Armitage Bike Shop

help......awsome shop!!!! - from: '' - no rating given - 28-Mar-10
iwant a lowrider bike simple one ireally dont know mutch about bikes i only have 100 bux or more and yea help me sam? im 15 years old do uhave used low rider bikes or new how mutch would it cost,its price.......message me plzzzzz
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• Re: help......awsome shop!!!! - from: '' - 29-Mar-10
  Joker ->
  The shops listed on the Chicago Bike Shop Database don't necessarily monitor the messages posted to this site. Your best bet is to contact the shop directly. Please see the FAQ.
  
  Also, I removed your multiple posts and '5' ratings.
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Buying a bike - from: '' - no rating given - 09-Dec-09
Looking road bike for my daughter. Went in waited 15min for assistance. no one thought to ask us. Walked up to the counter where a spirited conversation about lunch was taking place. Asked for information, was told in a minute. I was gone. They lost a 1000 sale, because I didn't look like a single speed rider. I have invested 1300 in my daughters tri- bike. Their loss.
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bikes - from: '' - no rating given - 25-Nov-09
do you have bmx bies at your store.
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• Re: bikes - from: '' - 06-Dec-09
  Victor -
  
  The shops listed on the Chicago Bike Shop Database do not necessarily monitor the posts made to this site. Your best bet is to contact the shop directly.
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Excellent - from: 'speedy' - Rating: 4/5 - 15-Sep-09
I walked thru the door...was greeted right away...no complaints... the shop is really nice.One of their mechanics has these super bad ass bikes that he rides on every day.One has the lines of a stealth fighter jet in a bright red!!!
The other one looks like it came out of moto cross with out the motor.I thought they were just about low riders but mutch to my delight I was greatly mistaken...It's a well balanced shop.It was a good expirience with free vitamin water.
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You win some you lose sum$$$ - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 06-Sep-09
I read all these great reviews about Smart Bikes, so I thought I would go over to them to see if they could help me with mine. First of all its like walking in to my girlfriends closet, which by the way is bigger. Second, the guy on the phone said that someone would help me and I waited for about 15 minutes before I asked someone if there was another bike shop around. The girl in the shop was complaining about the tube that she got that was out of the box and was trying to get another one, due to the fact that the one she got was defected.

She told me to go to either Blvd Bikes or Armitage Bikes. Since, I live off of Spaulding I decided to give Armitage Bikes a try. As soon as I walked in I was greeted. This shop is huge on the inside. I met a sales guy, Clark who was quite knowledgeable about bike parts. I needed quite a few parts to get my bike going and they have a “shitload” to choose from. Then another sales guy by the name of Moss came by and said that I would be spending a lot more on buying parts, and maybe I should consider getting a new bike.

What he said made sense. Just in buying a couple of tires, tubes, brake pads, a front true, and a tune up, was running me about $130. I had previously talked about getting a Jamis Sputnick from Smart (Dumb) Bikes on the phone, but that fell threw, due to the lack of attention. Moss, told me that he had and SE Lugar in my size, from last year that he could make me a deal on, and he did. He not only gave me a great deal, he gave me $75 for my old bike, as a trade in. He also said that he could upgrade any part that was on the bike and give me credit for the stock part. He also said that any and all the labor/install for whatever I wanted to do to the bike would be taken care of on him. I looked at him like he was crazy. He said that was all about the “Armitage Experience” wow! These guys really took care of me. After setting up my bike up with my upgraded tires and handlebar tape, they let me take a test ride to make sure every thing felt good.

And finally right before I left and mind you after I paid them, they even offered me free vitamin water and a bike map for the road. I can honestly say this is probably one of the best sales experiences that I have ever had. I would recommend this shop to every one, for bikes… and parts. Good for Armitage Bikes, bad for Smart Bikes.


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Just what I needed - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 04-Sep-09
I got a flat getting off the Logan blue line at about 8:10 pm. I googled numerous neighborhood shops and most of them were all closed except for one, Armitage Bikes.

A guy by the name of Sam answered. He said he was closed but, doing some after hour repairs for some of his customers. I told him that I had a flat and that my tire was coming off. He said how fast can you get here and I said in about 20 min., he said he would wait till I got there. He was the nicest guy, and took care of me even though the shop was closed. I got a tire, a tube, and the service for about $25.00. He even gave me bottled water on the house. How cool!!! Thanks Sam for being there.

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inept people - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 24-Aug-09
Mos & Clark, et al- Trued my rim but the tire was not put on properly?
If you tru a rim, make sure either the customer knows the tire is responsible for the rim appearing bent or that rim is not bent (20 bucks down the drain)?
So when I rode my bike the rim felt like it was still bent!
Mas & Clark, then told me the rim was fine it was the tire?
Well why didn’t make sure the tire is on properly and then tru the rim or vice a versa?!

