The staff here is patient, kind and super knowledgeable. I popped in on a recommendation from a friend looking for a new front wheel on a pretty tight budget . They have a huge selection of used bike parts, and I found exactly what I was looking for, they even installed it for me and adjusted my brakes while they were at it, all for a 1/4 of the price I would have paid at any other bike shop. I live nearby, but it was such a pleasant experience that I would recommend it to anyone because it's worth the trip. The people here seem super passionate about bikes and their cause, this place is fantastic!! read more

The staff here is very knowledgeable and friendly, and I'll never get over how affordable all the services are. I've been to many bike shops before but this one is by far the best. read more

I've been to this place twice now and I'm definitely converted. There's a much closer bike shop to my home I used to go to but everyone here is so much nicer, more open and informative about what's going on with the bike as they're fixing it, and the prices are fantastic. A great neighborhood bike place read more

Great experience, found two bikes for 13 & 15 year olds after looking several other places. Its nice they can test ride a bunch to find the right one and the employees were super helpful. I'd say the average price when we went was $180-$300, which is what we were expecting to pay but there were many that were less expensive. I didn't mind paying those prices for a bike thats a few years old because the bikes are mechanically in great shape and its a fantastic cause, love helping people that don't have transportation. read more

So I'm not exactly sure why a lot of people are so down on this place, its amazing!!!! The number one everyone says its super busy on Saturdays and it probably is, but I went today, on Wednesday, and there was like 4 people including me before it opened then a couple more came but it was never too busy. I was able to ride an amazing road bike, that I ended up buying, and even try out another bike before going back to the first one. Not only was everyone that worked there super nice and very helpful, but the other customers were pretty pleasant and none were really rude, another thing that a lot of people said they witnessed. The staff was about as good as I could have asked for, they were super nice and extremely helpful, they let me try my bike and hold it for a minute while I tried another bike. Not only did the original person help me out but three other workers came over at different times to make sure it was the right size and helped me size up my seat. All together an amazing place, and if your good with bikes there are a ton of extra parts that no one really seemed to even be worrying about to much so you could probably come at about anytime and pick them up. I'd definitely recommend this place to everyone and anyone read more

The staff here do a really great job, no matter what people say about "hipsterism." They were chatty, friendly and helpful. Not just about bikes, but with purchasing a lock or helmet. It does help to get there early; I wasn't able to get a bike because I was 20 minutes late and the store was STILL busy. You can leave your id at the counter and test drive as many bikes as you want and for however long you like. I'll definitely go back to try my luck again (and earlier, this time). read more

I received a bike from working bikes in summer 2017 and still have it today. The staff were professional and very helpful in helping me pick a bike to fit my personal need. I highly highly recommend this place. read more

Cheap parts and a free workstation. It's quite grand. I have been here quite a few times and I will come back in the future. This shop is good for the following: -Cheap bike parts -Workstation -Usually great volunteer [sometimes they can be a bit off putting] What this shop is not good for: -Services/Asking Questions -Organization [Hard to find parts] I have not bought a bike here or done their training. However, I would recommend this place highly with the above information equipped in your arsenal. They have a great cause as well. They give bikes to underdeveloped countries. read more

These idiots lost my $150 vera corsa rim and never helped me at all to find it!!! I was the last one in after I donated two bikes and needed help getting my wheel bearings fixed and I was the last one in the shop and then the first one in the door the next day to get the wheel back! I will never recommend them nor donate to them again!!! My bike bike still has no wheel... so wrong! They stole my wheel! read more

terrible service and the sales front makela was so rude, disrespectful and just foul mouthed......she also tryed to sell me a broken bike when i refused she cursed me out and told me to leave. read more

Working Bikes - Bikes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Working Bikes has about 75-100 cheap, used bikes in the storefront on any given day, and they all work just fine. Given that the store is only open three days a week, get there early (11:45) because it'll be crowded. And I mean crowded in the bad way: lots of holier-than-thou scenester types. That's the only downside, and really, it's an overwhelming, microcosmic shame. The collective provides a great service to this city, but the storefront is so crowded with self-righteous hipsters that it becomes completely unwelcoming to the un-hip low-income residents of this city who need this service the most. For the marjority of the people reading this, you're not going to find a bike much cheaper in this store than in the back of any other locally owned bike shop, and in those places the other customers might not care about what kind of shoes you're wearing. read more

A waste of time, except for the truly great people watching opportunity that standing in this line is. If I want a cheap bike, I go to Target and buy one of the barely used, returned bikes that they often have (look for the big green GO signs on them) and pay half of what I would pay for a 15 year old piece of crap from Working Bikes. read more

