For my first few years in Chicago (I've lived here since 1999), I wasn't loyal to any particular bike shop, but after consistently returning to Boulevard for the last few years, I think I'll be sticking with them. They have always been friendly and full of advice whenever I've gone in for a repair or an upgrade (e.g. fenders), and once or twice when they've misjudged a repair, they've been gracious about it and corrected it for free. I'm especially impressed with Boulevard since the bikes they sell are a little out of my price range, yet when I come in with my mid-to-low range bike purchased elsewhere, they're not snobs about it at all. It seems like they just want everyone to have as positive a riding experience as possible. Great people, great business. It also helps that Lula Cafe is next door. :) read more

I ride a beat to hell ancient Schwinn. This sucker is heavy and ugly and old. It's so old that I'm not really comfortable dating men born the year it was made. It's green and dinged and scratched, and earlier this winter, I slapped some bright pink fenders on it to make my commute more enjoyable. In short: my bike is U-G-L-Y. And yet, after I had taken a basic bike maintenance class and then attempted some work on my hulking beast of a vehicle and botched it, when I dragged it into Boulevard Bikes (yes, dragged, as I'd managed to make the rear tire stop ROLLING) ten minutes before they closed on a Friday night, they were kind enough to toss it up in the stand, inspect the issue, fix it, and show me what I had done wrong and how to avoid it in the future. The gent's exact words: "If you care enough about your bike to have taken a class, let me show you what you did." To top it all off, they figured out a better solution for my jerry-rigged fender situation, lubed my chain, and adjusted my brakes for me. $20 later for parts and labor, and my she-hulk was ready to ride again. Thanks, gentlemen! read more

So you know that stereotype that all bike shops are run by arrogant pricks who don't care about the customer? Those rumors are largely false, but it is places like Boulevard Bikes that propagate them. They are jerks. My friend had ordered a bike part from this shop and when we went in to get it we got nothing but attitude from these guys. They were unprofessional and immature on every level, and the only reason I'm giving them a two star rating is because they forgot to charge us for the part we'd ordered so we didn't pay. Which was fine with us. Some people on here are saying to "get over the fact that boulevard bikes is staffed with snobs," but frankly any other bike shop in the city has better service and the same selection. So why put up with these losers? Go to Irv's. Go to Rapid Transit. Go to Westtown. Anywhere but here. read more

My first experience with Boulevard bikes was a repair - they fixed my bike after an accident. It was a great experience overall, and as far as their work is concerned, these guys are impeccable. The quality is GREAT. Unfortunately, that's where my enthusiasm ends. Subsequent encounters have revealed a sort of attitude on the part of the personnel that perplexes me. It's almost like me coming in wanting to spend money is a bit of a bother. On one occasion I needed a new bracket for my front fender. When I inquired, the answer was, "We don't have it because we don't carry that model." No offer to sell me a different front fender, no follow up questions. The guy just kind of stared at me. On another occasion I was asking about a 24" rim for my kid's bike. The answer that came back made me feel like I wasn't cool for asking for something that wasn't endemic to a cool-kid hipster fixie bike: "We don't get a lot of requests for those." They did offer to order one for me, but I lost interest after that. They have a great shop - they just need to work on the customer service end a little... read more

I gotta say, I'm surprised at the reviews saying that this place is full of snooty, obnoxious people. I went in having not ridden a bike since my middle school paper route, and not knowing anything about bikes or biking. They were really friendly and helpful, gave me some good recommendations for bikes, and (thankfully) didn't try to sell me anything more expensive than what I would need. They apparently do free repairs for the first year of the bike, and even told me to bring it in in a couple of weeks for a free initial tuneup. I was really happy with my whole experience. The only downside was realizing how out of shape I am, on my 1-mile ride home. Ouch. read more

Boulevard always does the best job. They know bikes, and it shows. Worth every penny.

Love these guys. Brought my bike in after the fuckers at Waston Cycles screwed him up. They gave me a very reasonable estimate for a lot of work and were quite friendly. When I went to pick up my bicycle, he rode great and I ended up paying LESS than the estimate. Though one of the mechanics did ask if I was stripper and didn't clarify that it was a reference to my name until after I'd given an embarrassing answer. Heh. read more

