07/05/09

A fabulous way to see Chicago

by MaryBrennan

We visited Chicago on a gorgeous, balmy, blue sky day and did the Obama Tour with Kelly. This trip provided great exercise getting down to Hyde Park, and then beautiful riding around the University of Chicago. We learned a lot of interesting things about Chicago history and saw a part of the city that was totally new to us. The bikes were beautiful, comfortable, and so easy to ride. I would definitely recommend this as a great way to tour the city!

• Pros: Invigorating, healthy, fun
• Cons: None

04/10/09

Great city, sweet bike shop

by Fiasco2485

My girl and I were in Chicago on vacation last weekend and decided to rent some bikes. The prices were not bad(3hrs for $20) and we got some cool old school bikes. The staff was also very helpful giving us suggestions and even a free city bike map. The lake front path is pretty cool, but the neighborhoods were even cooler. I would suggest this place to my friends and I'll be back in August.

• Pros: Freindly staff
• Cons: no self guided tours

03/13/09

Incredible Tour! Enjoyable Staff!

by Sunshine6

Recently a friend and I played ‘hookie’ from work on a rare, beautiful March Chicago day and did Bobby’s Bike Hike. It was SO fun and I definitely recommend it! Reserving online was very easy, and upon arriving we were greeted by our very personable and extremely charismatic tour guide Eddie. After signing the waivers and informing us of what to expect, we chatted on the docks right outside . While waiting, another shop employee (didn’t catch his name), came over and asked if there was anything we needed, or any questions we might have regarding the tour. It was great to see that all of the staff was so attentive and accomodating. Nice Touch! After a brief safety demonstration, we were off, literally taking over the entire road as we glided from site to site. Each bike has a unique name and a bell, which our guide Eddie told us to use liberally. And we did!~ The route was GORGEOUS, through all of the Gold Coast Mansions, outdoor eateries , Old Town, Lincoln Park, back along the lakefront trail and finishing with a very fond send-off. The shop attendants then quickly got the bikes from us, and answered all of our questions. It was great! I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I was really blown away by the tour and the excellent service by their staff. I always felt safe and in the know. I will be back! Keep up the good work Bobby’s!!!!

• Pros: Best way to see the city
• Cons: None for me!

08/12/08

renter beware - you are on your own

by jaxma1

My husband, my son & I rented bikes from Bobby while recently in Chicago. What a disaster!!! The attendant adjusted my son's bike seat with a tool and sent us on our way. A mile into the trek and the seat fell. On the Provided maP, another Bobby's location was listed ahead of us, so we Pedaled on to seek rePair there. Once there we were informed that they had no tools and that it was our Problem - read the contract. We were directed to a bike shoP several blocks into the city. When we asked if we could turn the bikes in at that Point, we were told that the two locations were not affiliated and that we could only return the bikes back at the original location. Again - we were out of luck. Why, I ask you would you list an additional location on a maP if there is no affiliation - very misleading. We received nothing but attitude and no assistance whatsoever. RENTER BEWARE - once they have your credit card number - you are on your own. Avoid this establishment at all costs.

• Cons: bad service and bad bikes

06/26/08

awesome way to see Chicago!

by nlp1011

We did the lake tour with Kelly. She was awesome, the bikes were comfortable, the riding was easy and safe for all ages, and it is well worth the price (helmet included). You'll start with some basic hand signals and a safety talk, which gets everyone on the same page. Then you're off and riding! At every stop, you'll learn about what you are seeing and you'll have the opportunity to ask questions or get group photos. The other two routes look pretty cool as well. Might not be as fun in nasty weather, but plan ahead, make sure to make your reservation, and you'll have a blast. Plus you'll get a little exercise and biking is friendly to the environment!

• Pros: Fun guides, Doesn't hurt environment, Easy to find with signs
• Cons: Can't predict weather all of the time, huge groups might hinder experience

05/06/08

The Absolute Best Way to See Chicago

by Brendanbiz

The Absolute best way to see the city. I visited for the weekend and felt like I left knowing the Chicago. Bobby's tour guides are fun, friendly and very informative. The experience was so great I am writing my first review to let everyone know. The bikes are fun to ride and easy enough for just about any one. We took the 10AM tour in the morning of the parks and it was so fantastic that we came back for the 1:30 afternoon tour of the Gold Coast and the neighborhoods. ~18 miles in one day! It was so good we even thought about doing the evening tour. Far and away the best tour in the city for those able to pedal a bicycle. Thanks to everyone at Bobbies for making my visit to chicago an amazing one.

-Brendan from CT

08/21/07

Great time, very informative

by sunnyarcher

We went on the river tour the day before and the bike tour really complemented that experience. Even where we made identical stops, the information imparted by our guide was a little different. We left the river and visited quite a few places south of the river, such as Millennium Park, Grant Park, the Buckingham Fountain and the Field Museum campus. Our guide, Kelly, was articulate, funny and enthusiastic, and made the experience totally enjoyable. The pace of the tour was perfect; the few uphill areas were short and easily managed. I would highly recommend this activity to anyone!

• Pros: Everything was just perfect! Bikes were great!

06/24/07

Better than a river tour!

by angie18

I have been on a few river tours, but none of them compare to Bobby's bike tour. The lakefront neighborhoods tour gets deep into several of the city's well known neighborhoods and explores the history and culture. Our guide, Evan, was very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor, which was a great compliment to what could have been otherwise dry narratives of the neighborhoods. For the price, this tour is a great bargain and highly recommended.

• Pros: Fun, easy, affordable
• Cons: Could be uncomforable in extrememly hot and/or rainy weather

05/08/07

Best Tour in Chicago, Best Bike Ride since I learned how to ride

by catherinewheeler

I just went on a Bobby's Bike Hike tour with my old college roommate Nancy and it was a great social, informative, outdoor, feel good activity. The tour guides were super knowledgeable and it was well presented in a fun and compelling manner. The energy on the tour was high and it made me and Nancy feel like were back in College again. However, don't worry the ride would be doable by anyone. I would recommend going to Bobby's Bike Hike next time you are in Chicago and plan on doing a different tour the next time i am am in town. Thanks for the ride Bobby!!!!

04/30/07

Excellent!!! This is a Can't Miss Event!!! I'm no Cyclist & This was Truly Great

by averagejoe123

Evan was our Tourguide and he was entertaining and was a knowledgeable Tourguide. This was no serious, everybody in bike shorts deal. This was all about being out and having a good time. We toured a part of Chicago my Wife and I had not seen in what amounted to out 17.4 mile walkabout around the City. The tour through the Neighborhoods is without question a can't miss experience in Chicago. The houses were fantastic. Bobby's had bikes that were virtually brand new and easy to use. I'm 49 and can't even say when the last time I was on a bike. It was all pleasurable with frequent breaks and discussion. The ride was fun, not hard. You've got to do it!!

• Pros: A Bike Tour for regular people who haven't been on a bike in a while, GREAT TOUR!!!
• Cons: We had a beautiful day and iffy weather would not be as much fun