As a regular volunteer and a regular customer at Working Bikes, I wanted to make note of a few things that weren't covered in all the other reviews I read. I hope it's helpful. First off, it's my impression that the customer experience changed pretty dramatically when WB moved in April of 2009 to it's current location (I had never been to the old place). This old warehouse is huge by comparison, so while the mad dash at noon is still there in the spring and summer, there's significantly more elbow room, and a larger selection of refurbished bikes when they have a full stock. It's still a good idea to get there early (before 11:45) between ~March and September. While the bikes are sold as-is, they have a 30-day return policy if something goes wrong or it's no longer to your liking. All bikes sold on the floor are given a safety and function check and then signed off by a pro mechanic, but they were likely refurbished by a volunteer. The ticket should say what was done to the bike to get it into working order; sometimes the price is reduced for something that couldn't be fixed (stuck seatpost, bent fork...). Pretty much everything in the store, other than helmets and locks, is used, and often used quite heavily. Pricing is intended to be a bargain based on quality and condition, but not on age. Parts will be priced on the spot at the counter. Most of the people you'll encounter working there are volunteers. Bike knowledge and customer service experience varies greatly, so patience helps. The music selection varies depending on who's working, so if it's not to your liking... Bring a state-issued photo ID for collateral if you want to test ride. The side street next to the store is a low traffic dead end, which works great for a short shakedown cruise. Most storefront bikes these days range between $50-150, though there are a few than run a fair bit higher than that. Should still be cheaper than eBay, but it pays to do your homework. Beyond covering operating costs, the proceeds from the store go toward sending shipping containers full of donated mountain bikes (500+ per container) to partners in developing countries around the world. More sales = more shipments. read more

I really wanted to like this place... To me the bikes were in bad shape and they wanted way too much for them. I was never greeted or asked if I needed help... I'm not even sure who worked there ... Odd read more

Seriously Don't Shop here I've been Sold Defective products (new and used) and I'm never doing business with these Hipster thieves. I was Recommended to go to this Shop and The Service was quite alright; I purchased brand new tubes, brand new portable universal pump and a used tire (correct size). On that day (Jan 31st) I purchased those items one of my tires gives out and I took the bike to my buddy so we could find out the cause and one of the tubes had a tear in the air stem (I witnessed the employee open the new sealed packaging) and the used tire had some fiber rot that makes it prone to defection but it was ok when I picked it out. And the universal pump costed $40 and the nozzle lock was broken and the presta fit doesn't stay in place. Seriously F#%*! This Shop! Do business somewhere else that's Helpful. read more

(Disclaimer: I didn't come here to purchase a bike) Just. Wow. My girlfriend and I came here because she had taken her bike waaaay to far apart to ship in a box. So based on its reviews, we took it to Working Bikes to see if they could help. They quoted us at $75 to put the bike back together, but we asked if there was another alternative, and the mechanic pointed us to an area where the community could just work on bikes themselves with some provided tools. So, we opened the box and assessed the situation. -We needed a bit of technical expertise to know where some pieces went (wtf do I do with these bearings and circles of plastic). The majority of assembly (tightening bolts/seatpost/attaching wheel) could be done ourselves -We were missing a few bearings. Two mechanics saw us struggling, and not only did they give us advice, but they also helped us out between their own customers and provided a few extra bearings and grease for us! An hour later, I washed the grease off my hands the best I could, and my girlfriend rode the bike to the car with a smile on her face. Admittedly, my knowledge of bikes is limited, and I can't speak to how fair or unfair the prices of their refurbished bikes are, but I know good service when I see it. Working Bikes went far above and beyond the call of duty to make sure this bike was 100%. This is an honest establishment with a good cause, and the volunteers here deserve lots of recognition. Support this shop. I know I'll continue to. read more

I got a used bike that was in great shape for $160.00. If you don't like the bike you end up purchasing you can return it within 30 days for a store credit. PS - they DO accept debit/credit cards. read more

This co-op is as noble as it gets. They gather all kinds of rusted up junk and polish it a bit and hand over a shiny new bike to a kid who could really use one. I'd recommend getting here pretty early if you want a shot at their super reasonably priced used bikes and spare parts on the weekends. It's also just a treat to walk around the facility- fascinating heaps of junk bikes, beautiful re-purposed bike art, and all around positive atmosphere. I'd recommend this place to anyone in need of a new bike or spare part that's on a budget. read more

I wasn't impressed with this place. It's only open three days a week, so I made time one day to head down there at noon when they opened so i could check it out quickly before I had to work. I rode the train as close as I could get, then walked over a mile to get there. At noon, 12 people were waiting outside for the place to open. Around 12:15 a lady rode up and let everyone in. There were only 5 bikes there, and they were all girls bikes. So I walked back to the train, and then to work. I did have an enjoyable walk around that neighborhood though. read more

