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Uptown Bikes

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Average rating: 4.6/5 from 73 comments.   - Comment-on/Rate this shop.

4653 N Broadway
Chicago, IL  60640-5011
(4653N/1100W)
Click for Map
Contacts:
phone:773-728-5212
http://www.uptownbikes.com/
hours:
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 11am - 7pm
Wed: closed
Sat, Sun: 11am - 5pm

sells used bikes?: no
sells used parts?: no
offers Active Transportation Alliance discount?: yes
offers rentals?: no

description:
Formerly "Urban Bikes"

Brands Sold: Raleigh, KHS, Soma, Surly

Basic commuter gear.
Large selection of Park Tools.

This shop last sent us information (unsolicited) on May 20, 2011.

 

 

rear bike rack - from: '' - no rating given - 04-Oct-12
What price range are the rear bike racks you carry. Looking at a Jim Blackburn rack, do you carry those?
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LOVE YOU!!! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 24-Aug-12
i do my best to always take my business, and that of loved ones, to Uptown Bikes. i was introduced in the summer of 2001. Love the community atmosphere. Always enjoy overhearing staff taking care of local cyclist issues.
On my last visit i got to see a woman's joy at how quickly the tube on her jogger stroller was replaced. Such a simple gesture!
I love to do business with Uptown Bikes because they never try to sell me something I don't need, only carry quality products, are always willing to keep a bike running [as long as it is safe] and always take the time to teach the owners about how things occurred and how to prevent them in the future. i have never felt misled nor have a ever witnessed another guest get upset while in the store.
Looking forward to my next visit!!
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bike seat - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 17-Jul-11
THE BEST service. The staff is very nice and the prices are affordable. Thanks guys!
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Thank you for your hospitality - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 18-Jun-11
I stopped in after riding by for ages after nearly running a guy over. For the record I missed but still think he had it coming.
I was treated to no preasure, a lube and tire check for $3 and the observation that my rear tire had a slow leak.
I read the earlier comment about the wrench guy and think he may have been a DB.

I'll send my friends here if I have any.

Thank you and see you soon for the new rear tire.
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Used 26 Cannondale Mtn Bike - from: '' - no rating given - 01-Sep-10
I'm looking for a good or excellent used Cannondale Mountain bike. Might you have any? I'm 6ft tall and believe I would need a 26" bike.

thx,
Justin
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Compliments - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 14-Jul-10
This is the best shop in the city, no question about it. The people are great, they do excellent work, and charge decent prices. They never try to sell you more stuff, in fact I have seen them forgo a sale because it was in the interest of the customer.

I will always give them my business and I have made numerous referrals.

Salud!!!
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parts and service - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 10-Jul-10
I was so pleasantly surprised by how quick the service was--even though the place was packed with customers getting bikes serviced. And they are so friendly and knowledgeable. The other surprise was it was so affordable --I'm glad I live in Uptown! Thanks Uptown bikes
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awesome - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 01-Jun-10
They are great, super friendly and near my house! And...
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Very Friendly and Knowledgeable! - from: 'James' - Rating: 5/5 - 29-Mar-10
I just got a used Schwinn Cruiser yesterday and I took it in "Uptown Bikes" for service. The employees answered all my questions with smiles on their faces and I left a VERY happy customer! I Totally recommend this place to anyone!
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a great shop - from: 'Ben' - Rating: 5/5 - 03-Oct-09
My favorite bike store in Chicago...so bummed I moved out of the area. But I still like to make it back now and then for the knowledgeable, down to earth staff. Chicago's finest.
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Great Place, Great People - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 15-Sep-09
Great shop. People you can trust, know their business and don't overcharge or try to sell you the store.

I bypass two shops closer to home to go to Uptown Bikes. They are No. 1
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What a bike shop should be - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 09-Sep-09
I brought my beloved 1989 Cannondale in a few years ago to replace a stolen rear wheel, the folks at Uptown went out of their way to find a hub that would fit my 126mm frame and did a great job building the wheel. All for a very reasonable price. Great, positive atmosphere and friendly staff - exactly what a bike shop should be!
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Way cool bike store - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 25-Jul-09
I bought a KHS hybrid bike from Uptown, the first new bike I've owned since I was a kid. It's probably one of the best investments I've made. I use it to commute to work and for my purposes, its a very nice bike at a very nice price. I've taken the bike back for a tune up and some upgrades and the people there know their business and won't try to upsell you.

