I took my rusted & busted bike there thinking it may be past the point of repairing or that it'd be cheaper to just buy a new bike. Anthony fixed my bike in 30 minutes for $20. He was super nice and knowledgeable. The place was popping, it seems like they have a lot of regulars come by to say hey and get tune ups. Definitely go here! A different shop nearby said it'd be 3 weeks before they could even look at my bike! read more

The guys at West Town were so helpful when I came in with little knowledge about what bike I wanted. They let me test multiple bikes and even helped me with the mechanics. They were thorough and patient helping me make the right decision. read more

they work super fast in there, definitely know what they're doing and they were very nice

I would never recommend this place. Very shady business. I just got charged $30 dollars for absolutely nothing. There was no repair in my bike the only thing was done was small adjustment to my break . No new parts no really nothing. Very disappointed read more

Fast and skilled with all sorts of bikes! I support them 100%... and I bought a tshirt to represent!!!!

Great bike shop that has fixed our family's bike a few times already and willing to go the extra mile without any charge up. Very special needs friendly as he helped fixed my bike to help with a trailer that our son rides in! read more

Super friendly staff. Everyone is incredibly helpful about any possible problem, bicycle related or otherwise, and not in the least bit pushy or condescending (unlike most cycle shops). There is also a decent selection of parts and bikes, and everything is reasonably priced. read more

Jamal is nice , knowledgeable, and very accurate when it comes to price and quality of bikes. The group of people that work here work well together and offer excellent customer service. I am definitely coming back for my future bike needs. read more

Its sad that I had started to write a review about this place a looong time ago and never finished it.. and when I started it it was a 4 star review. Now I have decided to finish it making it a solid 3 star review. I used to go to this shop a lot. Ive had 3 complete tune-ups done here, they converted my bike into a single speed here and Ive ordered a ton of parts from them. Ive given them a lot of business for 2 reasons. 1. because they are a co-op. A neighborhood effort designed to make a positive impact on the business and bicycle community of Humboldt Park & 2. Because they were new and lacked the pretentiousness hipster attitude you get from a lot of shops in the Wicker/Bucktown/Near North Areas. They used to be very helpful. Very insightful and had a open workshop where for a small donation you could bring your bike in and work on it yourself and get inside tips from the people who work there. I used to rave about this place and tell everybody to go here. I swore by it. Well, that has now officially changed. I have been in there twice in the last 2 months and have gotten very little help and tons of attitude. Their prices have gone up considerably. And sometimes its really hard to even tell who works there, who works there but isnt working there at that time and who is just hanging out. And most recently a good friend of mine went there to bring in a bike and a stroller to get some flats repaired and his bike tuned up and told me this awful story about how because he knocked on the door a couple minutes before the shop opened on a saturday , and simply asked if he could bring his items in the shop and come back when they opened to discuss the repairs instead of having to wait outside (because he didnt have his lock with him).. was actually yelled at for knocking on the door and then got into a verbal altercation once the shop opened about how a shop has hours for a reason and they cant just open their doors because they are there working, and then the "shop manager" told him that maybe he should take his business else where.. Well.. With all the other shops around, and new ones popping up.. especially one very new unnamed shop that actually has 2 original members of West Town Bikes working there.. I think taking our business elsewhere per the "shop managers" suggestion is exactly what we will do.. Keeping in mind.. that shop manager is not an owner.. Nor would anybody running a co-op for the right reasons ever say anything like that under any circumstances.. read more

I think this place is wonderful. Hands down. So specifically, I have been in on a few occasions. I stopped by once right after the opening to buy some tubes for my bike, and had a nice chat with with Alex, the director about my vintage cycle. The shop carries basic bike needs and is working on extending their merchandise as more people come in. On my next visit I was looking for some white bar tape and stopped in hoping I wouldn't have to go too far for it. They had exactly the kind I was looking for! It makes me happy that this place is in the neighborhood, because the area is lacking in a bike shop, and especially one that doesn't have a pretentious attitude. Now for my review of the Working Bikes part of the shop: I needed to swap out a freewheel on my bike. This is a pretty simple thing to do mechanically, but you need a special tool. I took advantage of WTB's women and transgender open shop night. They had the tool I needed, along with all of the other stuff I needed for the job, including a vice and bike stands, which are things that I don't get to use often in my home-mechanic efforts. It was really great and the women instructors were really helpful and gave me some great tips on how to best do the project and also for how to get my chain tension right when putting the wheel back on. This was great because while a guy can put a wheel back on and get the chain tension right in a matter of minutes, sometimes us women have to do it a little differently, and it was great to learn some ways to make it easier. West Town is a welcome addition to the neighborhood! read more

