I didn't have any trouble finding a decent bike here showing up at noon on Saturday. I was surprised by the line out the door, but this place has a LOT of bikes. I experienced no hipster overexposure and no attitude from patrons or staff. We were in and out with a fair purchase in less than 20 minutes! FYI, they have a lot of "vintage" (70s/80s) cruiser bikes mostly. read more

I had a great experience buying a used bike at Working Bikes. The selection was great, sure the bikes are made from miscellaneous parts, but I found a decent number of bikes to try that were in my size. I rode 3 bikes in the little dead end street next to the shop before deciding. Customer service was great. I noticed the seat had a tear, and one of the workers helped me pick out another seat and installed it for me. I also got a rack and a light for it while I was there. I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a bike since I'm also an avid divvy rider, so it was nice to have Working Bikes as an option. I also got a cheap little plastic "bike" for my toddler for $5 while I was there. She was a happy customer too. read more

This shop is a HUGE get for the Pilsen/Little Village community! My tire exploded and I took it in. I was immediately helped by a nice fella and he changed my tire within 10 minutes, even though the shop was fairly bustling that day. And, it only cost $10. Amazing!! I also bought a pair of drops and a quill stem together for $10, too (used). Plus, this place is a non-profit and does a lot of great things in terms of helping people get transportation they need. I'll definitely be back. read more

This was my 2nd attempt at getting a bike after my first attempt at Performance Bikes failed miserably. I found a beautiful vintage Centurion Pro Tour 15 with Octavio's help. I can't give enough props to him, a volunteer, for spending so much time with me getting the bike ready. But unfortunately, the bike was too big. I didn't realize this, since it was my first road bike, and the hour ride to work was torturous, with my arms bearing the brunt of all my weight. I took the bike back and this time the volunteers were less helpful. I stood around the shop for about 10 minutes before someone helped me. Paul, the manager, tried to find me another bike in the same price range, but unfortunately, most of the vintage bikes were too long in the top tube, and did not fit me. He actually refunded me for the bike, which is against their general policy, which I really appreciated. But the feeling I got was that I wasn't the right type of customer for them, because my body ratio meant I needed to look elsewhere for other types of bike geometry. Paul was gracious enough to mention BFF Bikes in Logan Square. I headed over after, and found my bike there. It rides beautifully, and only cost $100 more than the vintage at Working Bikes. So ladies I'd recommend checking out BFF, since their bikes may be a better fit for your body. read more

Awesome bike shop for an awesome cause. A Gary Fisher and Trek Hybrid for $500, can't go wrong! They are a little banged up but that's fine by me. They only lose a star because staff was not exceptionally knowledgable but, in fairness, it was busy and one of the guys we talked to was obviously new. Definitely worth the trip if you're looking for used wheels. read more

best place to go for cheap bike parts go in there knowing what you are looking for though cause the volunteers aren't necessarily gonna come out from behind the counter and help you out get there early for the best bike deals on a new bike! read more

Nice concept, but bad service. Chicago is full of scenester bike people and the guy you have to go through to do anything at Working Bikes has a lot of attitude for someone who's running a charity. He's just really unpleasant. Probably because he's so knowledgeable about bicycles. That warrants acting like an elitist, right? Look, if you don't know anything about bikes, sure, buy one here. It will be overpriced, but many bike shops in Chicago are. If you know anything about bikes, avoid Working Bikes. The best place I've found for parts and service is Comrade Bikes on Chicago near Damen. Go to them instead. They are great and FRIENDLY. read more

Just got my first bike here and everyone was so friendly and helpful, especially Kiki. Thanks y'all for helping me live my truth.