Then I ask them to change the chain and the cassestte, but they fail to notify me that the ring on the crank was bent!!!!!!!!
So when I rode the bike, the chain skips which is dangerous!
So now I paid for a new cassette (which was not put on properly) & a chain on bent crank?
Why didn’t there employees catch the bent crank when they were putting the chain on and making sure the chain worked properly?!

How can they fix something/anything without diagnosing the problems correctly???

In there defense I did ask them to keep the price down, but not at the sake of doing a half ass job!

But I did get a free vitamin water?

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Cool shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 11-Aug-09
A week ago I came in with just a road bike frame with the aspirations of turning it in to a fixed gear bike. Granted I had purchased rims,crankset,and bottom bracket. They were very helpful and very informative about what needed to be done. I put my faith with this guys and now I'm riding this fixed geared beauty to and from work every day. These guys do more than just lowriders. Plus they are friendly and open to help you out if your a newb. They're awesome
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Crap for ordering - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 07-Aug-09
I'm sick of buying bike parts online, so I thought I'd try a special order for something through a local Chicago store. I called Armitage three times over a week and each time they told me they'd get back to me ASAP about whether or not the part was available from a supplier. They sounded eager to help me, but they failed to ever call me, and I can't justify bending over backwards for something that I can get with a few clicks on my computer. I'm disappointed, I was hoping to find a store around Chicago where I can get parts that I need, but Armitage is clearly not interested.
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lowride - from: '' - no rating given - 07-Jun-09
do you got lowrider bikes ? and if you do how much are they ?
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• Re: lowride - from: '' - 19-Jul-09
  The shops listed on the Chicago Bike Shop Database do not necessarily monitor these comments. Your best bet is to contact the shop directly. Please read the FAQ.
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skateboards - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 02-Mar-09
hey when are you having that sale on the blank skateboards or the skate shop sale????
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• Re: skateboards - from: '' - 06-Mar-09
  Mario -
  
  The shops listed on the Chicago Bike Shop Database do not necessarily monitor these comments. Your best bet is to contact the shop directly.
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Crrrap SHOP - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 22-Feb-09
wheres the "0" on the rating to bad it doesnt have it. [I feel ripped off when I go here.]
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• Re: Crrrap SHOP - from: '' - 23-Feb-09
  Removed profanity. Let's keep it clean.
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wurd up - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 17-Jan-09
i like this shop i usually go in to hang around for friendly conversation with Mas. real excited that they are starting to carry skate accessories and boards!!!

i do appreciate the help that these guys give the customer. very helpful very friendly.

a admit im not much of a bike guy but its good to have a place where a skater can go in for sum parts or hang out just to say hi. alot of other shops seem very impersonal..

thanks guys! u guys rock! looking foward to the skate season
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THE BEST BIKE SHOP!! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 20-Oct-08
What a lucky find!! This shop is way overdue for a proper review, and let me tell ya all that I have been in this shop over 5 times this season and every time I go there it gets better and better. These guys keep a real clean place and keep it well stocked, with lots of cool stuff.

The first time I went in to this place is when I got a flat in the early spring. I walked in and got my flat done in 15 min. I was really impressed I even offered to give them an extra $10.00 for the speedy service, and one of the techs there just said "Its all good, we’re just here to service you" and didn’t even take my tip. I was amazed.

The second time I went in was with a friend who needed a back aluminum rim. We checked 2 other shops in the hood, and there prices were about $15.00 higher. We even told the guy who's name is MAS, that his the best price, and you know he said that he thinks the prices were pretty good at the other shops, and his price would probably be the same but, he just happen to get that particular rim at a good price, so he wanted to past the savings on to us. Cool!!

The 3rd time I went in was to get a tune-up. What an incredible job. My bike rides like it was almost new. He quoted me a price and actually stuck to it. This was the first time I have ever been quoted at a bike shop and the price remained the same. Although, I do have to mention, that they told me that I would need some other parts replaced to get optimum performance, but they totally left the decision to me.

Finally, I just went in last week to get my chain replaced, and my wheel true. I need my bike like I need food to survive. These guys know me by, now and they offered me a loaner bike to use while my bike was in for repair. That was the last straw. I don't know about anyone else, but I can honestly, say these guys are some serious professionals that actually care about there customers. I will never go anyplace else, this is my shop for life

Thank You ARMITAGE BIKE SHOP I’m glad you’re finally here.
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Great Shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 16-Oct-08
I recently moved to this side of town and was surprised to find such a great shop down the block from my new place. I ride a track bike and these guys were able to answer all my questions and gave me a great deal on a custom built velocity rim set. The shop is well stocked with parts for all types of bikes from commuters to bmx this place has it all(sk8 boards too).
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buyer beware - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 09-Jul-08
This review is based solely on my experience with repair work and in particular a bicycle tune up.