This place is close to my house and I've given them three chances to help me solve some minor bike issues. They have successfully let me down each time I've gone there. I'm not the kind of person who is going to cause a big fuss. I'm going to give businesses a chance to help me out with what they supposedly "do best", and IF (after 3 tries) they still can't seem to get it right, I'm going to go elsewhere. I'm not really a die hard bike person. I ride a bike in the city but I am not the bike-riding hipster type who knows how to fix slightly complicated bike issues. I am completely willing to pay the professionals to do that for me. I was really hoping that these guys could be my go-to bike shop. But alas.... Visit #1: My breaks were squeaking to high heaven. I paid a fair chunk of change and they held onto the bike for about 4 hours. When I returned they told me everything was fixed and fine. *** I immediately biked down the block and discovered that the breaks sounded the same as they did when I went there originally. *** Visit:#2: I went in to ask them to fix my tire that continued to go flat (something about the air valve of the tube being pinched). It wasn't super pricey but I expected them to check out the actual wheel to find out how the problem kept occurring. 2 hours later I picked it up and rode it home. *** The following morning, I went to go unlock my bike from where I parked it the night before (immediately after I left their shop) and found that the tire was (once again) flat.*** Visit #3: Got a new bike! Needed a new U-lock. Went in to buy the lock and needed to add the simple mount onto the frame. I told them that I was certain that I could just do it myself but if I needed help, I would ask. I proceeded to make it happen but the mount was requiring a bit more muscle than I could muster up. I asked for help. One of the guys began helping and then told me that the mount was as tight as it would go. I was certain that that wasn't the case because it was still appearing to be all loosey goosey. (I've had these locks before) So I continued to struggle with the damn mount. The dude, meanwhile, proceeds to walk away and put price labels on random boxes and completely ignores the fact that he has not yet finished helping me accomplish this simple task. I finally do everything myself and leave the store.....annoyed....per usual. I'm sorry, but I get that you're pretentious hipster bike shop and you need to give off the "I don't give a shit" vibe.....but there needs to be an occasional customer service vibe every now and then. I also accept the fact that most of these services were things that (if I were a bike person) I would be able to fix myself....but.....bike places like this exist for a reason. So I feel like if I'm coming in and giving you money, you might consider helping a lady out and saving the sass for someone who is not a friendly customer. I will not be back to this place. I don't care that I live 2 blocks away. I will bus my bike over to Logan Square and let the dudes a Boulevard Bikes help me in the future. At least they'll charge me for repairs that they ACTUALLY take care of, while being a bit more friendly. That's that. read more

I had a bike stolen a week ago. It was a Bianchi Carbon 928. They do not make these frames anymore so they are very rare in Chicago. After it was stolen, I posted about it on the Chicago Stolen Bike registry. West Town Bikes came a calling! Someone had brought the bike in, and they knew that it had to have been stolen (12 year old with a $2,000 bike). They didn't let him leave with it, and they searched for the bike on the registry. They gave me call! They were incredibly kind, and are helping me with all of the minor fixes that need to be made. Really trust worthy and amazing bike shop/non-profit. read more

If you want to learn how to work on your bike, this is the place for you. West Town Bikes is a community workspace that offers classes and open shop nights where you can learn anything and everything about your bike. WTB operates by donation, so for just $10 you have access not only to tools and stands, but instructors who are friendly, patient and extremely knowledgeable. This is a perfect place for beginners to learn how to change a flat tire, or for someone more advanced who wants to overhaul a bottom bracket. Whatever you want to do, there will be an instructor there to help you every step of the way. They also have a Women's/Trans night, which is really awesome, because it can sometimes get intimidating in the cycling world. WTB is also very involved in the community with youth programs and is just an awesome organization that we are really lucky to have in Chicago. Go, learn about your bike. You'll love it. read more

Great open shop Tuesdays and Sundays - call for times. Don't miss it unless you are opposed to a friendly atmosphere surrounded by bike tools and a handful of very talented mechanics to help you for free. yes, you will have to pay for parts. read more

I live no where near here, I don't ever go here, I really need to go here, it is a wonderful place from what I hear, I don't think any bike shop in the city has such a great reputation - from what I hear.... Why haven't I gone here? If you want: Your bike fixed To learn how to fix it yourself Buy a new bike Talk to bike experts Have a funky cage, fender or seat post made Go here.....they rock! Best Bike Shop in the City - Hands Down read more

