We needed to ship my son's bike from New Jersey to Minneapolis MN. In searching for the cheapest method online, ShipBikes.com came up. They are half the price of FedEx or UPS. ShipBikes.com uses FedEx for shipping. For an additional $5, you can use door-to-door service. We used this option and service was fantastic. Bike arrived 3 days later. Very easy and efficient. ShipBikes provides instructions for packing to prevent damage. Would use again if needed. read more

I looked forward to doing business with Lickton, as I'd heard generally good things about their online store from other bikeforums.com members, and their selection of higher end road parts looks very impressive. Too bad my experience was a time-wasting disappointment that's left me unimpressed with Lickton's organization and customer service. Long story short, I ordered a part clearly advertised on their website. Turns out they don't have it. But after accepting and confirming my order, they never communicated to me that they didn't have it. ...So I waited around checking the mail each day for my needed part (I had a century ride coming up) instead of obtaining the part elsewhere. Finally, I followed up with Lickton to check the status of my order number. Result? More disorganization and sloppy customer service, as Lickton did not respond to the online order status request I entered directly through their website but instead left me a voicemail (few days later) to call them (instead of just leaving me voicemail that they don't have the part?). When I returned the representative's call the next day with my order number, he didn't know why he left the message or what I was calling about. I had to explain it all over before I finally learned that they "don't have the part." That was more than three weeks ago. The part in question? Still on their website today. read more

LickBike is mostly an online store for bike shoes; however, they sell some other bicycle-related items too (not sure what). They specialize in Sidi and Lake. You can go and try on the shoes and buy them but don't go expecting any sort of typical bike or shoe store because it really is for online stuff. They take online and phone orders and then ship them out. They were flexible about exchanging some shoes for a different size. The prices are reasonable and even better than what you'll find online for most items. read more

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I never write reviews. I did decide to read LickBike reviews after placing a call to ask a question that was never answered. I simply want to make sure I am buying the right item. Someone picked up the phone and appeared rushed. They did not have time to take my call after answering the phone and asked for my phone number to call me back. I never received a call back. No problem. I figured they were simply busy, so I tried calling back later in the day and could not get through. The line continued to be busy after several attempts. I am leaving out of country in a week and I am hoping to order an item in time before I leave. The reviews looked good, so I tried sending my question via email, but I do not see where they accept questions online? Maybe I missed it? It came across as a one man shop, but that is not my understanding from the reviews I read. read more

I haven't personally been to their store, but their service is kickass. Here's the story: I was shopping online for a bike hitch and found a better deal at this other store. I emailed them for a price match and minutes later, I received an email to call them. Apparently they don't offer price matches online, it must be verified over the phone (kind of weird, but whatever). So I call them and asked for Bob, I think he's the owner, very nice guy. I told him the price and he said, yeah we can give you that. It was as easy as that! Moments later, I was transferred to another store associate who processed my order. I asked if they offered email confirmations and they said the process worked differently for phone orders, but they can call me when they're shipping it out. The day later, I was surprised with a call from Chicago. I was thinking, "Who's this? I'm in California, I don't know anyone from there!" Reluctantly, I picked up and it was Licktons. They did not forget me! They called to give me the tracking number!! Pure awesomeness!! I think about a week later, I got my hitch. Everything worked so smoothly and perfectly! AWESOME!! read more

Great source for bike parts, Park Tools, bike trailers, bike trainers, etc., you name it. Not your everyday bike shop, a bit of a niche warehouse type store. Check their website www.lickbike.com/ for what they sell. What they sell is kind of random, but it is all high quality at the lowest price you'll find. read more

This is the first time I have ever written a review -- of anything, ever. Bob, the owner, went out of his way to provide outstanding service to me today. Rarely do I receive such attention as a customer -- of anything. But today, I bought an air caddy, couldn't get my bike to go into it because I wasn't following the directions closely enough, took it back to the shop, and Bob personally finished the job with me, showing me how to do it and do it right so I will have that knowledge the next time. He couldn't have been more kind and professional. It just makes you feel good to see someone who does such a wonderful job, appears to really enjoy doing it, and brings happiness to the world by just getting the job done right. I highly recommend Bob and his bike shipping service and his business. You're doing business with a good person in Bob. read more

I shipped a bike through ShipBikes and had problems with FedEx delays. I called ShipBikes for assistance. I was told that I would be called back the following day. Never heard from anyone. I had to go through great lengths to get my bike from FedEx. When I called to complain, I was told that I would be refunded my shipping fees. That never happened. I will be trying BikeFlights next time. ShipBikes claim on their website that BikeFlights is unethical. Well, leaving a customer hanging isn't exactly ethical either. read more

