Locally Grown, Trail Worn
Northstar Bikes is a locally owned and operated bike shop that aims to make cycling more accessible for everyone in the Buffalo and greater Western New York area. Our experts know their stuff, with over 30 years of bike service experience, while being down-to-earth and understanding of everyone's individual situations.
Off-Road Biking is in Our Blood
The shop focuses primarily on serving the Western New York Mountain Biking ecosystem; through our Hootenanny events, bike demos, group rides, and more.
Northstar employees have tackled the toughest downhill terrain, some of the continent's most daunting bikepacking trips such as the Great Divide, and know Western New York's own trail systems likle the back of our hands.
Come talk to Northstar Bikes whether you need a bike for that:
- Casual trail around your neighborhood
- Downhill race you want to shave precious seconds off of
- Multi-day bikepacking adventure
- Once in a lifetime experience across your dream trail
Our experts and community have seen and done it all. Check us out to see what you're capable of!
Dedicated to Community
While we hope you'd buy a bike from us, we want that to be only the catalyst of the relationship we have with our customers.
From our weekend group rides, periodic bikepacking trips, seasonal events such as ❄️ The Big Chill, or our committed & repeated involvement in the Ride for Roswell, we hope to support Buffalo's biking community. We provide many opportunities for those in our community to ride and share experiences together.
Still Curious?
Learn more about our experts below, or come and give us a visit to meet us in person! Whether you need a bike for your grandkid, a cruiser to get to work, or the next bike for your road or mountain bike training, trust Northstar Bikes to get you into the correct saddle.
Visit UsWho Are We?
Nick Cognetto
Owner and Shop Manager
Coming from the Utica area, Nick's first job in the industry was at Dick Sonne's bike shop at the age of 13. Working there fostered his dream of one day owning his own shop. There, he established his roots in road cycling, became a five year rider of the Ride for Missing Children, and a finished a full Ironman Triathlon.
After high school he attended and obtained a B.S. at the University at Buffalo and joined the Northstar Team. He also really enjoys thru-hiking and winter camping and climbing. When he's not at the shop you can find him up in the High Peaks region of the ADK.
Nick takes pride helping people find their perfect bike and stocking the store with new innovative products. He is always open to bringing in anything a customer might want to touch and feel before they buy.
Hayden Harter
Owner and Operations Manager
Hayden began his career in the bicycle industry a short eight years ago when he walked into Northstar Bikes looking for a job, right out of high school.
With a Bachelor's degree in Technical Theatre and Design from SUNY at Buffalo, he brings the technical know-how to the Northstar name. From building the very walls you see in the shop to completing the most complex of service challenges in the bike world, he thrives in the face of a challenge. A gearhead through and through, he's always down to have a conversation about the latest and greatest tech!
Hayden loves to mountain bike the summer away, and float the winter through on his snowboard.
Pat Meszler
Service Manager
Pat has been in the bike industry since 2005 when he started racing road bikes and working in Guy's bike shop in Madison, New York. Since then he has worked in several different shops and owned a custom frame building company. Pat found his way to Northstar through the road group rides and fell in love with the shop.
Along with riding on the road Pat can be found ripping up local gravel and mountain bike trails. He is also an experienced bikepacker having ridden many shorter routes along with the 2800 mile long Great Divide Mountain Bike route. Basically if it involves a bicycle Pat likes it. With 20 years of bicycle and mechanic experience Pat can help you with any issue you could possibly have that involves two wheels.
Pike
Officer of Fun
Whether you're a fan of the coffee, the suspension fork, the peak, the fish, or medieval weapons, Pike is named after all of them. He's half Australian Shepherd, half English Shepherd, and full of stoke all the time.
If you're looking for a very excited pup to bring up your day, get ready! He's at the door waiting for you with a big ol' smile.
Loved by our Customers
"It's great working with Northstar bikes. They are reliable, professional, and do a great job in communicating any issues, which they've always resolved. Lucky to have such a great bike shop close by."
"Nick and Hayden are great to work with. They take the time to understand what you want. Super knowledgeable about mountain bikes. They have quite a bit of unique bike accessories that you don't find at other LBS."
"I've taken 3 bikes there this summer. They were great with all 3. They've always had them back earlier than the original estimate. Quick work. Fair prices."
"Hayden is one of the most kind people I've ever met. The shop has super nice employees. Good pricing and great products. Very trustworthy, a place where you can drop your bike off and not worry about anything happening to it. got drive train, cranks, tires, and new cockpit on my Marlin 5."