This is an excellent resource for newbies. It's not really a bike shop so much as a bike clinic shop. They offer classes in a whole lot of different topics ranging from basic maintenance to how to race at the velodrome. Here are some classes they offer: Women and Trans Mechanics Workshop How To Build Your Own Bike Do Your Own Tune-Up Chicago Community Bike shop If you ever wanted to learn about how to fix your bike without feeling intimidated about it in the least, try this place out. Every class has a recommended tax-deductible donation suggestion of only $10.00. This is REALLY one of the best things to happen to cycling in Chicago because learning how to fix your bike can be a really intimidating thing to newbies and they're all about reducing that so that everyone can love biking. Knowing what's going on and how to maintain your bike yourself is incredibly empowering, especially when you hit up a new shop and it's some jack-ass who wants to rip you off and pull one over on you. read more

This is an awesome resource. This is a place for all of you DIYers who love their bikes. Don't be left high and dry if you have a flat tire or if you need to clean up your bike or lube your chain....let the wonderful people at West Town Bikes teach you how to be confident and savvy when it comes to your bike. I've only been to one workshop here and I almost immediately started using my newfound skills. The workshop I went to wasn't very crowded (probably cause it was cold, windy and rainy) and I got personalized attention. I cleaned my bike, lubed my chain, changed my brake cable, adjusted my breaks and even got to look at the truing wheel. It was very educational and I can't wait to go back to learn more. This place is run by donations so it's affordable for anyone. Definitely give as much as you can. Think about how much money you save compared to going to a shop. Even just fixing a flat would cost $10 at a shop. Learning this stuff is a good investment. In addition, if you're ever wandering about what to do with torn up and dirty old tshirts and clothes, WTBs can always use donations of items. Check out their website and sign/show up for a class or workshop as soon as possible! read more

YESSSSSS!!!! competitive prices, knowledgeable/courteous staff, they answer their phone, oh gee-wizz they don't make you feel dumb cause heaven forbid, you don't know everything there was ever known about bike mechanics. enough from me... go there yourself and check it out! read more

I recently donated a mid 1980s mountain bike to these guys since I heard that they teach neighborhood youth how to fix bikes with donations of this sort. I have no idea if they were able to salvage a bike I bought when I was 19 back in the 1980s, but I hope someone learned from the experience. I tend to come here to buy tubes, but they have the "open shop" nights for people to come in and fix up a bike. This is a great service to anyone who wants to fix a bike and learn something when doing it.So, if you just bought a 25 year old bike and want to turn it into a hipster machine these folks can help. And, yes, donate! They not only fix bikes, they make Humboldt Park a better place by helping kids. read more

If you're tired of spending $100 on a bike tune up (aka have some shop tighten some screws or cables for you) then learn how to do it yourself! This place is amazing. My first time there was about 3 weeks ago and I've been back 4 times since with my two bikes! This is coming from a girl who barely knew what an allen wrench was! So don't feel intimidated if you don't know anything about bikes! Tinker Town Tues is led by Alex, the guy who runs the shop. He's really patient, super helpful, and will show you anything you need to do. Since I've started going he's shown me how to change out my back v-brakes completely, adjust the brake cables, adjust the shifting cables, make headset adjustments...etc! This was all stuff I had just paid $50 to get done at a bike shop. Now I have the pride of knowing I can do all this myself! Make sure you go early to get a stand cause it fills up pretty fast! They've got bike stands, all the tools you'll ever need, degreaser, lube, and even spare parts if you need something that they charge only a small amount for if anything! It's a suggested donation of $10 to use their things, but you could get away with less if you just went in to clean your chain or make a quick adjustment....or in my case more cause you love them so much! Great place. Super friendly environment. I made new friends the first night I was there whom I've since, riding all over town! They even have a ladies night! check out their website for scheduling info. 13/52 read more

One of the best cycling resources in the city. The guy behind the soul of the project, Alex, is super passionate about cycling and bringing the opportunity to underpriviledged kids in the city. The classes they offer are great - I took a winter maintanence class which really helped me to understand the anatomy of my bike. The free course on how to fix your flat, check ABC, is invaluable for beginner cyclist.Open nights are great to use their gear (they have way better stock for gear than some of the fancy-looking shops) as well as to socialize other DIY type. Best of all, people here are super friendly and help out in any way they can. Women, kids, men without fancy gear, you will find all those here (though i am sure they welcome those with spiffy looking attire as well). One advice: please tip the mechanics!!! they don't get paid much and do this job out of love~ read more

