Roscoe Village Bikes

very satisfied - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 15-May-10
I am traveling half across the city to get to this shop, passing many other bike shops. I wouldn't go anywhere else. Super friendly staff, very knowledgeable and helpful.
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fast, friendly - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 03-May-10
I've been to a ton of different bike shops but not one compares to RVB. Lesley and Alex are always great to work with - they teach me so much about my bike every time I visit. I wouldn't change bike shops if you paid me to. Period.
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Boutique at best - from: '' - Rating: 2/5 - 14-Feb-10
I am a new resident in Lakeview and was out and about this week looking for a new hybrid bike for commuting downtown. I had heard very good things about Roscoe Village so I decided to take a detour from the closer shops in my Lakeview neighborhood. Huge mistake, this is a bike-boutique at best. Coming from the lower east side in nyc, these type of shops have always been a dime a dozen. They have like 8 bikes hung in what looks like clothing racks in a Ralph Lauren Store. The staff was nice but uninformative, giving me one word answers to about 3 legitimate questions. Also, this shop has a very weak selection of clothing, bags, and overall accessories. If you're a serious rider or one who rides more than 2 days a week, I would defiantly recommend pedaling past this small "niche" outfit.

I checked out a few of my neighborhood shops a few days after this experience (Johnny Sprockets, Cycle Smithy) but ended up getting a great deal on a Gary Fisher Kaitai at On The Route. Their selection was healthy in addition, this purchase came with free service and long warranties.
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Nice people; excellent service - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 08-Sep-09
I chose Roscoe Village Bikes based on the reviews on this site. I live in Edgewater, but the shop nearest to me has provided a low level of service over the years. So when I decided to purchase a new bike, I wanted a shop where I was going to feel welcome. Leslie, Paul, and Alex not only made me feel welcome, but were very knowledgeable and supportive during the decision making process. I would unhesitatingly recommend this shop, especially for the customer who needs a little extra guidance.
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nice place - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 01-Aug-09
I'm only giving them a 4 because I only dealt once there, I purchased a couple small things and started looking around,the girl I spoke with knew here stuff and took time to explain things to me about some of the bikes I was browsing at. I will go back.
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nice place - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 11-May-09
bought a Jamis Sputnik in August 08 and they were really helpful and friendly in getting me set up with it. i didnt require many modifications, but i test rode their floor model, asked for a different rear cog and a front brake, and was out with my new bike in less than an hour. excellent service and i hope they stick around for a long time.
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Great shop to do biz with - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 14-Apr-09
Purchased a KHS Urban-X from this shop a year ago. Outside of a few initial issues which Alex quickly fixed, the bike has performed above expectations. It's used regularly for commuting, errands and the like. Kudo's also to Alex and the wife for the friendly service.
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Great bikes, great service, great owners - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 03-Apr-09
I just bought a bike at Roscoe Village bikes two weeks ago. The owners were very helpful and spent a good amount of time listening to what I needed, walking through all of the options and making adjustments to test rides. Very friendly, great neighborhood shop. I test rode a few other bikes at other shops before making the decision just to be sure, felt great about making the final purchase here.
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Looking for an Epiphany - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 27-Dec-08
I have been to your shop for service and everything was very good. The staff is friendly, they seem fairly knowledgeable. I am interested in buying an Ellsworth Epiphany. I just learned that you are a dealer. Will there be any way to test ride one?
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• Re: Looking for an Epiphany - from: '' - 29-Dec-08
  Hector -
  
  The shops listed on the Chicago Bike Shop Database do not necessarily monitor these comments. Your best bet is to contact the shop directly.
  Reply To This

Happy - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 23-Dec-08
This shop was recommended to me by a friend in 2007. Since then my experience with Roscoe Village Bikes has been extremely positive. Alex and Lesley (and everybody on their staff that I have dealt with so far) provide pro-shop-level service with neighborhood-bike-shop-level friendliness.
Alex has build wheels for me and even set a (1.5”!!!) crown race on my carbon fork. This is my go-to bike shop…
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Awesome Service - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 31-Oct-08
Big thank you to Alex for all his help with my daily commuter. He handled several upgrades and repairs with an expert and professional hand and I never felt pressured to purchase service or hardware that wasn't necessary.

