I am not sure why I have not ever written a review of this place. It is absolutely 100% hands down the best bike repair shop in all of Chicago. Friendliest of staff, we were regular customers as a result of all the miles we both put on our bikes while living in Chicago. They are excellent at diagnosing and repairing any number of problems, prices are great, even bought my beloved RedLine CycloCross bike here years ago. They also sell double walled-tires and since moving here to Indy have not had a flat yet. Granted, the streets of Indy may be a little more forgiving on a bike than those in Chicago, but I am getting my moneys worth now that it is almost two years later. The owner is really nice and the staff are also super friendly, and on occasion, fun to have a drink or two with!! Just before we moved from Chicago to Indy, the staff here gave us a going away card accompanied by a heartfelt goodbye that nearly brought me to tears! Yeah, It was like that. One of the great places in Chicago full of some good people that we really miss!! read more

Uptown Bikes is another model specimen of that increasingly rare beast: the independent business (that cares). It all began when I bent a wheel going over a pothole. [Gimme a sec while I shake my fist at the heavens. Or City Hall. OK, I'm back.] Luckily, UB wasn't far away so I trundled over. When I walked in everyone -- EVERYONE -- said hello. Within minutes, one of the guys had opened a ticket. Since they were having slow day he said they could true the wheel before closing, which was in about 45 minutes' time. Umm, yeah, 100% acceptable. I moseyed over to the T-Mobile store and listened to the embarrassing ring tones on the phones (Nokia 5310 runs off with the crown), then ran round to Borders for a magazine. By the time I returned to the shop, they were just mounting the wheel back on the frame. How's that for a pain-free resolution to equipment failure? To recap: nice folks who know what they're doing and do it fast, no guff. And they actually know the appropriate response to the words 'Thank You'. Oh, and they have a cool bike on the roof for the enjoyment of Red Line riders. Go there. read more

My childhood bike shop! I came here alll the time to buy new inter-tubes for my bike. (Darn alleys always got glass or nails stuck in my tires) The people were always polite and helpful. They still are today! I recently came back, and it hasn't changed much at all. Except for the guys gages have gotten wayy bigger since I've been there. They know their stuff, and they get right to the problem and fix it. read more

I got my new favorite bike accessory here today. It's a water bottle cage that mounts to my handlebar. It's really cool. I feel like I have a cupholder right on my bike. The people were friendly, even though it was really busy when we went in. My friend got his innertube replaced and inflated right, he wwas pretty happy with the results. I'll definitly be back here. read more

Uptown Bikes is full of hot air! I went in with the intentions of getting my bike fixed but lefted highly pissed. The staff never aproached me as I stood at the counter waiting for service. I noticed three employees, 2 were having a personal conversation and 1 walked around pretending not to notice me. WTH!! After several minutes of feeling invisible -- I was outa there! I have patron UB in the past but I will never go back! read more

My friend gave me a bike that one of his tenants left when they moved. It seemed pretty decent but was missing a chain. I went to Uptown Bikes and was convinced they were going to try to upsell me when all I wanted was a really cheap bike. Nora (I think) was awesome. Right off the bat she told me that it was a cheap bike and that I shouldn't spend a lot to fix it. She suggested a mini-check up to make sure the tires worked alright and then attached a new chain. I brought it in Memorial Day weekend and they said they could have it within a few days even though they were clearly swamped! YEAH! And it was about $45 for all of the parts and service. Best part of this place is that it is right under the El at Wilson so I was able to take the El there after work to pick it up and then bike home. Thanks Uptown! read more

I remember driving by this place when I was younger and seeing this awesome blue bike in the window. My dad asked me how much I thought it was and I said $1500. Later that day, he went to the shop and the bike was just around that price. Ill never forget it. Great shop. Friendly service. Very knowledgable about bikes read more