"Nick helped me purchase my first bike in over 25 years. He was very patient with my questions & heard my concerns. His customer service was fabulous! I strongly recommend Northstar Bikes!"
"I purchased a bike and auto carrier from Northstar Bikes recently. The crew at Northstar were great in helping me pick out a bike and associated equipment. Fantastic sales and service. Highly recommend you visit Northstar if you are considering purchasing a new bike or equipment."
"Best bike shop in WNY, and best cycling community too. Hayden + Nick know bikes like the back of their hand. There is also a fantastic riding community that meets there for group rides several times a week. Highly recommend this shop!"
"I brought my father to the shop to help him purchase his very first road bike. Everything was excellent — truly a five-star experience. The staff member who assisted us was very polite, and he provided thoughtful and patient guidance. [...] I will definitely recommend this place to my friends, colleagues, and family in the near future."
"I brought my husband's bike in which was in need of major repair. The gentlemen in the shop were extremely helpful and pleasant to deal with. They got my husband's bike repaired in a few days at a reasonable price. It was a great experience and I would highly recommend them."
"It's great working with Northstar bikes. They are reliable, professional, and do a great job in communicating any issues, which they've always resolved. Lucky to have such a great bike shop close by."
"Nick and Hayden are great to work with. They take the time to understand what you want. Super knowledgeable about mountain bikes. They have quite a bit of unique bike accessories that you don't find at other LBS."
"I've taken 3 bikes there this summer. They were great with all 3. They've always had them back earlier than the original estimate. Quick work. Fair prices."
"Hayden is one of the most kind people I've ever met. The shop has super nice employees. Good pricing and great products. Very trustworthy, a place where you can drop your bike off and not worry about anything happening to it. got drive train, cranks, tires, and new cockpit on my Marlin 5."
"Nick helped me purchase my first bike in over 25 years. He was very patient with my questions & heard my concerns. His customer service was fabulous! I strongly recommend Northstar Bikes!"
"I purchased a bike and auto carrier from Northstar Bikes recently. The crew at Northstar were great in helping me pick out a bike and associated equipment. Fantastic sales and service. Highly recommend you visit Northstar if you are considering purchasing a new bike or equipment."
"Best bike shop in WNY, and best cycling community too. Hayden + Nick know bikes like the back of their hand. There is also a fantastic riding community that meets there for group rides several times a week. Highly recommend this shop!"
"I brought my father to the shop to help him purchase his very first road bike. Everything was excellent — truly a five-star experience. The staff member who assisted us was very polite, and he provided thoughtful and patient guidance. [...] I will definitely recommend this place to my friends, colleagues, and family in the near future."
"I brought my husband's bike in which was in need of major repair. The gentlemen in the shop were extremely helpful and pleasant to deal with. They got my husband's bike repaired in a few days at a reasonable price. It was a great experience and I would highly recommend them."
"It's great working with Northstar bikes. They are reliable, professional, and do a great job in communicating any issues, which they've always resolved. Lucky to have such a great bike shop close by."
"Nick and Hayden are great to work with. They take the time to understand what you want. Super knowledgeable about mountain bikes. They have quite a bit of unique bike accessories that you don't find at other LBS."
"I've taken 3 bikes there this summer. They were great with all 3. They've always had them back earlier than the original estimate. Quick work. Fair prices."
"Hayden is one of the most kind people I've ever met. The shop has super nice employees. Good pricing and great products. Very trustworthy, a place where you can drop your bike off and not worry about anything happening to it. got drive train, cranks, tires, and new cockpit on my Marlin 5."
"Nick helped me purchase my first bike in over 25 years. He was very patient with my questions & heard my concerns. His customer service was fabulous! I strongly recommend Northstar Bikes!"
"I purchased a bike and auto carrier from Northstar Bikes recently. The crew at Northstar were great in helping me pick out a bike and associated equipment. Fantastic sales and service. Highly recommend you visit Northstar if you are considering purchasing a new bike or equipment."
"Best bike shop in WNY, and best cycling community too. Hayden + Nick know bikes like the back of their hand. There is also a fantastic riding community that meets there for group rides several times a week. Highly recommend this shop!"
