Chicago Bicycle Company

Got a flat on my commute home. Stopped in and they fixed me up in no time. Great service!

I work in the loop and went out for a lunch ride. I had a small mechanical problem with my seat post and it needed fixing or I would not be riding. I was on the lakefront path when this happened. Unilocaled «bike shops» and the closest shop was On The Route. I went there and within minutes the problem was identified and I was on my way. Very personable and knowledgable help. I could not have asked for any more than I received.

Friendly and knowledgable service. I was helped as soon as I walked in the door. I believe the owner helped me and he not only gave me a discount for being a first time shopper but gave me great advice.

I have been in the bicycle business for over 18 years as as a former shop owner, former bike shop employee, and currently a mobile mechanic. These guys are an exception to the Chicago bike shop rules. Jeff took amazing care of me when I stopped in to the Printers Row shop in need of a few small parts. Not only did Jeff display amazing technical instincts, he does so with a smile with no infamous bike shop attitude. James also sets a new standard for bike shop friendliness and knowledge of the industry. This place is a gem. I never met this owner, but if I did, I would tell him how lucky he is to have both of these fine mechanics.

I commute year round, I can do all basic repairs myself. I can walk the walk and talk the talk. As such, I usually make friends w bike shop employees fairly quickly.
Not this place. I have an issue w a crankset, I happened to roll by and went in to ask the guy if he could check the tightness of the crankarm and BB. In my experience, this is something that’s done for free, although I’d be willing to pay if necessary.
Dude working was almost standoffish when I asked him if he thought it could be an issue of the BB getting wonky or cranks coming undone, with wonderful phrases like «Well, I can’t say b/​c I don’t know the bike’s entire history,» or «I mean, I’m *just* speculating here, so I’m really not sure.» I asked questions of him b/​c he’s the expert, and every.single.answer I got was chilly, at best.
It’s just odd to me, b/​c I have NEVER experienced this from any of the other 6 – 8 bike shops I’ve regularly gone to in my 8 years of living in Chicago. The guy’s final suggestion was, if I wanted him to, he could remove the entire BB and crankset, check its tightness and threading, and completely reinstall it.
I came in asking him to check the tighness of the crank arm, and he responded by suggesting we totally rip out and reinstall the BB and crankset. That’s like going in to check the pressure of the tires in your car, and having the mechanic suggest you buy new tires b/​c the pressure is low.
That and, $ 9 inner tubes. I get it, guys, rent is more expensive in Lakeview, but wow. WTF.
Normally I’m not one to complain about the attitude of an employee at a bike shop, at all, but this guy supremely rubbed me the wrong way. Never again.

In and out, not even 10 minutes, and my brakes are fixed and tightened up. Go here.
The owner is very straightforward and expresses both care and honesty. I feel like I can trust him with my ride. They made an adjustment on my brakes to where they feel tighter, faster and safer now.
Remember to get a student discount fellow college goers!

Amazing Bike Shop!!! I needed to ship my bike to Minneapolis and Jeff was super accommodating! I’ve never experienced such friendly and accommodating customer service!

I’ve been to On The Route several times from the time they were on south Michigan to now and the service is always excellent. I’ve had flat tires fixed in 20 minutes and tune ups that pro longed the life of my trek 7.5.
Jeff is the absolute best! He’s always kind and efficient and is a pro on everything bike!
I’ve recently purchased by first high end bike a Raleigh Willard 2 cyclocross and it’s been nothing short of amazing.

Just picked up a 2015 Raleigh Roper here. Graduating from a very old mountain bike to my first road/​cyclocross/​commuter, the two gentlemen were very helpful in providing valuable input to my decision.
I also came here when they were having a sale on all of their 2015 models. Got my bike for 50% off.
To top it off, they also do Military discounts here. Can’t complain about a great establishment!

Top notch bike store!!! Dennis and Andre were amazingly patient and helpful. Dennis worked within my budget and we walked out of the store with 2 amazing bikes and a wealth full of knowledge. I don’t know much about bikes and Dennis and Andre were ever so patient with my questions. I can’t say enough good things about this store and Dennis’s staff. I will go to them for every bike need I have. Great great great great experience. Thank you!!!

I needed some help with my bike after hours, the people were kind enough to come out and help me get back on the rode! Very friendly and knowledgable!

Love these guys. They’re always friendly, helpful and will fix your bike as quickly as possible. They’re definitely my go-​to bike shop.

I had a minor issue that needed immediate attention appear on my bike as I passed by the shop, so I stopped in. They fixed it quickly and inexpensively. I was pleasantly surprised, considering the other bike shop in the area is expensive and always has a huge wait time. I’ll definitely stop by On The Route next time I need gear in the area.

The fourth star is for a super convenient location close to the loop. The fifth star is for a job well done. Popped a spoke on the way to the office last week and rather than ride a wobbling wheel all the way to my usual shop in Evanston after work, I rode the few blocks down Dearborn during lunch. Despite the extra work to drill out a stripped rotor screw to get to the hub (at no charge), the wheel was trued, tires filled and brakes recalibrated in no time and I was back at the grind before anyone knew I was away. Top quality work and despite no desire to experience more mishaps on the way to work, I’m sure I’ll be back.

Jeff at On The Route is incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of any bike. I am lucky to live in the building above On The Route and even in the short time they have been here they have helped my girlfriend and me many times. Just yesterday I took my vintage moped — not even a bicycle– because my mirror wouldn’t stay on and Jeff went above and beyond to grind down a part to retrofit my mirror. Quite simply he solved my problem and was eager to help out. Definitely a first class job.

Great experience! I had a tune up done on my bike. It rides like new again! They were very friendly and quick! The biggest thing that I appreciated is that they didn’t try to up sell me with accessories or unnecessary repairs. Definitely will be back! Easy 5 stars.

I went in twice in the last several weeks to inquire about a new bike and made a purchase on the second time. Dennis, the owner, was extremely courteous and helpful. I already knew which bike I wanted coming in, but the professionalism and respect that Dennis and Jeff displayed was what eventually convinced me to make a purchase at the shop. During my visits, I saw the two of them treat every single customer from different backgrounds of riding with the same respect that they deserve, from the guy with the expensive cyclocross to the old lady with her cruiser bike who was just beginning to ride. Prices are very affordable for brand-​new bikes and labor isn’t very expensive either. They have a great selection of accessories as well.

Came in for a tube change last night while it was extremely busy and ended up being helped really quickly. The guy (Andre was his name I think) helped me and 2 other customers simultaneously and also made us all feel like we had his attention as he worked quickly on our repairs. He was awesome, 5 stars, definitely coming back soon.

I had a great experience at this location. I purchased my bike at On The Route on Lincoln Ave in 2013. Had a couple tune-​ups there and have always been treated fine. My experience at their south loop location was pretty great: I had my chain, cassette, and one of my chain rings replaced. Jeff did it quickly, without great expense, and he even went a little above and beyond by taking care of a couple things that I hadn’t even known were wrong with my bike.
I’d definitely recommend going there, especially if you commute to/​from the loop. I had repairs done in a matter of hours so there was no commuting down time.

Knowledgeable, quick, and genuinely nice dudes. Had a good selection of moderately-​priced parts, and totally reasonable labor costs. Jeff even adjusted a couple minor things free of charge while he had my bike on the stand, and took his time in explaining the different repair options that I had.

Went in for some tubes, picked up a hat I hadn’t seen elsewhere. They guys were friendly and quick. I work nearby and was glad to find this resource, as I commute daily on my bike. I’ll be back when I need my bike serviced.