This is not your typical bike shop. You will not find a number of new shiny bikes on display, nor will you find a nice store front with a plethora of cycling related merchandise. However, if you know what you are looking for, this is the place to go to. Check for their selection on their website first, and then head over to talk to the staff for any questions you may have. The staff is great, and very helpful. Not your typical LBS attendant who is too cool to be bothered by your questions. Definitely my #1 cycling equipment supplier - top merchandise at awesome prices. read more

I knew this place the same way most of their customers do -- from their website. I was in the neighborhood, and decided to visit on a lark. It was a great experience. It's basically a storefront from which they run their web operation, but they're extremely helpful, have a touchscreen to help you navigate their offerings, and you can try things on. It's a very non-traditional retail experience, but it's a great one. I scored some excellent deals and left much more likely to order from them online. Good people. read more

I stopped in one day with my bike to see if I could get some help with a small problem that was pretty stupid and I was almost embarassed about it, they were very helpful and didn't treat me like an idiot over it as some shops like to do. Recommended! read more

I stopped in today to buy a air pump for my bike. The first guy that helped me was not super friendly, I think he might work in the back repairing bikes. Another guy, Bill, came up and asked me a few more questions and helped me find the right pump. He was really helpful and gave me a few tips on using the pump properly. I was really pleased with how helpful he was. read more

I ordered various bike parts from www.lickbike.com, and have only learned that the website actually has a physical store in Oak Park! These guys generally have the best prices for parts on the web. they also have a price match guarantee. I recently visited their physical store on my way home from work, and honestly, i was underwhelmed. it's obvious that the vast majority of their business is done online. The physical store is basically a warehouse with 1 or 2 employees constantly on the phone. anyway, they carry hard to find items, as well as everyday parts, all at a very competitive price. highly recommended for online shopping; minus one star for a disappointing physical store that failed to match their robust online presence. read more

No frills LBS with a helpful staff that will take the time to help you with your questions, repairs, etc.

Well, site says will beat any price. They will not. Cost me 75 dollars more after I mentioned price match and he said he couldn't-Bob. I'll never shop here again. I called 3 days in a row. Sometimes on autoredial for 2.5hrs. Never got through. Phone was off the hook. Horrible customer service. After finally getting a hold of Bob-no price match-no confirmation email-no shipping info-no reply email-nothing. Will I get the product? I can only hope. Do yourself a huge favor and never buy from them. I won't be buying from them ever again. I went to BBB and file a false advertising claim. It says the guarantee price match. They don't and won't! Stay away. My experience couldn't be any worse. read more

This place is super busy. If you have any kind of cycling issue they can tell you what you need and order it. I had an issue where my two middle toes were going numb on long rides which later became painful and they knew exactly what I needed, they also kept me from blowing money on stuff that wouldn't help. Since I switched to the recommended shorts and cream I haven't had any saddle problems at all after years of backyard issues. Bob really knows every facet of cycling! read more

I've been shipping with Licktons for the past couple of years and have always had been treated with courtesy and great respect from Bob, Chris, Dennis and the rest of the team. They take the time to make sure all my questions and needs are met. I've always had great success with my packages arriving to my customers safely and on time. Plus, the shipping rates for my items are almost always less expensive here than USPS, UPS and FedEx. I've shipped grandfather clocks, bikes and other unusual items throughout the world and Licktons always walks me through the shipping process. Lickton's is a unique store that's definitely worth looking in to. A hidden gem!! read more

Do NOT use their shipbikes.com service. In June, I ordered two bike boxes online, but didn't receive a receipt. I noticed that Lickton charged my credit card, so I emailed a request for a receipt and ETA of the boxes. Lickton replied, and I was given a tracking number and told that I would have my boxes on time. Two days later, a package did arrive, but it was not what I intended to order. They shipped two wheel kits instead of two boxes. Now, I'm 99% sure I didn't accidently order the wrong thing, but I never received a receipt and so I had no way of knowing the wrong thing was on the way. Anyways, when I received their email with the tracking number, I ordered one way shipping labels thinking that the boxes would arrive on time. I didn't end up using the shipping labels, because they required the special boxes that I ordered but never got. Lickton did not answer my 3 subsequent emails to resolve the issue. They did not refund my shipping label costs, offer to pay for return postage, or otherwise even answer my emails. I have put in a dispute for charges with my bank totaling $371. I ended up having to ship my bikes in $15 boxes from REI with no Fed Ex discount due to time constraints. Please save yourself some money and frustration - just ship the bike yourself or have your local bike store do it for you. read more

