| Shop Name | Subject | Comment | Rating 1/worst to 5/best |
Left By | Date |
| Quick Release Bike Shop | Totally reliable | I've been following Joe and his shop throughout the near north side for thirty years. He's extremely skilled, explains everything, and very pleasant. Although his bike stock is not large, you'll likely find something that suits your needs. For maintenance and repair, he's the best! |
|
David Edelberg | 07-Aug-08 |
| 21st Century Cycle Ltd | Not the best service |
I went there on the advice of one of my co-workers (whom I now know to take his advice with a grain of salt). I went in on a Saturday to get a chain replaced. I was initially told to come back in an hour and-a-half and it would be done. "No prblem", I thought, as I had some shopping to do at the nearby Harlem and Irving Plaza anyhow. Came back in an hour-and-a-half, and the fellow said "Did'nt you get my phone call?" (Of course not - I had not been home). He then said that it would be ready on Tuesday, because he did not have the chain in stock. When I got home, and listened to the message, he said it would be ready on Wednesday. This was completely unacceptable, as I use my bike for daily commuting to work. So, I went back on Sunday, and asked for the bike back, and that I had another bike store, Get A Grip, that would do it while I waited. The gentleman this time looked at it, and said that he did indeed have the chain on hand, and would do it for me right there. Everyone was polite, and the prices were pretty much the same as everyone else's, but it was a lot of hassle for just putting on a new chain. I will continue using Get-A-Grip, who is closer to my house anyhow. |
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Jerome | 07-Aug-08 |
| A Nearly New Shop | Re: Waste of Time & Money |
why don't you do everyone a favor and go jump off a bridge!! The bike they "built up" : for me is in a shop right now : having to be fixed. They : definitely don't know what they : are doing. It was ridiculous to : ride with the gearing they set up : (single speed), and the back brake : didn't even work - right out of the : shop. These guys don't know a thing : about single speed or fixed gear : conversions!!! |
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cristina | 05-Aug-08 |
| A Nearly New Shop | Great Shop! |
Just got a beautiful Schwinn cruiser from Ron--I took it around the block and asked for a couple of adjustments, which the employee took care of right away. This is the place to go if you want a quality vintage bike at a fair price with friendly service! I even went there a while back to see if he had a ladies cruiser--he did, but not exactly what I wanted. Rather than push some other bike on me he told me to stop back after a bit and see what he had in. Great shop! |
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Emily | 05-Aug-08 |
| Midwest Bicycle and Billiard | midwest bike/billiard | so far i've only talked with John on the phone.. he was posting about a used bike available on Craig's list. we had a nice 5-10 minute convo and he seems very down to earth and normal. I figured I'd share since there's not much more info on here about this place. |
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Ross | 05-Aug-08 |
| Plank Road Cyclery | Re: Re: Re: Re: 2nd attempt to do business | $26 is a bargain for free lifetime adjustments. A good shop is worth supporting. |
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todd | 05-Aug-08 |
| Uptown Bikes | Re: Racing bike |
Cyryl - The shops listed in the Chicago Bike Shop Database do not necessarily monitor the site and may not see your question. Your best bet is to contact the shop directly. Please see the FAQ. |
|
webmaster | 05-Aug-08 |
| Bicycle Connection | purchase | wonderful people to deal with have been a customer for 25 years |
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Greggory Thornley | 04-Aug-08 |
| Get A Grip Cycles | great, quick service | I just want to give a shout out to Eric and the team at Get-a-Grip (GAG) in Irving Park. I reserved a couple bike boxes for me and my girlfriend through the Chicago Tri Club. GAG, which holds and maintains the boxes, did an awesome, efficient job of packing the bikes for the cross country flight to a triathlon in California. Upon return (after I probably mis-packed the bikes for the flight back) Eric and the gang were again pleasant and efficient at reassembling the bikes, even fixing some parts damaged on the flight back which I thought would mean the end of one of the bikes. Thanks for your service, guys. You'll see me again! |
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Bryan | 04-Aug-08 |
| Bicycle Connection | bike purchase |
Purchased bike based on the help from the salesperson, cleanliness of store, feel of the bike, and organization of bike repair area. No pressure to buy during the first visit. Price comperable to Performance Bike. Came back to the store a week later for an adjustment. The bike tech did an excellent job explaining to my son how the derailer worked and the correct way to shift the gears. The individuals who work in this store make you want to come back. |
|
John | 03-Aug-08 |