Uptown Bikes pretty much made my visit the most pleasant experience one could have. After some A-hole stole the seat and post from my bicycle, I decided I should probably get it taken care of. I called Uptown up and asked if they had everything and could do it on site. The guy who answered the phone was nice and told me he could get it done that day as long as I got in an hour before the shop closed. I walked my bike down and within ten minutes, a girl working there had me pick out a seat (a new, comfy one for $34), found a post that fit my bike ($29), suggested she put it on with bolt versus a quick release ($6), charged $6 for labor and put the batteries in the new light I bought. I'm not a huge bike person and I'm sure I looked like a novice with my silly Trek that has flowers on it. But I was never made to feel stupid. The girl was friendly, efficient and genuine. Every time she mentioned something, like the bolt or the fact that the light didn't already come with batteries, she was upfront about the cost, making sure that was OK with me. I'm sure the place is much busier on the weekends, so I was lucky to have such fast service. Still, I wasn't under the impression that helping me was a drag. I think Uptown Bikes is the best! read more

These guys are the best - friendly, down-to-earth, and customer-oriented. I've been to the shop twice - once for a tune-up and replacement of some fender screws and once to purchase a helmet. They did not have a huge selection of helmets, but did have a good mix of more urban and sporty styles, including children's helmets. The associate helped me try on a number of styles, showed me how to make sure my helmet was on properly, and adjusted my new purchase. Great first experience with Uptown Bikes. Today when I visited for a tune-up, staff was just as friendly and quick. Not only were they fast, they quickly evaluated the needs of my bike and gave me a price estimate -$6 to replace the missing screws, tune-up my brakes, fill my tires, and give my chain some oil. They noted that my tires are worn, but have a little bit of life in them. While other shops might have pressured me to consider purchasing new tires, this staff member simply advised me to consider them within the next 6 months to a year. Such a nice change of pace! I had also had trouble attaching my front/rear bike light mounts as they didn't fit the specs of my bike. The associate helped me properly adjust the mounts and used some old rubber tire to fill in the extra room in my rear mount, free of charge. Great people with integrity, highly recommend! read more

I came in today about 45 minutes before closing time, they were busy as heck, and were still able to fix my flat tire in less than half an hour-- nice enough to work me in before closing time. This made me happy, as I was a good half hour ride from home and didn't relish the prospect of getting my disabled bike home on public transit! The price was reasonable, and the staff were all very helpful as well as seeming to be nice folks. I definitely intend to come back to this place when I need more work done on my bike. read more

Helpful, responsive, knowledgeable, & unpretentious. Uptown Bike's repair services aren't cheap, but the expertise and down-to-Earth candor I've experienced from every mechanic there with whom I have dealt over the years has earned Uptown Bikes my confidence and trust--and their repair work is, in my experience, solid and thorough. Though a relatively small shop, Uptown Bikes carries a decent selection of new and used parts (much of it utilitarian, some high end), and their professionalism toward customers of all experience levels makes Uptown Bikes the kind of place you could bring your expensive vintage racer for sensitive upgrades, or your parents's Huffy tandem for a tire. They don't sell protein shakes or neon spandex unitards, but Kozy's is just up the street. read more

This is all about the repair service that Uptown Bikes provides me year after year. When I came home after being out of the country for 2 years, my darling bike was waiting patiently for my return in my parents' basement....complete with flat tires and a rusty chain. I walked my bike down to Uptown where they took a quick look, asked for my number and asked me to come back in an hour. 30 minutes after that, they called me back and told me that tire on the front wheel was damaged...would it be alright if I came down and looked at my tire options? When I returned, I was first asked if I wanted to get a tire at Uptown Bikes, which I thought was really nice on their part, after I said yes, they gave me some choices. 15 minutes, I was out the door with a bike that felt brand new. Since that service 4 years ago, I have kept coming back and have always been provided excellent service. read more

The folks here are attentive and are ready to answer questions and make recommendations. Bike selection is good, though not extensive, but the real value they bring are all the accessories one might need for their bike. Everything is reasonable priced too....helmets under $35, bells for a few dollars, etc. And even though local newspapers are touting bike stores sales are increasing 20-40% due to the INSANE rise in gas prices, I have visited this store last year (not a yelper at the time.....shame on me) and twice this month and each time folks were on the ball treating me like a valued customer. So if you are in "my hood" or looking for good value/service/price on items related to bicycles then please check them out. read more

