Bike Shops in Chicago, IL

Call TV Lenny

When you go to a bike shop, which you should do, even if you buy a used bike, just to test ride a bunch of different models so you can start figuring out what makes you comfortable, make sure to let them know you want a commuter bike, or a "city bike". This one is probably good (but again, I've gone the route of fixing up old ten-speeds into commuter bikes rather than buying new): http://blueridgecyclery.com/product/trek-allant-7-174581-1.htm

Here's another http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/bik/4445220111.html

Again, I like swept-back bars for city/commuting, so I would take a bike like this one above and put different handlebars on it. When you need to keep track of cars, it's easier for me. I got handlebars from Linus for $30: http://www.linusbike.com/products/linus-bike-handlebar-classic

There will be a lot of good bikes on Craigslist, that's for sure. And again, you can add fenders pretty cheaply ($20). Here's one that's probably good: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/4467952389.html

There's a guy in Lena who sells great used bikes for low prices, and he's fixed any problems with them. Cross Roads Bicycles. Dan 815-297-7140 call and ask him, he knows what you'll need!

If your nearest REI has it, test ride this: http://www.rei.com/product/851138/electra-ticino-8 d-bike-2014 It's pricey, but will give you a good feel for what a more upright ride is like.

Look into Urban Pooch. We loved them and took both our boys there when we lived near Damen.

Not sure if still around but Call of The Wild was great for me years back.

Still around. I took a few private lessons when I got my first rescue dog. He was nippy and barked at other dogs. She observed his reactions to her calm, trained dog (two solid minutes of barking) and she helped me learn how to handle him - literally and figuratively. It has been 10 years so don't recall the trainer but it is a school so they should have good teachers. A bit pricey but it helped me get comfortable with my older dog and I got some good tips on how to address his issues. (A harness since he pulled, and a separate collar leash so I could direct his head and therefore direction). http://www.callofthewildschool.com/

http://www.yelp.com/biz/pawsome-dogs-chicago

Sarah Rothke might be the gal for you.

We have worked with Janice Triptow she helped us with many different foster dogs. http://www.dogbehaviorsolutions.net/

We had a great experience at The Barking Lot on Irving Park Rd

What about a bike pannier? I've never used one but if I have to work downtown again I'll probably get one for my bike. A lot of them can carry a good amount of stuff plus you avoid the sweaty back from a backpack.

[Chrome](http://www.chromeindustries.com/) has plenty of large backpacks that would easily fit gym stuff and is made for bike commuters. Timbuk2 as well. Get a lark backpack/rucksack. That's what a lot of bike couriers (Postmates, etc) use to carry a lot of stuff.

When I used to bike to work I used my large chrome messenger for my gym stuff and had enough space left over to fit my briefcase with my laptop and work papers, russian doll style. That would be a sort of middle ground solution for you I guess. When I went to the gym in the morning before work I was able to put my dirty gym stuff in between the liner and the shell after to keep my briefcase from smelling like ass. So another vote for Chrome from me - I think they have a store in SOMA still.

Timbuk2 has a great bag that has a laptop case. Plus that company was started by a guy who used to be a bike messenger. They have a shop in Hayes Valley.

Rickshaw Bags is another great brand made in SF. You can browse their [online site](http://www.rickshawbags.com/) or visit their [warehouse](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rickshaw+Bagworks/@37.7579036,-122.3906378,3 a,75 y,314.25 h,90 t/data=!3 m7!1 e1!3 m5!1 skUDnh1-UTVIVND4EibKvIg!2 e0!3 e2!7 i13312!8 i6656!4 m2!3 m1!1 s0 x0:0 xb01 f080 b8553 a43 a!6 m1!1 e1) in the Dogpatch.

Have you tried craigslist? if not there is a bike shop called Irvs bike shop on 17 th or 18 th and racine

For new, what about Kozy's at 800 S. Desplaines? For used, what about [Working Bikes Cooperative,](http://workingbikes.org/) 2434 S. Western?

are you looking specifically for a shop to buy from locally? depending on what you want, you can get great value from [bikesdirect](http://bikesdirect.com). That's where I picked up my current and though if you ride hard and often you'll have to replace pieces over time, it lets you customize your ride piece by piece. Otherwise there's a chicago bicycling subreddit on the right hand side, or chifg.com. Also craigslist if you know what you're looking for. If you need any other help or tips PM me.

