Boulevard Bikes

Blvd Bikes - from: '' - Rating: 2/5 - 23-Apr-10
I am done with this place. I have been in several times and depending who is working I more often than not get condecending comments from the people working there. They look down on you if you don't have a super hip bike or you are just a casual biker. I went here for the first time in 2005 when i first moved to chicago. Comming from a much smaller city I was riding a cheap dept store bike I had brought with me. Man did they have comments about riding that thing. The bike selection was all pretty steep so I opted out of getting a new one there and went through a couple of used bikes until I bought a new Trek hybrid in 2008. I've gone back to Blvd a few other times just for the close proximity and each experience has been similar. I brought in my bike there once to replace the back inner tube because i seem to screw it up when i work on the abck tire myself and you would have thought I asked the king to bath with the serfs with the attitude that emminated from the guy working there. Last fall I went back after I had a small accident because the store I have been using was closed that day. I was quoted (if I remmeber right)50.00 to bend it back but I was told it probably would not work and they would have to replace the part anyway which would be 50.00 plus at least that much for the part. Between that and the other minor problems I had I was looking at over 120.00 so I obted to just get essentials and walk off with the fork still bent thinking about just paying the extra hundred or two to get a new bike. I waited out the winter w/o my bike and brought it back to the other store in my nieghborhood where I bought my bike. He is bending it back for 45.00 and taking care of a flat as part of the labor (No trying to get me to buy a new part for my bike). I'm happy to send my business elsewhere from the Blvd.
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Has Potential - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 06-Nov-09
This shop had mixed reviews so I thought I would go check them out. A small selection of bikes but good used bikes to choose from. Pricy but worth it.

I stopped in to get a tube, and they were out of my size.. It happens. I bought some cinelli bar tape for $15.99(not bad). Limited amount of accessories, but stuff you need all the time.

The staff seemed friendly to me. I talked with the guy.. Kevin, who seemed quite knowledgeable about bikes. He showed me some used bikes that he had and took his time. Their bike of choice is Bianchi

Got to go back a couple more times to give a final rating, but as for now 4 stars overall



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a place I want to like but just doesn't deliver - from: '' - Rating: 3/5 - 10-Aug-09
i've been to this shop a handful of times to service a commuting beater picked up at working bikes. i pretty much have to agree with everyone on here: dealing with kevin is a pleasure but everyone is a gamble.

not only are the responses condescending but sometimes you just can't get anything out of them. my knowledge of bikes is rudimentary. i felt like i had to keep throwing stuff at the wall to try and get someone to work with me. like other reviewers have noted, i keep getting the sense that i'm wasting their time.

that's not to say they have never been nice to me. they have. and generally i've been happy with the work and prices although one tire replacement was improperly aligned and had to be fixed a day later. it was done for free and without fuss, which was a pleasure.

the question then moves to whether you are willing to endure such attitudes? as other have noted these are real people, dudes you'd probably want to be friends with. that's nice. on the other hand i find myself wishing kevin would give his crew a little course on customer service. if they were nice/helpful i'd give the shop at 5.

will i keep going? probably. i live across the street. but the main feelings i enter the shop with are dread and uncertainty. am i going to be made to feel awkward and shamed? will my bike, my sole mode of transport, get quick service and attention? i can't help but think there's a better bike shop experience out there.
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good overall - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 03-Aug-09
These folks are good an know what they're talking about and I agree with most of the posters in that they never give the hard sell. I did see another review that does jive with one bad experience I had there, which was they only wanted to sell me a rim for them to build a wheel, that they had lots of---despite my protestations. This ended up being a bad choice because it complicated other issue due to sizing problems (700c vs 27") Sadly, I've never been back since because they are good and in my neighborhood--but that really soured me on them.
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repair - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 19-Jul-09
Went in with a rear flat and a loose front tire. Clerk says with barely a glance, "you may have already done irreplaceable damage." Thank you and goodnight. Went over to Nearly New on Broadway and was repaired and satisfied in 20 minutes. $35.
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Great knowledge and service - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 16-Mar-09
I've bought a bike and a trail-a-bike from this shop, as well as have had our bikes serviced here over the last few years. Have always found the staff super knowledgeable and helpful - no pressure sales and they don;t push stuff you don't need. I'm no hipster and I've never had any attitude from anyone. They are attentive to whomever they are dealing with, so if things are busy expect to wait. But, I've always found that the wait was worth it. Highly recommended.
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give em a little slack - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 22-Aug-08
I'd say BBikes seemed a little too-cool-for-school when I first walked in, but the more I got to know the folks, the more they got to know me. The owner Kevin now addresses me by name and has made a point of trying to build a relationship with me - even though I look like a garden variety yuppie in my work dress clothes. He knows I love bikes, and I know he does too.