I stopped in with the simple goal of finding an affordable helmet that fit me. I achieved this goal efficiently, and was very pleased with the customer service I received. Within a few moments of my arrival, one staff member came out to greet me and asked if he could help me with anything. I stated my goal, and he took me over to the helmet section. He seemed sincerely interested in helping me, and we tested a few helmets together until we found one that fit. Spot on. Another staff member rang up my purchase, while a third answered a question I had about U-Locks (I bought one quite a while ago - the kind defeated with pen-caps) and explained the recall situation with my lock. He didn't try to hard sell me on a new lock - just told me to check out the recall situation (I was way too late for it, as he predicted), and pick up a new one if I was concerned about the security of my bike. And that was that. Knowledge, efficiency, and helpfulness. There it is. read more

I'm giving them 4* because I didn't actually buy anything...........but was definitely tempted to. When we walked in my friend was trying to tell me to ask the girl for help because she dealt with her before and thought she was awesome. Too bad John (I think that's what he said his name was, I asked, but naturally can't be sure) stepped out. Kidding. He was great. I explained how I know nothing about bikes and haven't been on a bike in years, as in about 10..........but I want a bike and I stopped there first because of yelp reviews. He answered EVERYTHING without making me feel like I was a pain and or dumb. I mean, I asked about what to avoid on roads (other than potholes) to what type of helmet I should wear to what I can get as far as additional reflectors/lights (because I wear mostly black) and I felt everything was thorough and genuine. A part of me feels a little guilty though, because I stopped at Roscoe Village Bikes (it was on my way to my next destination and my friend got a similar bike there for about a hundred less with fenders) and the same bike was $20 less and they mentioned that my bike was covered for 2-years. Seeing as how I'm unemployed and will be purchasing a bike after I get back from my 10-day vacation.......I'd like to save money wherever I can, especially if it's the same bike, but, I haven't ruled out Uptown. I definitely need to test out the bikes (because if I try anything, I suddenly have a need to buy and I'd rather not be broke on vacation because I don't know how to money manage)...........but I thought the staff was friendly and honest. Everything I learned there was validated at RVB. I won't lie. I felt like a shmuck seeing as how his foot was broken and he was hobbling with the bike and grabbing different ones for me, but again, I didn't feel that "bike snobbery" that I've felt from just TALKING to "serious bikers". read more

I guess it depends on what you want out of a bike shop - but for me this is heaven. The employees here are a diverse group (woman owned, yeah!) of smart and patient bikers who go out of their way to make you feel comfortable no matter how deep or how shallow your knowledge of biking. They show the same care for people who are using bikes to make a living, commuters, or people who just pulled their rides out of storage after ten years. They will perform a detailed diagnosis on any bike (i just brought one in in pieces) for free and with no sales pressure. I have always been told what I had to do immediately to make the bike rideable and safe (and the exact cost), what was recommended, and what repairs I could put off for a while. The selection of bikes for sale is not vast but affordable (for new bikes) and they have cool water bottles. read more

(Please refer to my earlier review for details about my experiences with this business.) Since my prior review, I have used Uptown Bikes on more than half a dozen occasions, for repairs ranging from installing a bracket and fixing a flat to a complete checkout and overhaul of my bike. After this latter "annual tuneup" I was told that my bike would feel like a new bike. It did. I did indeed have a new, and completely different bike. I ride in Chicago all year round. I trust Uptown 100% to keep my bike going. I trust their professionalism. I appreciate their lack of commercial salesmanship, plus their fine service orientation. To me, Uptown Bikes has earned, and deserves, status as best bike repair shop in Chicago. read more

