Rapid Transit Cycleshop

rALEIGH RAPIDE - from: '' - no rating given - 18-Mar-10
i WAS CHANGING MY BACK TIRE AND CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW THE DERAILER IS ATTACHED BACK. cAN YOU HELP ME.
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• Re: rALEIGH RAPIDE - from: '' - 20-Mar-10
  Gary ->
  
  The shops listed on the Chicago Bike Shop Database do not necessarily monitor this site. Your best bet is to contact the shop directly. Please see the site FAQ
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Good work - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 19-Sep-09
I bought a older Raleigh road bike on Craig's list knowing it needed some work, so I took it here.

New tires, cables, full tune and a couple of accessories installed free (that I didn't even purchase at the shop BTW).....The guy that took care of me did good work. He was helpful and definitely was not the quintessential snobby bike shop guy that some have said work at RT. He cared about what he was doing and wanted to help get my sweet a$$ ride rollin' smooth.

As with any bike shop - if you walk in and act like you know it all, you'll most likely get treated like you "know it all".
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$$$$$$$$$ - from: '' - Rating: 2/5 - 03-Aug-09
I wouldn't recommend anyone to this shop -- for anything more than to air-up their tires.

Seriously this place is beyond (way way) overpriced.

I took a friend here to get him set up with some new tubes and rim tape.. My jaw dropped to the floor when the cashier (with a straight face, mind you) said something in the neighborhood of $30+ DOLLARS. This all for two tubes and some rim tape. Unfortunately my friend wasn't as bothered and his bike was in disrepair locked outside..so we were almost obligated to give this establishment our patronage. But never again.
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customer service above and beyond - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 06-May-09
this bike shop went WAY above and beyond for me. a year and a half ago, i bought a Dahon folding bike from them. this spring i noticed some small hairline cracks in the steel frame around the seat tube. i do ride my bike fairly heavily (about 1,000 miles/month in riding season), but there was no way in hell that a steel frame bike should have cracks at only 1.5 years old. if i had been in a wreck or something, that would be different, but there was no good reason to explain why these cracks were in my frame other than manufacturer defect.

so i took my bike back to rapid transit and explained the situation and they said they would take care of it for me. so they went to bat for me and got Dahon to honor their frame warranty. and above that, they also switched out all of my bike parts from my old frame to my new frame free of charge. and beyond that, the also gave the bike a complete overhaul, regreasing all the axles and bottom bracket and other moving parts on the bike free of charge.

i was shocked and thoroughly impressed by the lengths this bike shop went to to ensure that i was a happy and satisfied customer. yeah, some products in this shop might be 5 bucks more than they might be elsewhere, but having experienced first hand the level of service that they offer, they've made a "customer for life" out of me.
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any derision I received is well deserved. - from: '' - no rating given - 17-Apr-09
I had a good experience in here today. I came in looking to replace the collet pin on my crank and the mechanics that helped me were super informative and didn't give me any exasperated looks. Though they didn't have the part they referred me to a place that did and when I returned they were nice enough to let me use their tools to change it out myself. Also, when I couldn't manage to get the damn thing replaced after about an hour of fiddling, one of the mechanics offered me a good solution and got my bike together in about 5 minutes. I appreciate you not getting moody with me while I was taking up space in there, using your tools and asking basic questions.
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OK at best - from: '' - Rating: 2/5 - 02-Apr-09
The owner and many of his staff are too cool for their own good. There was a time when all shops were snotty and rude but those days are over. I only go there when I am desperate. OK at best.
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Good LBS - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 17-Aug-08
I've taken bikes here for routine servicing many times and always had friendly, courteous service.
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Take a pass - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 12-Aug-08
Went into the shop and was treated so rudely. I'd asked them to put this bike together and they flatout said "No. It's not worth the time" Okay, it wasn't a great bike and I'm not a cyclist by profession, but when I can I'd like to ride my bike. Thanks but no thanks. Bike nazis
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Nice Service, But A Bad Assembly Job - from: '' - Rating: 3/5 - 10-Jul-08
A open letter that I wrote to Rapid Transit this morning:

I'm writing you this open letter to let you know why I recently returned a dissatisfactory bike to your shop. I hope that my feedback will help you improve your business, which I've held in high regard in the past.