This may be a really good bike shop if you live in the area, but they have no business trying to compete with the big boys as an online entity. I bought a pair of Sidi wire shoes for a good price, but the size just wasn't the same feel as my previous pair of Genius Carbon 5's. I called the shop, and he told me to pull out the liners and try again--no good--so we agreed I should send them back and get the next size up. Great. They immediately charged me for the new pair (I now have almost a grand out of my account) and then they took about 3 weeks to put the money back in my account for the returned pair, but that is what they say on their website, so no fair whining about that. When the new pair arrived, I tried them on and was again not pleased with how they felt, but I was building a new bike and wanted the best shoes to go along with the rest of the package, so I held on to them. A few weeks later, when the bike was finally finished, I went for one ride with my new shoes and immediately realized they were not right for me. My last pair felt like bedroom slippers from the first fit, and these just did not. I called the shop to try to work something out, but from the moment I said I hated the shoes, this small timer hit the eject button. I was kind of amazed as he told me that it wasn't possible that I dislike the shoes, and cited as proof that every single one of the over 400 other customers loved theirs, so I must love mine. He then told me that in order to figure out how comfortable these shoes are, I'd have to sweat in them for a few rides in order to break them in. I told him I'd really rather return them, he IMMEDIATELY said there was not a chance of that happening--once the cleats were mounted, they were mine. So let me get this straight--in order to figure out if I like the shoes, I have to sweat in them for a while; but the second I ride in them, they can't be returned. You can't have it both ways! It was obvious that this guy is such a small time business that once he gets the money, he's not parting with it--no matter what. Also, when he had me parading around my living room trying to make the first pair fit, didn't he think that would be the time to warn me that if I mount the cleats the shoes are essentially junk as far as Lickbike is concerned? Here's the thing--I understand that cyclists are a very particular group to work with, and sometimes parts and purchases are used before their suitability is found wanting, but I never intended for them to just eat these shoes. When I called, I had already accepted in my head that I would probably have to accept a lower return amount than I paid, and I figured I might lose up to $100 in the process, but we never even got that far--he just said I was out of luck and that this purchase was a done deal. Any shop with any class at all would try to figure out how to make this a win-win. Everyone loves a scratch and dent sale, especially when nobody gets hurt in the bargain--I bought these shoes on sale, and was perfectly willing to take less than I paid for them in order to be able to return them and get something I'd be happy with, so there was no way Lickbike was going to lose money here. Unfortunately for me, though, they already had my money, so I can go pound sand. So congratulations, Lickbike. You get to keep the profit you made on this ONE sale. The thing that confuses me is how you think that will help you in the long run. When dealing with a customer who is crazy enough to spend nearly half a grand on a pair of SHOES, you obviously have a fish on the line. I've spent almost ten grand on bike junk this year, and I buy bike stuff like crack addicts buy crack. If you had just worked with me, I would have been a long-term customer. Instead, you acted like I was trying to steal something from you. Not only do you not have a customer anymore, you have someone who is totally unhappy, and we all know unhappy people tell many more other people about their experience than do happy ones do. Bottom line--avoid this small time business like the plague for purchases that require any level of service. They just can't give the level of service required to be a real player, nor do they even seem like they even want to. I'll never give them another dime, and I don't think you should risk your money here either. read more

I ordered some Sidi shoes from their website. Unfortunately, they didn't have my exact size, but they were overly accommodating with finding me an alternative and giving me a great deal. No fuss, straight forward company that was a pleasure to deal with. I'd recommend them and will definitely use them again. read more

I've ordered several times from them now. They are one of the best places to order bicycle parts from. The prices are very good, shipping is cheap and quick (all my orders have shipped the same day I placed the order). Communication is excellent. If you have questions they provide very helpful advice. Highly recommended. read more

i have over the years done business with licktons. when you phone you do not get a shipping clerk, you get someone who knows bicycles. if they do not have you want they will try to order it. their prices are fair, when i bouught a rear derailleur a year ago their price was half of a well known mail order place that employs shipping clerks. since their brick & mortar store is in oak park (i believe a suburb of chicago) & i am in boston & do most of my work myself i have no experience with their mechanics. but judging from my dealings with them i feel they would employ good mechanics. i like this place. read more

Yeah, I know that Lickton's is a high end shop. But every time (and I DO MEAN EVERY TIME) I've ever been there, I've been treated like dirt. Even when I was purchaseing several hundred dollars worth of rain gear some years back, the owner did not seem to want to be bothered with me. I went in a couple weeks ago to purchace a light for my bike. When I walked in, the owner asked me what I wanted, then directed me towards the display case. He was too busy packing a bike into a cardboard box with one of his workers. Neither of them had the time to take my money. Then a young lady walked in needing air for her tire. The owner quickly called out another worker (from the back) to assist her (while I was kept waiting). I waited a bit longer then figgured that this guy did not need me or my money. As I was walking out (suddenly, NOW he has the time), he asked what kind of light I wanted. Say what you want, but this guy is a real jerk. I'll never do busniess with them again. read more