend them!

Durham Cycles is a great local bike shop, Dave and company are not just involved in selling bikes but take they time to make sure you get properly fit and set up to enjoy riding a bike as much as possible. Durham Cycles is also heavily involved in the local cycling community and spends time and effort supporting local Juniors, Collegiate teams and their own race team. The staff is friendly, knowledgable and approachable. This is always my go to place for anything cycling related and it should be yours too!

Went in to buy a pump, should’ve been an easy and quick thing. But, the guy who «helped» me was so rude and condescending that I ended up just leaving and going to a different bike shop downtown. I really don’t understand all the reviews here that say folks in this shop are helpful. My experience was the exact opposite. I got such a boatload of «bike guy» attitude that I couldn’t bear it – I had to leave because he was so unpleasant.
The guy actually felt he needed to explain to me that the large floor pump I was interested in was not something I could attach to my bike, but something I would have to «use at home” – um, derp! Do I look like I have the mental age of a four year old? If he had just stopped talking, everything would’ve been fine… But, after the second time he said something that clearly indicated he thought I was at the level of a CHUD, or Sarah Palin, I decided to vote with my feet. Cannot recommend this shop, at all. Try Seven Star Cycles downtown instead.

I rolled my bicycle in with a service question and the guy who assisted me was knowledgable, friendly and informative. He provide service and insight, I would return to work with him. Although I don’t remember his name, I know him by sight.
The other two employees were less than attentive to the world beyond their customers. They kept pushing by in this cozy space filled with bikes, speedily and without excusing themselves, thus consistently disrupting my conversation by bumping me.

These guys are the best! I used to race as an amateur and the racing and heavy training load has been hard on my equipment. David and the rest of the crew there have always repaired my bikes quickly and professionally. They even loaned me a back wheel (twice) when I broke a spoke. Finally, they graciously support the Durham Animal Protection Society, which is a big hit with my wife!

Not sure my review helps at all, since this place already has a perfect 5 stars ;)
But I don’t think I’ve ever been treated as honestly and well as I have with Durham Cycles. Dave, the owner, is the chillest guy around, and incredibly passionate about supporting cycling in the community.
The quality of the bikes they sell is unquestionable, but what really completes the experience is the entire «package»: they really work with trying to find the best bike for you, individually, rather than loading off their inventory or getting the most expensive purchase.
Their service is amazing as well, and extremely reasonable compared to other local bike shops in area.
Definitely one of the best parts of 9^th St!

Attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile to keep enthusiasts riding.
I have done my best to annoy the bike shop with tune-​ups, rush repairs after mishaps, and questions along the way. I have only received quick and reliable service while learning a lot from these guys, particularly the shop owner, Dave.
But enthusiasts are not the only demographic that should try out Durham cycles. Whenever I am in the shop, I witness the care and patience Dave and the mechanics have while explaining options to new riders looking to solve recreational or commuting problems. You will be jested with, at times, depending on the mechanic you talk to, but at the end of the day Durham Cycles always finds the right fit of parts and whole bikes for its customers.
As for any of the enthusiasts out there considering these fancy Felt road bikes. They are nice. You should ride them. And when things go wrong, it’s nice to have a competent shop to come back to help you keep on riding.

I can’t recommend this bike shop highly enough. The workers there are professional, knowledgeable, and very friendly. I bought my first road bike there seven months ago, and they were really helpful in fitting me for a bike and choosing one that fit my needs and was in my price range. Whatever they don’t have in store, they order it quickly and build it for you. Whenever you purchase a bike from them, they give you three free tune-​ups within the first year of owning your bike.
That would have been good enough for at least four stars, but I have been back many times since my first purchase. Some roads in Durham are crappy, so I sometimes get a blown tube. Whenever I show up with a flat, they fix it and have me out the door within ten minutes. In fact, any routine maintenance is done surprisingly quickly.
Recently I got into a bad accident in which I broke my shoulder and mangled up my bike pretty bad. I had to get a replacement fork, which had to be ordered from the manufacturer. Replacing a fork is pretty labor-​intensive, but the labor cost was a very reasonable $ 50 Now my bike is as good as new.
Not only this, but they are extremely helpful if you are new to cycling, like I was when I first visited. They explain whatever you whatever you want to know both understandably and in great detail.
As far as other merchandise goes (helmets, lights, bottles, bottle mounts, etc.) the selection is pretty good considering the size of the shop. Perhaps a bit more than what you’d find online at a site like Amazon.
There are a few other options in the Triangle when it comes to bike shops, but I wouldn’t even consider going anywhere else. Even if you’re not in the market for a bike, this place is definitely worth a visit.