I've gone back and forth about Boulevard Bikes for while. I've had some negative experiences (employees who roll their eyes at my questions, an employee who very patronizingly said "well, I suppose you coul fix this bike... if you HAD to" and basically saying I'm too fat to ride bikes safely.) I've also had really positive experiences here... they gave me a quick release after someone randomly stole it from my seat. i've been needing a bike for over a year and have been scouring Craigslist and used shops for awhile. I'm super tall so I needed a freakishly large frame... which has been hard to find used. Yesterday I just gave up and walked into boulevard and told myself, "if they're dicks, I'm leaving and never coming back." Thankfully, I was helped by a really friendly, unpretentious (and cute) employee. I said I was looking to spend around $400 if possible. They had a Bianchi that was exactly that. He went and got a frame that was my size. I took it for a spin, loved it and I bought it. YAY! Thanks Boulevard! I love my new bike! read more

This is my neighborhood bike shop and I am all about supporting the local shops on my block. With that being said, I probably know less about bikes than most people in the neighborhood (cough cough). Or anyone for that matter. But my new garage sale bicycle needed some serious love so I rolled up in there and I was straight up with the guys. I don't know much, I'm trusting you to help and please don't judge. They couldn't have been nicer. I expected pretension and maybe they felt sorry for me but they set me up with all the bells and whistles I needed and sent me on my way. I felt the vibe that they wanted me to love cycling so they really tried to make it right for me. So far, so good. read more

I'm so glad to have this as my local bike shop. Every time I've brought my bike in, the person helping me has been courteous and clear. While getting help with a flat, I explained that I have trouble pumping up my 120 psi tires on my own, since my body weight isn't enough to get them full. This was the 1st bike shop to mention that I could switch to a lower pressure tire. They took the time to look it up in their catalog, and eventually I ordered one for my rear tire (for now). There are other ways in which the folks here have been more than helpful with my bike issues, explaining what things would improve my ride, if I wanted to upgrade. It wasn't done in a way to sell stuff, if that's how I'm making this sound, more just in an educational way that shows me the employees really care about teaching customers about their bikes. I know for a lot of people the bike shop can be intimidating, since the bike subculture is very intense, but everyone that's helped me at Boulevard Bikes has had a lot of patience and no attitude. I'm glad to have them in the neighborhood. read more

Not sure about all of the bad reviewes here; obvioulsy they are from months/years ago but something has obviously changed. Took my Gary Fisher & Trek Mountain Bikes in to get serviced. The staff was helpful, friendly and did a wonderful job. I'm not sure if I'd go here to buy a bike since their selection seemed rather limited, however in terms of service/tune-ups - FOR SURE! So glad to have my new bike shop right in the neighborhood. Keep it up fellas! Thanks again. read more

I had service done to the disc brakes of my electric bicycle in July of 2020. Doug and Kevin couldn't have been nicer. My electric bicycle was rejected for repair from no less than 8 other bicycle shops and Doug & Kevin had the heart to look at my bike, make the necessary adjustments and take the time to explain everything to me. The service was more reasonable than anyone out there and they took me immediately. I certainly do not expect them to do this again in the future but I want them both to know that I am thankful for their help. I will happily bring my e-bike back to their shop for servicing. Thank you both. read more

Boulevard specializes in a few brands of bike. They love Bianchis and the one I bought from them last year has treated me well. My purchase included free installation of my old components and 1 year of routine maintenance-- brake adjustments, derailleur checks, even a spring frame bath-- free! I can only speculate on other folks' negative experiences. Kevin, the owner, and John, one of their mechanics, are friendly and knowledgeable yet low-key. The other mechanics aren't going out of their way to be your friends but they aren't outright rude either. No matter, their repair skills are very good. If you're looking for a low-end GT or Trek that you'll take out a few times in July, go to Village Bikes or, better yet, Target. But if you want a quality ride for most- or all-year transportation, support your local bike shop. read more

Very helpful. Did a great tuneup on my bike at a great price. Pointed out a few other things that were going on with my bike, but didn't try to over sell me. Highly recommended! read more

YES! the best bike shop in chicago! the staff is knowledgeable, friendly, fast, helpful, chill, and reliable. even when i moved out of LS i continued to make the trek over to boulevard bikes && everyone i recommend BB to has the same positive experience. this should be your go-to bike shop! read more

Every time I have come here, it was a good experience. Bike shop sans usual bike shop attitude. Often they have turned jobs around quick. During warm season it does get buisy, so plan ahead. Nice people! read more

I went in with a bike I haven't ridden in two years. The tires were flat & it was dusty. I'd assume they would recommend a tune-up & maybe a new chain. The guy filled the tires, put grease on the chain & checked it out. Said he didn't think it needed a tune-up, but I should ride it around & see if anything wasn't right. Charged me nothing. I tipped him $5. A perfect way to start my spring break. read more