| Plank Road Cyclery | Re: Re: Re: 2nd attempt to do business |
I stopped in Plank Road Cyclery today, Ed, a working college student immediately offered me assistance. I requested a test ride for my son and he took the bike in the back to make adjustments. Outside my son rode back and forth on the Plank Road Trail for 10 minutes very happy with the bike. I asked about the pricing telling him Orland was selling the bike for $26.00 cheaper. He explained they do not adjust price, they are competitive because they offer free lifetime adjustments. I asked again how they can justify being the highest price not just verse online competitors but against small local shops as well. He gave the same answer. In the end I bought the bike. It is my hope to establish a relationship with a shop that I can trust. This purchase left me feeling somewhat cheated. The solution would be buy the bike from other shops that are slightly out of my way but better on my pocketbook. Orland is just one town south but we ride to and thru Frankfort every week for their local car shows, Treat Street etc. We have a nice family ride planned tomorrow, then we will wait until they reopen on Tuesday to drop my wife's bike of for a tune-up. We will see how the service work goes... |
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Christopher | 02-Aug-08 |
| Park Schwinn Cyclery | Great Neighborhood Shop |
I'm very particular about my bikes. This shop has gone out of its way to special order parts and even track down parts that were unavailable through normal channels. They've done good work when I needed it done and have no problem with getting me parts to do the work myself when I have time. Competent and interested in what the customer really wants, not just what they can sell them. I wish them as much success and joy with their business as I've had on the bikes they've built for me. |
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Don Hulson | 02-Aug-08 |
| Uptown Bikes | Racing bike | I need a racing bike for going across USA. So something solid but not expensive. Do you have something for me? Do you have also any ideas regarding potential sponsor please also let me know. Thank you. |
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Cyryl Skowron | 01-Aug-08 |
| Beverly Bike & Ski | Jim's mechanics | I was a Jim's customer back in the day. During the early 90s, they had some of the best mechanics around Ray, Johnny, Ian, and Scooter. I wonder what happened to those guys. Does anyone at the current shop know? |
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Leon | 01-Aug-08 |
| Carmen's Bicycle | Re: question |
Jarek The shops listed in the Chicago Bike Shop Database do not necessarily monitor the comments posted to the site. Your best bet is to contact the shop directly. Please see the FAQ. |
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webmaster | 01-Aug-08 |
| Ride Bike Shop | Re: when are they open | I think he's still open -- just does not keep regular hours... |
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Todd | 01-Aug-08 |
| Irv's Bike Shop | Re: Question |
Choy - The shops listed on the Chicago Bike Shop Database do not necessarally monitor the comments posted to the site. Your best bet is to contact the shop directly. Please see the FAQ. |
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webmaster | 01-Aug-08 |
| Roscoe Village Bikes | Re: A successful bike shop |
Sorry to hear your bike was stolen. I hope you posted it to: http://stolen.bikechicago.info/ another bikegeeks site! |
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webmaster | 01-Aug-08 |
| Two Seasons Cycle & Ski | Always a great expierence | If you are looking for a shop that will treat you like family, then Two Seasons is the place. I have been a repeat customer for years and I would continue to give them my loyal business. I have bought both bike and ski equipment. It's great because they have a lot in stock and if it is not assembled they will go above and beyond to have it out of the box and ready for you ASAP with great attention to detail. I also happen to have the hardest feet to fit in ski boots and yet Rich was able to customize a pair of boots until they were just right. I know actually enjoy skiing again. They are all great and you will always get a warm welcome and friendly service. Keep up the good work Two Seasons!!!! |
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Jennifer | 31-Jul-08 |
| Plank Road Cyclery | Re: Re: 2nd attempt to do business |
I called to see if I could come in to test ride the Giant MTX 125. It was sold. They expect to have a new one ready to go late Friday or Sat. He confirmed his fear of my son's inability to ride, wondering why I needed to test ride the bike. I once again said I would not buy a bike my son could not test ride first. I also pointed out that this was the third time that I told him that my son rides regularly with me, on busy bike paths and streets going as far as 20 miles in single rides. I told him I would call before we rode our bikes the 7 1/5 miles to his shop to make sure the bike was in stock and assembled. I also checked to see if the price changed as he has been warning me it would soon be. He said the price is $265.00 Kozy's $249.99 Orland Park $239.99 Rudy's $239.99 Kozy's also gives away some free gear, though again I'm trying, really, really trying to use a neighborhood shop as my place to do business. |