After several good service experiences -- including Alex finding and fixing a persistent, elusive, and incredibly annoying creek -- I asked Alex to build up a wheel for me, which has performed spectacularly. I'm a big guy and the old stock wheel was constantly going out of true and busting spokes. I've been riding on Alex's wheel for several months now and it has been rock solid and a much faster roller than the old wheel ever was, even when new.

This is a great shop and Alex and Lesley are exceptional owners and very helpful, friendly, and approachable. Don't have to be part of the cool kid / bike messenger gang to get great service here.
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Great Experience - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 02-Oct-08
Just wanted to thank Alex for an awsome job on my well weathered 7 year old Litespeed. Past experiences at "other" shops have been, "you just need new wheels!" But Alex got my bike rolling again in a very timely manner.Thanks again guys! definetly will reccomend and continue to support you guys!!
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Great Service - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 26-Aug-08
I went into this shop looking to buy a bike after a bad experience at Get a Grip Cycles. I should have come here first. The service was so much better. I was greeted the minute I walked in the door and helped by a very patient employee. He answered all my questions and let me test ride a few bikes. I wound up buying a bike, helmut, and lock. I will recommend this place to my friends.
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Great great great - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 17-Aug-08
I just bought my first bike here. I'd been to Performance Bicycles looking at things and felt like I was bothering them with my business and my infinite questions. Alex and Leslie helped me out and fixed me up with a great Jamis and never flinched with my 8 million questions. I made a huge purchase with tons of accessories and didn't feel like I was getting "sold" on anything. Just honest advice. After coming back and expressing my excitement for the bike and sadness that it would be cold soon, they were really encouraging and enthusiastic to hook me up with gear to be able to ride in the cold. I just really like this shop and the neighbor-like vibe they bring to it. And Buddy the dog is awesome! Sure I'll have more great comments to make in the future.
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dig it - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 09-Aug-08
I really like this place. Great people and great location. Everybody made me feel very comfortable.
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A successful bike shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 17-Jul-08
Last time I bought I bike, I had made the mistake of buying the second one I tried and trying only one brand. So, when it came time to replace my stolen Trek 7300, I went to three shops, had 4 bikes built-up for me and tried anything recommended to me even if it wasn't on my list of bikes I was interested in. I ended up trying and looking at some pretty lousy bikes. This is one area where Roscoe Village Bikes really stood out. They looked at the bikes I was interested, listened to what I did and did not like about the bike I just tried, overlooked it when I called different bits of the bike by the wrong name, and made some excellent suggestions based on my feedback. In the end, they made it a really though decision between a Jamis and a KHS. Undecided at what was probably 15 minutes to the store closing for the day, they had me try the Jamis one last time and even though I'm confident that the Jamis was the right bike for me, I still think about that carbon fork on the KHS.

It's nice to see younger people being successful in their business and when I say successful, I want to make sure that there's a clear distinction between being successful and running a profitable business.

A successful business, in my mind, is one where the people working there enjoy their job, because of that, the patrons want to shop there in hopes of building a good rapport with the employees, and finally, the shop can at least break even.