I bought a Breezer Freedom on June 10 after trying many bikes in your shop. Two Rapid Transit employees, [[redact]] and [[redact]], were abundently helpful and patient while I tried different bikes.

However, whoever put the bike together at your June 6 assembly party slacked off. I found two defects within a short time, and four later:

1. The rear fender guide wasn't plied into place, making the fender rattle very noisily.

2. The rear axle wasn't tightened to the dropout enough, so it slid out of place on my third day of riding and immobilized the bike by wedging the tire against the fender and brakes.

I revisited Rapid Transit, and a mechanic quickly, skillfuly fixed these problems. However, more problems from the original assembly surfaced:

3. The chain rubbed constantly against the chain guard; I hadn't heard this before because of the noise from the fender.

4. The chain guard was screwed to the bike's frame so as to crack it at both mount points.

5. The left pedal moved irregularly at the top of each rotation, as if going over a bump in its works.

6. The rearmost screw on the rear fender fell out while riding down an unexceptional stretch of Fullerton Avenue.

I also noticed just before returning the bike to Rapid Transit that the coating on the steel under the lost screw was insufficient to stop corrosion, as was the coating where the three wires supporting the rear rack meet. This isn't an assembly error, but still an unreassuring thing to see on a month-old bike kept no place more hostile than a covered porch (and a bad implication about the bike's resitance to Chicago's winters).

After deciding that this bike didn't offer its price's worth in convenience or utility, I returned it on July 9.

This bike really disappointed me. I chose to buy it at a local bike shop so that I could benefit from professional attention to fit and finish, but, given my experience, I'm unsure whether I wouldn't have done better at Wal-Mart. One of your experienced mechanics would have noticed most of this bike's problems from so little as riding it around the block, let alone from giving it the one to three hours of attention advertised on your website.

Before buying this bike, I'd satisfactorily taken my old bike to Rapid Transit for service for six years, but I'm now uninclined to buy a bike there. I do hope, though, that my feedback is of use towards improving the quality with which you assemble bikes, so that you can retain other customers and continue serving Chicago's bike community.
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• Re: Nice Service, But A Bad Assembly Job - from: 'Laid back biker dude' - 02-Mar-09
  The coating underneath the screw was insufficient to stop corrosion???? What Cads! What are they trying to sell? Corrosive screws???
  
  Hey Mr. Anal-retentive, gimme a break. I hope you never buy a bike from me.
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  • Re: Re: Nice Service, But A Bad Assembly Job - from: '' - 30-Nov-09
    I was being diplomatic. The bike was rusting, the back wheel fell off, and the chain guard looked like it'd been put on by Helen Keller. For $450, I expected better. If that's anal-retentive, I'm guilty as charged.
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Rapid Transit - from: '' - Rating: 3/5 - 29-Jun-08
They are o.k. My biggest problem is thay have to many mechanics working there and none of them remember anything. Ive had service done this year about 10 different times on 4 different bikes. Each time someone different worked on my bike. I understand this is a common format for a bike shop. But its not the best. You would think they would do something similar to a 12volt shop. Have someone sell the service and hide the mechanics in the back.
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Rapid Transit - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 31-May-08
A really helpful employee helped us, tuned up our bike, and didn't charge us. We tipped generously, but I was really pleased at the level of service
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Balanced view - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 18-Mar-08
Much of this post is a response to other posts.
I have bought three bikes at Rapid Transit. While that may make me appear to know a lot about bikes, it's not completely true. I just love to ride.
I have purchased two Electras and one Jamis touring bike. In all instances, I researched a bit online prior to my visit. I found the lady with long hair and glasses to be friendly. Sure she likes to talk, but I found it part of her getting to know me and my needs. (I don't have enough fingers to count how many times the red shirts at Village have ignored my presence or the number of times other shops have sized up my bike and gone back to work.) The prices at RT were fair, especially with the one-year service deal.
With regard to other posts about service, I think it depends on the frequency of your visits to this shop. What I mean is, sometimes I pay, sometimes I don't. If it's quick and easy, they put my bike on the rack, shoo away my cash, and send me on my way. If it's replacing tires or somethin' more time intensive, I may pay more than other shops. However, my other "freebie" visits more than make up for it.
Finally, my experience there is that salespeople WARN me when I am overbuying. I specifically remember buying a back rack and being told that the one I picked out was for people concerned about weight. The salesperson said if I wasn't worried about that, I could purchase a cheaper one.
Lastly, they believe in community outreach. Several mechanics from RT volunteer at West Town Bikes. In addition, I saw my familiar mechanics at Bike The Drive last year volunteering their services to participants.
Bottom line, great shop for commuters, people who use their bikes for errands, or tips on how to get more from your current bike.
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Solid shop. - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 15-Mar-08
Bike shops have attitude. Customers are hyper-sensitive. Get over it. If you want quality service in Bucktown, there is no better place to go.