Excellent bathroom, the utility sink makes my day easier while it doubles as a bathing pond for the ruffian beard groomers who live in the dumpsters behind it. read more

The volunteers are knowledgeable and friendly. Their mission is amazing. Their prices not so much. You can find much better deals elsewhere. Don't wast your time unless you have at least 200 bucks for a used ride. read more

The extra star is for when I brought my wife's bike in for repairs and all went well. The young, Latino male who helped was great and friendly. So, when I needed my bike repaired, I had to deal with a 40 year old baby with the attitude problem of an angsty teen. This guy was so condescending and unhelpful it made my head spin. I wanted to take my bike to a non-profit place because I usually hate capitalists. I felt good about giving my money to a "friendly" place. This guy should not be allowed to work with the public and he is an eyesore for Working Bikes. I'll never give another damn penny to Working Bikes. Thanks jerk! I really want to say some truly nasty stuff about that guy since he was such a jerk. What is it with most bike shop people and their attitude problems? Get help or grow up! read more

Damn, stuff got expensive all of a sudden. Used to be you could get any bike pretty much for under $100. Now its like 3 bikes out of 200 are under $100. When I asked the dude behind the counter, he said, "Yeah the tune up is $75." OK, i get it, gas prices are high and everyone wants to bike so why not make a profit? Yeah but not on me guy. They did expand their hours so they are open Wed-Sat which is nice. read more

i've heard about working bikes for about three years, but i've always bought my bikes for dirt cheap off of craigslist and been satisified with broken breaks, gears and feeling generally close to death while riding down halsted street. after my gears started changing for no reason, i decided it was a good time to get a new bike. everyone directed me to working bikes, because they know that i'm a sucker for really far journeys (it's located on western and 24th) and really cheap bikes. when i got there, i expected some really long lines and a ton of hipsters. i was pleasantly surprised to find a hodgepodge of people buying bikes to support a good cause. the owners really want chicago to have bikes available to all people. the mechanics clean up the bikes for you, and the service is really great! they were helpful and even let us test rid the bikes, if i gave them my id. i stopped by the mexican food restaurant across the street, and it was DELISH. overall, i say make a day of going to working bikes cooperative. it's only open on saturdays and wednesdays, so make it a good day. also, go in the winter so as to avoid the long lines. you will be impressed by the amount of BIKE JUNK that you have up in there. you can buy any part you want for an electronic or a regular bike. they are helpful and even sell reused/repaired tubes for 2dollars. CHACHING!! DING DING DING. read more

Love this place! Good experiences every time!!! Their cause is amazing if you have ever looked at their website!! I brought a few bikes in that needed to be looked at that I let my exchange students use when in town and they were so helpful!! They checked them out, greased them up tightened here and there and put some air. Really things that I could've done but wouldn't even know how to. Since there was no "real labor" in their eyes , and no parts I was just asked to give a donation to the jar which I gladly did!!!! They will get all my bike donations going forward!!! Love supporting establishments that give back !!! read more

I've bought a bike ever summer for the past 4 summers, only to have it stolen close to the end of august. They've all been great bikes, for the time i've had them. The one i currently have, i've had the longest- close to 3 summers. Its a baby blue vintage schwin cruiser, suburban. My road bike that i got last summer, a schiwn caliente was stolen. The caliente, was purchased for $50.00 bucks, from the warehouse NOT THE STOREFRONT. I've bought 3 bikes from the warehouse, and i find it to be a better alternative then the storefront- which is often sold out early. When you go into the warehouse, you will see probably easily, ONE THOUSAND bikes, all lined up. You have to work for them, search and find one you like and then fix it up yourself. You will end up paying slightly less for it, but you will also get to learn a lot about fixing up your bike! read more

Working Bikes is great! My girlfriend and I went in there looking for new (used) bikes and she came out with a Schwinn road bike and I got a Diamondback hybrid...both under $200. The guy who helped us was super nice. We didn't get there until 6:40pm and they close at 7. But at no time did they try to rush us out. He even went up to look for more choices for my girlfriend and gave us time to test ride them outside. I love that it is volunteer based and I'm planning on doing some volunteering there myself. If anyone is looking for a good used bike, i highly recommend Working Bikes!! read more

I've purchased two bikes and several accessories from WB, going back to their old location above a car shop. A great plus to purchasing here is being a part of salvage and reuse. I'd love to help on another container loading party some day. read more

