The Chainlink

Recommend a shop - Lincoln or Logan Squares

I have a close personal sister who recently bought a bike from the now closed Dutch Bike Co. She asked me to recommend a bike shop on the north-side for service. She lives in Lincoln Square and works in Logan Square (approximately). I'm not familiar with the shops in either 'hood. I do think it is good practice to use the most local good LBS, but if it isn't good then it does not matter how local it is.

 

Can anyone share their experience with say, Iron Cycles or On the Route or Boulevard Bikes? (I got a great deal on an old Trek 500 at Boulevard, but I don't know how they are for service.)

 

Any other shops thereabouts that you can recommend or warn us away from?

 

(My hands down favorite north side bike shop is Quick Release, and I'm also a fan of Rapid Transit, but I think she'd be better off with a place closer to work or home if possible.)

 

thanks!

 

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jordan Koss (#440) on October 7, 2011 at 1:15pm
I've been very happy with Boulevard Bikes
Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on October 7, 2011 at 1:20pm
Those are all great shops!  As is Roscoe Village Cycles which is kinda in between. Blvd seems to be the most commuter centered of the bunch.
Permalink Reply by Len Krietz on October 7, 2011 at 1:55pm
Thought one of the reasons to buy a dutch bike was that they're built like tanks and don't need frequent service?
Permalink Reply by Craig S. on October 7, 2011 at 2:28pm
I have nothing good to say about On The Route, either location. I live close to the Lawrence location and I will shop there if one of the mechanics is working (unfortunately I don't know names). If anyone else is working, forget it. No shop that treats their customers like dunces deserves to get any of my dollars. unfortunately, many of my friends and neighbors have had similar experiences with On The Route.

I hear Iron Cycles on Montrose has a good reputation.
Permalink Reply by Steve Courtright on October 7, 2011 at 2:41pm
If she doesn't mind trundling up to Evanston, I would recommend Pony Shop.
Permalink Reply by Justin B Newman on October 7, 2011 at 4:07pm

I had a really good experience with Boulevard Bikes this summer.

 

-jbn

Permalink Reply by Timothy Hager on October 7, 2011 at 4:24pm
I love Boulevard Bikes.  I have bought a bike new from them as well as having several serviced.  The mechanics are good and friendly.
Permalink Reply by MagMileMarauder on October 7, 2011 at 4:57pm
Smart Parts (Armitage and Whipple, in Logan Sq)  is a great store. I've had three (out of three) good experiences there this summer, and they're easy on the pockets.
Permalink Reply by Erin Rensink on October 7, 2011 at 4:58pm
The owner of Boulevard Bikes owns a Dutch cargo bike himself, plus sell some Dutch made cycles in the shop.  They should be familiar with fixing one and the shop is right across the street from the Blue Line.  Good luck!
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on October 7, 2011 at 8:24pm
When I lived in Rogers Park, I regularly took my bikes to Pony Shop for service and was very pleased with their work.

In Logan Square, I've heard lots of rave reviews about Boulevard Bikes.

Steve Courtright said:
If she doesn't mind trundling up to Evanston, I would recommend Pony Shop.
Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on October 8, 2011 at 7:53am

Boulevard is a great shop.

 

If she bought a Linus I do recommend Rapid Transit because they are a Linus dealer.

Permalink Reply by Allen Wrench on October 8, 2011 at 8:56am
One thing to keep in mind when you choose is their experience with the internal hub that her bike has. For example, few places can troubleshoot and fix a Nexus 8 speed hub though many of these bikes come with them. I think there are a few US models that are starting to have these but even changing a rear tire is baffling for many shops because wheel removal is so odd (chainguard, roller brake, anti-turn washers, hub attachment...). I've had OK luck with Nexus 8 adjustments at Rapid Transit and Blue City but I have no experience with the others you are considering - I'm sure many people can do a good job but you should ask.

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