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Christopher | 31-Jul-08 |
| Boulevard Bikes | Great Bike Shop | I discovered Boulevard Bikes a couple months ago and I could not be more happy with their work and professionalism. For over twenty years I have walked through the doors of other bike shops and was promptly pounced on by a "commission based" sales person who knew very little and didn't care about my needs unless I wanted to buy a new bike. At Blvd Bikes it feels like service is first and sales is second. Everything is working for me at this place. |
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Pat | 31-Jul-08 |
| Carmen's Bicycle | question |
Good morning, I want know that you have in shoop schwinn model: sting ray spoiler edition and what is a cost of this bike. Sincerely, Jarek |
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Jarek | 31-Jul-08 |
| Plank Road Cyclery | Re: 2nd attempt to do business | I went back on Tuesday @ 6:15. 45 min. before closing and the store had three customers. An adult male and female shopping for a bike for him. He looked like he has not been on a bike in at least a decade. The second customer was a near 40ish mother and a six year old boy getting his fist real bike. She talked him into the bright orange bike because cars would see him better. It is a nice entry level bike. My wife and I eyed op what we needed while we waited for a salesmen to be available. The mother was finished and we picked out new burly trailer tires, a tube and some lube. We then let our six year old check out the Giant MTX 125 that we have been waiting for him to grow into. He can now touch the ground while seated, though tippy toed. The salesman, not remembering me, once again explained that the price of the bike was going to go up very soon, this was his last in stock but that my son could not take it for a ride that day. I don't think he was comfortable with children test riding their bikes. My guess, for fear of damage in case you don't buy it. I told him I was definitely buying the bike if my son liked "riding" it. No Ride, No Buy. This is not to say he was rude. It was close to closing time at this point, he did say he feared to much traffic on the bike path, but I explained that my son currently rides his 16" 20 miles at a time with me. Oh well. I think we are going back tomorrow, if he can't ride it then I'll return the products I bought and buy the bike elsewhere. |
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Christopher | 30-Jul-08 |
| Turin Bicycle | laid back | The staff here is very laid back, so don't expect someone to be attending to your every need from the moment you walk in the door. However, they are very, very knowledgable and have always shown me that they are willing to spend as much time as it takes to make sure I'm making the right purchase. I'd love to buy my next bike here, but unfortunately I'm not going to be in the market for a Cervelo or a Tarmac anytime soon. |
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John | 30-Jul-08 |
| Irv's Bike Shop | Question | How much would it cost to get my chain tensioner/shifter fixed? Replaced? |
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Choy | 29-Jul-08 |
| Irv's Bike Shop | Re: Apology | yes, I do not understand what was wrong with Ross's bike. I've gone there for all kinds of silly stuff. Never been turned away. Had to leave the bike a few times. I do not get a tune up, ever... so there will be minor stuff . The younger guy even saved me from spending on a new rim by making a slightly bent rim rideable. |
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Isaac | 29-Jul-08 |
| Oak Park Cyclery | rude | I bought a bike there in 1992. They(she, in particular) were young, arrogant and of little help. I thought I would give them another chance(hoping with age she would be more helpful). I was sadly mistaken. I walked out of there wondering how in the world does a place like this stay in business?. I also felt thankful that I have a job that I actually enjoy. She must be doing this out of a family commitment or something. She obviously hates what she does. |
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James | 29-Jul-08 |
| Marty's Bike and Blade | Service |
Customer service is very unpleasant. Will never come to the store again. |
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Igor Petrishin | 29-Jul-08 |
| Ride Bike Shop | when are they open | Every time I call them there is no answer, and there's no answering machine or outgoing message. Are they in business anymore? |
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Cindy | 28-Jul-08 |
| Carmen's Bicycle | Electric Scooter/ repair |