I've taken in a number of bikes for repairs and adjustments, and they've done a great job doing what I've asked without a the usual upselling. Bear in mind that this place is very busy during warm months, and that you might have to make an appointment to get your work done. For every online basher, there are a bunch of satisfied customers that call BBikes their LBS.
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Great Bike Shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 31-Jul-08
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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built a bad wheel - from: '' - Rating: 2/5 - 27-Jun-08
I'd been coming here for a while after purchasing a used bike. Things had been ok. The rear wheel went out of true and rather then repair it, they suggested a new wheel. They built a new doublewalled wheel sold me a new hub and put new skins on the wheels, replacing and charging me for the tubes without asking and not returning the usable parts to me after the work. (hub tubes skins). The new wheel went out of true in a matter of minutes after a month of riding with all of the spokes just completely loosening. (no potholes no curbs same riding that kept the stock '85 rims in true for years. It happened on a Monday and since they are closed on Monday I was forced to go to oscar wastyn ( which I had heard scary things about). Oscar wastyn didn't replace the rim and hub, but rather trued my wheel within the day.
to summarize... I'm no longer a patron of boulevard bikes and I recommend oscar wastyn to all my bicycling friends.
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• Re: built a bad wheel - from: '' - 22-Jul-09
  You did not mention if you asked for the parts back of if that was an afterthought on your part. You most likely were given new "tires" and "tubes" due to the "new Rim" that was built upon. did you get the Rhyno rims by sun? Those are top notch for sure.
  
  You should of been told that "every" newly built wheel has a break in period where it "will" require re truing up to a few times depending on the wheel builder and the end user. But maybe you were told that this was required but thought it was a hustle to get you back in and take your money lol. Who knows?
  
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  • Re: Re: built a bad wheel - from: '' - 27-Jul-09
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Mechanic actually shouted at me - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 12-Jun-08
Wow. I went to this shop for a fairly common part. I did not see it hanging on the walls, so I asked someone at the counter. He said I did not have enough information to identify what I needed. So, I tried to show him examples the part on a couple of bikes that were there for repair. He started actually shouting at me, saying that the parts I was showing him were not what I had just described. Not knowing what to do, I just continued describing the part, as he was shouting and clearly getting upset. After further description, he retrieved exactly what I was looking for and I bought it (though I overpaid).

While I was in the shop, a girl came in who was having problems with her bike and asked if it would be safe for her to ride home. A mechanic in the shop told her that he did not have a crystal ball and could not make any predictions.

Based on reading other reviews, I suppose that if what you are looking for is 'coolness' and a good 'vibe,' this may be a good place. However, in my experience, this is not the place to go for good customer service, good prices, or even civil personal interaction.

When choosing to spend my money, I now go to Smart Bike Parts just up the road from Blv. Bikes.
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Very Helpful and Friendly - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 04-Jun-08
I have always liked to ride, but am an old lady and out of practice. I had been working up to commuting via bike when I went to B.B. Kevin (the owner) set me up with the perfect bike for me, and I have been commuting on it ever since! Good fit, good quality, good price - and he knows how to match the customer with the perfect ride!
Thanks, Kevin!
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Excellent shop - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 31-Mar-08
This is a really fantastic shop for the practical city rider. It's not the biggest shop, but everything they carry is high quality, and they do their work with care. I've caught the slightly condescending vibe that other commenters have picked up on, but it's hardly a dealbreaker, and far better to deal with a bit of self-satisfaction than to deal with someone who doesn't know what they're doing or isn't interested in putting you on the right bicycle or fitting it out properly. I'd especially recommend this place to the less experienced rider looking for a new bicycle, as they simply don't carry the kind of bikes and equipment that don't make sense for Chicago and can end up putting someone off city riding. Their prices are also more than reasonable.
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bikes for the people... - from: 'sham' - Rating: 5/5 - 29-Mar-08
Kevin (the owner) supports biking as a way of life. This is reflected in the people that work there and their regular customers. If you are looking for a super light racing bike or a high end mountain bike, go elsewhere. If you are looking for just about anything else, this your shop.

As with all bike shops, be patient --- real people work here.

