Pony Shop

The people working in there were friendly enough and they carried some quality bikes but if you’re looking for accessories, they have a pretty minimal assortment and very few items are actually stocked. I went in looking for shoes and clipless pedals and was told that they stock very few items but they could order whatever I want and have it within a few days. It drives me insane when I walk into a store and they think this is a reasonable solution for filling orders for customers who walk through their door looking to buy something. If I wanted to order an item and wait for it, I’d use my Amazon prime membership and probably get it faster and for cheaper than what the LBS is selling it for. I just like supporting local bike shops but if I need an accessory of some sort, I probably won’t be going back to this one to find it.

I recently had work done on my bike at the Pony Shop. Not only was the requested work completed expeditiously but the shop did additional work to improve the performance of my bike that I did not ask for and at it was done at no additional charge. Thanks to the knowledgable professionals at the Pony Shop I am going to be riding faster, stronger and smoother.

Bought a bike here, spending a bit above market price because the place was supposed to offer good service. Two free things came with the bike: a water bottle holder (no water bottle) and a free tuneup. Clerk fails to mention that there’s a restrictive time window within which you have to get the free tune up. I call back when the weather turns warm again to schedule free tune up, am told I missed the window, and that they’re too busy to give a «free» tune up (but they can find the time if I want to pay for the tune up). That’s funny — I thought I paid hundreds and hundreds of dollars for that tune up, only to be told that the deadline for getting it is buried somewhere in the owner’s manual. Pretty lame response. Not good service. Not worth spending above market price with these guys in my experience.

I love this shop. By far the most professional service in the Chicago area. Would highly recomend

Lou (owner) and his team at Pony shop are great. Nice selection of bikes. Knowledgeable sales staff. They know how to dial in a bike fit so that it matches your size and riding characteristics.
Excellent mechanics. And very pleasant people! A fine combination.
I bought a Cannondale from Pony this summer. An extremely fun bike!

I came in looking for a basket for the front of my bike. I have this really heavy chain/​lock combo, that weighs about 8 lbs I and needed a solid carrier for it. The staff helped me find what I needed, explained the pros and cons of the models & types they had and I walked out with exactly what I wanted at a reasonable price. I can’t speak to the quality of the stock of their bikes or repair service, but they had what I wanted and didn’t give me any attitude about my old-​school tastes.

I’ve gone in a few times for both simple but timely repairs and more serious work/​equipment purchases. Every time I end up leaving without spending any money. They charge way too much for their equipment and services. They’re always turning their noses up at my «cheap» equipment in an attempt to shame me into buying more expensive gear, even when my gear is of decent quality. They always try to upsell me on gear or services, but ignore the request I originally came in with.
Even though they’re the only serious bike shop on that leg of my ride, I always end up going elsewhere or taking the time later to do the work myself. When it comes time for me to spend real money on gear/​work, I go to the shops that have been consistently providing me good service for my everyday needs and won’t overcharge me for said gear/​work.

This place has a ton of positive reviews and a good reputation so I’ve taken my bike there a few times. The repairs are top notch but quite expensive compared to what I’ve had done elsewhere.
Service could overall be much friendlier. They didn’t seem interested in answering my questions about some mechanical issues. They also tried to upsell me on a few items which was unnecessary and kind of annoying. Later it was pointed out to me that my handlebars needed a minor modification, one that vastly improved the rideability of my bike. It bothers me that I took my bike into their shop for repairs twice and no one pointed it out or offered to repair it, especially when I think about how much money I spent there.
It seems like this is a really good place for very serious bikers, especially those who bike for sport. I got the impression that those who worked there did not care about my experience because I did not have a ton of money to throw around.

The Pony Shop is a great place to buy and have your bike supported. I have purchased 3 bikes from this shop, and many accessories. I always appreciate the friendly service and knowledge of the staff. They’re willing to listen to any questions I have even though they might be kind of silly questions at times. The best part is that you can find these guys out riding all the time — they’re passionate about biking. Thank you, Pony Shop!

I’ve got a nicer bike than I used to, and I ride it a lot more. I managed to break my chain not long ago, also taking out my rear dérailleur. They fixed me up nicely, also re-​truing the wheel, and I didn’t feel scalped at the end. I was without my bike for a few more days than I would have liked, but they completed the repair in the time frame they estimated in person (over the phone they suggested they might be able to get parts overnighted, which made me think the repair would be faster), and the bike felt perfectly dialed in when I got it back. I’d use them for service or perhaps a tune-​up again.
They also get points for having an outside air hose available during business hours.

The only store that I called that had CarboRocket in stock!
First time coming here and they had everything I needed. There are no bike shops in the suburbs that carry what I was looking for. This shop has a great location and a knowledgeable, friendly staff. I was quickly assisted upon finding the bike foods.
I only wish I lived closer so I could frequent this shop more. The name is cool enough and that alone made me want to shop here.
They had an air hose hanging out of the front door to top of your tires.
A great experience and mad props for having quite the supply of CarboRocket!

I wrote my positive review of The Pony Shop in 2007, but feel the need to update it so folks know it’s still relevant. The Pony Shop is THE BEST BIKE SHOP in Chicagoland. I’ve never been disappointed in the service I’ve received there and I know the owner takes great pride in his shop. We recently moved to CA, and Lou was helpful in getting two of our bikes boxed up so they wouldn’t get damaged in transport on the moving truck. We’ve visited several shops in CA and have yet to find a place that can replicate the great service we received at The Pony Shop.

