Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Melanie K on February 4, 2012 at 3:55am

If you are looking for a budget ride, maybe Working Bikes, the Recyclery or Ciclo Urbano (all more charity driven organizations). As for new bikes, I liked the selection at Rapid Transit on North Avenue, too, for new bikes (really liked the Linus ones- very cute and seemed perfect for City riding). I guess it depends on what you are looking to spend and the type of bicycle you like to ride. There are a few shops on the north side as well- On the Route has a few locations around the City and although I have never bought a bike there, the one on Lincoln Avenue has a very nice staff. You could also check the Chicago Bike Shop database, too http://www.chicagobikeshops.info/  you can specify the geographic area range for bike shops and read some reviews.

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Permalink Reply by Molly on February 4, 2012 at 6:29am

thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on February 4, 2012 at 7:31am

Which neighborhood do you live in? I'm a huge advocate of patronizing a shop that you can get to easily - or rather, get home from easily when you have to leave the bike there for service. 

My favorite shop these days is Blue City - but they don't exactly have a huge selection, but what they do have in stock is 20% off now. If you have a particular kind of bike in mind you might want to call them to see if they have anything in your size in stock.

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Permalink Reply by Molly on February 4, 2012 at 7:41am

uptown. i am looking for another hybrid.  preferable one that is theft proof. ha!

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Permalink Reply by Michael Young on February 4, 2012 at 7:45am

Ciclo Urbano (2459 W. Division St.) is a non-profit so its a great place to spend your money.  They also have a lot of bikes that are on sale right now.  If you want to make your bike more theft proof invest in the thickest lock you can carry and make sure your locking it to something solid.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on February 4, 2012 at 9:03am

Uptown Bikes (just south of Leland and Broadway) has a small but good selection of new and used bikes and you cannot beat their service.

Molly said:

uptown. i am looking for another hybrid.  preferable one that is theft proof. ha!

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Permalink Reply by Molly on February 4, 2012 at 11:07am

I go there for service and love it. Never really looked up on the ceiling for their selection. I will give it a try!

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Permalink Reply by Molly on February 4, 2012 at 11:49am

not ignored, just didn't see it. thanks

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Permalink Reply by Jordan Koss (#440) on February 4, 2012 at 1:20pm

Also, consider joining ActiveTrans if you aren't already member. Most of the bike shops listed above will give you a 5-10% discount with an ActiveTrans membership ($35, or even ~$20 now if you purchase along with a ticket to Bike the Drive)

Molly said:

not ignored, just didn't see it. thanks

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on February 4, 2012 at 2:41pm

Uptown Bikes gives 10% off on parts for Active Trans members. Not sure if that applies to complete bikes.

Jordan Koss said:

Also, consider joining ActiveTrans if you aren't already member. Most of the bike shops listed above will give you a 5-10% discount with an ActiveTrans membership ($35, or even ~$20 now if you purchase along with a ticket to Bike the Drive)

Molly said:

not ignored, just didn't see it. thanks

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Permalink Reply by Joe Willis on February 4, 2012 at 3:02pm

I live in Buena Park and do most of my quick stuff at UPtown bikes and the next closest best shop in the area is Johnney Sprokets in Lakeview (Broadway and Wellington). They also have a good sized sesection and are very nice. Kozy's is on Halsted (just past Grace) they are ok (I have had mixed experiences there, Good sales people but their parts counter can be annoying)

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