Five stars.
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Uptown Bikes - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 21-Jul-09
This is the most helpful, most economical, most down to earth shop in the city. I bike out of my way to come to this shop over any others.
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excellent service - from: 'lana' - Rating: 5/5 - 30-Jun-09
Excellent and affordable service. Staff was very friendly and helpful. They really know their stuff and make sure you are taken care of.
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price - from: '' - no rating given - 09-Jun-09
i was wondering how much is it to buy an old fashion bike like in ET the movie with the basket and the big sits. i wanna save $ instead of paying for the train everyday of school. help me out please and thank you.
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used bike for sale - from: '' - no rating given - 06-Jun-09
Hello Dear Sir or Mam,

I would like to know if you all sell used bikes.
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INCREDIBLE!!!! - from: 'Jenn powell' - Rating: 5/5 - 02-Jun-09
I cannot even begin to explain how fantastic this shop is. Everyone is VERY helpful and extremely knowledgeable! My husband and I have not touched a bike in years! Pete spent tons of time explaining everything us! You can just tell that the people that work there are passionate about what they do! Thanks Uptown Bikes!!!
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Best Service! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 24-May-09
Last year I bought a very old ten-speed and took it to one of the larger bike stores, where I dropped more money on enhancements than the bike cost. I left it there for a tune-up, but when I returned I was told it didn't need one. That was an outright lie, as I found out when my brakes failed on a downhill going on to a highway during a century ride. On to Uptown Bikes, not even a mile from my house, and the best service I could imagine. I'm really shy about going into small shops where I'm not a regular. It was obvious that I was relatively inexperienced in technical matters but not totally illiterate. Nora worked with that, making sure I understood exactly what the options were when it came to a couple of big-ticket upgrades. Again, I spent more than I paid for the bike, but this time it included brakes that worked, as part of a complete overhaul. To me their prices seemed reasonable. None of this stuff is free, and they do have overhead. I rode four centuries with confidence (in the bike anyway!) after letting Nora and crew have a go at it. I'll be taking it back for this season's tune-up for sure.
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Highly Recommend. - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 19-May-09
Highly recommend Uptown. Friendly, great attitude about bikes, encouraging to the do-it-yourself type. When I've gone in for odds and ends for my vintage SS conversion they've begged me to bring back the finished bike for admiration; when I've gone in dressed as a roadie, road bike included, they were just as helpful even though I was out of place. No bike snobbery here. In a word, they're just glad you're out and riding.

Bottom line: if you have a general-use bike and you need to get it up and running, or if you're looking for odd parts for vintage, this is your place. There's no shame in being low-budget functional here, they have a good assortment of commuter stuff, and I love that I can send my non-gearhead friends over.
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great local bike shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 12-May-09
I definitely recommend supporting this local business as their work is trustworthy and they are always welcoming.

prices are competitive and selection is fair. it's the service that keeps me coming back.
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Ehh - from: '' - Rating: 3/5 - 10-May-09
They know their stuff here for sure and are definitely willing to lend you their expertise if you are willing to pay out the nose for it. Price gouging aside, they are kind of pricks and lord help you if you have anything besides a road bike, then they just straight out judge you.
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Very helpful and knowledgable - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 20-Apr-09
I've had nothing but good experiences here.
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My bike shop of choice - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 29-Mar-09
I am sorry that folks have had poor experiences with the service staff here. My own visits have been pleasant and inexpensive. I am usually able to find the used part I need by myself, but when I can't the staff heads to the back to see if they can find one. They don't give attitude to Do-It-Yourselfers and have given me great free advice on occasion. I have stopped going to other shops because of that kind of attitude (Johnny Sprockets). I suppose if I am ever treated with disdain by the staff at Uptown I'll explain that and hope that they take it to heart.