Rapid is a good shop for it's neighborhood. Their prices may not be the cheapest, but their service is solid and their selection is large.
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Thanks - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 31-Jan-08
My Mom was delighted w/ the service she got on her new cruiser here, so I asked them about my old rusted-out seat-post on my 13 yr old bike. They were totally cool in answering my questions and told me to bring it in. When I did, the woman mechanic was great and went right to work on it, and another guy stepped over to help too. They were cool about recommending other places and suggestions about what to do. And they didn't charge me for their time or make me feel uncomfortable for asking.
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• Re: Thanks - from: '' - 31-Jan-08
  I also saw negative comments below about the woman mechanic w/ long brown hair and glasses--It prob was the same tall woman w/ brown hair and glasses that answered all my questions, listened to me, and was really cool.
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I like Rapid Transit - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 17-Nov-07
I have purchased two bikes from Rapid Transit and I am pleased with their service and will continue to buy from them.

They definitely cater to the commuter, so shop elsewhere if you're looking for a mountain bike or a triathlon bike. For urban transportation (and recumbents if you're into those things), Rapid Transit is great.

Regarding the staff and service: Their mechanic named Sam is very friendly and knowledgeable and does good work. Their salesman Brent is very cool, but at this time, he is on sabbatical. I like their other salespeople too. They keep their service department fully staffed late on weeknights and offer walk-in service to people who experience bike/tire problems on their ride home. I've seen them offer the same level of service to a homeless guy needing an inner tube for his rusted Huffy as to a dude on a carbon race bike.

I don't find their pricing too bad, and they offer a year of free service on any bike you buy there. Once the year is up, however, the service may seem pricey.

The company I work for has an account with QBP so I can get bike stuff at dealer price, but I think it's important to support local businesses so like I said before, I will continue to shop at Rapid Transit whenever I can.
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Little Things - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 11-Oct-07
Today I needed ankle biters cause the cold forced me to wear heavy pants. They were out. But the guy gave me a pedal strap for the meantime. This was great. So I bought some glove also.

Still overpriced, but you get what you pay for.
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Very Good, but overpriced - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 12-Sep-07
I went to Rapid Transit to purchase some heavy duty rims after being recommended from Working Bikes. I found their service to be great.

As many have said on here, their prices are pretty steep. If you need an tube, it's kinda a waste of money, but if you're gonna go for it, this is the best place I've found.
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worst - from: 'jak' - Rating: 1/5 - 08-Aug-07
this place is totally unpredictable. i realize that some of the employees are cool and will do little things, etc, but most of the [people] that work there are [condescending] and [not helpful]. the service is often [very poor], as they clearly could care less what happens to my vintage road bike (working bikes).
obviously overpriced, and [I'm left with a negative opinion of the employees].
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• Re: worst - from: '' - 08-Aug-07
  cleaned your post of ad hominem attacks. You're welcome to post, but keep it on topic.
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  • Re: Re: worst - from: 'Kyle' - 14-Nov-07
    lame
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    • Re: Re: Re: worst - from: '' - 15-Nov-07
      : lame
      
      You think so, huh?
      
      I think it's a good thing to take the time to remove explitives and ad hominem attacks that don't further the discussion about the topic at hand. I will continue to do this.
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want to like it... - from: '' - Rating: 3/5 - 01-Aug-07
I really want to like this shop...but alas, it is not meant to be. I read the above post about the saleswoman with the long hair and glasses. I have to agree that she talks too much and doesn't ask much about what the customer wants.