This was my first time going into a bike shop to have a repair done. Let me say, the employees and volunteers are Amazing. Everyone is So nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. I will return here in the future, and refer family, friends, and complete strangers. Thanks so much. I can finally ride my bike again, after 3 years. read more

Totally awesome, very helpful and has everything you need... Working Bikes gets my love as an amazing business that gives back to many communities. You can get a great deal on a bike as well as engage in a nice conversation with anyone thats there! I got a nice used rear tire for a good price, can't wait to come back!!! read more

Pretty good deal! I got a sweet bike for $80 plus tax. I went on a Sunday around 2 pm, and there were slim pickings, but someone had just donated a pretty new Schwinn 15 speed in excellent condition. I snapped it up before they had even had a chance to look for repairs. It seems to ride really well, and they have a 30-day policy for repairs. I'm going back next weekend early with my friends to see what else they have. Unfortunately they only accept cash or check, no credit cards. So come prepared with money. All and all, this place is definitely a good buy if you want a bike on a budget! read more

Being the perpetual cheapskate and socially-concious fella that I am, this was my first and only stop for a bike to cruise around town on. Get here early, there was a line about 50 deep at 11:45am on a Saturday. Bring cash, they don't take plastic (but there's an ATM at the bar across the street). Yeah it's a pain to wait in line, but it's worth the wait; I found a sweet vintage 3-speed for $60, the bike is easily worth 2-3 times that. Is it in perfect condition? No, but it's in decent shape for a bike that's older than me. Bottom line, if you need a cheap used bike, particularly something unique, give 'em a try. read more

Working Bikes may not be your Kozy's with shiny new bikes and clean tile floors but the guys working here truly love bikes and provide the best and cheapest bike services I've had in Chicago. I got my refurbished bike from them nearly two years ago and it has been a great ride. Recently, I went to get my bike fixed and they replaced my axle and bearing (over an hour of work) and I was not only entertained by the antics of The Dutch and Corwin for that hour, but it was also ridiculously cheap! These guys are the best! read more

They've come a long way from their old location and earlier days years ago. Now they're a full service shop with all the types of basic services and accessories you'd expect from any for profit shop. Also a random selection of older refurbished bikes for sale. They're friendly and mean well but not not as helpful as they could be. All depends on what you're needs are. Overall, a good place and organization to support. read more

Super helpful people working for a good cause. They were genuinely interested in finding me the right bike - they had great inventory - highly recommended. read more

Good people. Great mission. Good bike values.

Before going here, I was pretty intimidated due to all the reviews mentioning how crowded and frantic it gets, but now I'm pretty sure that must only be the case on Saturdays. I went here on a semi-rainy Wednesday around 6 pm, and there were definitely more employees than customers there. An older fellow whose name I didn't catch came over to me and asked what I was looking for and what I wanted to spend, and then patiently took me around the store to show me all the options in my size and answer all my questions. I picked one out and took it for a test drive on the street next to the shop. It had problems shifting into certain gears, so we had to go through a few iterations of them adjusting it and me testing it to fix it. By the time we were done, it was already 15 minutes after closing time, but none of the people working there seemed to notice or care. I pointed it out, and they indifferently said, "Oh, yeah, I guess we should close the front door, huh?" They were even willing to put fenders on it at that point, though I ultimately decided against it. My general impression was that the people there are patient, calm, and happy to be there. I had a great experience and definitely recommend it. You should probably go on a weekday instead of a weekend though. PS: after a few months of commuting with it, the bike is still serving me well. read more

I cannot say enough good things about Working Bikes. It is my one and only bike shop. I have bought 2 bikes so far and am very happy. I have even gotten a couple of my friends to get bikes that have never owned a bike before. It us defintely the place to get the best bike for your money and the best service. There are lots of cool modern and vintage bikes. Paul and Liz even stayed late to help service my bike, they are the best! read more

5 stars for Phil!! He saw me outside struggling to get my bike out of my car, carried it up the stairs for me, talked to me about my concerns, kindly and patiently helped me find another bike and answered all of my questions/made some adjustments on it before I took it out for a ride. There are a lot of nice people working here who will help you if they can, but there are so many customers at times, that you might have to wait awhile. Thank you again Phil for all of the help! read more

These guys are what you call awesome. Walked into very busy bike store. Noticed this not restaurant so I just grabbed nearest employee who was fixing up a bike to ask him about parts I needed. He stopped working on bike and fully assisted me. Showed a drawer full of used parts that I needed and then told me there is free community area where I could repair it myself for free. Area had free bolts, nuts, screws,....amazing. Went to go pay $5 at the cashier for parts he quote me for. Cashier looks at me he like just give me $2. If I ran a business I would shape it after theirs. Broken bike to working for $2!!!! read more