This place is AWEsome. The guys working there were super busy but so helpful. They gave me really sound advice on a bike I wanted to buy and helped me understand how it fit me personally. I have really bad knees and needed a bike that was going to fit my body and work with my bad joints. I left on a used bike that was in GREAT condition and I rode 10 or so miles free of pain! This place was awesome! read more

I believe this place deserves 5 stars. I just hope my dream bike is still there when I have the cash for it!! I did find many upon many I would just love to ride through this gorgeous city!! Don't listen to the horrid reviews. Most of them are just negative because they lost the bike they had wanted. There are like 100 bikes for sale in store. You can also build one if I am thinking correctly. As I said before, I found many I would enjoy. You can also go for a test ride on the side street, you just have to give them your ID at the door and the tag for the bike before taking it out of the store. They accept bikes as donations!! They have a large area in the back where they ship the bikes off to foreign countries. Africa for instance :) I suppose their hours could be better, but it's totally worth it for an inexpensive bike!! Check it out today!! They sell helmets and locks also!! read more

I bought an excellent used bike from working bikes and you can see the the quality of workmanship and pride the mechanics that work here have. The repair department is doing a handlebar change and wheel truing adjustment on the bike and they are making it easy for me. Great, helpful, friendly staff make it fun and simple to buy a working bike. read more

I've never had the urge to set up a Yelp account until I went into Working Bikes today. I have lived in Chicago for about 5 years now, always riding a bike and now I am kicking myself for never having gone into Working Bikes until now. I went into to get a new inner tube, because they are only $2 there! While I was there Michael and Ben brought up a load of other problems I had with my bike. They told me they wouldn't let me leave until my bike was safe enough to ride on the streets. I was there for about an hour. I didn't have a problem waiting because all the guys were so nice and fun to talk to. They tightened my breaks, changed my inner tube, changed a broken spoke, changed my axel, and put new reflectors on all for $4!!!!! I am so happy I went into Working Bikes! I will definately be in to volunteer with loading bike shipments and for the workshops on Tuesday! Thanks so much Working Bikes! read more

So I read a lot about this place before stopping in on a Wednesday in September of '10. My bike got stolen, and I really wasn't too picky about a replacement. The whole reason why I THOUGHT that WBC would be a decent option to find a replacement was that: 1) Prices were allegedly cheap 2) It was all for a good cause I expected to find a bike for about 75 bucks. I wasn't picky. I didn't mind rust, or a feminine mixte frame. All I wanted was a cheap enough ride with fenders. And from what I heard prior, this was the place to be for beaten up old Schwinns. I showed up about an hour before opening and expected a line. When I showed up, there were about 25 people ahead of me. Expected though, so no biggie. About 15 minutes before opening, one of WBC's volunteers came out and gave the assembled crowd a run down that went something like this: "Yeah, well, thank you for stopping by Working Bikes Cooperative... (yada yada about their charitable work in Africa and what have you)... Umm, yeah. We're a volunteer-based cooperative, and our mechanics didn't work on too many bikes this week. So what you see is what you get. If you see a bike you want, stand by it and one of our crew members will help you. Sorry, but there will not be a big selection right now. But if you don't see a bike you want, talk to someone at the rear of the shop and they might be able to help you out." At opening a slough of teens suddenly came skating up and cut the line. The same volunteer was outside and just let them in, despite the now 75 people that had patiently waited along Western during his spiel. Doors opened and everyone broke off into a mad dash up the stairs and into their front show room. I do not exaggerate when I say there were 8 bikes laid out. Each one was an early 90s road affair, and none under $250. Seeing nothing I wanted, I stopped one of the volunteers, per what the guy said during the whole prep session outside. I had heard from other people that you could still get a deal on one of their fixer-uppers in the back. That was wrong. The volunteer said sorry, and asked me to come back another day. If I wanted, she said, I could come for their "big party" on Saturday and "see what we're all about" Too bad, chick. I'd see enough. What's even the point of being open for half the day when all your bikes are gone in the first 10 minutes? What's even the point of having volunteers and parties, let alone opening up at all when you can't meet your demand? Seriously, I could have gotten a better deal at one of the big box stores near my apartment. I've spoken to a few people who try to apologize for WBC. They're a non-profit, they say. Well I've been in non-profit operations most of my life. WBC's problem isn't their limited space, or bad music, or emo atmosphere. Its just sheer laziness and apathy. Want me to volunteer? Want me to come back? Why? read more

Excellent customer service. Expert help and advice.