Well, I'm glad to say that this bike shop is most defiantly a success and that their modestly displayed, "People love us on Yelp!" sticker is well earned.
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• Re: A successful bike shop - from: '' - 01-Aug-08
  Sorry to hear your bike was stolen. I hope you posted it to:
  
  http://stolen.bikechicago.info/
  
  another bikegeeks site!
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Quick Service - from: 'Dave' - Rating: 5/5 - 19-Jun-08
I visited this shop for the first time today to get my front derraileur adjusted. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes, and my shifting is great.
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Friendly and approchable - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 12-Jun-08
First bike buying experience--I had lots of questions, but Lesley was approachable, knowledgeable and patient; not the least bit condescending. I love my new bike and my new local bike shop!
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Great shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 20-May-08
Had my bike tuned-up here. From the moment I walked in, the experience was great. Super nice folks. Price was competitive as well. I will be back in the future.
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jaimeh2@yahoo.com - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 07-May-08
This bike shop is the best. I have an old frame that I wanted to restore and Alex was able to help me by giving me the contact information of one of the best bike painters in the country. He was able to build my bike in his shop with the greatest care. He treats all my bikes like if they were his. Many of my friends ask for a good bike shop and I always tell them to go visit Alex and Leslie. I can see this bike shop in business for many, many years to come. Thanks guys.
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Great Bike Store! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 20-Apr-08
I am new to the cycling world and when I called AND stopped by to visit the store, Leslie was incredibly patient with my novice questions (and I had a lot) and she was incredibly informative! All of the staff are very willing to help with adjustments & such. Plus no one has a condescending attitude.
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NIce shop, nice service - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 05-Apr-08
I stopped here after getting a referral and viewing their comments on this database. Even though the shop is small, it had a better selection of what I needed than a bigger chain shop I visited earlier. The day I visited, it was farley crowed with lots of families; a nice young woman asked if I needed any assistance after I walked once around the shop. She recommended a set of tires for my new bike which she uses on her bike(honestly?), at a good price. I will return to pick up more accessories soon.
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Jamis Coda Sport/Comp - from: '' - no rating given - 04-Apr-08
I live in Michigan (Kalamazoo) and visit my daughter frequently in Chicago. I'm wondering if purchasing a bike in Chicago would be a better ecomonic deal for me. Locally, the two Jamis bikes noted above are retailing for $600 and $800. Are your prices the same? Thank you,, Phil
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• Re: Jamis Coda Sport/Comp - from: '' - 05-Apr-08
  With the Cook County sales tax now at 10%, highest in the nation; thank you, I would doubt it. You may find a better bike, but you will not get a better price if you would in your home state. And, I would not make a shop, especially an indie shop, lower their price because I would have to pay an extra $10-$15 in sales tax.
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• Re: Jamis Coda Sport/Comp - from: '' - 08-Apr-08
  Phil -
  The shops listed on the Chicago Bike Shop Database do not (necessarily) monitor comments on this site. Your best bet is to contact the shop directly.
  
  Thanks,
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good bike shops are not a dime a dozen - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 01-Apr-08
I started going to this shop after many disappointing visits to other shops, a client happened to work there. He said that Alex was as good as they get.
I have an incredible amount of ridiculous questions and I like things explained to death. I am impossible to deal with. That being said, after being pretty loyal to roscoe for about 8 months, there is something that I've learned. Alex and Leslie are a rarity, not only are they knowledgeable but they care. Service providers that care are an extremely scarce commodity. I have to say I'd put Alex up for the pepsi challenge against the brightest and best any day of the week.
To anyone who feels that they have been done wrong, reading the reviews there are a couple. Knowing how this company handles their guests, It is a fact that anyone who has had an issue with any service provided and posted about it definitely did not bring their issue up to the people who could solve it. If you have issues with the products that you have bought, you may want to think about spending the money to get a product that will preform the way you need it to. Alex will and has on many occasions ordered anything that I need.
best of luck in growing your business.
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Great Shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 31-Mar-08
My favorite shop in the city. Its a nice friendly down to earth shop. Alex built me a custom set of DT Swiss wheels that are super fast. This is where I go for anything bike related and where I send my friends
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I'm impressed! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 10-Mar-08
I have been in about two dozen bike shops in my life, and I like almost all of them.