Uptown Bikes remains my shop of choice.
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Great Shop - from: 'Stephaie' - Rating: 5/5 - 19-Mar-09
I went in there a few days ago to purchase a bike. All I know about bikes is how to peddle. they were extremely helpful. The lady explained the different types of bikes, and did not pressure me into buying the more expensive bikes. they let me test ride several bikes before I chose one. Excellent shop!
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apathetic - from: '' - no rating given - 22-Jan-09
Uptown Bikes could be a great spot, but some of the workers there are just plain out salty.! Yes, I am not a bike expert and some of the people who work there expect you to be and talk to you in a very condescending manner. Unfortunately, I work in Uptown and it's just easy to drop it off in the morning and then return to pick it up in the evening.
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Favorite place for a tune-up - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 14-Nov-08
I've taken my bike here several times for tuneups that i cant do myself. they're fair and friendly, always willing to recommend care and product. Once i was having trouble with my bottom bracket that was difficult to explain, but they test rode my bike several times and even called me up for more info just so they could fix it perfectly. And they did. Every time i get my bike back after they've overhauled it, It feels as springy and responsive as a brand new bike. real shop full of real people who care about bikes.
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pissed off former customer - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 22-Oct-08
I stopped in last night as I was in the neighborhood experiencing some minor car trouble and in need of some simple tools that I did not have on me. I have an old Chevy that barely gets any use (I usually am on two wheels). I lived in Uptown for more than 12 years (recently moved) and was familiar with Uptown bikes. I even had a couple bikes serviced there and two bikes for my wife assembled there. Never again... the attitude I received last night ensured that.

I needed to borrow a crescent wrench and a phillips head screw driver for all of about 5 minutes time and was refused. I offered to even leave my driver's license and was still rebuffed without an ounce of sympathy or compassion. The guy/girl (I couldn't tell, srsly) I spoke with was very rude about it.

Y'all probably figured that I was just some a$$hole motorist who didn't ride but you couldn't be more wrong. As a result, not only will I never give you guys any business again, I will go out of my way to tell others about how lame that move was last night.

Uptown Bikes could be the most amazing bike shop in the world but as people, you just suck.