I called this guy 4 years ago when I was thinking of purchasing some electric scooters for myself in my husband. He gave me some advice on which electric scooters were good etc. I purchased a couple of scoots (Manufactur, not model)upon his reccomondation. I haven't had any problems but I always knew where I woudl take them if I had a problem. Thank goodness I never did and I have been happy with my purchase. I did get a flat(rear) and I took it to Carmen's for repair, it was $30 and it was ready in 2-3 days. Great service and the man knows his cycles. I am thinking of buying a regular bicycle and I will go to him when I am ready. |
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Mary Jane | 28-Jul-08 |
| Upgrade Cycle Works | Invisible customer | I wandered this store for over ten minutes without so much as a glance in my general direction. Maybe they were way more busy then it appeared or maybe they just don't like to sell bikes. It's hard for me to actually rate this shop's service having got none at all but i expected to at least be acknowledged and will not be returning to Upgrade. |
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Melissa | 28-Jul-08 |
| Plank Road Cyclery | 2nd attempt to do business |
I initially tried to use this shop in the fall of 2006. The bike I wanted was not in stock and they said sold out for the season. Because I would not accept a substitute I went to Kozy’s, which was out of my way but they had what I wanted. In 07’ I brought the bike in for a repair that they said was due to incorrect assembly by Kozy’s. They stated I should return the bike there. I said that it was easier just to pay them to make the repair instead of going downtown to drop of and then return to pick up my bike but they insisted, turning away my business. Now I’m ready to purchase a 20” for my son, and I have to purchase replacement tires for my Burley trailer. Additionally my bike still needs the repair, and my wife’s bike needs a tune up. I’ll let you know how it goes. Of course, I must wait until Tuesday because they were closed today and then again on Monday. It must just be a hobby, they must be rich turning away business and being closed so often! |
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Christopher | 27-Jul-08 |
| Terry's Bike Haus | Terrible | I spent $750 and they acted like it was a complete inconvenience to adjust the seat. I bought a bottle holder for the bike and asked if they could attach it. He said, "really? it's so simple". Really, I just spent 750.00 and you helped me for all of 2 minutes. I really think you could adjust the seat and add a "simple" water bottle holder. Not good. |
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Alisa | 27-Jul-08 |
| Sportif Importer Ltd | horrible really | i *have* received worse customer service before, but only in really snooty restaurants. the matron was uninterested in my budget for a bike--even attempting to argue with me, despite that several bikes in her shop were in my spending range--and refused to allow me to test drive it on the sidewalk in front to the shop. None of this would have been quite as bad if she hadn't also been outright rude. |
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anne | 27-Jul-08 |
| Bicycle Connection | New Bike Purchase |
Great Place! Knowledgeable and friendly staff too. I would highly recommend buying your next bike from this local store. My purchase was a new comfort bike and helmet to match. Floyd did a great job in explaining the differences in various models and fitting me to the right bike and helmet. The (After the Sale Service) of 2-years is an added bonus in my book. I would gladly buy another bike from them. |
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Tim S. | 25-Jul-08 |
| Irv's Bike Shop | hours | Irv's is currently (July, 2008) closed on Thursdays. Call ahead. |
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simon | 25-Jul-08 |
| Village Cycle Center | Good service |
Please ignore the comments from 2007 and earlier. As far as I can tell, they have improved their customer service. They must have had many complaints, but their act must have changed because whenever I go in there, the staff is always willing to help and sometimes go the extra mile to satisfy you . Although, if they were smart, they would allow test ridding of the bikes. Although I can see how it can be dangerous given their location (no safe places to ride without the possibility of a car hitting the bike). |
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Mike N | 24-Jul-08 |
| Trek Bicycles On Michigan Ave | Good service- not so good selection |
This store is very close to me, which is why I go to it when I don't feel like riding to some of the other bigger stores. Their selection is small, and more oriented towards roadies (I'm a MTBer). No biggie, since I buy components online anyway, but the guys who work on the bikes in the back are great to deal with. Very friendly, always willing to help, and so far they all seem very knowledgeable. If there is something I can't fix on my bike by myself- I won't hesitate to take it to these guys. Prices seem fair as well. |
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Mike N | 24-Jul-08 |
| Turin Bicycle | very stuck up... | folks here try i guess, but the managers seem very impatient and unfriendly. they will not tell you your size after they size you, they don';t want you to steal the information. and their prices are some of the highest i have seen..... |