Great bike shop. These guys have helped me get back working on my bike again multiple times and always for a great price. Super great people working there and they always have the parts you need. read more

I agree, this place is one of the best cycling resources in the city.. The staff is very knowledgeable, they're friendly and real. I'm not a hipster or even a bike enthusiast. I'm merely a commuter with a humble, old creaking bicycle, that is slightly falling apart. My first time in West Town Bikes, I needed to fix a flat (because I don't know how), and buy a helmet. They don't have a big dizzying selection of accessories, but they will have what you need. If you're looking for fancy schmancy gadgets, you're better off going to REI or something. Came in again another time because the chain guard of my old bike sort of fell off one side and was just dangling on the cranks.... just awful. They found parts that would fit it back together and even adjusted the brakes for me. Wonderful guys. friendly environment. I hope to come to one of the classes/workshops here to learn. read more

These people care more about you and your ride than anyone else in town. The mission and activity over at West Town are really wonderful. The prices for parts and services are very reasonable. The staff are very kind and work very hard for a cause in which they believe. And they are widely-loved and darn good at what they do as a result. I recommend open shop night, where extremely knowledgable professionals will work with you on your bike. They always give you the tools to make informed choices, right down to replacing parts with new or (equally good) used ones. High-five, West Town. Keep it up. read more

First off this place is an asset to the community. It is a nonprofit and gives back in so many ways. Sure they're a retail shop as well, but they don't mark up their prices insanely, and you know when you buy there you're not putting money in someone else's pocket you're actually helping other people get bikes, learn about bikes, and benefit the overall community. They are extremely knowledgeable and won't treat you like you're a dumb ass. read more

West Town Bikes is an amazing resource for our community. Teaching anyone who is interested to maintain and safely ride their bikes and supplying tools to do so with. Thanks West Town Bikes!! Ciclo Urbano is really great as well. Good prices, nice service and affordable used bikes! read more

This place is great! I volunteer with VeloCity Bicycle Cooperative in alexandria, va. I like visiting different coops when i travel. Mikey, Pat, and the other volunteers were really friendly, took lots of time out to explain thier noble mission. I was able to help all evening long and loved it. If youre looking for a place to learn to fix your bike, learn more about bikes by volunteering, or just want to help a really wonderful grassroots organization, id highly recommend west town bikes. It was by far my favorite thing about visiting Chicago. read more

This place used to be great. For bike repairs etc anyway. Tried supporting the youth program by donating unclaimed bikes from an old bike room at my apartment building in Chicago, dealt with "Mikey" i.e. the guy who always wears high socks........ and shorts...... listen Bro, if people try and help you and your organization, don't be such a hard ass and so resistant to support. Don't put up a front. Do people actually like you? Gave me a feeling that this place is no longer truly "not for profit" and that children are being used by this place now as a vehicle for some conniving people to make money. Not all I can only hope imagine and assume. But look at what happened with the tour de fat event. Why are you even still associating with something that is so distant from the actual community you claim to support?? Sad. Get rid of this Michael Young jerk. Bring back Michael Bush. read more

Me and my bike, we're best pals. But when my girl started clickin' and clackin' in ways that were generally not good or healthy for a bike, I got worried. And then I remembered West Town Bikes. West Town is close to my house, a 5 minute ride. It is a wonderland of friendly people who know what they are doing, glorious, GLORIOUS tools, and great music. Kisha helped me get my bike up onto one of the bike stands (which I'd never done before) and taught me how to tighten the bottom bracket (also a new skill for me). She also helped diagnose what I thought might be the other problem (which wasn't a problem at all). We also discussed an upcoming class in replacing brake cables (ooohhh) and just talked bikes in general. I'm totally in love with this place. All this awesome, for a low fee (donation!) of 10 bucks! I would have totally donated more too if I could have afforded it right now. This is one of the most fabulous resources I have ever come across. I plan on totally taking advantage of it as much as possible. I love getting grease under my nails. I love working on my bike. You should totally support them, and help keep them going. I feel bad for any city that doesn't have somewhere like this at their disposal. read more

(Rough Draft Review) I stopped by the shop and was greeted by one of the repair/salesmen. I told him what the problem was (chain not locking into place when gears are changed) and he took my bike and put it on the rack. He said, "Don't worry, it's free. Some people ask me not to do this since they think I'll charge; this is just an assessment." Within a minute he pinpointed the problem, fixed it, and gave my bike back to me. I was very impressed and I'll definitely be back to take a class or two. read more