Specifically, I knew exactly what I wanted and gave her my contact info to let me know when they got in a Marin Muir Woods in my size. How much simpler does it get for a salesperson? "Here, I am going to give you some money, all you have to do is give me a bike. Just call me when you have it." I never received a call even after following up, having discovered that they sold out of the one they were supposed to call me about.

I respect the fact that they cater primarily to the commuter set, but if you are a commuter and want better attention and customer service, try Uptown Bikes, Roscoe Village or Johnny Sprockets.

As much as I want to like Rapid Transit, I must concede that all they are good for is a supplier of neighborhood newspapers and announcements, available in the front of the store.
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definitely overpriced - from: '' - Rating: 2/5 - 25-May-07
I got charged a pretty decent chunk of change to get a really simple repair that I didn't have the right tool to do myself. Here is solid proof for you: a 3 ounce bottle of bike lube cost me $12. That's inexcusably outrageous. They're nice people but for crying out loud I wish they'd lower their prices.
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Generally excellent - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 23-Feb-07
While they did have one salesperson that was completely worthless with sizing issues, almost all of their repair staff are extremely helpful, friendly, and quite competent.

I felt overcharged once on a repair but they've more than made up for it on the 3 or 4 occasions where they tweaked my bike for free.

I'll keep going back. They've earned it.
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Couldn't be happier - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 24-Oct-06
I could not be more pleased with Rapid Transit. A bike mechanic named Beth provided exactly the level of service I needed. I'd put my bike in her hands again without thinking about it. The tires I bought were expensive, but no more so than they'd be at Kozy or Village or any of the other tonier establishments. Beth took care to install them straight and checked my wheels for true and adjusted my derailleur perfectly. I was a walk-in and they helped me out without delay, fixing my ride while I had coffee down the block. I had gotten a flat on during my 50km round-trip commute and a bad trip turned into a good experience because of Rapid Transit and especially Beth.

She noticed me looking at mirrors, and without a pushy sales pitch asked "do you want to hear my philosophy on mirrors?" which was exactly what I wanted to hear. I left with a nicely installed and adjusted mirror.

Riding in the -2 degree C weather this morning, my bike rode smooth and quick. I sent up a little prayer of thanks for Beth and Rapid Transit. RECOMMENDED.
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Overpriced - from: '' - Rating: 2/5 - 07-Oct-06
Overpriced....even for a simple tune up my derailer wasn't positioned correctly. They have brand new road bikes in their showroom, which is cool to look at, and they are cool with test riding.

I did encounter some snobbery when talking to a salesperson after I asked some noobie questions to gage their response.
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Good Experience - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 08-Sep-06
I just bought a new bike here and found it an overall pleasant experience. I walked in having an idea of what I wanted and a strict price range, and the seller helped me find the best quality/value bike. They also did not try to talk me into a more expensive bike or 'upsell' me with loads of accessories I don't need, which I really appreciated. After everyone on this list has been complaining about the high prices, I was actually surprised to find that they had the *cheapest* price for the bike I wanted in Chicago (I had checked three other stores by that point to compare.) They helped fit me on the bike and encouraged me to take my time with a test ride and really 'hit bumps', etc. While my initial impression with the store was that people seemed a bit unapproachable and preoccupied, they did take me seriously when they saw I was a serious customer.
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overpriced, clueless - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 06-Sep-06
this place is a ripoff and most of the mechanics are unorganized disasters. I went it to get a wheel fixed and they lost my tire. when i insisted that they replace it, they did so w/ a much lower quality tire than i originally had. they also didn't put rim tape on, so i got a flat the first time i rode.

at a different visit, when i went in to get new tires for my racing bike, the mechanic replaced my high end racing tires with some mid-range street tires even though i told him in advance that I wanted the same tires i had previously.

don't go here. they are condescending and overpriced
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Good Bike Shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 27-Jul-06
Great bike shop mechanics were totally friendly stopped here twice in need of adjustments to pedals and wheels. They threw it up on the stand fixed quickly and didn't charge an arm and a leg. Sure they sell expensive bikes but make up for it in service. Better than those jackasses at Village.
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Beware the saleslady with long brown hair! - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 10-Jul-06
I visited Rapid Transit while shopping for a road bike, and had the misfortune of encountering a saleswoman who had really long brown hair and glasses. I don't know what her name is. She kept talking and talking and talking...talking so much that I couldn't get a word in edgewise. I asked if I could test-ride a few bikes, but she wouldn't stop talking!