That said, this one stood out as particularly great. The dog was the chillest I've ever seen. The guy behind the counter was patient, not condescending at all, picked out the perfect size for my gf to try out, and let us ride it around the block even though the streets were wet and the bike was going to get grimy.

We didn't end up buying a bike there even though we were very tempted, but we were convinced that this was The Place to go for accessories and repairs.

This is the kind of shop that goes beyond meeting your needs--you get the feeling it's just good for the whole of cycling period. I think most anybody who walks in will feel right at home.
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Stay Loyal, Buy Local - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 07-Nov-07
It's always a good thing to have any type of business that is truly local. It's even better when that place delivers the goods.
I can't tell you how great it is to have a really GREAT new shop in the city that's only a few minutes from home.
The couple that runs Roscoe Village couldn't be nicer! They truly know and love bicycles.
And it sounds like they will have some really cool things to offer the city's cycling community in the near future. Let's make sure this soon to be local treasure sticks around for a long time to come.
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LBS - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 04-Nov-07
This is a great shop, Alex and Leslie are super nice and extremely knowledgeable. Service is quick and friendly. They know bikes, they love bikes and it really shows! I've been in shops where I stood around waiting for some snooty pencil thin guy to notice I existed, what a total turn off! This shop is at the other end of the spectrum, they carry nice bikes, everything is moderately priced and there is a buzz of non-pushy enthusiasm for the sport of cycling. I've had my bikes serviced here as well as my wife's bike and bought a lot of odds and ends, gear clothing, etc. I also bought an Ellsworth Truth mountain bike and a fixie to ride to work. Both are fantastic bikes and great fun to ride. It's really great to have a nice bike shop right in the neighborhood.
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great service - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 31-Oct-07
Squeezed me in for an overhaul during the busiest time for bike repairs (spring)

Alex is a god.
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Best shop in the Village - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 31-Oct-07
I can't even tell you how excited I was to see a shop opening up in Roscoe Village. Before they even opened up I would peak in the window. I felt excited like a little kid. When they finally opened I was not disappointed. Alex and Lesley are awesome! If you are like most of us cyclists, you probably like to hang out with your cycling friends and talk about bikes. Well this is the place. It's just like Floyds barber shop, they even have a couple of old barber chairs to sit in. And Alex and Lesley couldn't be nicer if they were Aunt Bee and Sheriff Taylor themselves. They are professional and treat each customer with patience and attention. I would recommend you stop by and chew the fat with them sometime. There might not be any apple pie, but you will leave feeling comfortable leaving your prized possession bike with them!
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Buy Local @ Great Spot - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 28-Oct-07
Excellent local shop in a great neighborhood. The owners and employees are extremely knowledgeable, honest, approachable and super helpful. The shop offers a large selection (especially for a small, independent store) with reasonable prices and will gladly order any product they don’t have in stock. Mostly, I was impressed with Roscoe Village Bikes’ blend of the personal and the professional. It’s homey and humble for sure, but, moreover, the service and products are always top notch. Anyway, buy local and support a great “mom and pop” for the new generation!
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Disappointed - from: '' - Rating: 3/5 - 27-Oct-07
Very nice people and good rates on repairs and installations.

But - each time I have had work done there, things go missing. I had something installed and had to ask for my kickstand back because it wasn't put back on. I don't know why it was removed in the first place, but that along with the missing reflector and very sloppy install didn't help.

The second time told me they could do a particular type of component work, but weeks later told me they had no idea what was wrong and it should just be replaced. Again, more things removed/missing when I got the bike back. The tires were also flat.