Went all the way here today after I was called and told a bike was on hold for me and ready for pick up. It's a decent walk from my apartment , and then after waiting outside in the heat I was told it was sold to someone in front of me in line. While the employee was apologetic, I would not waste my time purchasing anything from here in the future. Please be more careful with how you communicate and designate bikes as on hold ! read more

What I know about my bike is how to get on, peddle, make it stop when I want (usually) and lock it up. OK, I can take the front wheel off, too. My point is that I'm an easy mark. I've taken my bike in to have it serviced before at other shops and been charged for services it turned out I didn't need. I took my bike and my ignorant self to Boulevard Bikes a couple of weeks ago after my bike had been sitting in storage for a very long time. I knew it needed new tires and figured I'd be paying for a full tune up, etc. etc. But they put my bike up on a rack while I was there, tested the chain, brakes, etc and pronounced it healthy with the exception of tires. They cleaned it up, put on my new seat and changed the tires...without taking advantage of my ignorance. Although there were "serious" cyclers in the place, it was not the least intimidating to someone who just wants to ride their bike now and again. read more

I was referred to these kind folks when a friend got screwed over by another "local" bike shop in the neighborhood. Boy howdy am I glad. My first trip in was to get an estimate on my old beater, whose rear hub and axle had simply had it after thousands of miles and 4 years of riding. The mechanic basically honestly told me that I'd spend more replacing the part than the bike was really worth -- and to prove that this was not an attempt to simply sell me a new bike, referred me to Working Bikes for something decent within my price range. So when that beloved bike was stolen one year later, and my cash was a bit more fluid, I returned to buy a NEW bike a bit more suited to my riding style and habits (daily commuter). I was waffling on making the switch to a single speed and they took the time to weigh pros and cons with me and let me test ride two bikes. I was then encouraged to look around, test ride other bikes at other shops and even come back for a longer test ride for comparison. And was told that even if I ended up not buying from them, I was welcome back anytime for parts, service or just to browse. Now, I *am* female, so maybe that colored my experience, but I'm no hipster, nor could I be mistaken for one. I'm not even what one would conventionally describe as "hot." So I have to believe that the sentiment was genuine. They have definitely been friendlier and more informative than Kozy's or Oscar Wastyn. And anytime I've been there during their advertised business hours, they've been open, which is more than I can say for Armitage Bike Shop. In the end, I did order my new bike online because I had a specific idea of what I wanted and a very limited budget, but I have had no hesitation in going to them for service, parts and accessories, and they've always been helpful. read more

This shop is great. Went into several shops to convert my track bike into a single gear (since I no longer have a need for all those gears only riding in the city). Every other shop to Johnny Sprockets, and Rapid transit just laughed at me due to the complexity of the work. Remembering I bought an emergency tire from them years ago I made one final attempt to take my bike to Boulevard Bikes. Kevin was incredibly nice, and helpful. He walked me through everything that needed to be done. In the end they got done what no other shop wanted to do and within a reasonable price. I am grateful. Thanks guys. read more

I want to like this place a lot, I really do. I've been to these guys a couple of times, I will say this, their repairs are good. They have never really done a "bad job" on anything (I've gotten a new back tire, tune up, etc). However, I've experienced many condescending remarks, and the prices are always a little higher than expected. I've never been greeted with a "hi!" or even an ounce of recognition when I walk into the store (mind you, I'd be one of two other customers or even alone at times). I get it, I don't ride a Bianchi, I don't go to bike culture events, and I don't know much about basic repair. Yes, I do have a tie on because I just came from my job. Yes, I am wearing a Chrome bag and (gasp) I'm not a messenger. The subtle scoffing is something I'm not a fan of, and now I only go here for accessories. That's what I will admit though, they have a good selection of bikes, a lot of accessories, and guides and stuff for biking in the city. So, it's not like this store is useless or terrible with quality, the people are a little on the calloused side. However, for better customer service, I go to Bike Lane which is about a mile down Milwaukee. The service is friendlier, the prices are better, and they do awesome repairs. ********EDIT 4/14/2015*********** I've updated this review to a 3 star from a 2 star because Boulevard has become much friendlier in my visits over the years and their service seems to have improved. I still vote Bike Lane/Smart Bikes Parts but I will say that I come in here from time to time for minor repairs and it's been better than the past! read more

It's a wonderful place... and the folks who work here are wonderful. They are highly knowledgeable, trustworthy and lack the pretension that most bike shops possess. On countless occasions they have given me stellar advice for my attempts at DIY. They also don't make fun of me too much when I come in to have them fix what I "f"ed up further. They are even stellar when it comes to timing and understand that it's no fun to be sans la bike while it's 80 and sunny. One time, they even gave me a home grown habanero pepper because it matched my handlebar tape. I took it home to put in my guacamole, not knowing how truly hot it was, and inadvertently rubbed my eye forcing my face to turn red and my eyes to go blurry for about 2 hours. They did warn me how hot it was but I thought I could handle it. This proves the point that you should trust the folks at Boulevard Bikes. read more