I finally had to leave because she was talking so much and I couldn't see the bikes that I wanted. However, my friend bought a Jamis there and is very happy with his purchase.
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4/5 - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 24-Jun-06
I've always gotten good service here and often segued into discussions that were informative rather than sales based. They are happy to order anything and they have a really good selection of unusual stuff such as mustache bars, recumbants, recumbant tandems, trailers, etc. Prices are higher than some, but you never feel you are being talked into buying something unescessary or poorly made. An excellent resource.
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pretty good...overall - from: '' - Rating: 3/5 - 12-Mar-06
This shop is usually staffed by nice folks who will do what they can to help you, and most of the parts you could ever need in a pinch. Their prices are a little on the high side, and they note this at the register and provide reasoning based on the idea that "paying less" usually means you'll wind up spending more later on. True in some instances, but no so true in others. Seems like a pretty high-volume shop for being a neighborhood store, but then also consider what the rent for a double storefront must run in Wicker...yeesh! They do at least level with you when there's something they don't have such a good selection of, and try their best to be friendly. But it does tend to depend on who's working. I've gotten condescending behavior more than once, and on two of those occasions I was dropping $40+ on parts and tools alone. Friends have reported mechanics refusing to service older bikes, and once I got treated like a turd while my girlfriend was positively chatted up by a dude who serviced her front brake after a minor accident a few blocks away. Best course of action is to go in knowing what you want and knowing how to ask smart questions when you have to ask questions. And maybe be a pretty girl. Reccomended at the right times and not otherwise.
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high end - from: '' - Rating: 3/5 - 05-Dec-05
I stopped by this store; the guys working there seemed very friendly. I asked if they had any fixed gears -- hopefully used -- for sale cheap, and was told that they don't sell used bikes, and furthermore that they wouldn't recommend paying less than, at an absolutle minimum, $500 for a new fixed gear.

This is ridiculous; I do own a fixie (Bianchi) that I paid $400 new for at a very expensive shop on Long Island. So I would say: beware of these guys if you have limited funds. They are definitely pushing the expensive high-end, and are not very interested in helping people get into cycling inexpensively.
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• Re: high end - from: '' - 04-Apr-07
  : I stopped by this store; the guys
  : working there seemed very
  : friendly. I asked if they had any
  : fixed gears -- hopefully used --
  : for sale cheap, and was told that
  : they don't sell used bikes, and
  : furthermore that they wouldn't
  : recommend paying less than, at an
  : absolutle minimum, $500 for a new
  : fixed gear.
  :
  : This is ridiculous; I do own a
  : fixie (Bianchi) that I paid $400
  : new for at a very expensive shop
  : on Long Island. So I would say:
  : beware of these guys if you have
  : limited funds. They are definitely
  : pushing the expensive high-end, and
  : are not very interested in helping
  : people get into cycling
  : inexpensively.
  
  I would agree entirely. This place is nice in many respects, but the Wicker park in it takes over, and they seem blind to the idea that normal people might want to be able to afford a bicycle and also food, if not some rent thrown in. That being said, if you want to spend the money its a great shop.
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great place - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 28-May-05
I bought my Dahon folding bike from them. Friendly and helpful with sales and service. When I've come in for service, it's done right and the bike is ready when promised. Excellent!
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Where I got started - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 26-May-05
I really like this shop. They were very friendly (and useful!) to someone who had not ridden in quite a while, and I love my Breezer for getting around Chicago. I've since gone in for tuneups and parts there and always been happy with my service.

The only downside to a small shop like this is that wait for inventory and staff attention can be a tad long sometimes. Overall a great shop.
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My favorite shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 25-May-05
I can always count on them for stellar service and to have the parts & pieces I need to take care of and enjoy my bike. Friendly, knowledgable staff. There are bike stores closer to where I live, but a trip here is worth it.
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So far . . . - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 24-May-05
. . . the only repair shop in town that's been able to get the Blue Lemon's derailleur to stay in tune for more than a week.
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