Yours truly,
Former Customer
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Awesome Service - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 14-Sep-08
Have been into this shop a bunch of times, and they're always quick to help, no nonsense about getting the parts I need, and always helpful and friendly. Great shop, great service, good parts selection. I do my own work, but I often stop here for the parts. Just an overall great shop.
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A Noob POV - from: 'Guy' - Rating: 5/5 - 13-Sep-08
The only thing I know about bikes is how to peddle.I have had great experiences in Uptown Bikes. I have gone to them for both routine check ups as well as unknown troubleshooting. They have treated me really well and I feel like their prices are extremely fair. Nora is the best.
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great little find - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 12-Sep-08
I reluctantly left my Lincoln Park world and went north to Uptown Bikes where a friend recommended me. The staff are alternative but the service is excellent. They took a lot of time explaining about different bikes and the differences. I was able to test the bike. I have had my bike for a month and just picked it up for the 30 day tune-up. Again I found the staff nice, patient and good listening. I'd recommend this place to anyone.
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Cool place - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 22-Aug-08
I walked in and I stood out like a sore thumb. Here was a 54 year old guy in a store with bikers half ( or even less) than my age. I asked the counter person (no pun intended), for a gear cluster I needed for a bike I was refurbishing that is almost 40 years old. In less than 2 breaths a cluster appeared before me. WOW!!! What service. I think I'm going to have to stop in there again when I have more time to really enjoy looking around. This place seems to be the place that all the local bike riders go to so they must be good.
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Racing bike - from: '' - no rating given - 01-Aug-08
I need a racing bike for going across USA. So something solid but not expensive. Do you have something for me? Do you have also any ideas regarding potential sponsor please also let me know. Thank you.
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Great service! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 19-Jul-08
The people are the best. Always friendly and always fair. If everyone did business like this it would be amazing.
Thanks!!!
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quck and easy - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 19-Jun-08
A trip with my elcheapo to a LBS usually starts with me trying to get it fixed, followed by them trying to sell me a new bike. Not so here at Uptown Bikes. I love getting a quick fix without the arrogant I have previously dealt with. Thanks Uptown Bikes!
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pretty good - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 17-Jun-08
All my visits to Uptown have been friendly and helpful, and the staff is usually willing to throw my bike up on a stand and help me diagnose possible problems for free. They never scoff at my chunky looking and poorly maintained early '90s MTB-to-commuter conversion, so no road snobs at this place. They would still probably be my go-to place even in the summer when their wait times can get pretty nasty, so I guess that reflects well on them. You can find much better prices for parts and gear on the internet, but that's true of all local shops, not just Uptown.
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Great Shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 13-Jun-08
I recently purchased a bike from here and all I have is raving reviews. I like knowing that the people there care about bikes and treat your bike as if it was their own. The prices may be expensive if your new to riding bike and are used to Target prices but, they give you great quality parts and go out of their way to explain everything to you.
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My go-to shop for parts - from: 'Barry' - Rating: 4/5 - 08-May-08
Nice shop, friendly hippie vibe. Fair prices on the replacement parts I buy, and they always have what I want in stock. Has become my preferred place to buy stuff for my bike projects.
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Great service-saved me money - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 07-May-08
I thought I needed a tune up after riding hard for 4 years. The manager checked it out and decided I would need a less expensive safety check and adjustment. She saved me $50, explained everything without attitude even though it was super busy. Best service along with Boulevard Bikes.
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Great service - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 27-Apr-08
I had a great experience here. I came in looking for a helmet and lock, and the guy who helped me was very helpful. I returned a few days later to see if they could help me attach the lock bracket, and again they were very helpful.
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Uptown Bike Shop - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 27-Mar-08
Beware Uptown Bikes is no longer customer oriented but GREED oriented instead, thanks to [Manager]. [They] will overcharge you, and afterwards find something else to nickel and dime you for. It's a shame this formerly good shop has changed into just another exploitative one. We should all avoid it, even if it sends us out of our way. Only then will the shop replace it's greedy policies and personnel with more customer friendliness and respect. We don't need bike shops that act like used car dealers.
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Excellent -- saved me money - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 25-Mar-08
The lever snapped off on my mini pump, and I came into the shop ready to spend $15 to replace it. The guy with the freaky earlobes behind the counter reached into a box of broken pumps and found another pump (same model, different problem) that could be matched with mine to get it working again: $3.00 total.
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uptown bikes - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 30-Jan-08
I went here a few years ago and I really appreciated the no-nonsense approach, as well as feeling welcomed as a woman. Problem was solved quickly- and this is a great place for your tune-ups or for when your bike seat is stolen and you need help fast!
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They Care - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 05-Jan-08
I recently bought a pretty inexpensive bike at this shop. When it needed adjustment (more than once - it was a tough problem to troubleshoot), Nora and the folks took care of it quickly, and even apologized to me for the inconvenience. I highly recommend them.
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Another Satisfied Customer - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 23-Dec-07
A big thumbs-up from an Edgewater bike commuter!

Uptown is the only condescension-free shop I've found in the City.

Their selection of accessories is spot-on.

Let's keep 'em in business!
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Always a pleasure. - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 29-Nov-07
Uptown has consistently provided pleasant service with integrity for the past two years that I've been a customer. Every time I've walked in, someone has greeted me right away, and once finished with any earlier customers, I've been helped quickly. They've actually talked me out of buying new parts on two occasions, advising that I simply recalibrate parts already installed. Another time I absentmindedly left a bag of items I'd bought on the counter. Someone from the store called me a short time later. Repairs, adjustments and installations have been carried out efficiently. I've yet be dissatisfied with the workmanship. With bike shops, I've too often found that they smile to your face when you're making a request, but the poor quality of work and lack of thoroughness reveals either a contempt for the customer or simple technical incompetence. Uptown Bikes on the other hand has always demonstrated friendliness, honesty, and a high degree of skill.
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The Best - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 27-Nov-07
Not only do they carry the most heavy duty inner tubes in the city.
They are pleasant.
Ive been to may shops, not knowing too much
about bikes.
I get snarled at sometimes as if I dont have the right to own the bike I have, but,
at uptown bikes I think they just appreciate the fact that you ride a bike at all.
They offer advice and understanding when attitude will just make you more frustrated.
Id give them 3 thumbs up, but, I only have two.
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surprised - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 08-Nov-07
I avoided this shop because of some things I'd heard about the service. However, I went in to got my crank fixed, and it cost me $16 total. Everyone else told me to replace the whole crank. It still rides perfectly. Good service, friendly, thorough (they replaced a faulty lockring, no charge), and they have a cool used parts section. I'll be back.
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horrendous service - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 28-Oct-07
Claimed they could not install tire that I already had on another of the same make/ model wheel. Were exceptionally rude. Put my old tire back on with a Stop Flat without notifying me and made me pay for the service and the Stop Flat. There is much more, but this gives the basics.
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Uptown Bikes is best shop on the planet! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 11-Oct-07
This shop rocks! Nora is amazing; Maria is amazing. They are helpful, know their stuff, and really care about helping people with their bikes. I thank my lucky stars they are here! Love 'em, love 'em, love 'em! Nora even gave me a special build your own bike 4-hour private lesson on her day off. How's that for service!?
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AWESOME TUNE UP - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 13-Sep-07
I have had only the best experiences with this shop. I needed a major tune up on my bike and took it in and they quoted me how much everything would be and when it would be ready. It was ready a day earlier than expected! Everyone from Maria who took my initial phone call to Nora who inspected my bike to everyone who I did not see working on my bike did a great job!
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rocks - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 05-Sep-07
just bought tires,they gave me three options so i could decide which price point i wanted to be at.i have bought used parts there several times,good stuff cool people.cf
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Tim- are you there - from: '' - no rating given - 04-Sep-07
How do I get in contact with former owner Tim Herlihey?