I would call this a communist bike shop... providing utilitarian bikes for everyone (with attention to details for those of us that care)... bikes for the people...
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Patience grasshopper.. - from: '' - no rating given - 15-Mar-08
You must be patient when you come in. This shop is wildly popular, and it shows every summer weekend. The staff will usually try to deal with customers individually, so if you want service you'll have to wait if it's busy. Having said all that, the service is well worth the wait.
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A solid shoppe - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 14-Feb-08
No commissioned salesmen here, and it shows. This might explain some of the other reviews. They serve mainly commuters and people who use bikes for transportation, which, I can only assume, is why they have so much steel. Doug is the best mechanic I have ever seen- and overall the mechanics' attention to detail is superb.
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Not the nicest guys around - from: 'Dave' - no rating given - 14-Jan-08
I came in there the other day to see if they had any paint to cover up the chips in my steel-frame bike so it won't start to rust from the winter. I definitely got the condescending vibe from the clerk, which I can do without (Dude, it's a bike, it's gonna get scratched) though he did take the time to explain that they use nail polish for chips and scratches and didn't try to push anything on me, though he did deem it appropriate to tell me that four times in as many minutes as if I didn't understand him the first time. I hear a lot of shops in the city give you the holier than thou bit, but this is the only place I've actually gotten it. I'm giving them no rating b/c I've never gotten anything worked on or bought anything from them.
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did right by me - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 08-Jan-08
I bought a new bike here in the summer. A couple weeks ago I went in for squeeky brakes and Kevin spent almost 90 minutes carefully cleaning and adjusting everything, including the rack I'd bought elsewhere, with no charge. These guys know a lot about bikes and are very friendly. I'm not sure what a bike hipster is (see comments below) but I surely don't qualify. I like this place and the people who work here.
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There are better - from: '' - Rating: 2/5 - 14-Nov-07
I went to this shop and had a wheel rebuilt. Good work, but really slow (2.5 weeks). I definitely got the condescending vibe, but I've come to expect that from most shops in Chicago. I took my friend in to help him get some new tires and the employee was only interested in recommending tires they had in stock. Any mention of a tire that they didn't carry or have in stock at the time elicited a severe negative response follow up with "every messenger in the city rides on these" referring to the cheapie 15 dollar set that was the only one left in the store that fits 700c. Then one day I found a way better shop thats just right down the street.. Smart Bike Parts on Milwaukee. Friendliest guys you will ever meet and I still can't find lower prices anywhere.
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go kevin - from: '' - no rating given - 30-Sep-07
Kevin is pretty rad, and if you happen to go here I'd recommend trying to get him to help you. People saying that the workers here are nice, or the most helpful they've encountered, baffle me. Unfortunately a lot of hipsters are primarily focused on being better than you and are merely posing as liberals while, at heart, they are elitist, hardcore cultural capitalists. Here's a mission for somebody: try to make a hipster laugh about something that isn't an in-joke. Perhaps you can also ask him/her what country his/her new Nikes were made in and how much they cost. Well, we're all flawed.
Like I said before this tangent, Kevin is great. Obviously a guy who cares about the world and his place in it.
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• Re: go kevin - from: '' - 08-Nov-07
  Um, is this post about the shop, or your hatred for hipsters? I've never got the hipper-than thou vibe from the staff (maybe the customers...). They're usually top notch professionals. Don't let tatoos and facial hair scare you.
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  • Re: Re: go kevin - from: '' - 15-Nov-07
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The first place I recommend to friends. - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 06-Sep-07
Boulevard Bikes is the first place I recommend to anyone in the NW side. I like their shop; it's stocked with minimal but quality accessories. Their service is top-shelf quality. Kevin, the owner, is a friendly person who never comes off as "the owner" or a "bike czar". He and his staff treat you like a person, no matter how experienced you are in biking. Their keen sense for serving the customer is not forgotten. Plus, they play vinyl -- how cool is that?
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Very nice - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 02-Sep-07
I went in a couple weeks back and found the staff helpful and pleasant.
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Excellent Service - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 13-Jul-07
I took my bike there a couple of weeks ago for work on the back wheel and Kevin and the mechanics did an excellent job at a very reasonable price and they did not try to sell me things I didn't need. These guys are very professional and friendly. My husband is a bike mechanic at a different shop - he sent me to Boulevard because he didn't have time to fix my bike and knew they do quality work.
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SOUR - from: '' - Rating: 2/5 - 05-Jul-07
i'm not surprised to see all the comments that say these guys are condescending. that has been my experience with this bike shop. any time i've been in just to get some info or get a problem properly diagnosed, they are quick to give you the feeling like you are wasting their time. only when you are going to drop $ on a large purchase or repair do they put on a smile for you. i went in with a question about a bottom bracket and before i knew it they were writing me up for a repair ticket. they are quick to tell you you have crap components and that you need to buy new stuff. seems like all they want is to get you in there so they can throw parts and labor charges at you. you definitely get the elitist feel here.
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Horrible - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 21-Jun-07
People there would not even give me the time of day. I went in with a specific purchase in mind and could not get anyone to talk to me, even after repeated eye contact. I stood around for 10 min then left; I can give my money to someone else. Overall a condescending elitist vibe to the whole place.
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A bit pretentious and condescending... - from: '' - Rating: 2/5 - 03-Jun-07
If you're an avid biker and a part of the "Biking subculture", maybe you love this place and agree with the 5/5 reviews.

