Alternative Bike & Board Shop

07/27/09

Wouldn't recommend.

by minneapolitan

The employees charged me twice the amount that they had originally quoted. They were not helpful or friendly. I went here because I had a great experience at their old location on Hennepin, but after my last visit I would not go back or recommend this shop to a friend.

• Pros: Convenient location
• Cons: Expensive, poor customer service.

Minneapolis institution offers equipment and gear for the extreme sports enthusiast.

by Contributor

In Short
This grungy Uptown bike and snowboard institution (open since 1974) screams independence. The Alt carries respectable bikes and snowboards, but there's also clothing, accessories and a knowledgeable staff to help complete the look needed for thrashing around the hills. For bikes, there's Marin, Kona and Electra gear. For snowboards, there's Burton, K2, Clicker and Nitro. After too much thrashing, the Alt's trusty, on-site repair shop can get out the dings.

11/13/05

Great Bike Shop

by phifel

This shop has always got someone ready to help me when I walk in. Their prices are reasonable, they have fast repair, and they will always explain things if I ask.

12/23/02

These guys are the best!

by tsimokush

I've been taking my rides to The Alt for years. Early on, when my bike wasn't very respectable, they still treated it with care, consistent 24 hour turnaround and explained everything they repaired (or why they did not). My bike is much more decent now, but the same high caliber attention remains. They always tell me up front what they are going to look at, let me know if something needs replacement (or not) and they ALWAYS know their equipment! I've bought helmets, bike racks, shoes and all sorts of accessories there, too. I love this shop, I love the attention my bike gets and I love the courtesy I receive. The Alt will always be My Shop!!

• Pros: Air pump out front!, Great hours, 24 hr / most repairs
• Cons: Street parking