Swedish friend is thankful for address to Tim.
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Good Shop - from: 'Dirk' - Rating: 5/5 - 25-Aug-07
Needed a rear inner tube, and they took care of me pretty quickly -- about half an hour, and I was a walk-in. Pete and Nora were very professional and helpful. The shop has reasonable prices, too. I was thinking about a trade-in, but I guess they sell most of their used bikes in the spring. I'll check back next year. Great shop; I would recommend it.
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Great Shop, Great Service - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 22-Aug-07
Stopped in for a browse and a chat about setting up a Craigslist bike as a commuter, and Nora was enthusiastic, friendly, and no BS. I'll definitely go back when I need something done right.
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Groovy Shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 21-Aug-07
Brought in my recently purchased, used Bianchi commuter bike for assembly and some tweakage. Amazing service, fair-priced and my the bike purrs with delight. The store is meticulously organized without pretension and has all of the neat accessories to support city riding. Finally, the staff is attentive and seems unencumbered by gender stereotypes - the ultimate urban postmodern bike shop. Now, if gas guzzlers will only go extinct....
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Uptown Bikes - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 20-Aug-07
I've had NOTHING but EXCELLENT service. I have sent many of my friends there..all had a great experience. One friend read the bogus review on this site and decided to go somewhere else...his bike was supposed to be finished in 5 day's...10 day's later with no explaniation he got his bike back. He said I should have gone to UPTOWN!!!
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Uptown Quality - from: 'John H.' - Rating: 5/5 - 14-Jul-07
Having lived in the Uptown area for the past 5 years I heartily recommend Uptown Bikes. They are always friendly and honest with their customers and I've never had a bad experience.

I would ignore the negative feedback on this page as it appears someone has an axe to grind.
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Bike Repair - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 06-Jul-07
My friend just bought a new bike and brought it in to be tuned up. Everyone was very helpful and went out of their way to let him understand what was going on. I also had a hole in my tire for my Rivendell which they do not carry, but they ordered a new tire and it was there within a day. I highly recommend Uptown (after being at a few others namely Kozy's, I would recommend to give business to Uptown).
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not up for discussion - from: '' - Rating: 3/5 - 05-Jul-07
I needed to cut the cable lock off of my bike (I broke the key off in the lock) and buy a new lock. They wanted $10 to cut it, plus the price of a new lock.... the manager simply said "it's not up for discussion," so I went somewhere else.
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Uptown Bikes - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 03-Jul-07
The problem with this formerly good shop is that now Nora (manager) truly is milking every last dime from loyal and new customers. I had three different services done at a hefty cost and afterwards, I was informed that a nut was missing, which they had failed to replace, which would cost me another chunck for both the nut (a 2 cent item) and the "labor" to screw it on!!! This was Nora's idea, however she forced someone else to break this to me, as she went and hid in the back room. I would have hid too. It's sad to lose a formerly good shop, but I would now avoid this shop at ALL COSTS. This was not my first bad experience with greedy Nora, but it will be my last.
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best in the city - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 22-Jun-07
in my opinion this is the best non-highly-specialized bike shop in the city. the mechanics and everyone who works here are really friendly and helpful and take the time to explain how things work to you, if you have questions. they have a good selection of accessories and they have an awesome used section that you can rummage through and get great deals on.