"I brought my father to the shop to help him purchase his very first road bike. Everything was excellent — truly a five-star experience. The staff member who assisted us was very polite, and he provided thoughtful and patient guidance. [...] I will definitely recommend this place to my friends, colleagues, and family in the near future."
"I brought my husband's bike in which was in need of major repair. The gentlemen in the shop were extremely helpful and pleasant to deal with. They got my husband's bike repaired in a few days at a reasonable price. It was a great experience and I would highly recommend them."
"They were one of the only places that repair e-bikes that were not sold by them. Very professional and described what they could do for my bike, gave me the cost estimate upfront. As they were working on my bike they texted me to let me know progress but also gave me insight on my bike. Texted when complete and issue solved. Very reasonable, quick turnaround."
"Nick, Hayden and Pat are great guys who really know what they're doing with bikes. The shop specializes in mountain bikes and they offer bikes for a trial period. Road cyclists also need not be worried since the shop services and sells road bikes although there are not many road bikes on the shop floor. They also host group rides for road cyclists from Spring to Fall on most Tuesdays and Saturdays."
"Can't say enough great things about this place! Hayden and Nick take service to another level. Honest and expert opinions on parts, upgrades, service, and bikes. Brought in my Cannondale for a check up, some new parts and service! Hayden was extremely helpful, and the service was super quick! Highly recommend if you're in the area! Thanks for the roof rack too!"
"Hayden & Nick took great care to help me choose the right bike, in the right size. I had a better choice of quality accessories than if I had looked online - and I could hold them and make sure they fit the bike and my needs. Give these guys a shot before you buy and you'll get their best!"
"Excellent bike shop. Nick helped me out from the time I walked in all the way through my MTB purchase. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and honest. I will be a Northstar customer for life. I highly recommend checking them out if you're in the market for any bike or accessory."
"They have repaired two of our old bikes and the repairs were perfectly done, good turnaround time and great price. Our bikes are 20+ years old! Everyone there is friendly, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and I can tell they love bicycles. Other shops have tried to sell us new bikes and didn't want to repair what we have. When I do buy a new bike it's coming from Northstar because of my experience there. Very highly recommended!"
"Northstar bikes hooked me up! Hayden was awesome setting me up on my first full suspension bike. Couldn't be any happier with my purchase and how my bike rides. Highly recommend these guys. They know their mountain bikes!"
"From the very moment I waked into Northstar I was treated very well. [...] They delivered above what I wanted. We even talked about what was in my budget and they had the right parts and were able to get my my bike back to me in a timely manner. Hayden did a great job and the parts he added looked clean and professionally done. I can't wait to hit the trails."
"The guys are Northstar are incredibly accommodating and it goes without saying very knowledgeable. [...] Whether you ride mountain, gravel, road or leisure, these are the guys to see in the Amherst-Williamsville-Clarence part of town. Even if you don't live close, they are worth dropping in. [...] Truly a shop that adds value to the community and people who want to talk to about getting out there."
"This is the third season we have had Northstar tune up our bikes for the upcoming biking season. And once again our bikes look brand new. Their work is honest and professional. We don't trust our bike service to anyone but Northstar."
"They were one of the only places that repair e-bikes that were not sold by them. Very professional and described what they could do for my bike, gave me the cost estimate upfront. As they were working on my bike they texted me to let me know progress but also gave me insight on my bike. Texted when complete and issue solved. Very reasonable, quick turnaround."
"Nick, Hayden and Pat are great guys who really know what they're doing with bikes. The shop specializes in mountain bikes and they offer bikes for a trial period. Road cyclists also need not be worried since the shop services and sells road bikes although there are not many road bikes on the shop floor. They also host group rides for road cyclists from Spring to Fall on most Tuesdays and Saturdays."
"Can't say enough great things about this place! Hayden and Nick take service to another level. Honest and expert opinions on parts, upgrades, service, and bikes. Brought in my Cannondale for a check up, some new parts and service! Hayden was extremely helpful, and the service was super quick! Highly recommend if you're in the area! Thanks for the roof rack too!"
"Hayden & Nick took great care to help me choose the right bike, in the right size. I had a better choice of quality accessories than if I had looked online - and I could hold them and make sure they fit the bike and my needs. Give these guys a shot before you buy and you'll get their best!"
"Excellent bike shop. Nick helped me out from the time I walked in all the way through my MTB purchase. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and honest. I will be a Northstar customer for life. I highly recommend checking them out if you're in the market for any bike or accessory."