My bike took 3 weeks for a tune-up and some really simple work, and the guy there was pretty condescending the first time I went to drop it off. He even went so far as to say "these parts suck" in reference to stock parts on my bike. Maybe true (I admittedly wouldn't know), but not tactful customer service especially with his tone.

When I went to pick it up, I had someone with me, and she agreed the guy came off as a condescending jerk. They really seem to have this "screw you, newbie" mentality there.

If you're a bike geek, I'm sure you'll love the place. If you're not, the one employee I dealt with there was kind of a dick.
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wonderful - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 20-Apr-07
best bike shop experience i've had in chicago. very helpful and warm. didn't spend to whole time trying to sell me crap i don't need or didn't want.
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Best Ever - from: 'Aaron' - Rating: 5/5 - 07-Dec-06
highly recomended! These guys went out of their way to help me. Even when no money was to be made off of me. Nicest staff I've ever encountered in a bike shop!
I'm going to go out of my way to support this shop now.
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the best - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 03-Oct-06
I like everyone who works there. I like the bikes, bike parts and bike stuff. I love my new bike.
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Good Work - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 20-Sep-06
They did an excellent job on the bike, but I'd appriciate if they keep some of their opinions to themselves. I know what I'm looking for -- and it's not yet another dime-a-dozen hipster bike. Mechnically, they're flawless -- I just wish their attitudes didn't sour the experience.
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a great place - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 06-Sep-06
As a relatively new cyclist I was shopping for my first road bike. Kevin took a lot of time to answer my questions and explain things to me. After visiting several other shops I returned to Blvd bikes to purchase a bike - because i liked the bike - and loved the shop.
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helpful - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 26-Aug-06
These people have been very helpful to me whenever I need more info. I like 'em!
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best shop ever - from: 'Sean Wolter' - Rating: 5/5 - 12-Aug-06
Not only is this shop free from any better-than-you attitude, it's cheap and helpful. Prices are great and service is the best.
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great place, great locale - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 14-Jul-06
I recently purchased a bike from here. Although the selection isn't as large as many other shops in chicago, the service is superb, and the staff are polite and to the point. They have the knowledge to service even the most hardcore chi-town bikies, but without the attitude that makes casual riders feel uncomfortable.
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• Re: great place, great locale - from: '' - 07-Aug-06
  Great Place- Can't say enough good things about the owner and his staff.
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best shop in chicago - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 16-May-06
The best shops I've seen are in Florida but compaired to other shops I've visited and been insulted in, this is the best shop in I've found while I live here in chicago. Every shop makes its mistakes but this one's mistakes are out done by its culture for not trying to sell you stuff but servicing your needs.
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I make up reasons to go here. - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 09-Dec-05
I can't add much to the above remarks--hands down my favorite shop. I actually refuse to do ANY work on my own bike now just so I'll have an excuse to go here and see these guys.
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Boulevard Bikes is great - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 01-Dec-05
Not only is this a great bike shop, but Kevin is also a wonderful supporter of the bike community. He let the Cycling Sisters use his shop for numerous free workshops, gives a discount to West Town Bikes workshop participants, and he's also taught a few of us how to build wheels. This makes a big difference in empowering people to know about and use bikes for transportation.
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No one's even close! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 31-Aug-05
The BEST bike shop EVER. I've bought bikes from Kevin and have had many bikes repaired by him and his staff. BB is the best bike shop I have ever experienced in my 29 years of riding. He is THE MOST honest person I've ever dealt with in a buy/sell situation. He'll never sell you junk, never sell you what you don't need And the quality of repairs is SUPERB. Don't waste your time. This is where you need to go for the best bike buying/bike repair experience. Period.
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My Favorite Bicycle Shop! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 25-Aug-05
Kevin and his crew are the best! I have bought parts, tools and accessories as well as having had repairs done. I'll keep coming back! Highly recommended!
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How to Tell..... - from: 'Stevem' - no rating given - 29-Jul-05
You know you are in a good bike shop when vintage vinyl is playing, there are people just hanging out talking "bike" and the cool pair of handlebars you lust for is hanging on the wall.
Kevin carries a nice selection of quality accessories, and parts.

Classic steel abounds, this place has heart.

-community-
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Very cool shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 07-Jun-05
Great shop. He has all the good parts and doesn't try to sell you stuff you don't need.
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top of my list - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 29-May-05
Kevin's a great educator and one of the few bike shop owners still in business that makes recommendations based on what's best for you rather than what brings in the most $$. Plus, there's ample space for flyers :-)
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best shop around - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 25-May-05
My LBS. Great service. If you get wheel work done there, be sure to make sure you get your valve stem covers back, Kevin has been known to forget to replace them. :^)
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