How is it possible that I haven't written a review for BFF yet? I love this shop. They're welcoming and friendly and have a great range of products for cyclists of all types (Commuter? Road racer? Long distance touring? Cruising around your neighborhood? This shop is for you). They host tons of really useful clinics and rides year round (and I swear there is ZERO PRESSURE to buy anything when you attend the clinics, they really just want you to eat snacks and ask questions). The mechanics are friendly and they do a great job. Such a fantastic community driven, women owned business. read more

It was such a pleasure to work with Annie while trying to buy a new bike during COVID. She was great about staying in communication. When I arrived at the shop to pick up my bike, I was pleased to find a friendly, no-attitude environment. Highly recommend! read more

To preface: I have been trying to find a bike for my girlfriend for over a year, with little to no luck at all. The majority of shops that I looked at simply did not have a variety of female bikes to choose from. Fast forward to this past weekend (4/26/14): I had heard the buzz about BFF bikes and having a free weekend on my hands, my girlfriend and I decided to go and check it out. 1. The ambiance in this shop is amazing. It is warm/cozy/ inviting. All good vibes from this place. They have a nice lounge area with a couch and interesting and relevant reading material. 2. The people. Liz and Vanessa ( one of the owners) were there to greet us as soon as we walked in the door. They were very helpful when it came to figuring out which bike style would best fit my girlfriend, without feeling like they were trying to sell us something. 3. The merch. I didn't take exact count, but i would say they had at least 10 different styles of bike to choose from accommodating just about any riding style. it felt like enough to to choose from without being overwhelmed by 50 different bikes. The brands are nice too, Bianchi, Giant and Public I believe. They also carried stylish riding clothes (of which my girlfriend plans to go back and pick up). 3.5 - Service- they do have a service station. We only got a light tune up because the bike was brand new, but we plan on coming back for regular service. 4. The experience. We were able to go in, learn about their bikes, take one for a test drive, purchase a bike/helmet/lock. While they were tuning the bike up for us, we really got to know the staff and had a great time. It is hard to walk away from BFF bikes without feeling like you've made a new friend. I would recommend this place to any level rider/ male or female. read more

Absolutely would recommend to anyone in search of a great bike AND great experience. From the moment I walked into the store, everyone was welcoming and attentive. I had an idea in mind for a new commuter (bike to work), and wanted to hear more about different brands and styles. At the time, I hadn't pictured purchasing a bike that day, but after the positive and extremely helpful experience, I wanted to! I talked about wanting a new Bianchi Milano Dama (Celeste) with one of the owners, Vanessa. After expressing my excitement about a new bike, I also mentioned that I had an idea of putting a basket on the back for my little pup, Harold. I explained (and showed) a picture I had found on the internet of the basket I wanted; I couldn't remember the name or where I found it. (I also love that it is dog friendly). As I waited for my boyfriend to join me at the store and look around (he knows a great deal about bikes and I wanted his opinion too), Vanessa took the time and located the basket I had showed her! She also mentioned that they would be able to ship the basket to the store, and secure it to my bike for me. I was ecstatic! I realized that I wanted to do business with them because they were a great company, and they cared about what I wanted and was looking. A week later I went with my little munchkin and we picked up our new ride. I gotta say, Harold LOVES his bike basket. It fits him perfectly and safely. We have been biking around with our new wheels for a little over a week, and we both enjoy it. It makes biking to work a breeze, and it makes biking with Harold amazing. I can't wait to go back with him and show the team how much we both enjoy our new set up. Thanks BFF Bikes! read more

So, I just wanted to give a shout out to Vanessa and Jo-Joe at BFF Bikes on Armitage! I was out with my little ones and we blew a tire in our mountain buggy-I managed to half carry the whole contraption for what felt like an hour and we got to BFF bikes just as they opened. I didn't even have my wallet with me and Vanessa just fixed us right up and sent us back out-no charge!!! What great service and I wanted to write a public thank you on here :) read more

Bought my bicycle here because I wanted to support a woman-owned business. I think I spent a decent amount of money: almost $800 on a new Bianchi bicycle, lights, lock, bell....but I really just received no enthusiasm or real interest from the female sales attendant - possibly owner? Truly a lackluster experience. I guess the only good part was that she let me try different bikes by riding them around the block. I did end up buying something very different from what I thought I wanted (and that is a good thing), but meh, get a personality BFF. I just bought my husband a bike at On The Road on Lawrence where Ross, Chris and the team were incredibly helpful and seemed to love what they do. Buh bye BFF....I won't be back. read more

I worked here for years. Great shop. Annie is an upstanding business person and a great boss.

