The Chainlink

Finally made it up to Smart Bike Parts at 3031 W. Armitage. It is now my favorite store in the city. Probably the only LBS that is actually less expensive than purchasing parts and tires on-line. They are not really local to me, but well worth the little trip. Highly recommended. I realize this won't be news to many Chainlinkers, but I just wanted to give a shout out, because I had such a nice experience dropping by and buying a bunch of stuff.

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George Christensen who is a world tourer (see his blog here) and used to be a bike messenger back in the 80's loves this place.  Have been meaning to visit for years based on his recommendation.

Hi Judy. It's no problem parking. No meters on Armitage and the side streets are not permit parking. Which suburb are you in? I know most of the better bike shops in the Northwest Suburbs, in case you need a recommendation.

....and best of all, they are located in the best neighborhood in Chicago...the neighborhood that inspired author L. Frank Baum's Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz...LOGAN SQUARE!!!
Opps, it wasn't George, but someone else, just can't remember who, highly recommended this place.

Julie Hochstadter said:
George Christensen who is a world tourer (see his blog here) and used to be a bike messenger back in the 80's loves this place.  Have been meaning to visit for years based on his recommendation.
They gave me a good deal on new tires. I don't live in the area but occasionally work out there. Went to Armitage Bikes a couple times but never really felt good about my experiences there (despite the owners extreme friendliness). Glad to have found Smart Bikes.
They are seriously the best bike store in the city.  I've fixed up a lot of bikes and have been to at least a dozen shops in the city.  They have the best prices, friendliest staff, and if you need used parts - you'll find some for crazy cheap.

I never have made it there for happy hour though, I should make a point to do that sometime.
Fucking love Smart Bike Parts. Super nice crew, great selection, helpful as shit, and, and if that's not enough they will greet you with an ice cold adult beverage. One of the best shops in the city.
Yeah when I'm thinking of picking up some bar tape from somewhere, "do they have a happy hour" is a pretty strong deciding factor. They've gone out of their way to establish good relationships with customers and good for them.
The Owner: Eric Puetz & his wife Linda, are personal friends. Can't say enough good things about them. I would highly recommend this shop1
Slight correction: the owner TRIES to race cross. His consistent lack of speed, technique and strength is a thing to behold. Only a handful of races left at ChiCrossCup.com. Can't wait to try not to finish last and/or get pulled next Sunday. Ride on. Eric - SmartBikeParts.com

pjc jr said:

Smart bikes is the bomb.  The owner races Cyclocross and his store helped a little with my build this season.  They are new to me, but I have already been back many times.  They always lay some knowledge on me and their service and employees are terrific.  Also, one of the last few stores in this city that have bins of used parts to purchase.

 

Thanks Smart Bikes, you deserve a shout out!  Or a hand-up like they say in CX!

A group of us bought a gift there--a Brooks B17S saddle. It was $15 (and some tax) less than I paid for the same model I bought for myself elsewhere. Smart Bike Parts ordered it for us and we got it really quickly, too. I'd definitely go back there again.  In fact, I regret that I haven't been back since, but I don't need anything...yet!
Eric,

You sound like me. Cx races are super fun and my goal is to try not to come in dead last.

Eric Puetz - Smart Bike Parts said:
Slight correction: the owner TRIES to race cross. His consistent lack of speed, technique and strength is a thing to behold. Only a handful of races left at ChiCrossCup.com. Can't wait to try not to finish last and/or get pulled next Sunday. Ride on. Eric - SmartBikeParts.com

pjc jr said:

Smart bikes is the bomb.  The owner races Cyclocross and his store helped a little with my build this season.  They are new to me, but I have already been back many times.  They always lay some knowledge on me and their service and employees are terrific.  Also, one of the last few stores in this city that have bins of used parts to purchase.

 

Thanks Smart Bikes, you deserve a shout out!  Or a hand-up like they say in CX!

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