If you have the knowledge and skills, that is great. But as a new business, please pay attention to the "small stuff" because customers do notice and remember. I like to support LBS, but if you get two chances and blow it, I have to go elsewhere.
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• Re: Disappointed - from: '' - 29-Oct-07
  We are always looking to improve and attention to detail is very important to us. We were not aware that this customer was unhappy with the service he received. All of our work is guaranteed and we welcome any of our customers to bring concerns to our attention so that we can address them. Our goal is that everyone experience the level of satisfaction that is reflected in the other reviews posted here. We will follow up with this individual directly to see if there is anything more that we can do for him.
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Thank you! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 06-Oct-07
Each time I walk into the shop, I walk out happy. I feel thankful to have a bike shop I trust and enjoy supporting. The comments below sum up the store and the owners quite well... I just wanted to add one more in hopes that a few more people might check it out.
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bike review - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 04-Oct-07
I was hit by an unaware motorist bending my beloved lugged steel colnago severely. I limped it into Alex and he
listed all the bike frames he could obtain through his dealers. We decided on a steel derosa. HE WORKED WITH ME
and we transferred what components we could to the new frame. Alex then recommended replacements for the ones that could not be salvaged. The result;
a smooth transition and a better bike.
Highly recommended as they really work with and listen to you, also great for maintenance. Will look here first to buy my childrens bikes, commuter bikes, and continue with maintenenance. Great job by Alex and Leslie a true old fashioned neighborhood bike shop that can do a little more- Dave Carmody
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new shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 01-Aug-07
i live around the corner and couldn't have asked for a better neighborhood shop! Alex and Leslie are very down to earth and easy to talk to. highly recommended!
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Great local shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 31-Jul-07
Not paying attention, I drove my bike on my roof-rack into my garage. I wasn't going very fast, but it bent one of the dropouts. Alex was able to easily bend it back, but he also caught a problem with my bottom bracket -- it had cracked -- he replaced it and had the bike back to me within a couple of days. Very attentive, no attitude!
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Great Shop! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 29-Jul-07
I was in the market for a hybrid bike for riding to and from work. I found the KHS Urban-x here, it was perfect! It had everything I wanted already included on the bike, fenders and a rack, and the price totally fit my budget! I love the bike, and everyone at the shop has been very helpful with adjustments and questions I've had. I would totally recommend shopping there!
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Help With Flats - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 28-Jul-07
I came in after I recieved 2 flat tires in a triathlon and they were very helpful in teaching me how to change the flat.
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Fantastic - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 27-Jul-07
I was in the market for a bike but wasn't sure I could afford a new one. My friends, Nikki and Chad, recommended Roscoe Village Bikes so I checked 'em out. What an inviting shop! I know very little about bikes and Leslie was very helpful! The last one I had was a Schwinn Breeze I was looking for something like that - a no frills woman's bike that I would use for jaunts & commuting to work. Leslie recommended a KHS Brentwood, after I tried some others, because it would fit me - I'm short. She had to put it together so I could try it. One & a half days later I got the call. I tried it and fell in love - a perfect fit for me and my budget! I also bought a new helmet! I was also very pleased with the services included in the purchase price.
I love my bike! Thanks guys!
I'll tell my friends and come back soon!
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Worth the visit - from: '' - no rating given - 18-Jul-07
A down-to-earth, no pretense bike shop run by a nice couple. I bought a bike there a few weeks ago and as it was the first bike I had purchased in many years, I had a lot of questions and Alex took about an hour answering all of them for me and made sure I was fitted properly. The price was reasonable and there was no pressure to buy and I was able to take a test ride. They carry Felt, Jamis, and other good brands; definitely a place to stop in even if you're just checking it out. This shop is in the heart of Roscoe Village at Roscoe and Damen. I had a brake installed on my bike and the service area in the back is clean and looked well run. Definitely a place I would patronize again. Much needed bike shop in an area of town not serviced by any other nearby shops.
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Friendly, happy place - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 08-Jul-07
This seems to be a great little bike shop. I had just purchased a used bike and walked in this morning (they're open on Sundays), and was greeted by the two young proprietors who seemed knowledgeable and very friendly in an honest way. The shop is immaculately clean, and nice to look at... lots of old wood, hidden service area (good or bad I suppose), and a wonderful snoozing dog on the floor.