Nearly five years after my last visit to Uptown Bikes it was time to go back. My brakes were a little wonky after my friend replaced my tires for me. This experience was a bit different than last time. I dealt with Bjorn who was super friendly. He had my breaks fixed in no time at all. I went down to the Starbucks to wait and didn't even drink a quarter of my coffee before he was calling me to say my bike was ready. After this experience, and the fact that I live super close to them now, I will be going back to Uptown Bikes for my bike maintenance moving forward. read more

I bought a cool 70's era Schwinn Varsity from Working Bikes a month or two ago. Within the first week the real tire had gone flat and my derailleur busted. I took my bike into Uptown on a Friday and they told me it probably would be done on Monday. They got it done on Saturday and actually didn't charge me as much as they originally had said. Awesome! I've also bought a rear bike rack there and had my front tire/tube replaced there. They're always really helpful and friendly and I think the prices are great. I would recommend Uptown to anyone living within a few miles of the place! read more

I visit many bike shops in the city, it mostly depends on what I'm in need of. But of all the bike shops in Chicago, Uptown Bikes is by far my favorite. Incredible service by mechanics who know and care about their trade. The entire crew of Uptown are friendly and straight forward and I've never experienced a rollier than thou attitude from anyone here. Now for the disclaimer. We moved into Uptown about 3 years ago and started visiting this shop. Being avid cyclists we are there a lot and after all this time, they are just about like family. In fact we invited all of them to our wedding! They had to work but we did receive a gift from them, they received cupcakes and beer from us. Call it even, Steven. Still, I think it says a lot about a business to be so incredible that customers consider them friends. An important thing to remember though, their service is quick, cheap and friendly but they get busy. Weekends more than weekdays and summers more than winters so if you need a tune up, try taking it in on a Monday and let them have it a couple days, or have them check it out, order the parts (if needed) and bring it back when they tell you. If you work with them, they definitely work with you. read more

I got my 8+ years old bike tuned up here for $35 a few weeks ago. I feel like I am riding a brand new bike now. They didn't try to sell me anything else I didn't need. Constructive Comment: I could see room for improvement when comes to customer experience. They need to SMILE more and add a few shots of "Ray of Sunshine" when dealing with customers. read more

I recently bought a bike here about a month ago and everyone was very nice and helpful. I really wanted a used bike, but the associate told me that they don't normally sell used bikes in the warm months. I test rode a few bikes and finally settled on a $390 Raleigh. I later checked the price for the same bike online and I could get it for $344 but I think I got a great deal considering the bike was assembled and came with a kickstand and water bottle + holder. Plus you feel all warm and cuddly inside knowing that you helped a local business. I paid around $460 when it was all said and done, I got a bike cable ($9) and a U-lock with a holder, assembled ($30). UPDATE: Well I was in a minor accident with my bike the other day and ended up breaking my front brakes. I brought it in to get repaired, and the bill was a whopping 5 bucks. I couldn't believe how cheap it was. I also needed a tuneup, so I was quoted 4 days to repair my bike and it was ready in just 2 days. I also ended up buying a bell ($5) and gloves ($16). I am giving them 5 stars now because of the excellent service they gave me and also the prices are pretty darn reasonable. read more

Friendly. Expert. Affordable. Down to earth. The people who work there love biking and bikes and people who bike - not just taking your money or making you feel like you're not "bikey" enough. They have what you need - no matter if you training for a triathlon or just peddling your cruiser to the store. The work is tight and they won't hold your bike hostage for days or try to sell you what you don't need. They take the time to explain what was done and why. Plus give tips to do stuff on your own. The people there couldn't be more genuine and likable. Its honest, local places like this that make me love Uptown in general. read more

Just got home from coming here to get my bike tubes changed. Easy peasy, super friendly staff. all done in 45 minutes. I was very happy with the fact that my bike isn't messed up anymore. Also, I am pretty sure my brakes work better now. So whoever fixed that. that you kindly! read more