The store is fine overall. The owner Mustafa is fun, amiable, and cool. He turned his family's hardware store into a bike shop. The selection there isn't the greatest, but they have the basics. Just make sure to do your homework and check out different shops. The SE Draft single speed sells for 280.00 at this shop but only 200.00 at Oscar Wastyn Cycles.

Now, for the tune up...every single bike shop in the city if you ask for a tune includes "truing" the wheels, which basically fixes wobbles. At Armitage bike shop, they like to rip people off and charge you 15-21 dollars extra (based on "how bad the wheel is" ) on top of the basic tune up cost.

This is a bunch of BS and it's my fault for not doing my homework before going to the bike shop. So, I tell Mos the owner there and he doesn't believe me. So then I tell him to call another bike shop. We call boulevard bikes, and he talks to the shop, asks if truing a bike is included in the tune up, and they answer "yes."

But even after hearing this, he still argues that the shop is shady and that they'll charge you more once you walk in the shop.

I did get a free Vitamin water out of the rip off though.

*update* 7/8/08 7pm. I went to Boulevard bikes for them to check out the bike. They were able to fix the front derauiler in 5 mins for free. At armitage bikes they said it was locked solid and would not work.

Also took bike to Smart bike parts, they said that the front rim wasn't trued properly, and that any tune up should include truing the rim.
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• Re: buyer beware - from: 'bikegirl' - 18-Jul-08
  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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  • Re: Re: buyer beware - from: '' - 27-Mar-10
    At the shop I work at, truing is included with a tune-up, as well as the more basic checkup. It's not hard to do, and it's simply ridiculous to say a bicycle has been "tuned up" if its wheels haven't been given enough attention to make sure they run true and have good, even spoke tension.
    
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    • Re: Re: Re: buyer beware - from: '' - 29-Mar-10
      trimmed reply
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armitage bike shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 30-Jun-08
I'm overdue with leaving some props on here for this shop. I went in to buy a new bike, and i knew exactly what i wanted. Mos took the time to talk to me about what a difference good pedals can make, and let me take a bike out for a spin to illustrate the point. These dudes know what they're talking about, don't try to upsell you, and are very attentive to the individual customer's needs. Definitely one of the best in Chicago.
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Friendly & Knowledgable - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 21-Jun-08
I didn't even know about this bike shop until today, when I was looking for someone open past 5 on a Saturday, and I discovered Armitage Bike Shop. So glad I did. Even though there were other customers in there, Mos and Clark, the owners, provided lots of personal attention. Clark spent a lot of time answering questions I had about bikes/helmets. I told them I wouldn't be in the market for a new bike until next year and they still suggested that I take a couple of the bikes for a short ride to try them out - with no pressure to buy. Didn't realize until I was leaving that there is a downstairs with lots more bikes. And before I left they fixed a loose part on my current bike and inflated my tires to the proper level. I'll definitely be going back when I do need future bike purchases.
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Great Shop! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 07-Apr-08
I've been to a few bike shops in the city, but Armitage has always had the hook up for me. Last summer I needed a specific part for a springer fork I thought I had ruined, they had it. Another time, I needed a specific tire for my cruiser, they had it. Just a few minutes ago I called asking about a slick tire for a Stingray I'm fixing up. They had a variety of name brand and off brand options for me. I felt prompted to give this place this recommendation because earlier today I visited my local bike shop looking for the slick tires. The owner told me they were hard to get a hold of, that only Schwinn made them, and costly. From looking online, I knew some online shops had the tires. I just didn't want to have to pay shipping. But of course, Armitage had the hookup. Even though they're nowhere near my house, I'll be there in the next couple of days to get my stuff. Oh, and the dude behind the counter, the guy on the left in the picture above, has always been extremely helpful and informative. He makes me want to shop there.

Great store.
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kudos - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 18-Mar-08
Some may say that I have an expensive hobby others think I'm just plain insane as Downhill Cycling is a very dangerous way of spending free time. All I can say and state with confidence: I trust these guys at Armitage Bike Shop with my gear with one less thing to worry about at any drop, off any hill down any mountain period! They don't state there the best yet they strive to be the best. WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR??????