Very helpful staff. I explained what I was looking for and I was shown two models. I test rode one. I liked it but I want to test ride a brand they don’t carry before I decide. I did buy a new helmet from them though. Customer service is tops.

The people at the Pony shop are extremely helpful; I went to the store with an old road bike I’m slowly building up as my daily commuting bike. I just went in there for some advice and a few accessories; they provided me with excellent customer service. Seeing that I am a low-​budget college student, they recommended for me to check out used bike stores for cheaper parts.
I enjoy their honesty that they provide to us customers; they care more about the customer getting the best deal than the store making money. If you want great customer service and free advice; choose the Pony Shop (Wheel and Sprocket sucks).

The Pony shop is the only bike shop I will visit in Evanston. Hands down. Why? Because they treat people like…(gasp)…human beings.
Take this morning. I came into the Pony shop with an extremely bike novice request, «Can you replace my handlebar tape?»
Now, if I was at another Evanston bike store, the response would have been to peer down their nose and act like I do not deserve to share the same road as real cyclists.
But the very cool and knowledgeable guy at The Pony shop said, «No problem.» He made a couple recommendations on the type of tape I should buy and then let me choose.
He didn’t quiz me on the winner of the Tour De France. He didn’t ask when my latest century was completed. He treated me, a complete bicycle non-​expert with respect.
The work was completed by the time I walked home and I am utterly pleased with the results.
Thank you Pony Shop.

This bike shop is excellent. I went into the shop for bike shoes. The sales associate took the time to explain the differences of each shoe, and pedal options. He then asked about my budget and how I use my bike (for commuting, racing, etc.) so we could determine the best selection for me. The pedals were installed quickly, and he gave me a quick tutorial. I’m very pleased with the service I received.

A few years ago I made a very short sighted bike purchase. Somehow I talked myself into getting a single speed that was super uncomfortable and just not right for what I intended to use it as. Fast forward to about 6 weeks ago and I was ready for another bike purchase. This time I did a ton of internet research and identified two bikes that were within my $ 600 price range as well as way more appropriate for my city riding needs.
I went into another Evanston bike shop that supposedly carried both the Trek and Jamis model that I was looking for. After standing around for 15 – 20 minutes, they finally came up to me and asked if I needed help. Then they told me they did not carry the Jamis, and they only had hideous colors and tiny sizes of the Trek. They just said to come back at some point in the future. That left a bad taste in my mouth.
I knew the Pony Shop was close, so I walked over to see if I had some better luck. I was greeted immediately when I walked in and they could not be more helpful. It was the first time in life someone down sold me. I ended up getting a Giant that was basically the same as the bikes I was looking at, but at $ 200 less. I did a test drive and everything was peachy

Prices are a tad bit higher than I’d like, but the staff is more than competent.
I needed to perform some tune-​ups on my roadie. I was out in the rain a few times and inevitably kicked up some mud into my drivetrain. I’m a busy dude, so I’d rather just pay someone to do this.
I roll up (literally, since I’m on a bike) and get a tune-​up. By the time I got it back, you’d never know moisture existed in the Midwest! :D
I might be upgrading my components pretty soon (derailleurs and shifters to Duras from 105s) and was originally going to do it myself since my bike shop in SD was filled with lazy and sloppy bike mechanics, but I trust these guys enough to do a professional job.
TL;DR — Competent, etc.

I brought my front tire in after it had popped to get the tube replaced and to buy some back-​up tubes. It had been a while since I had changed a tube out, so I wanted to make sure that it was done right. The tire seemed a bit off, but I figured that a place that deals in bikes should know how to do the job.
Afterward I get home and put the tire onto my frame and about an hour later the tire pops. My bike was just propped against my wall. After checking it I realized that they had over inflated the tire.
Good thing that I bought extra tubes while I was there!

We got into a little bike snafu just down the block (bicycle + truck driver not realizing that his trailer was much wider than the truck…).
Thankfully, everyone was all right and someone from Pony Shop came out to assess the scene and to advise us to file a police report. (The scene wasn’t within viewing range of the store, so… ESP for a fellow cyclist in distress?) It was mostly moral support, but we brought the bike in for repairs anyway.
Replacing the wrecked front wheel, fork, stem, headset, and seat: 10 days, $ 177 (parts plus labor). It would’ve taken exactly a week and cost $ 50 less, but Pony Shop called and said that they realized the stem was cracked only after the rest of the parts had been ordered. They even had good judgement about picking a fork color that would match the bike.
Whereas both are clean, pleasant, reputable places, Pony Shop is a hell of a lot less snotty than Turin on Davis St. I randomly asked about pricing for replacing the wheels for my crappy old bike, making it clear I had no intent of paying for anything at the time. At no point did I feel uncomfortable or mocked for my lack of «pro”-ness or reluctance to dish out money. The staff actually tries to *help*, rather than hawk pricier options. What a concept!
One complaint: They only have one checkout counter, so if you come at a busy time (near close, at 8pm on weekdays), be prepared to wait to pay for your stuff. But that’s okay, you can spend the time ogling the gorgeous high-​end bikes suspended from the ceiling.
Lastly, their logo is fucking awesome. A pony, with WHEELS as LEGS? !!