Pm me. I have a good schwin bike I just NEVER use. Would love someone to take it off my hands

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DIY it. I've learned most bike repairs are easy. Just need the tools. Park Tools has great set of HowTo vids on almost any common repair job. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkZxPIZ1 ngY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkZxPIZ1 ngY)

Working Bikes. Uptown Bikes. ​ Support your community cycling non-profit shops.

Does anyone know if Bikes n' Roses is still a shop. They used to be in Albany Park when I lived there and then I think they moved to Humboldt or Hermosa? Something like that. Anyways, that dude was chill. I liked his shops mission.

Derailleur adjustments are sometimes a courtesy fix if you go to an actual shop and not to a dealer. Don't know where you're located but on the North side I recommend West Town bikes in Humboldt park or Boulevard bikes in Logan square. West Town will probably show you how to do it yourself and encourage you to leave something in the tip jar.

You might want to be more specific about area. City or subs? North or south?

Ciclo Urbano has always been very reasonable with me and helpful, but I've been going there for years. Most places have their prices online. A simple adjustment wont run you more than 15 or so bucks per shifter. You an also put a video up on r/bikewrench and they can give you a lead on DIY. If its just a b screw adjustment, it's very easy to do. You just need a Philips screw driver. Unusual for that to be the problem once its correctly set, tbh.

This isn't Chicago but Orland Cyclery in Orland Park is really good

The Bike Lane on Milwaukee is my go to. Reasonable prices, and friendly, knowledgeable staff.

You should say your area but really they're all going to be almost the same price for this.

Working Bikes [^^also ^^try ^^searching](http://www.reddit.com/r/chicago/search?q=+used+bikes&restrict_sr=on)

If your budget is only $200, have you considered a Divvy subscription?

$200 really isn't enough for a good commuter bike unless its used. even then, you're gonna have to settle for something fairly heavy/slow. Working bikes, the recyclery, west town bikes etc will be your best bet

Nearly New Bikes in Lakeview is pretty affordable. All used bikes, but in good shape.

You will also probably want lights and a lock. I had some luck getting a bike from [Kevin Thornton](http://www.yelp.com/biz/kevin-thornton-bikes-chicago). He's got an apartment and a basement full of old bikes he fixes up and sells starting at around $50. Just call ahead.

Definitely Working Bikes Coöperative, 24 th & Western. Their stock turns over fairly often, so if you don't immediately find what you want come back a week later. Another option is to pick up one on Craigslist that's been hiding in a garage for years and have WBC replace the tires, etc., and tune it up.

I 5 th working bikes

I have an old Specialized hybrid bike. Low miles but needs a new gear shift. (It only rides in middle gears now) Message me if interested.

Sam Rudys is the best. I bought my bike there a couple years ago and the staff is great! http://www.yelp.com/biz/rudys-schwinn-cycle-and-fitness-chicago

https://www.facebook.com/apnc1/

Roscoe Village Bikes. They are capable, reliable, friendly, and don't talk down to you. https://www.facebook.com/RoscoeVillageBikes/

I think commercial in South Chicago is starting to look better then the East Side.. They have a Chase Bank, Bank of Amercia.. And the Walgreens got that drive thru.

Perry Hernandez get the old bike crew!! Lol

The ONLY good bike repair shop is in Hyde Park. http://m.yelp.com/biz/blackstone-bicycle-works-chicago

How about a hardware store where the Jewel was? Starbucks? No way!Bicycle shop-yes.

William Balasa-I wish that more places would have "Mental Detectors." LOL!

I know what would look good next to that pawn shop...Liberty Tax Service!

FWIW, there is a new coffee place that opened up on 95 th Street....near where the Aldi's is, just east of Jeffrey.....the name of the place is Pretty Donkey.....what I am saying is someone could come in and open a local coffee place...doesn't have to be an Intellegentsia or Starbucks or what have you....

Hopefully someone has a spare, but could The Recyclery (http://www.therecyclery.org/) be a resource too?

Urbane? http://www.ucycle.com/

Dylan Pants or.... broadway