However, I did pick up a light set that turned out to be pretty crappy plastic non-waterproof stuff, so not all their merchandise is top-tier. Haven't tried their service dept.
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• Re: Friendly, happy place - from: '' - 01-Mar-09
  Being a person who judges a shop by it's "immaculately clean, and nice to look at" quality... I'm really glad "lots of old wood" pleases you.
  The reason why many shops stock items that are of higher and lower quality is because for those customers who don't necessarily want 50 dollars lights and pedals, there is a cheaper alternative for their price range.
  I'm not affiliated with this shop, never gotten service from them, but your presumptuous ass statement caught my attention.
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  • Re: Re: Friendly, happy place - from: '' - 06-Mar-09
    trimmed reply
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awesome employees - from: 'bill braski' - Rating: 5/5 - 27-Jun-07
Paul Prasil is a great guy
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I can't walk by without walking in!! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 12-Jun-07
This place is incredible. I have had 3 of my bikes worked on here. Alex and Leslie rock! They are super nice and never seem to tire of my stupid questions and half-baked projects. Alex always has recommendations for what I want to do, without pressuring me to buy the "most expensive". Leslie is always helpful...and who can forget Buddy!! I'm in there so much I hope they'll tell me when to get lost. This is a great shop. Go there!!!
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Great for a tune-up - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 04-Jun-07
I stopped in once, then brought in an old bike for a tune-up. I know very little about bikes, but they were quick and very nice. When I enquired about buying a new cruiser, they were informative without pressure. It's a great neighborhood bike store with personal attention and no attitude.
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All Tuned-Up! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 23-May-07
Tried this place after Uptown told me about their 3 week wait for a tune-up. had my bike back in 3 days! Great little (tiny) shop (and young mom and pop are so super nice and lacking any pretentiousness). I'll be back for sure!
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Shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 30-Apr-07
I stopped in and spoke with Alex. I talked to him about having my old 70's Raleigh converted into a fixed gear bike and he was very helpfull on parts and also recommended me someone to get the bike painted. As soon as I get the bike painted I will have him built it.
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Kid Bike Friendly - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 29-Apr-07
Stopped in looking for a bicycle for my nine year old daughter. Got great assistance and a great bicycle.
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Looking for a jerk to help you with your bike? Don't go here! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 29-Apr-07
One of the friendliest and certainly the least pretentious of all the bike shops I have been to. Incredible!
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Great Experience - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 18-Apr-07
Stopped in with my girlfriend last Saturday cause she needed a new ride.

Alex set her up with a new Jamis Sputnik. Price was great and the service was way friendly and the best part about the whole thing was supporting the small neighborhood shop.
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Sweet! - from: 'Eric' - Rating: 5/5 - 13-Apr-07
Just got my bike all tuned up. Felt like a new bike on my ride home! The owners a very nice and helpful. This is a great new bike shop.
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glad it's open - from: 'Chad' - Rating: 5/5 - 13-Apr-07
stopped by and met the owner alex. Talked to him for at least a half an hour about bikes and such. Then I ordered a new set of wheels (which I'm picking up today). Super nice guy, lots of knowledge, and it's not corporate. This is my new local bike store!
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New Shop - from: '' - no rating given - 10-Apr-07
The last time I rode by, they still weren't open. Well, they are now, although they were closed as it's late. Small shop. Looks like a typical startup.
10-April-2007
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• Re: New Shop - from: '' - 29-Jun-07
  : The last time I rode by, they still
  : weren't open. Well, they are now,
  : although they were closed as it's
  : late. Small shop. Looks like a
  : typical startup.
  : 10-April-2007
  
  Had a chance to stop by since they opened. Gabbed about some folklore from an old article in Bicycling Magazine. A neighborhood bike shop needs three things, a screen door with the screen missing, a squeaky wood floor, and, a dog sleeping behind the counter. They told me they're working on the screen door. 2 out of 3 ain't bad. Great place.
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