I've come here a handful of times for being pretty unlucky while riding my bike. The location is kind of off putting, but the shop and service itself are worth mentioning. I've yet to find any place in Chicago that offers the same prices as here for either service of used bikes. Sure the people are a bit strange that work there, but thats what you get for being a mostly volunteer run store. The mechanics that are paid to be there know their stuff and are happy to share/teach what they know. Overall I'd highly recommend the place. The only downside is the amount of time it takes to get service since there's usually a lot of people there, and the hours they are open. Regardless, they're still my go to bike shop for quality and value. read more

Working bikes was fantastic! I had been looking for a used, affordable road bike throughout Chicago for some time and finally made it over to the shop on a beautiful spring day. They were so helpful in pointing me to a few bikes that would fit me. I proceeded to test ride 5+ bikes before landing on an awesome blue Schwinn '74 traveler 3 in great condition with brand new tires, break pads, handlebars all for only $180. What a steal! They also hooked me up with a free water bottle holder and 3 free reflectors! I never once felt rushed or pressured. The staff is so friendly and helpful. I will definitely be back to Working Bikes for all my biking needs. read more

OMG I just had a best experience here. Second time I have gotten a bicycle at Working Bikes and I never want to go anywhere else. Not only are the salespeople knowledgeable and helpful, but they are also SUPER patient and sweet. As someone who doesn't know a whole lot about bikes they made me feel very welcome. Kiki helped me and she was the bomb! Helped me find what I was looking for and even stayed late to help me change out my bike rack and seat and make sure I had a bike I was happy with. Just overjoyed, and spent less than $200 on a bike that I know is going to last me and work well with commuting around the city. Thank you Working Bikes!!! read more

Best service ever! Huge selection of bikes at great prices. Kiki was so patient with us. She showed us around and gave us all the tips to finding a bike. read more

awesome place, Keke is the best. excellent and knowledgable service and great deals!!

I walked in looking for a bike. I didn't know what kind I wanted or needed really. I had seen a lot of people riding the bikes with the thin tires and curved handlebars, but I noticed that all of those people were also trying to go pretty far, and usually pretty fast. I wanted something that could get me where I was trying to go, but also something that was comfortable. I was approached first by the cashier while I was browsing and she made sure to let me know that she was available for if I had any questions. Later a man by the name of Lee engaged in conversation with me and helped me to pick a bike that was the right height, right build, right weight, and right level of comfort. Ultimately, I walked out with a bike that I absolutely loved, that day! All of the staff there were great, they had tons of options within a reasonable cost range, and I feel confident in saying that I would definitely shop there again! Thanks Working Bikes! read more

This past weekend I purchased a road bike from Working Bikes for $70. Granted, this is quite the steal.. I had some serious issues with the bike within a day. I stored it in storage overnight, and came to find it the next morning with a flat tire. I figured, oh well, probably needs a new tube and good to go. I blamed this on the change of temperature. So I'm riding for a good 10 minutes or so and BANG! My tire goes flat again. Turns out the front tire was basically worn down completely and I wouldn't be the least surprised if it was the original tire from the late 70s. So I bought a new tube and tire and took it on another ride. This time, the back tire pretty much fell off... due to being 30+ years old. So at this point, I had put $50 into the bike within 3 days. I was frustrated but I figured, it's an old bike, things like this happen. Well then the next day I rode it again, and the front derailer popped off while I was switching gears. This might have been my fault, I just ripped it off and kept riding. And then no less than 15 minutes later, the front tire went flat again. The brake pads were too big and were scratching up on the tire every time I braked. At any rate, I do feel that they gave me a good deal but unless you are bike savvy and know how to fix a few things, it's not really worth the bargain. I have found out that at one time Working Bikes was the place to get a used bike but they are overstocked and don't have enough volunteers to produce a WORKING bike. read more