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al | 24-Jul-08 |
| Robert's Cycle | Knowledgeable.... | Very knowledgeable and great prices, unfortunately their selection is not the best. they do have a lot of Gary Fisher Bikes, and will really try their best to get you what you want. |
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Al | 24-Jul-08 |
| Two Seasons Cycle & Ski | I will use no other bike shop but 2 Seasons | In the past month I have purchased 3 bikes, 2 for me (Trek 7.3 FX and a Trek 1.2T) and 1 for my mother (Trek 7100). My entire family loves this place. Rich, Tyler, Alex, and the dude with the long chinny thing going on :P totally rock. Every time I go into that place they are busy and always selling bikes. On Trek bikes, it is very hard to beat their prices. Actually, I got my 7.3 FX cheaper than anywhere else in the US, and the 1.2T was almost $100 cheaper. Service is great and speedy. Heck, they even offered me some pizza the other night after blowing out my tire on my clippless virgin ride! |
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RichJohnson | 24-Jul-08 |
| Oak Park Cyclery | Charged for work never done | I would agree with the surly female owner. This store had my bike for over a week for a simple tune up and tire change. On the assigned pick up day, my bike could not be found (it was never tagged). They finally found it, told me the tune up had been done and the tires were new and charged me $146 for the work. After further inspection, I questioned the new tires that I paid to have put on my bike for they looked exactly like my old ones. The obviously annoyed female employee finally asked another repair man in the store who told her my bike had not even been touched! No work had been done nor had new tires ever been put on my bike. The only person that noticed was me! I took my bike to a new shop and insisted they void the charge on my credit card for services never rendered. I will never go back or refer this shop to anyone who cares about good work or their bike. |
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Miss M | 24-Jul-08 |
| Turin Bicycle | pretty awful |
employees always seem unhappy, burdened when assisting customers. Bikes are over priced. If you are looking for a place where you know the employees care about your purchase...this definetly is not the place. They just want your money. |
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dissapointed | 22-Jul-08 |
| Bicycle Connection | New Bike | Had been a long time since I've bought a bike. Wasn't sure what bike would be best for me. The staff was very helpful. They directed me toward mountain bikes since I planned on riding crushed rock trails. I even got to test ride 3 different bikes to help decide. I've put on over 100 miles since I bought my bike in May and still love it! |
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Kari | 21-Jul-08 |
| On The Route Bicycles | Finally, a place w/ good service | I've tried a lot of bike shops for repair in the Chicagoland area and have finally settled on OTR. They have good mechanics, friendly staff, and in general are a professional crew. I don't get any of the attitude that many shops are known for. |
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Brad | 21-Jul-08 |
| Uptown Bikes | Great service! |
The people are the best. Always friendly and always fair. If everyone did business like this it would be amazing. Thanks!!! |
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Rob | 19-Jul-08 |
| Quick Release Bike Shop | Hidden gem of a bike shop | I wasn't sure what to expect when I went in- the proprietor, Joe, is a quiet older dude who looks like he night be kinda surly. Not so at all; even though I showed up two minutes before closing, he fixed my flat tire instantly and for a very good price, and gave me a wave and a sweet-old-man smile as I left. :) |
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Rae | 18-Jul-08 |
| Armitage Bike Shop (Value Hardware) | Re: buyer beware | You obviously did not do your homework. I have been riding in this city for years and have been to all the shops. Truing is never included a basic tune up. you can however, get different levels of tune ups at any shop (including Boulevard) and they all run about the same amount or more than Armitage. I have always had the work I requested done properly and on time. I dont know what this guys talking about? |
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bikegirl | 18-Jul-08 |
| Edgebrook Cycle & Sport | service | Had a bike accident and I needed to have a quote for repairs. the insurance company wanted 3 quotes. Edgebrook was the only shop requiring a payment for the quote. they would take it off after the work was done there. Everyone else gave a quote with no strings attached. I'd never buy a bike from people who need $25 bucks that bad |
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rob | 18-Jul-08 |
| Mill Race Cyclery | Re: About the comment | I'm glad I checked here before wasting my time and money on this shop. |
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wouldbecustomer | 18-Jul-08 |