the bottom line of business: People buy from People they like
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Armitage Bike Shop - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 29-Feb-08
This place is one of my favorite places to go. When I first started shopping for bikes I visited all the major bike shops around town. I mostly felt intimidated by some of the other places just because I didn't know everything I needed to know. But I just happened upon the Armitage Bike Shop one day and even though they marketed those crazy low rider's it turned out they carried road bikes. After some negotiating they found the perfect bike for me and got it to me as soon as possible. Anytime I need something I go to them and they always have what I need and give it to me at a fair price. I'd recommend this place, and even if they aren't the bike shop to end all bike shops, they're at least friendly and willing to work with you.
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I luv you guys! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 21-Feb-08
I needed a bicycle tune-up desperately.
They were able to give me one in just 8 hours. I droped my bike off in the morning and was able to pick it up in the evening.. Thanks for the quicki!!!
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TERRIBEL is somewhat correct - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 09-Dec-07
The poster below who goes by "bike fanatic" is for the most part correct. I don't appreciate how they use high pressure tactics to secure a sale.
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Open - from: 'Adam' - no rating given - 02-Oct-07
The hours on this page are wrong, they are now under "fall hours". Forgive me, but I'm a little angry right now with bike shops. I would kill right now to have a shop that opened before 10am. If anyone wants to makes bikes more than just a toy, then I need to be able to get the parts I need to use my bike TO GET TO WORK.

This issue makes me reconsider biking instead of driving.
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• Re: Open - from: '' - 18-Feb-08
  If you need to get into the shop just call 773-489-2175 Mon-Sat 9:30 am to 6:00 pm and we will try to take care of you the best we can.
  
  We are currently in our remodeling phase. Even if the gates are closed, please call us.
  
  We are sorry if we missed your call. If you call us in advance we may be able to schedule a walk-in appointment for you.
  
  We would like to help every biker this winter. But, please do consider the costs it takes to keep our business open during the winter months. Once, again if we have inconvenienced you in any way, we would like you to accept our apology.
  ARMITAGE BIKE SHOP! / 2-18-2008
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• Re: Open - from: '' - 29-Mar-10
  Apologies for having the wrong information listed -- I do the best I can on the budget I have to work with. (My budget for this project is zero.) I'm always happy to post updates to a shop's information -- please email me directly.
  
  thanks,
  
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One of a kind - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 21-Aug-07
Armitage Bike Shop is in a league all its own. Forget the hipster pretensions and the yuppie-catered bike shops in the area. This place is the real deal.

I just moved to Logan Square a couple months ago and was excited to see a bike shop right around the corner- then I walked in the door, and felt like hanging out there all day.

The front of the store is a stylish bike shop- specializing in some sleek low-riders and customized bikes. Even if you're not into those kind of rides- the display there is just coolto look at. The back half of the store is a fully-stocked hardware store. The place is one of a kind.

I take my road-bike here whenever I need something. The guys are knowledgeable and down to earth, not to mention genuinely friendly. Unlike some of the other bike shops around the city, where they alienate you for not knowing every little detail about bikes- then try to rip you off with some techincal jargon + outrageous labor fees, these guys break it down simple, always charge honest rates and get your cycle back to you lickity-split.

Even if you don't live in the immediate area, this place is worth a visit if only to see what a bike shop should look like.
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Cool Shop - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 08-Aug-07
Needed a specific part for a springer fork. This is the only shop that stocked it. Guy behind the counter was real friendly. I'll go back again.
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TERRIBEL - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 11-Jul-07
Stay away from this shop.... The person who owns it needs to be on medication.
Hes very pushy and the customer is NEVER right here. Ive visited a few times to give them the benefit of the doubt and walked out both times. I would never give them my money. Go to Irvs bike shop in Pilsen - family owned and very, very helpful and friendly.
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• Re: TERRIBEL - from: '' - 21-Aug-07
  First, this is a low blow-- Even if you are from another bike shop and you want to hurt the competition, there's no need to make personal attacks. Nobodies running for president here.
  
  Second, why would someone in Logan Square take their bike all the way to Pilsen as an alternative-- Something smells fishy here. I dare you to mention one thing about the shop, just to prove that you've even been there.
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• Re: TERRIBEL - from: '' - 19-Sep-07
  After few customers informed us about this review we decided to follow-up and see if can satisfy this customer. Since a valid email was not used there is no way to contact this person.
  Whoever you are, 'bike fanatic,' please do not use these tactics to purposely promote other bike shops and falsely deface other shops. And if you really did have an issue with one of the employee please come on back, we will take care of you, and resolve any issues.
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Nice shop. - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 24-Jun-07
The owner and staff are really friendly. There is an emphasis on lowriders, but they keep road/bmx bikes for sale, too. I even got a used road bike (even though this site lists them as new-only). At '4'', I was happy to just find something that fit and didn't break the bank. I've ridden it for two weeks now and love it-no problems. It's not as big as most of the other shops in town, but it's worth checking out.
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nice shop - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 22-Jun-07
the guys who work there are really friendly and helpful. they seem to have lots of stuff and that's saying a lot seeing as how small the shop is.
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Low Rider Bikes - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 01-May-06
I went to this store as a fluke.. It turns out that they have everything. Real friendly people
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