This place is great! I think what puts it ahead of other bike shops in Chicago is their top-notch customer service. Everyone I've spoken with at the store is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable (and committed to imparting that knowledge to the customer, even when the customer, like me, is completely ignorant about bike mechanics and has to ask a lot of dumb questions). Just this week, I brought in my bike for a tune-up. I was expecting to simply drop it off (as I've done at other bike shops), but instead I was told that someone would take a look at the bike first to make sure a tune-up was the right choice for me. John inspected the bike and took the time to explain what was wrong with it and how staff would tackle the repairs. He even took it for a test ride to get a better feel for what was happening. In the end, he suggested I not get a tune-up, but instead have a few things fixed. The bike was ready on the day they said it would be and when I picked it up, John again took the time to explain everything that was done. And they did a great job--my bike rode like new! After having had bad experiences at other bike shops in Chicago, I'm thrilled to have found Uptown Bikes! Another plus--each year Uptown donates a bike to the charity I work for. So their work and customer service is fantastic AND they're committed to philanthropy! I highly recommend this place. read more

Never reviewed any place before, but I had to start with this great local, independent bike shop. The staff guided me through (with the help of good ol' Sheldon Brown and some key bike manuals) buiding a wheel--something I had no knowledge about whatsoever before I went there. They had used parts for sale, and I never felt like I was pushed into anything. In the end, I have a great new rear wheel that rocks. And I did it all by myself, cuz I'm a big kid. The service is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuine in their care for their customers and their bikes. Patronize this place if these qualities appeal to you. They won't let you down. read more

A beloved friend can no longer ride her beautiful Breezer bike so she gave it to me. I've only had it for a month or so and took a nasty spill on loose gravel on the bike path. Because it was completely unrideable and I thought it was a goner. Ace bike mechanic and lovely human being, Nora, called today to say that she fixed it and there was no charge. As I was leaving the store today, I asked if it really was no charge or did she take pity on me. She said that it really was no charge. How about that? read more

I went out of my way to be able to purchase my new bike from Uptown because I love this store that much. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and treat you with respect. They are not snobby at all, and I find that a rare quality in bike stores. Plus, a big bonus for me is that they are woman owned and operated. read more

No snobbery. Eager to suggest cheap fixes rather than expensive replacements. Will not turn their noses up at your junky no-name bike. Will patiently explore whatever bike-related ideas are on your mind. +5 read more

I have yet to find a bike shop that treats my trusty 1970s Raleigh ten speed with the tender, loving attention that the mechanics at Uptown lavished upon it when I lived in Chicago. The first time I took my bike there for a complete overhaul, one of the owners was there and she was totally excited that I had brought it to them. A week later I got my bike back, shiny, clean and running like new. They even made an effort to replace all the old parts with comparable used parts. Their prices are very reasonable and they offer used parts for those bikers that ride "vintage" wheels. They're also great about doing small, minor repairs for super cheap or even free sometimes. For smaller repairs they very often take care of you on the spot or within 24 hours. Major repairs take a bit longer, but I've always gotten my bike back within a weeks time. The mechanics know their shit and they have never tried to bullshit me like some other bike shops in the city. Bonus that they're right across the street from the Lawrence red line station. Highly recommended!! read more

I recently bought this great '70s racing bike that needed brakes. Everything else was fine, but I was wearing out the soles of my shoes stopping. Uptown Bikes is a couple of blocks from my offices and I thought I would drop in. I am not a cyclist, so the overall tone of the place was a little intimidating. I have no interest in competitive biking and do not use it as transportation unless the weather is nice. So I go in to get my brakes and the guy at the desk sets me up with these new thumb grip brakes. Not what I wanted at all. I tell him that I was hoping for something more in line with the bike's age and he goes back and brings out Exactly what I need. Perfect. In addition, they were more than helpful with references about gear (I would die for a cart that I could haul large construction supplies from Crafty Beaver in) and tips on how to ride in the city. Just a great experience. I have been in a couple more times since for this or that and thanks to Uptown bikes may just end up being one of those guys whipping along the drive on at 30 mph. Now if they would just sell me the cart in the front of the store so I can haul drywall I would be a happy man. read more