Great place for great bikes! The staff are incredibly friendly and are more than happy to help someone as clueless as me pick out a bike and give it a test drive before buying. The prices are also extremely reasonable - the most common price I saw for bikes was about $220, with plenty in the $160-200 range. I got a used bike for $190 and am in love with it. read more

It's just a great idea! I highly recommend volunteering or getting involved as well as patronizing the store. Buy your bike in the early winter season to avoid waiting in line and competing with other's for the best bike. read more

Can't blame them for their hours or their selection but they should absolutely be held accountable for their TERRIBLE customer service and the fact that they sell quite a few unrideable bikes. I bought a bike there last weekend. It was sitting in the store with a flat. Took the guy working there about 45 minutes to change the tube because he was too busy fiddling with the music and chatting offensively about 'aggressive women'. Road out of the store only to find myself with a flat soon thereafter--he'd replaced the jacked tube with an equally garbage one and hadn't given any attention to where the problem was on the tire itself. Bike's alright after a great repair at Upgrade Cycle but I am NEVER going back to Working Bikes. read more

Awesome place.Great for a cheap stickler like myself who refuses to shell out big bucks on a new bike. Need used some parts, here you'll find them. Got myself some deals on casettes and wheels. They also sell used bikes at reasonable prices. read more

I went to WB with a friend who needed a part for her bike. She clearly didn't know very much about bikes as she had the part she needed written down and read it to the guy at the desk. His reply was that 'People are supposed to find parts themselves'. Well, no s*it, assh*le, we would if we knew what it was! There was NO ONE in line, and all he was doing was typing on the computer in front of him. It took him a good 10 minutes before he walked right over to what she needed and handed it to her. Oh, and the bad part, HER FOOT WAS IN A CAST. Thanks for the help jerk. This place is run by volunteers with the intent to get people on bikes and to teach them about working on bikes, so if you don't want to help people, why are you there? Free wifi? That being said, there have been other times the volunteers have been very helpful and knowledgeable, but that guy was full of 'it'. read more

Had a great experience. Despite what I've read online, everyone we encountered there was extremely friendly and helpful. I bought a used hybrid for $180, and my fiancee got one too. They threw in some little odds and ends and attached her cargo rack for her. read more

I have been wanting to buy a used road bike for many years and today was the day. I stopped in West Town Bikes first, had a bad experience, so I hoped the bus south to Working Bikes. What a dream. As expected for a Saturday they were very busy, but someone helped me almost immediately and was understanding when I said I had never bought a used bike and didn't know what I was looking for. He explained all of their models and figured out what size I needed. I test road two bikes and he encouraged me to try more. On the bike I chose he suggested I needed the seat lowered. I took it to the mechanics, they had me test it out again and they determined I didn't need it lowered. These guys care. Really nice, unpretentious vibes. Even though they had a good selection of clothing, locks and other things it really felt like the bikes were the focus. read more

Unfortunately I cannot recommend Working Bikes in any way shape or form. We were on the donating end of the spectrum. We were liquidating an estate of an elderly gentleman who ran a bike shop for over 50 years. There were 100 bicycles and a huge inventory of parts, wheels, tires, tubes etc which the family wanted to DONATE. The family contacted Working Bikes and I was told that they were greatly interested in everything. I made arrangements to meet one of there volunteers in the evening which I did and loaded into his compact pickup all of the new and used parts and 4 bicycles. I was told that he would return with volunteers and a bigger truck to get the rest of the bicycles. After I contacted the volunteer twice and was repeatedly assured they would be there "tomorrow nite" or "Saturday" I finally got an E-mail stating that it was "Not Economically" feasible to drive 2 hours to pick up the bikes. I have not gotten a tax credit form for the donated items that they did pick up and E-mails to them have gone unanswered. The family tried several charitable organizations to donate these to and had no luck with anyone following through with there interest in them. The end result was 2800 lbs. of scrap hauled to the salvage yard. Working bikes although they advertise will pickup (100 bikes were worth the trip) does not communicate very well. I will continue to try to get the tax credit form from them for the donation but other than that I am done with them. read more