Recently purchased a Liv Avail from here - really liked the staff and neighborhood vibe. Definitely a solid and knowledgeable bike shop.

Got a flat tire and was in and out very quickly. They even had my awkward size tire in stock. Score! First time in this bike shop and I will definitely come back again. Great energy and very friendly staff. Fair prices and fast service. Thanks again for help. See you soon!...but hopefully under other circumstances:) read more

BFF Bikes is just like the name says. If your best friend had a bike shop, you'd feel just as comfortable there. A wealth of knowledge but with the female cyclist in mind, newbie or pro. Unlike a lot of shops, there's plenty of women's gear and the repair shop prices are really competitive... read more

This place is great!!!! Annie is so great! I am sooooooo beginner, haven't been on a bike in years...don't know anything! She was so amazing I dropped $900 and was happy to do it! WOW! read more

The staff at this place is nice and the selection is decent for a small shop. I am upset that they moved my seat height during a tune up. My bike is professionally fitted and this impacted my fit. In Chicago most fitters charge $300 so this was an expensive mistake they made. Take you beater and commuter bikes there. Don't take your racing bikes. read more

A Chicago female geared bike shop...don't mind if I do! I have been biking for over 10 years and have been desperate for a shop like this to come to town. It is great to walk in and know you won't be talked down to or told they don't carry women's gear. Whether you are a commuter or racer or whatever, they have a great selection of products and will do their best to get it for you if they don't have it in stock. The super friendly and helpful owners/staff round out this great experience. They are my new biking BFF for sure! read more

Just stopped in here for the first time tonight. Annie and Steve were really friendly and helpful, and they even let me bring my dog in and had treats for her! In addition to all the really fun stuff they sell, they have a whole bunch of free events that they do, like Saturday morning rides to neighborhood cafes and commuter clinics. This may just be what I need to start being more of a regular cyclist. I can't wait for my first cafe ride tomorrow! read more

This place is great. Really cool selection of women's clothes and gear, like great gloves in cool styles. The people that work there are all really nice and helpful, not standoffish or condescending like at other bike shops. Bike love! read more

Great store, awesome selection of women oriented goods. In a city packed full of bike shops, it is really great to have one that is women focused. They have a wonderful variety of jerseys, shorts, and other cute biking clothes. They also stock cute accessories like glasses, bags and jewelry. Not to mention their full repair services and awesome store mascots. Oh, and Vanessa and Annie are pretty amazing themselves! read more

I am obsessed with BFF bikes! The place is female focused, but still have bikes men can purchase too. They have a wide variety of bikes they can order for you! I got my beautiful Brooks saddle from them and my beloved helmet along with other tidbits. They put on informative seminars (with beer) to educate bikers on different ways to advance their biking portfolio... like bicycle touring and racing. They also have group rides to cafes on Saturdays. How cute!! Steven and Lauren repair bikes. They are great at explaining to you what's wrong and helping you in a non condescending way. I'm hooked to BFF bikes. They've got a loyal customer right here. read more

I went to two other bike shops to try to find a road bike to get me to work. Performance Bike was scant on the selection in my price range, and the staff not particularly friendly. The ordered my bike only for me to find out it was out of stock a week later. Then came a vintage selection at Working Bikes, which failed when I realized it was too big half way into my hour commute. I had pretty much given up on finding a bike when I decided to head to BFF. I thought they'd be out of my price range, but due to the end of summer sale, I found a beautiful Liv bike in my budget, that rides so comfortably, that even a newbie to road biking like me loved it. I found the 606 trail behind their shop and test rode the bike for about 20 minutes. It was great. Annie was super patient and helpful, and her recommendation and knowledge of women's biking anatomy and positioning was so helpful. The only thing that keeps BFF from getting a 5 star from me is that the bike I bought came with a seat that severely bruised my soft tissue after 1-2 rides. I ended up having to hunt around for a replacement bike seat. While this is not the bike shop's fault, I do feel that the owners could address saddle comfort a bit more with the customers, since it is such an individualized aspect of the riding experience. They have many test saddles there, so maybe sending a new customer home with a test saddle may not be a bad idea. read more

Had such a great experience at BFF bikes! For being new to the city and not riding a bike in years, they were so helpful and give great one-on-one customer service without making you feel rushed. Price range might seem high to some, but you really feel like you are getting what you paid for. I definitely always feel welcome there if I need to swing by for any questions or tune ups. read more