I took a couple bikes in recently for problems, and they addressed them immediately, and fixed them with very little cost. It felt like old time friendly service one would encounter decades ago in a small family business. The full tune up I received years ago is still holding up well. read more

My prior review dealt with a passing encounter, this one is based on my actual experience with having my bike worked on here. THEY HAVE EXPERIENCE SERVICING INTERNAL GEARED HUBS (IGH). My Shimano Nexus Inter8 needed some work, it was getting a little noisy and I could feel vibrations when I put it up on my stand at home. The guts of these things are very complicated, and I needed someone who has actual experience working on IGH's. After calling several LBSs', three of five referred me to Kevin at Blvd (the owner), so off I went. Kevin was amazing, from start to finish. I explained my situation, riding habits, and the Nexuss' service history. He made me feel comfortable immediately with his knowledge of IGHs. I know this sounds stupid, but I'm no idiot with a bike, and I cannot tell you all (which many of you have experienced I am sure) how often a LBS employee treats you like a stupid kid when you have an issue with your bike. I drop it off, and away he goes. He calls me 30 min later (after the shop had closed) to tell me my rear triangle had shifted 1-2cm to one side (I got this frame in July 2011, it was news to me it had been crashed). He realigned the rear triangle, and proceeded to check every part of the drivetrain, replacing parts as necessary, and explaining, in detail, why and what he did. I came in to pick up the bike, and he wasn't done, because he was SANDING the ball bearing retainer from the hub. It was a little rusty, and while he could have simply ordered a new part, he instead took the time to sand the rust off by hand, to save me money rather than replace a part that was in fine working order apart from a little rust. Labor prices were plenty fine, and as I said, the service was top notch. Kevin runs a solid shop and knows his stuff inside and out. In my experience it's all about finding those one or two shops that do it right, and sticking with what you know works. Boulevard bikes works. Period. Take your stuff here. read more

I think nothing but the best of Blvd bikes!! Last summer I brought my bike in because I thought I needed new tires. My tires only needed airing up, and the guy even checked and tuned up my bike as needed. There were a few things that needed a tweak or two, and he fixed my bell that was sounding like a sad little bell. Soooooooo friendly, sooooooo helpful, soooooooo affordable, sooooooo nice. Me and my bike have found a friend for life. read more

I like this place! Reasonably priced and the closest bike shop to our apt. Their space is small-ish, but they seem to have a fantastic selection! I picked up new handlebar tape for the bf the other day, and they even let Lily, our petite pittie, in as well! I LOVE places that are so dog friendly, and Lily was happy to get some love! read more

I've had a few small repairs done here and they seem to do quality work. However, their customer service is a bit...how you say...awkward? I thought maybe it was just an isolated experience, but each time it's been the same drill. They're slow to acknowledge that you're there and just generally don't answer questions about bikes like you would expect from a bunch of guys running a bike shop. All that said, I'll keep going back for my minor bike repairs without hesitation. read more

Kevin here was incredible. Knowledgeable, helpful, patient. My husband and I came here to test ride the Pashley Bikes. If you're petite and considering Dutch bikes, it's worth looking at the British brand Pashley. They are gorgeous and available in smaller sizes! Update: I went back and purchased my beautiful Pashley Princess Sovreign. The experience from start to finish was wonderful. read more

I love my new (old) bike! Thanks everyone at Boulevard, it rides really great! My bike was done within a week and everyone was really helpful and friendly. cool! read more

Doug's the man. He's serviced my bike on more than one occasion, and it runs like a dream. He usually takes it upon himself to address additional issues that I might not have been aware of, at no extra charge. The prices are reasonable and the staff is very friendly. Everyone is down to earth, and even though I'm not an avid biker, I've never felt out of place or talked down to here. I will continue to go out of my way to give them my business. read more

I find this businesses service to be particularly exceptional; I brought in a tire that was out of true today, and with three bikes ahead of me, they said it wouldn't be ready until Tuesday. Not only was it ready by the end of the day, they said they'd wait 5 minutes after close for me to come pick it up...this is called "SAVING ONES BACON." Top notch service, always polite when i've come in (been going there for four years now), and no attitude. read more

