Chicago
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Cycle Bike Shop Inc
A Jewel In The Crown (of Downtown Chicago). I have only one thing to add: this is a great shop to RENT a bicycle for a day (or more) if you need (or want) one. With some GREAT lake front (paved) trails, Chicago offers a super day trip experience for even the occasional (and even the out of shape) cyclist. With virtually NO hills, a day trip (with or without picnic) either north or south of downtown is - especially with a multi-geared, lightweight cycle, such as those this shop rents out - is an experience you should not deny yourself. Believe me, there's no better way to see Chicago (including boat and bus tours). Don't even consider a Segway tour unless you have serious, debilitating medical problems. If you can walk a couple of blocks withtout getting winded, you'll do FINE. Plus, you'll get some truly FUN exercise in the bargain. The people at (Re)Cycle adjusted my (rental) bike so I'd get the most out of it... something many shops wouldn't bother doing. They even offered my friend and me leftover treats from a weekend barbecue... the moment we walked in the door! This is the kind of business that deserves the support of both "serious" and "casual" cyclists.…
Smartest in town.
This shop is crowded with equipment, somewhat dark, and hard to find. Find it anyway, because they know their stuff better than anyone. Carmichael the owner is the smartest mechanic in town. Even
when he doesn't do something himself (and he often does) his assistants are great too. They have have a surprising variety of bikes given their size, and back up what they sell with no fuss.
There's a big black dog -- very calm and almost always emulating a floor mat.
I am an avid cyclist and have used many of Chicago's shops for the last 13 years. My ranking is:
1. (Re) Cycle Bike Shop
2. Rapid Transit
3. <No 3 because others are not really close>
4. Kozy's downtown
5. Trek (Michigan Ave)
6. Village
7. Performance…
Score a new ride or check out the collection of vintage ones at this unique South Loop bike store..
The Scene
On a stretch of South Michigan once filled with car dealerships, this dusty, spacious, yet cluttered store is an interesting counterpoint to the shiny franchises that dominate
bicycle retail. A friendly mutt nuzzles your hand as you browse the chaotic stock of mountain and road bikes. Counters in the rear, if you can get to them, hold a good selection of hubs and new and used parts catering to a messenger clientele.
The Goods
Despite its name, the store carries mostly new bikes, including track, cyclocross, and light, fast, city models; prices are excellent across the entire range. Look for names like Felt, Soma and KHS. There are a few trade-ins in one corner, and numerous vintage collectibles provide atmosphere. Clothing and accessory choices are somewhat thin, but there are parts aplenty. Mechanics know their stuff and can turn around repairs much faster than busier shops nearby.…