Are you a person who currently rides bikes or is interested in doing so? If so, I cannot recommend BFF enough. You will be welcomed by knowledgable staff who will take you seriously and treat you with respect regardless of your comfort and skill level with bikes, which is definitely a commodity in bike shops, especially as a woman. On the shop end, repairs are fast and good. Even if you're not sure what's wrong, BFF will work with you to make sure that things are ok in the end. It's also wonderful to see a shop that caters to women and actually carries a variety of gear that you can even try on in store. Now go get rolling! read more

Went in on Monday to purchase a new bike.. when i arrived i was looking around had my eye on the Liv Alight 2. The customer service I received at BFF Bikes was great! Very friendly owner, and the gentleman in the back working on the bikes was very nice and very fast. The store was well kept and everything was organized. I wanted to buy a bunch of accessories for my new bike but I will definitely be returning here. The owner answered all the silly questions I had as a "newb." Over all great experience.. I walked out with my new shiny bright blue bike and took it on a long ride home. Thanks! read more

I won't ever step foot in another bike shop again, because this is the first bike shop where I've ever truly felt comfortable. The staff was friendly, respectful, knowledgeable, and willing to talk me through the steps of my repair so that I could learn from it - all with out being even slightly condescending! I could not have asked for better customer service, and the actual repairs were perfect and averagely priced. I absolutely recommend BFF to anyone who bikes, but especially those who are new to biking and have felt judged and looked down on in other bike shops (I know I have). Getting small repairs done on my bike is no longer a thing I'm going to dread, so thanks BFF Bikes! You guys rule. read more

Went in to BFF this afternoon with my sister-in-law to get her a new bike. While I wasn't in the market, I know that all my bike accessories, mechanic service, and my future bike will be from this place. I can't say enough nice things about how friendly, informed, and NON-judgmental this shop is. Not only that, but they are the only shop that I've come across that has more than 1 token small sized frame! read more

This place is awesome! The staff is always very friendly and they're very knowledgeable. I got my first bicycle as an adult 6 months ago. The day I recevied it, I went to get bicycle gear. It was a Sunday and BFF was the only bike place close to me that was open. I've been back 3 times since. I got my bike used so there were a few things that needed to be adjusted. They were extremely helpful. I always recommend them now. read more

Everyone who works here is very friendly, approachable and helpful! Their classes are also super informative. Overall great experience, cannot recommend this cute spot enough. read more

We brought our bikes in twice for flat repairs. Both of the mechanics are amazing, especially Steven. They will fix flats in a jiffy and always go above and beyond with the service and advice they provide. Everyone who works there is really friendly and knowledgeable. read more

BFF carries a great combination of fashionable cycling clothing and performance gear. I bought some Giro commuter pants that have a flexible but feminine cut. They're very durable and practical without looking like jock wear. If I had a choice, I'd wear them every day for every occasion. I also bought a lightweight merino Giro jersey. It's been a great layer on winter and unseasonably-cool spring training rides. I can't wait to see the store's spring stock! read more

lovely little shop! it is small but well-rounded in the selection. staff has always been friendly&patient. always offer to order parts i want but don't see on the shelves. i was worried this was going to be too feminine[why do all the ladies' seats have pink flowers on them?!?!] of a shop, being women-specific and all, but i was glad to see so much gender neutral color and design in clothing&parts alike. got the parts that i wanted at an incredibly reasonable price&they did my gf's repairs at 60% less cost[and %100 less talking down to] than the first shop we looked at. especially to the ladies, this shop is a gem because you know that you won't get talked down to just for your gender when you walk in or ask questions. everyone just seems excited that you are there&want to bike! respect goes a long, long way in the bike shop game&this shop is a refreshing change from lots of others in the city. read more

A few weeks ago, I had a major hub problem and decided to try out BFF Bikes. I dragged my bike over and Steven was able to fix my bike for me that afternoon. Annie & Steven were very helpful and I will definitely go back for future bike service! The shop environment is very inviting with an awesome sitting area in front and service station in back. They also have a good variety of merchandise. I really enjoyed hanging there during my short wait. One note, being that my bike is very old they did not have the accurate shimano freewheel removal tool (fuji gran tourer has a smaller width). I was able to get it removed beforehand so this was not a big deal at all. read more

Annie is a life saver. My new go-to spot. Very helpful and answered a ton of questions I had about Bianchi!