This has become the only bike shop I go to. My husband is pretty handy and fixes my bike when he can but when he is not around or doesn't have the time, I bring my bike here. They have always been helpful, friendly and fast. My rim was bent and they were able to fix it right then. They were also great when my friend and I went in there because she was taking a bike trip across the country. They recommended the gear she would need and also recommended other shops for the things they did not carry. I definitely recommend them and will be buying my next bike there. read more

First, get over the fact that you think all bike mechanics are snobs and they're looking down on you when you first walk into the shop. They are. They all are. And they do it to EVERYONE. It doesn't make them any worse mechanics. And if this place isn't your Local Bike Shop (LBS) it should be. Boulevard Bikes, owned by Kevin Womack, is the LBS of Logan Square and has a loyal following. A mix of hipsters, commuting professionals, and the occasional roadie are always milling about, getting air, and finishing up a purchase or tune-up. I can personally attest Kevin is one of the best wheel-builders in Chicago, and his staff, including Adrian and Doug, are equally as knowledge and trustworthy with your ride. Along with the new Bianchi track, road and cross models are several vintage models, including a fat-tire cruiser from the 1950s and a couple of steel road bikes from the "Breakin' Away" era. The shop is earthy and warm, snug and inviting without being confining. Don't take any curtness or shortness with you personally. They're just busy. In Logan Square during the summer, any good bike mechanic would be. read more

This place was recommended to me by a Realty guy that does bike tours. I went into this shop with the intentions of fixing my flat tire, and talking to the bike professionals about upgrading to a new bike. The guy I talked to was awesome!! He fixed my flat, pointed out issues with the peddles... and made FREE adjustments. He talked me out of spending a chunk of change on a new bike, and just making the adjustments that I need to my existing bike. Saving me about $350.00 or more. I have a '90's mountain bike. It is not the prettiest, but according to the bike guy- "It's a solid bike." read more

These guys are awesome!! I was looking to purchase a particular bike that I knew they sold. I was always a bit intimidated by this place because they seem to be a bunch of bike-geek hipsters, and I thought they'd be snobby. I had the courage to walk in one day and found that they are not snobby at all! They are extremely friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. I take both of my bikes here for repairs, accessories, air, whatever. They do great work while you wait and can answer any questions you may have. They just love bikes! I'm delighted to support his local business. read more

I love this bike shop! Every time I've come in, they've been laid back and friendly. They take the time to listen, give a quick appraisal of the problem, and offer an estimate for the work that is always spot on. They work fast, too! I rolled in with my vintage workhorse Raleigh with a broken gear cable yesterday. Two hours later it was repaired and better than ever. Mary did an outstanding job, and offered suggestions for other potential repairs, without giving me the hard sell. As a Logan Square denizen who depends on bikes and CTA for all our transportation, this is the best bike shop! read more

Fantastic costumer experience. The manager or owner was extremely knowledgable and helpful when helping me adjust my neck and stem. So glad they were open and available. I've never been happier or more comfortable on my CAD2. Thanks!! read more

They don't have the biggest selection of bicycles in stock...but the ones they have are great! Anything they don't have, they're willing to find. Maybe I'm biased because I feel in love with my current boyfriend here. Either way, they are reasonably priced for the fantastic work they do. The mechanics are really helpful, but if you don't look like you are interested in learning about your bicycle, they can be jerks. If you ask questions-any questions, even stupid ones-they warm up. read more

Full Disclosure: An old and dear friend and one of my favorite people on this planet works here. However, I am not writing from my perspective on everything they've helped me with, suggested, complimented, and supported. (They were particularily sensitive to my needs after a scary and horrific bike/car incident). I am writing and reviewing based on how I see them help, interact, teach, and work with other customers when I'm in the shop. And now they have a lady in the shop which is fricken great! No offense guys, you all are great but it does help any "intimidation factor" a gal may have going in there to see an awesome women available to assist. Every time, and I do mean EVERY time I've been in the shop over the years, the guys (and gal) treat each customer's needs with great attention to detail and attempt to educate instead of just the "sell and go" or "fix and go" technique. Yes, they are always busy when I go in, working behind the counter on all matters of bike needs, and when customer's come in it may take one of them a few seconds to greet them right away, but that's how it goes. I'd rather see someone focused on a project and finish it, then attend to me and my "I need to be greeted in order to feel comfortable" needs INSTEAD OF going to some larger bike shops where they greet and shove products down my throat. And I have seen them deal with "difficult situations" caused by either the customer's attitude or their own. Which I think shows the true measure of an independent business that's so ingrained in the cycling community. And things happen. People have bad days. What truly matters is that the customer can ride out of the shop feeling confident that they just purchased repairs, equipment, heck even a bike- from a good group that will be there to help them down the road. read more