highly recommended.
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Uptown Bikes - from: '' - Rating: 1/5 - 08-May-07
I had the opposite experience with Nora. She was rude, unhelpful, and greedy on both of my latest visits. I won't be back, even though it was formerly my favorite shop. Nora needs to go. She is in charge and is ruining this shop.
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Great Shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 17-Apr-07
Hi All,
Nadine, from Kryptonite here. I love this shop. Nora and Maria are great! I get to see shops all over the country and this one is one of the friendliest shops I've been to. Keep up the great work!
Cheers!
-Nadine
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price - from: '' - no rating given - 18-Mar-07
do you have the buit kit of shimano deore or deore lx (full kit) ?
what´s the price?

thank you
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The best ... hands down - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 13-Mar-07
This place blows every other bike shop I've been to in the city out of the water. Nora and her crew are very knowledgeable and know how to take care of people, answering any questions thoroughly and with patience. They got my old Schwinn riding like it had a dozen miles on it. As far as prices go, that couple of bucks you *might* save at a chain store could come in handy for bus fare when your "repaired" bike falls apart again (Unfortunately, I know this from experience) Uptown does it right on every level; don't hesitate to try them.
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rad. - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 16-Feb-07
Love this place, I live in Uptown & overhauling my old Raleigh so I'm there frequently, annoying them with beginners questions and such, and they give me good info all of the time. Even rode up there during the big snow this year just to do something. Yay uptown!
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I'm gonna miss this place - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 23-Oct-06
Moving from Uptown to Avondale so this will no longer be my Local Bike Shop. I've had nothing but good experiences here, from the great repairs to the wide price range of components available (nice to be able to get new grips in a ziploc bag for $3) One of the best if not the best bike shops in the city and a great asset to the neighborhood as well.
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casual attitude & Terry saddles too - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 20-Oct-06
It's been said a dozen times already, but the down-to-earth, non-snobby atmosphere at Uptown bikes makes it a welcoming place for newbie cyclists. Plus I visited and called a half dozen other shops around the north side trying to find a Terry saddle and Uptown Bikes was the only place that carried it. Will definitely go back again.
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Honset and dependable - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 13-Sep-06
Great staff and no snootiness. I live 15 miles away and still drive my bike here to be serviced. Good prices and top notch reliable service. They especially know how to work on vintage bikes.
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Great Store, Great People - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 10-Sep-06
The staff at Uptown Bikes is all about building a good, knowledgeable, customer base and building relationships with their customers. Sure, maybe their prices are dirt cheap, but they're competetive and on-par with any other bike store in Chicago (sometimes even cheaper). Sure, the store is small, but their selection is amazing.

It comes down to this: do you want to spend your money at a chain store where you are known as "oh yea, how's it going?", or do you want to have a discussion with other cyclists over which gearing to use on your fixie?

The choice is your, but Uptown Bikes is probably the wiser of any options.
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Go here - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 26-Aug-06
As said before, this is a very friendly, very knowledgable shop. What most impresses me is that it is filled with staff that love biking and want you to love it to. They will take the time to find a bike that meets your needs, even if it requires talking you out of their more expensive bikes. They take the time to explain bike maintenance and parts so that you can recognize and fix problems before they get too big. If you bring it in for one repair, they will point out if they notice other problems begining to develop (for example "you need to oil your chain more, let me show you how"). One of the gals spent several minutes on a very busy summer Saturday showing me how to properly change the tire on my new road bike. I've had good experiences with all of the sales staff/mechanics I've encountered.
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Bike for 10yr old - from: 'Steve' - no rating given - 12-Aug-06
Hello,
Wondered if you can help? I am looking for a used bike for my son who is 53" tall and needs a gear bike.

Ultimate hope is to find a used bike similar or identical to a Trek MT220 (24").