I purchased a Liv Brava for cyclocross racing at BFF Bikes and I love it! I've also brought my road and commuter bike in for tune-ups. I admire the shop environment Annie and Vanessa have created. The staff are inviting and welcoming, but also take female cyclists seriously. I love popping in BFF to pick up a quick gift for a friend and chat with the staff. They also host a variety of rides, clinics, and classes for the community. read more

I bought a brand new bike 3 years ago and even though it was riding well, there were a few noises while riding in certain gears, so I thought it was time for a tune up. Jeremiah (I think that is his name!) was able to check my bike out on the spot and give me his initial thoughts. Even though I was planning to pay $75 for a full tune up, he recommended a few small adjustments that would cost closer to $30-$40 and explained that my bike didn't need a full tune up. I was ecstatic that Jeremiah was honest, and extremely happy after watching him do a very thorough initial investigation for me. I plan to bring my bike back here for everything in the future. read more

I've been taking my bike here for 2 or 3 years and they do a great job! Good communicators who let you know what's going on with your bike and what your options are to fix it. No need to look anywhere else because they get the job done well. read more

Excellent bike shop. Friendly, knowledgeable and extremely service oriented. We've been there three times. Once we just stopped in and wandered around. We were warmly welcomed then and headed back a couple of weeks later for a birthday gift -- some terrific LED front and back lights that are state of the art. This weekend I stopped by with a good quality bike that I've never really embraced. Someone in the shop took the time on a busy weekend to make sure it really fit me, fixed a flat and installed a rack. In the last two days, we've done two long rides on my 'new' old bike. This shop is a terrific example of what happens when people who love what they do actually do it. read more

Even before tonight I had been meaning to give BFF an excellent review, but tonight was the icing on the cake!! I purchased my bike from them back when they opened in 2014. I was a divvy rider and they helped me pick the perfect transition bike which I love so much my kids joke that I love it more than them! Since then, they have always been available at a moments notice to fix or install anything or to give advice on buying something new. Tonight, my bike tipped over and the break broke off, I called Annie at 6:58 pm and her and Steven kept the shop open for me. They found a new break and stayed extra time to replace it so I could go to work tomorrow. I cannot say enough about the excellent service at this shop. They are amazing! read more

I read their website and, to be honest, didn't believe that a place that calls itself non-pretentious would actually be that way. I had tried a few sporting goods stores in town without finding what I was looking for, and someone on Reddit recommended BFF. Today I finally went in to BFF in hopes of buying my first ever pair of bike shorts. I had a fantastic experience. In fact, completely not pretentious. I spoke with two different people there, one who bikes at a similar level to me and one who is super pro and does triathlons. I felt just as welcomed by both of them. I got great information and bought a pair of bike shorts that fit perfectly. I'd definitely return. read more

Even though I've been riding a bike for the past 10 years and took a build-a-bike course a few years ago, I have a tendency to feel like I don't really belong in most bike shops. The moment I walked in to BFF, however, I felt right at home. I was looking to upgrade to a fancy road bike but didn't really know much about my options. When I gave the ladies my price range, they tried to help me find something within it, instead of trying to upsell me to something I didn't really need. Without any pretension or judgement, they helped me find a bike that worked for me, and then invited me to come back for a fitting with Steven and to join them on their weekend group rides. Steven spent over an hour fitting me to my bike and answering all of my very basic questions about riding form and changing gears -- it was a dream come true for me, who had never had a bike with gears before. In sum: the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. They want to help you find what you need and be sure that you love what you are getting. And they really just want women to be comfortable riding. What more could you ask for? read more

Yes, it is the first female only owned bike shop in Chicago, and yes, they have amazing clothing that caters only to women, and yes, they have beautiful bikes with women specific geometry, but that's not all! There is a nice selection of accessories, and the accessories are not gender specific. Everyone in this shop is customer oriented. They have two people working there (one is a MAN!) who have amazing skill in assessing bike fit. You will be allowed to talk about what you are looking for in a bike, and intelligent questions will be asked to help you get the bike that works for you. Their two mechanics are good, efficient, and friendly (one is a MAN!). BFF is an all around great local bike shop. read more

Great shop, great staff and great community! I bought my bike at BFF this summer and since then I have taken the fix-a-flat clinic, did a group training ride and best of all I had a follow-up bike fit with Steven. Seriously changed my riding time and efficiency! As a newbie (after a 10+ year break from cycling) these folks got me back in the game. Everyone's passion for cycling comes through with every interaction. I highly, highly recommend you buy a bike, take a class and get involved with BFF bikes! read more

I had a great experience at BFF Bikes today! Everyone there was very helpful and friendly. They made sure I was fitted correctly on my bike, and made some minor adjustments to make sure I would be ready for my triathlon next weekend. Excellent customer service and very reasonable prices. I will definitely be back for future bike repairs and maintenance! read more