Bought my wife an 88 Schwinn world sport here. It was completely overhauled but all original parts. Gorgeous. She loves it and laughs at the slow divy riders pedaling like crazy in the wrong gear with their saddles too low. If you want to get into biking, come here and buy a nice steel road bike, for $200 and give to a great cause at the same time. Steel is real. read more

hey folks!!! working bikes moved to 2343 s western! see their website for more info until this yelp page is updated. read more

Not for profit? ha! I don't belive this for a second. You would better off buying a department store bike then picking up second hand garbage here! read more

I moved to Chicago about a year and half ago, and for about the same amount of time I have been hearing about how great Working Bikes is. So, once I decided to finally buy a bike, I headed straight for this organization bringing along my boyfriend for good measure! The second I walked in, I saw a variety of volunteers and staff who were ready to help people select the appropriate bike for them. The volunteer who assisted me was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and just hugely helpful. As I veered off for bikes that were way to small for me, the volunteer told me what height I should look for, where the bike should stand in relation to my hip, how the seat should be, etc. All things a casual biker like myself needed to know! So, not only were the volunteers and staff hugely helpful, but then I laid eyes on the 'Lavendar Menace." A beautiful, perfectly sized road bike, with an awesomely quirky name. I loved it. I appreciated how easy it was to take the bike outside for a test drive, and they totally let you do your thing. No one is standing over you, asking you questions. I just rode around for a few minutes and then came back inside to discuss how the bike was with the volunteer. Also, even though I loved the road bike, I also tested out some hybrids as well. My boyfriend, likewise, tried out several bikes until he found the right match. The chance to keep trying bikes til you found the right one, was a huge part of why shopping there was such a great experience. The volunteers and staff are incredibly helpful when you need them, but no one is breathing down your back trying to make a sale. It was one of the most relaxed shopping environments I've ever been in, and I'm pretty sure my boyfriend and I looked around for close to 2 hours before making a decision. All in all, this is a fantastic organization with great bikes, staff, and a great mission too! I will definitely be recommending Working Bikes to my friends, colleagues, and pretty much anybody looking for a bike in the Chicago area. On top of that, my sweet road bike was ridiculously affordable and I managed to stay about $100.00 under my budget. read more

I went to Working Bikes back in April to get a bike when I decided my mountain bike was too heavy and clumsy for the 3.5 mile ride to work. I'm not a bike expert at all and was a little intimidated about going to this place, based on the mixed reviews I read namely those talking about the crowds and mad rush to get your hands on a semi-decent bike. My experience was the total opposite! I went in on a Thursday, a little after noon, and there were only a handful of people there, mostly bike neophytes like myself. I was greeted immediately, and was not made to feel like a total lame when I admitted I had no clue what I was looking for. The guy that helped me was extremely knowledgeable on all things bikes. I originally thought I'd get a hybrid but after seeing that the prices of those were out of my range (I was looking to stay under $200) I considered a road bike. They guy had me try a few out, a nice little Raleigh Record and a Schwinn. The Schwinn had the traditional curled handlebars and was too uncomfortable to ride, but the Raleigh was a different story. Apparently one of the mechanics had decided to put a cruiser seat and handlebars on the road bike, making for a more comfortable ride. I was in love and bought the bike that day, even when I had gone in not intending to buy. Since then my little bike has been great. You get a 30 day warranty which WB happily honors, even when I had to bring my bike in twice in the same week for repeatedly blowing my front tire. They replaced the inner tube and then the tire, both times for free without hassle. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to buy a used bike. The staff are friendly and helpful and you aren't made to feel like a loser by a bunch of hipsters. I'm not sure how used bike prices run but I would say they are moderate to pricey, depending on what kind of bike you want. A great business with a great cause! read more