"They have repaired two of our old bikes and the repairs were perfectly done, good turnaround time and great price. Our bikes are 20+ years old! Everyone there is friendly, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and I can tell they love bicycles. Other shops have tried to sell us new bikes and didn't want to repair what we have. When I do buy a new bike it's coming from Northstar because of my experience there. Very highly recommended!"
"Northstar bikes hooked me up! Hayden was awesome setting me up on my first full suspension bike. Couldn't be any happier with my purchase and how my bike rides. Highly recommend these guys. They know their mountain bikes!"
"From the very moment I waked into Northstar I was treated very well. [...] They delivered above what I wanted. We even talked about what was in my budget and they had the right parts and were able to get my my bike back to me in a timely manner. Hayden did a great job and the parts he added looked clean and professionally done. I can't wait to hit the trails."
"The guys are Northstar are incredibly accommodating and it goes without saying very knowledgeable. [...] Whether you ride mountain, gravel, road or leisure, these are the guys to see in the Amherst-Williamsville-Clarence part of town. Even if you don't live close, they are worth dropping in. [...] Truly a shop that adds value to the community and people who want to talk to about getting out there."
"This is the third season we have had Northstar tune up our bikes for the upcoming biking season. And once again our bikes look brand new. Their work is honest and professional. We don't trust our bike service to anyone but Northstar."
"They were one of the only places that repair e-bikes that were not sold by them. Very professional and described what they could do for my bike, gave me the cost estimate upfront. As they were working on my bike they texted me to let me know progress but also gave me insight on my bike. Texted when complete and issue solved. Very reasonable, quick turnaround."
"Nick, Hayden and Pat are great guys who really know what they're doing with bikes. The shop specializes in mountain bikes and they offer bikes for a trial period. Road cyclists also need not be worried since the shop services and sells road bikes although there are not many road bikes on the shop floor. They also host group rides for road cyclists from Spring to Fall on most Tuesdays and Saturdays."
"Can't say enough great things about this place! Hayden and Nick take service to another level. Honest and expert opinions on parts, upgrades, service, and bikes. Brought in my Cannondale for a check up, some new parts and service! Hayden was extremely helpful, and the service was super quick! Highly recommend if you're in the area! Thanks for the roof rack too!"
"Hayden & Nick took great care to help me choose the right bike, in the right size. I had a better choice of quality accessories than if I had looked online - and I could hold them and make sure they fit the bike and my needs. Give these guys a shot before you buy and you'll get their best!"
"Excellent bike shop. Nick helped me out from the time I walked in all the way through my MTB purchase. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and honest. I will be a Northstar customer for life. I highly recommend checking them out if you're in the market for any bike or accessory."
"They have repaired two of our old bikes and the repairs were perfectly done, good turnaround time and great price. Our bikes are 20+ years old! Everyone there is friendly, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and I can tell they love bicycles. Other shops have tried to sell us new bikes and didn't want to repair what we have. When I do buy a new bike it's coming from Northstar because of my experience there. Very highly recommended!"
"Northstar bikes hooked me up! Hayden was awesome setting me up on my first full suspension bike. Couldn't be any happier with my purchase and how my bike rides. Highly recommend these guys. They know their mountain bikes!"
"From the very moment I waked into Northstar I was treated very well. [...] They delivered above what I wanted. We even talked about what was in my budget and they had the right parts and were able to get my my bike back to me in a timely manner. Hayden did a great job and the parts he added looked clean and professionally done. I can't wait to hit the trails."
"The guys are Northstar are incredibly accommodating and it goes without saying very knowledgeable. [...] Whether you ride mountain, gravel, road or leisure, these are the guys to see in the Amherst-Williamsville-Clarence part of town. Even if you don't live close, they are worth dropping in. [...] Truly a shop that adds value to the community and people who want to talk to about getting out there."
"This is the third season we have had Northstar tune up our bikes for the upcoming biking season. And once again our bikes look brand new. Their work is honest and professional. We don't trust our bike service to anyone but Northstar."
Never Ride Alone
Join the Northstar Strava club for weekly group ride schedules, route maps, and leaderboards. Jump into our Discord server to talk tech, trails, and tacos with the local crew.
Visit The Shop
Come visit the experts at Northstar. Swing by for expert advice, a test ride, or just to talk trails. Let us help you get rolling!
Hours
- Sunday Closed
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday - Friday 10am - 6pm
- Saturday 10am - 5pm