I will pile on the good praise for Uptown Bikes. The staff is incredibly friendly and pretension-free and the prices are very reasonable. The best part is I took my bike in for a flat repair and they basically performed an all-around tune-up for no extra charge. My bike is now faster, happier, and more productive. I cannot recommend Uptown Bikes enough for all your cycling needs! read more

This place will try to take all your money. Not a neighborhoodly shop they did my bike so bogus and got a 170$+ out of me for my bike everything was all loose. Really if you can go somewhere else I wouldn't stop here unless you need too they also delete reviews on Google. think how lucky they are nothing dangerous happens to them or their shop. read more

I adore this place. As a complete bike novice, I went in to check it out per the recommendation of a friend of mine. I was immediately greeted and the guy came over from the middle of whatever he was doing to make sure I was finding everything alright and did I have any questions and so forth. I went in a week later and once again the people I worked with were more than happy to help me with things that other bike shops might scoff at me for not knowing. The guy remembered me and remembered the helmet that they were out of that I wanted and promptly directed me to the helmet place where I picked out a pretty rad matte black helmet for 30 bucks. Friendly staff, fairly cheap and all around awesome. read more

Holla out to Uptown! They've saved my ass so many times. And I love them, they are literally RIGHT THERE (i'm pointing, there, over there, look look!). It's hard for me to judge pricing on things. I feel like in the past if I thought any labour charges were outlandish it was probably because I'm from out of state and am still accustomed to other prices. And you know, they handle the crowds real well. Sometimes it seems like they're a little harsh, but then again, usually it's busy during this time. ...they rock. who has beef with uptown? let's talk? read more

Best Bike Shop in Chicago! I love this place. I have taken my bike here for numerous things: new gear shifters, front and back fenders, new tires, lights, etc... They have always been uber friendly and its awesome how much time they take to explain everything to you. I wish most shopping could be done on such a similar scale. Its sad that big boxes have taken over most American shopping experiences since it is places with service like this that make you want to support your local "mom and pop" even though Nora might not like being deemed as running such a place :) Uptown Bikes rocks! read more

I rode up at around noon to get my brakes adjusted, hoping to get my bike back within a few days. They were able to fix my bike in two hours. The repair gal who looked it over gave me an estimate and suggested new brake pads (as they were the originals on a 25 yr old bike). She suggested some slightly pricier ones that work better with steel bike rims. I said sure, and went on my way. They said I could leave my (godawful heavy) bike lock and chain there while I was out, which I thought was very considerate. When I came back, she took my bike out on a test ride and then suggested that the cheaper pads might actually work better. (They gripped so well, the bike vibrated a bit on braking.) So she replaced the cheaper pads on the front, left the grippers on the back and suggested I go ride to test them. I decided I liked the combo and went to pay the bill. The end price was actually cheaper than expected, given the cheaper pads. So, for my 60$ I got new pads, brake adjustment, adjustment of the rear wheel fender, a test ride to see if my derailleur needed adjustment and two hour service, which I found to be a very fair price. Other good things:The prices are posted on a whiteboard in the front in both English and Spanish. They periodically offer basic bike repair and how to change a tube classes. The staff is helpful, friendly and direct about one's options and prices. I highly recommend them. read more

Bless the glorious people at Uptown Bikes. Got a flat in the middle of Rogers Park after a 15 mile ride from the suburbs. Hauled myself down to Uptown Bikes just as they were closing, and the good folks were happy to stay open and repair my flat. And only $19! Will definitely be back. They're obviously in it for the love of the bike. Good people deserve good business. read more

Uptown Bikes is a phenomenal shop. I lived around the corner for a decade and went there for a lot of stuff over the years. The staff is always friendly, knowledgeable, attentive, and professional. Prices are very reasonable and they stand behind their work. read more

I cannot say enough good things about this place. They truly worked hard to make sure that I have a bike that works for me. The mechanics are very honest and strait forward people and they even have some used parts if you are looking for a budget option. Both times I have gotten bikes fixed there, they have done the job well and for less than the estimated price. read more

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