Went here over the holiday weekend because my friend bought a new seat for her bike but didn't have the tools to change the old seat out. Not only did they change this out in about 1 minute, they also did it at NO COST even though she bought the seat elsewhere--for more money than they sold it here I might add! They were so nice! I like that they work within the community to support affordable transportation. This is a valuable organization worthy of support! I will be back! read more

Scored a used Schwinn cruiser through Ciclo Urbano here for $50. It's creaky and beat up, but it's seriously the most comfortable bike I've ever been on. It's also my first one here in the city, so I wasn't planning to go crazy with the price. Service was friendly and professional inside the shop, where my boyfriend and I scored all the accessories we needed as well. I've since souped it up by removing the chain guard, and switching out the handlebars and pedals, The brakes and shifter are probably going to need to go soon too. But everything about the bike is solid! It gets me to work like a dream. They had a variety of used bikes under $100 to choose from when we went (on a Saturday). Definitely check this place out if you're looking for your first bike, and you don't want to spend a ton. read more

If there's a 10 star, this place would get it. Not unlike ADTS (All Day Tire Shop) and every other 5 star establishment, they know their product/service and know it in such an effortless and unscripted way. Living in the area for 10 years me and my Son have come to know and love the guys who run this place. Young guys and girls just doing what they're passionate about and in a way that makes you want to return just for biking inspiration...if you're ever in need. But if there is a more conventional reason to come, you'll be glad you did. read more

This is the best bike shop that I have been to in Chicago. They offer bike classes at a cheap price, so you can fix your bike without having to take it in to a shop everytime something goes wrong. After taking my tandem bike to Rapid City and either being told they can't help me, I took my bike to West Town Bikes and fixed it in their bike shop for free with the help of staff for a small donation. Everything I wanted in a bike shop. read more

This is such a great place. I had my bike tuned up here after being in storage for two years in New York, and I really trusted and liked the crew that fixed it up. The only reason I'm giving it four stars instead of five is because after they told me I hadn't needed new tubes when I picked up my bike after the tune up, but then my tire was flat the day after I took it home, before I rode it anywhere--I think it had a slow leak. I'm sure they would have fixed it for free or given me a discount if I'd taken it back in, but I just didn't feel like doing that and repaired the flat myself. Ciclo Urbano has an awesome mission and the staff are super nice. I also bought a great helmet here. Definitely recommend this joint to others and I'll probably come back here if I ever need to buy a new bike. read more

Over priced with terrible customer service!!!! Take your business elsewhere unless you like getting taken advantage of

Legit best business in town. They spent over half an hour with me sorting me out for the right bike. They're super knowledgeable and quick with maintenance, and for the first couple months they do free/cheap maintenance. Finally, I came in the day before I was moving, and they did a last minute packing up of my bike in 30 minutes even though they were busy and you're supposed to give them several hours. All my former roommates got bikes from them, and they too are super hyped on the service. Seriously cannot say how grateful I was for having these peeps in my neighborhood. read more

I love everything about this place! I like it so much I don't know where to begin. Maybe I could start with its mission in the community, to provide bike education to Chicago's youth or maybe I could start with the adult programs and how they taught me to build an maintain a bike. Ciclo Urbano/West Town bike is a great organization and I look forward to going to the store and open shop hours in the years to come! Oh and I can't forget the people that work there are a lot of fun as well! read more

5 STARS FOR THE YOUNG KIDS WHO FIX THE BIKES. They are all willing and helpful. A bike to me is a chain, two tires and pedals...and handlebars. I'll be the first one to tell you I pretty much don't know anything about bikes, as these workers have figured out, and I have never been made to feel stupid for it. Not pretentious at all, nice, funny and polite. 5 STARS As for one of the bosses....I hope this is seen: I understand that failure to deny service on a bike with a seat that is loose is a liability hazard, but as a customer I don't know that...until you let every customer in the shop at the time know that. A team is a team. No one should be singled out in front of one another and especially not in front of customers. As a non-profit organization focused on teaching young people on the importance of working and independence, it would be nice to see a more evolved boss-employee dynamic. Certainly this could have been addressed on the low-low, one-on-one, perhaps NOT in front of the register. It was uncomfortable for me as a customer and I think this behavior is something that needs to be addressed. BUT I digress, this place is great. I like to give my money to shops with a focus on youth. read more

I went in for a tune-up because my bike was making funny noises. They told me I only needed a safety check, which was $30 cheaper. I drove my bike home and had the best ride since I first purchased my bike! Great service! Highly recommend and will return. read more