Considering getting a cargo bike but don't know where to start? Offbeat is where you start! Check them out for a test drive, ask some questions, let the idea wiggle its way into your brain until you realize you're thinking, "you know what? I don't actually like sitting in and creating traffic every day" and "actually I would like some light exercise each day" and "why the hell *am* I paying so much for car insurance for a car that mostly drives less than 5 miles at a time??" ... Then, circle back to Offbeat where you had that great test-ride and take the plunge. You're only regret will be not having bought a cargo bike sooner. read more

Started looking at an Urban Arrow back when it was Four Star under the previous owner. For various reasons we didn't end up purchasing until quite a bit later when ownership changed. I was worried about that change but Offbeat, and Mandalyn, have been awesome! Purchase was easy, a small part issue (from the factory) was resolved quickly, and it's been smooth biking with kids, groceries, and adults as cargo for well over a year. If your experience is anything like mine, Mandalyn will have all the answers to your questions and will be super patient (and not at all pushy) as you make what is likely to be a significant purchase. read more

Our family had a great experience at four star family cyclery, and highly recommend checking it out. The business owner was very knowledgeable, and helped us make a great decision for our family. Service has been great since the purchase of our bike as well, and will definitely return for future biking needs! read more

Offbeat Bikes - Happy girls with our bike! - Bike Repair/Maintenance Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had the best experience purchasing my e-bike here! Mandalyn was extremely knowledgeable and patient with me, as I sent many emails and came back multiple times to test ride the bikes. She understood this was an important decision and at the end of the day wanted to make sure I had the right bike for me and my family. I am so excited about my new purchase, and am so happy I found Offbeat. I highly recommend gong there for you e-bike needs. read more

Saving my 500th review for a business I'm really excited about. I attended a Yelp Virtual Event a few weeks ago that was hosted by Seattle Ebikes, and it really got me excited about the prospect of buying one. I'd been thinking I'd take the plunge, but that really motivated me to finally do it. At that event, they showed the Tern bikes, and though I thought I'd end up with an Electra Townie (they're freaking adorable), Tern really stoked my interest. That folding handlebar? Neat. I visited a shop in the suburbs but they only had one Tern model, and not the one I was interested in. They didn't have a lot of ebikes, period. I'd originally been hesitant to visit FSFC because it's appointment only; I was excited RIGHT NOW, but also I didn't want to waste someone's time if I got cold feet. But after the experience at the other shop, I thought I needed to give this place a try, especially since it seemed clear that they allow test rides. If I was going to spend this much on a bike, I wasn't going to do so without any idea if it would work for me. I found Elsbeth to be fantastic to work with. She explained a lot of stuff about the bike to me, features like the handlebar folding and adjustment and optional stuff like the bags and whatnot. She let me take one out to try it around the block a few times, and didn't accompany me, which was a surprise--but I appreciated her level of trust. I was there for 30-45 minutes that first time, probably, and with the information she gave me I did a bit more looking into the bikes to make my decision. I had really, REALLY wanted the GSD because it comes in pink, and the HSD didn't come in the colors I like. But in the end I chose the HSD both for the price and the level of bike--I don't need so much space for cargo or passengers, and the weight difference was major, too. Though one of the features I wanted--dual-sided kickstand--is backordered, my bike didn't take long at all to get here. I got an email within two weeks saying it was ready for pickup. Again, at my appointment, Elsbeth was super patient and generous with her time (and dare I say, Cool? Terrible pun, but I still love it). She showed me how to use the pannier bags, unlocking the battery, where to charge on and off, I practiced how to maneuver the handlebars, and more... she even went over *very* basic bike-riding stuff when I asked questions about that (it may have been college that I last rode a bike). I was able to look at a few helmets as well, and ended up returning the next day to pick one up. (The helmet is super cool by the way--fits perfectly and has a ponytail holder which is great for folks like me with long hair!) I'm so, so glad that I ended up coming here to buy my bike; I can't believe I almost missed out on this fantastic business and experience. Elsbeth is knowledgeable, incredibly generous with her time, not at all pushy or giving you the hard sell on a bike, laid back--I mean, cool is really the perfect word to describe her. She made me wish she was my friend, and felt like one just helping you figure out what is right for you. The customer service is extraordinary. The bikes they carry are awesome and varied, both in brand and style. The shop is inclusive, and Elsbeth non-judgmental, which I really appreciated; it's one of the things that's been holding me back since an experience at another shop years ago. In looking at helmets we talked about how the perspective of women in the design process of the helmet made it so much more useful for us! I'm so glad that I was able to support a local, small, woman-owned business in making this purchase, and I'd recommend visiting Four Star Family Cyclery without hesitation to anyone looking for an ebike or a cargo bike. I promise you won't be sorry. read more

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This shop has been servicing my bike for the last five years. The entire team is knowledgeable about cargo bikes, is really responsive if an urgent issue arises, and after five years, my bike still rides like it's new. The shop is open by appt only, but the scheduling times are very flexible. I highly recommend! read more

I purchased an e cargo bike here almost two years ago and couldn't be happier. You can try all the bikes before you buy and the owner is incredibly knowledgeable. read more

Huge fan of this bike shop! They specialize in selling and servicing cargo and electric bikes, and are just a pleasure to do business with. I really appreciate their direct communication, clarity, and care for situations. 10/10 no notes! read more

I bought an e-bike from here in 2021. It's absolutely great shop and they helped show me different models and discuss their trade offs. Test riding several was easy and fun. This year I also got my bike a service and they fixed all issues and it rides like new. It was a great investment and I'm excited to keep going here for all my needs for some time. Get an e-bike, you won't regret it! (And get it from here!) read more

I just bought a little Strider bike here for my toddler. I called over the weekend to ask what might be in stock (it's the holidays). I got my answer plus some helpful questions to ensure fit. Booking an appointment to see & buy it was simple. The actual sale was also very pleasant - so much more so than buying it online would be. To support a local business during these times also feels good. We'll be back when we have space for a family hauler. In the meantime I can't wait for our little guy to strap on his helmet and ride this little bike. Thanks Four Star! read more

Love the people here. The service is great and straight to the point. I have never had an issue with getting things done in a speedy manner. They always treat us right! read more

Loved working with Four Star to get our awesome cargo bike!! Mandalyn is knowledgeable and wonderful to work with. Definitely recommend!!!