Rapid Transit Cycle Shop
Chicago, IL 60622-1314
Phone: (773) 227-2288
- Cross Street:
- Wolcott Avenue
- Directions:
- El: Blue Line to Damen; bus: 56 to North/Damen, 72 to Wolcott, 50 to Milwaukee/North
- Hours:
- Winter (Oct 1-Mar 14): Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm, Summer (Mar 15-Sep 30): Mon-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
Editorial Review for Rapid Transit Cycle Shop – by Colin Murphy
The Shop
The windmill-wheeled cruiser over the door beckons passersby and frustrated motorists into this friendly neighborhood shop, where the emphasis is on cycling as a lifestyle rather than a hobby. You'll find a good selection of lights, racks, fenders, and other accoutrements that distinguish year-round riders from fair-weather fashionistas. Clothing tends towards the dowdy but functional, with an excellent selection of high-performance winter and foul-weather gear and cycling shoes that are actually comfortable for walking. Tire and parts selection can be a bit thin, but they'll happily special order.
The Bikes
The staff will eagerly tech-geek when called upon, but is patient with newcomers and the mechanically retarded. Look for lesser known, quality makes like Van Dessel, Marin, Jamis, Breezer, and Soma configured as durable urban workhorses. Laid-back recumbents are another specialty, as are Metra-friendly folding bikes and kids-and-cargo trailers. Mechanics are top notch and reasonably priced, though turnaround can be slow at busy times.
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Insider Tips
Gas UpIf your tubes are flaccid, air is free for the taking outside the shop door on Wolcott Ave. The hoses are hooked to the shop's air compressor, though, so you'll be buying a new tube if you let it fill for too long.
Happy FridayThe shop is a big proponent of bicycling advocacy, and closes early on the last Friday of every month so the staff can participate in the monthly Chicago Critical Mass ride from the Loop.
Keep 'Em ComingThe fact that this is a small, locally owned shop and not a big chain franchise is reflected in higher prices on some items. But regulars are often rewarded with discounts at the register that encourage repeat visits.
User Reviews for Rapid Transit Cycle Shop
08/14/2008 Posted by allex
These guys make one want to go out and buy a huge Hummer or Jeep to guzzle gas and take up space! Aboout the only cool thing there was that it was in Wicker Park. I'm not a super geek about riding but I make the effort when I can. I'm a professional with 9 to 7pm hours, and so I go riding on weekends. This recent weekend I went in after I noticed the tire was low and tried to put air in it. No luck, it was a flat. Thought I could go to this joint and have them help me fix it. When I walked in, I got one glance and nothing after that. I asked someone for help, they looked at my bike and WALKED AWAY!!! It's an okay bike...I don't race on it (i'm not a racer or bike messenger for that matter). Nonetheless I guess it wasn't worth the time. After about 20 minutes waiting for someone's attention, the sales person said they could not help me??! Isn't that what a bike shop is for? They didn't even look at it. I went to Village Cycle instead. They were professional, fast and friendly. Too bad with Rapid Nazis.....they could of foudn another loyal customer just trying to be a little green, instead they lost out for being soo elitist! Not worth the time or effort! You'll regret it!!
Pros: The neighborhhood
Cons: Costly, not friendly, too elitist, cramped
08/12/2008 Posted by scooterjacks
I don't know what the deal was with this place.....I'm not a cyclist by profession or maybe it was because I didn't have an awesome bike, but WTF??!! I went in there to get my bike worked on because it was new and I didn't know if it was put together well. When I walked in, I was made to feel like a lepar! They sales guy refused to work on my bike, stating "No. It's not worth my time to work on junk!" I walked out feeling horrible. I had cash to get it worked on. I just wanted to ride again, but it's obvious I just wasn't worth the time. Bike Nazis!!
Pros: Clean
Cons: Rude, Not friendly, over-priced
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