The Chainlink

Best Place for Bicycle Repair Estimate?

I am looking for some suggestions on the best place to take a bicycle for a repair estimate after an accident. The bike in question is an older steel bike (early 80's Schwinn), but it was in pristine condition, rode and shifted smoothly and garage kept- and basically, was a very nice bike. After the accident, the drive-train on the bike was definitely messed up as well as the brake levers/brakes and some cosmetic damage, and we also need to know if it is structurally safe to ride since the impact was pretty hard.  We were thinking Kozy's or On the Route as they are closer to our apartment and the bike is unrideable in its current condition, but I know there are a lot of places out there and would like to see if anyone else has any better suggestions. 

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Brendan Kevenides on March 24, 2011 at 10:08am

Both of those shops have experience doing that sort of thing.  I would also recommend, the Bike Lane in Logan Square across from the Congress Theatre.  In fact, nearly any shop in Chicago will have experience doing a post-accident repair estimate.  

 

Brendan.

Permalink Reply by Melanie K on March 24, 2011 at 10:19am

Thanks Kevin! 

 

I also note that the Bike Lane has a coffee shop. I have to give it a plus for that.

Permalink Reply by Ace Mann on March 24, 2011 at 10:33am
I would take it at least to 3 different bike shops.Some shops maybe more busy right now,and can't do it right then,or one shop may have all the parts on hand or have someone at the shop who likes working on older bikes.The more estimates you can get for the bike,the better off you will be.
Permalink Reply by Brendan Kevenides on March 24, 2011 at 10:46am

I've never seen that coffee shop operational, but I know they have the best of intentions;-)

 

Permalink Reply by Finch on March 24, 2011 at 11:06am
I would agree with Ace Mann - estimates are free, no harm in getting a couple opinions. Though of the two you listed, I'd probably go with On the Route first.
Permalink Reply by Steven Vance on March 24, 2011 at 4:49pm
I think you should take it to the shop you normally go to for repairs. I don't think any shop will provide you with any additional benefit or advantage over taking the bike to any other shop. Each shop, though, will probably provide you a differently priced estimate based on that shop's cost of doing business. If having a high estimate is a goal of yours, then take it to the shop with the highest posted repair rates.
Permalink Reply by Melanie K on March 25, 2011 at 7:01am
Since we do most of our own repairs at home, and only take it to the shop when something is out of our league to fix ourselves, we don't really have a shop we normally go to- usually, we go to wherever is nearest or has the best hours for our schedules. I don't care about a high estimate as much as I want a place who will be thorough in checking out the entire bike to make sure all the problems are caught and that it is still structurally safe to repair and ride again.
Permalink Reply by John Sirovatka on March 25, 2011 at 11:26am
Boulevard Bikes is the place to go. They get my repair dollars every time I need to spend hard earned cash. They'll give it to ya straight.

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