Recommended Bike Mechanics in Chicago

I have a carbon road bike with a carbon fork by Giant. The handlebars seem to keep coming loose. I a looking for a mechanic to check things out. I think the fork is all carbon even up into the steerer tube.It is a Giant Defy Advanced. I don't have a torque wrench and was a little nervous of tightening things on a carbon bike.

Thanks,

Dave

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Permalink Reply by Josh L. on March 31, 2014 at 11:15pm

Can't say enough good things about the bike mechanics John and Nora at Uptown Bikes. Extremely competent.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on April 1, 2014 at 12:22am

Dave, there are a lot of good mechanics in the city, and everyone here will have an opinion. But if you have a preference as to what part of the city, it would help narrow things down.

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Permalink Reply by Dave D on April 1, 2014 at 2:01am

North side and north west. But will go anywhere in city.

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Permalink Reply by Katie on April 1, 2014 at 2:15am

Steve at BFF Bikes on Armitage is great.

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on April 1, 2014 at 2:27am

Last night someone recommended we take my mother in laws hopefully soon to be bike there for a fitting.

Katie said:

Steve at BFF Bikes on Armitage is great.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on April 1, 2014 at 2:48am

All of the Comrades at Comrade Cycles on Chicago just east of Damen.

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Permalink Reply by Tominator on April 1, 2014 at 3:42am

I know, big bad chain, internet store, but I like Performance on Diversey/Halsted. The new bike prices are pretty good if you know what you're doing and I've had good luck with the mechanics as well.

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on April 1, 2014 at 4:38am

If you own a carbon bike, or even just a carbon fork, seatpost, stem, and/or bars you really should have a simple torque wrench unless you never ever want to make any minor adjustments yourself. Going to your LBS is great but there are just some things you will need to do yourself at times.

A Ritchey Torque Key is inexpensive at around $15 and anyone who owns a carbon bike or a bike with carbon parts should own one IMHO. Unless you like running to the LBS every time you want to raise or lower your saddle 1mm

Another nice thing to have is some fiber grip -especially if you have a carbon seatpost.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Z on April 1, 2014 at 10:49am

I've had nothing but good luck with Kozy's on Milwaukee, just north of Belmont.

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Permalink Reply by Hey! Bike Shop Guy on April 1, 2014 at 2:36pm

Any shop should be able to do that for you but if you have a carbon bike James is right, you really should invest in a torque wrench or torque key at the very least.

Even adjusting your saddle really should involve a torque wrench because you can cause some damage quite easily over tightening carbon. I work on bikes all day and have a very good feel for correct tightness and I always get out a torque wrench or key for carbon stuff.