Thaks, Steve cell 630.336.7438
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best by far of the 8 shops I've used in Chicago over the last 20 years - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 13-Jul-06
This place should be a destination for anyone within cycling distance of 4600 N. Broadway. Several years of competent and thrifty maintence and repair on my MB made me wish that when the time came they would be selling a roadie I wanted to buy... When I did buy one (alas, from someplace else), I knew beforehand that no one but Uptown would touch it, free "tune-ups" notwithstanding. As an aside, the place might also qualify for UNESCO World Heritage status, given its incredible human and material assortment. Hopefully they'll be in business as long as I'm an ambulatory Chicagoan.
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Wow - from: 'jamie' - Rating: 5/5 - 01-Jul-06
Wow! Just called to ask about a used bike and the person who answered the phone not only answered my questions about the bike but told me where I could find it, since they don't carry used bikes in the summer. Seems pretty service oriented to me!
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The place to go - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 30-Jun-06
My cycling friends all have their own favorites, and every once in a while I do them an errand and take a bike over somewhere else to get it sprizzed. Always come back cranky, whining "You wasted your money, why don't you just take it to Uptown?"

Bought my first bike in almost 30 years there three years ago and have been finding excuses to come back ever since. Staff is FRIENDLY, not bike-snooty, service is perfect, prices are reasonable, and all the other things that have been said I echo, too. Was moving across country and Nora researched bike shops where I was going. Now I am back and of course that's where I will always go. Who cares it's uptown? That's what busses and trains are for, to get your bike where you need to take it to get it fixed.
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BEFORE YOU GO - from: '' - no rating given - 28-Jun-06
Very important note- they are now closed on Wednesdays. I wish I had called before walking my bike 2 miles over there today!
OOPS!
Still a great shop tho.
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Check it out! - from: 'Tim' - Rating: 5/5 - 09-Jun-06
I searched all over Chicago for parts to rebuild my cruiser and Uptown was the one that had the best selection and service. I just wanted basic parts and help and it seemed as if every other store I went into was too upscale for my needs, being filled with mostly $1500 racing bikes and etc. Instead, here, you can still find high-end bikes and parts but you'll also get a more casual urban atmosphere where if you're looking for something simple as used handlebars...no funny looks here. Boxes of unique used parts. The staff had no problem helping me fit my budget by showing me a cheaper used part. I recommended a friend to bring his bike here for a tune up and he was completely satisfied afterwards.
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yeah! - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 12-Mar-06
Awesome shop...told it's not as good as it used to be, but I guess the light must've shined out the back-end of Urban Bikes. :) Lots of parts (new AND used), nice new bikes if that's your thing, and most of the parts and accessories you could ever want, most of the time. The staff is incredible and won't ever try to swindle you. This place gets its return business through honesty, good stock assortment and great service, and that's the way it oughta be. Highly reccomended. It'd be the only place I'd go if only I actually lived in Uptown.
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had what I wanted - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 20-Aug-05
The shop had exactaly what I was looking for in a set of panniers. They not only sold me a product but made sure i inderstood the mounting system, that it was mounted correctly and as a final kick as I was about to ride off into the sunset came out of the shop to call me back for onee last instruction. Tuck in the loose straps !! Great Shop, and they'll have my bussiness for awhile.
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Really nice folks - from: 'Tracey' - Rating: 5/5 - 21-Jun-05
I bought my Used Trek here. Really nice people, spent a lot of time showing me their used bike stock. When I went back to buy the bike, they remembered me. They were really willing to outfit the bike the way I wanted, and they have a female bike mechanics (and manager/owner(?) is female too). Very cool!
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Lots of used stuff - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 07-Jun-05
Helpfull staff, lots of boxes of used stuff to paw through in the basement. Very good for finding that weird little bracket or what-not. Good prices on accesories, but they wanted to charge me $40 to tap a bottom bracket shell. Yikes!
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Super helpful - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 26-May-05
Okay, I'm not a bike enthusiast. I was given a vintage Schwin Varsity as a gift and took in today for a tune up. Yeah, it needed more than a tune up, but the Uptown Bike Staff took a serious amount of time to show me everything they would do to fix it. There was no pressure to fix things that were working okay and no pressure to buy new parts. They have boxes of used seats and pedals to choose from.

I get my bike back on Tuesday, but for now I am very happy with the service I got. I noticed many other people get quick and professional help.
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Last Update date: 2011-09-29
Record create date: 2005-04-07