Here’s my issue with reading bike shop reviews: You either see people that just wanted to buy a bike, but don’t really care. or you see people that talk about parts of the bike that you didn’t know existed (If you used the term «LBS» instead of «local bike shop» in your review, you are in the latter. no exceptions). But what if you’re in-​between? You care about your bike, but don’t know much (and don’t have time to know much) about it, and you just want some honest work done on it? This is me.
I went to Durham Cycles needing a tune up and some general work. I say «general work» because it wasn’t shifting super smoothly, but that’s the extent of my understanding. I’m going to go ahead and say it right now: I was not expecting to like Durham Cycles.
I walked in the door, and was greeted relatively rapidly. There’s nothing like walking into a store of hip-​looking people, knowing you are not hip. Durham Cycles was not like this. It was friendly and open.
Criterion #1how I rate bike stores: If you try to sell me a new bike, I will not come back. I have this bike, I like it, and importantly, if I could afford a new bike I would have brought it up already. I love that Durham Cycles at no point tried to get me to spend more than I needed to. There was zero «you should buy this» or «you should upgrade that», and this is the kind of honesty I need in a bike shop. They outlined exactly what *needed* to be done, and no more.
Everything took about a week and a half, so definitely chat with them BEFORE you need your bike to be finished, and give them some time (the tune-​up ran about $ 60, I don’t think you can find that on their website). There were, of course, other expenses that came up. They called each time and left a voicemail explaining things. Overall the repairs (tune-​up, new chain and new cassette, new back tire, new back break pads) were about $ 160. This is literally half of what I paid for the bike in the first place, so a relatively expensive repair, but I felt like it all was justified.
Criterion #2 how I rate bike stores: Don’t be a dick to me because I’m not obsessed with my bike. I was a little concerned this was going to be the vibe at Durham Cycles, but it 100% was not. I worked with Greg when I dropped it off (no idea who did the actual work, don’t care) and he was really patient with me. Greg very nicely explained to me what needed to be fixed, how this was general wear and tear, and what I should be doing in the future. Did not make me feel guilty for waiting forever to get a tune-​up, and did not make me feel like an idiot for not knowing I was supposed to get said tune-​up. THESE are the types of people that you want working for you. They get other people excited about biking, and make them excited about coming back.
Overall, definitely a great place to take your bike!

Can’t say enough good things about these guys. They are a working example of why you should support your local bike shop and resist the urge to point and click for your equipment needs.
They recommended a quality pump, that they use, and answered all the specific questions I had on the spot. Friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable, what more could you ask for? Thank you !

I just bought a bike I love from them. They fit me to the bike, helped me find a lock and a helmet and after trying valiantly to get my new bike in to my teeny car found me a bike carrier to strap it to and installed it to me. A new bike also gives you three free tune ups, although I don’t imagine I will need them as a brand new bike. They were really kind to my toddler daughter as well.

One of the best Local Bike Shops that I’ve been to, by far! Owners are great. Extremely friendly and helpful. They only stock quality products and are definitely willing to help you with selection. Also, the quality of repairs and tune-​ups is awesome.
You can definitely tell these guys love what they do. They also do a lot to support the cycling and triathlon communities at Duke. Definitely my go to LBS. I’ll support these guys over an online seller or PB any day.

Durham Cycles is an LBS that goes the extra mile. Every time I’ve been in, they are very helpful and knowledgable. I’m an sometimes mountain bike racer and have seen many of bike shops on ninth street over the past 20 years. These guys are really upping the customer service game.
I have a bike that is not available from any local dealer in need of some parts to repair the suspension. Even though it was no real profit to his shop, Dave went well beyond what I’d expect to phone the manufacturer, explain the problem and facilitate contact to ensure that I got my bike fixed.
If they take that kind of care with a customer who hasn’t bought a bike, I’m thinking that you’ll be in good hands if you do buy a bike. Enjoy the amazing weather — go get a bike from Durham Cycles.

Dave saved my bike’s life! I was ready to give up on getting my bike repaired after being hit by a car. I had taken the bike in 3 times to other shops, and no one had been able to fix it.
The philosophy at Durham Cycles is that a bike repair job isn’t done until it’s been test-​ridden, and this makes all the difference in the world. As Dave explained, riding a bike puts stress on the frame that simply spinning the pedals on a stand doesn’t really do, so noises/​problems show up when riding that might not show up on the stand. This is exactly what I had been experiencing, and other mechanics don’t test ride the bikes to see what’s really going on. The other shops seem to hide behind their «30 day service guarantee» — they don’t really have to focus on getting it right the first time because they’ll «let» you haul your bike all the way back to the store, wait, and haul it all the way home just to get the service you already paid for.
(Durham Cycles has a service guarantee as well, but this time I don’t expect to need it!)
Very friendly guys, not elitist at all, and I really felt like I was taken seriously. I’m happy I chose Durham Cycles based on their positive reviews — thanks fellow Unilocalers!