On The Route Bicycles

A Great Shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 28-Apr-10
I bought my bike from On the Route in January but wanted to wait before giving my opinion.
Paul gave me 3 bikes to test drive without any pressure (or disappointment when I left saying I wanted to look at other shops before deciding).
Ultimately, I decided that I liked On the Route and the bike there the best. I got a 10% discount on accessories for a month and two free tune ups with my purchase.
I did have some trouble with my bike that first week. The gears kept slipping and when I brought it back, they fixed it so it ran great. Paul let me know that I would have to come back in a month for my first free tune up (because it was a breaking in period, like a car).
Days later, I got a flat (I rarely get flats) and I thought maybe I got a bad bike and was starting to regret my purchase, but when I brought it in they addressed it perfectly. They fixed the flat and showed me the thorn that had caused it. Though the flat was not due to any defect with the bike, they didn't charge me for the tube and the labor charge was minimal.
As predicted by Paul, about a month later, the gears began to slip again (though not as bad as before) so I brought it in for my first free tune up. It has been riding great ever since.
I am very happy with my purchase and experience with On the Route. Though I had to go back to the shop more times than I would have liked, it gave me the opportunity to deal with several people there. Everyone there has treated me well. I like that I have such a great bike shop in my neighborhood.

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Fantastic Experience - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 22-Mar-10
I just picked up my bike from On The Route and it works like a champ! Not only has it not been used for 2 years, it had spent a winter under some weather-exposed stairs. A little TLC from On The Route and my bike is back in tip-top shape. No sales push, friendly service, and even a loaner bike when it wasn't ready the day they thought it would be due to needing to order some extra parts. I would definitely recommend this shop to anyone!
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My Favorite Bike Shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 12-Oct-09
Granted I have not frequented every bike shop in the city, but I have been to quite a few and I have to say that I love this shop. I am a year-round commuter and recently upgraded my bike. I had no questions about where to purchase my new bike as OTR has been providing friendly and helpful service to me over the past 5 years.

I would recommend this shop to everyone.
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my bridgestone - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 29-Aug-09
Guys

On Sunday Aug 23rd, 2009 my bike was stolen from my garage here by Grand and Western. My bridgestone x0-1, which is a very special bike to some people and to me was I thought gone forever.

Going through a job loss and divorce so I just figured my bad summer was just continuing, but Paul McNamara, this shop head mechanic/manager saved my day. He bought the bike off the %@$+ gangbangers that had stolen my bike. However Paul knew how special my bike was and made a concerted effort to find me(the rightful owner. He called other bike shops and put an add in Craig's list to find me .

So when I walked in to Ciclo Urbano here on Division, they knew about my bike because of Paul efforts.

On Aug. 28 my bike was returned to me.
Five days after my bike was stolen from my garage; the bike was back.

Paul thank you, you were more than honest. You were knowledgeable and persistent in making every effort to getting my bike back which I thought bike was gone.

There are some very special people here in this shop. I will go there for all my bike needs.
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buying Boney Finger Bike - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 14-Aug-09
I was treated well and felt the staff most knowledgeable. They didn't rush me, and even allowed me to test ride several bikes on the block their store is on. I drove over an hour, in from the far western suburbs and was not disappointed. I found the prices fair, especially given their level of expertise, and time spent with me. To top it off I found the owners very hands on and pleasant.
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friendly shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 09-Apr-09
everyone i've talked to here has always been extremely helpful, friendly, and willing to give advice. i'm not a bike expert, but there were no hints of condescension like some other local shops. great selection of singlespeed/fixed gear bikes, too. highly recommended.
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Finally, a place w/ good service - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 21-Jul-08
I've tried a lot of bike shops for repair in the Chicagoland area and have finally settled on OTR. They have good mechanics, friendly staff, and in general are a professional crew. I don't get any of the attitude that many shops are known for.
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Thanks - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 29-Apr-08
I have been a frequent customer of OTR for a few years.
The staff is incredibly helpful.
I have had a complete road bike built here, my full suspension Santa Cruz serviced here as well as minor work.

The staff has been very knowledgeable and very down to earth. Prices can't be beat either-

I recommend this shop to everyone I know.

Thanks,
Paul
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Great Sales and Service - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 15-Apr-08
This is a great bike shop. I purchased my bike here a few months ago and was pleased at the good selection of bikes and the knowledgeable staff. The two free tuneups is a great feature.

I'm very pleased with their repair service as well. Somebody took the time to remove all four of my brake pads at the Montrose Brown Line station, leaving behind two brake pads and a scattering of spacers all over the ground (and stealing two of them...wtf). It looked like they were trying to remove my handlebars too, but had the wrong sized tool. Anyways, I brought it down to their shop and had everything repaired quickly and cheaply.
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the holy grail of chicago bike shops - from: 'jd' - Rating: 5/5 - 07-Apr-08
i just went through the exciting - albeit overwhelming - process of purchasing my first road bike and the guys at on the route were tremendous!! i worked with brandon, who patiently and attentively listened, asked pertinent questions, then showed me what he thought would be the best bikes for my intended purpose within my price range. i visited a ton of shops and rode dozens of bikes before narrowing my search to 2 candidates at 2 different shops. then i spent an entire afternoon between the 2 shops, riding each bike multiple times to make my decision. and brandon understood my maniacal dedication to the purchase - i was on a quest for the perfect bike, and he was super accommodating. i raised several questions/concerns about the bike in question at OTR and he was honest in answering and even enlisted a coworker to offer another set of opinions. there was no sales pressure from either one of them, and they were completely upfront about the pros and cons of the bikes in question. ultimately, i went with OTR. it took one more ride for me to realize this was my bike and furthermore, this was my bike shop!
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On The Route - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 17-Feb-08
The best shop I've ever worked with. Tremendous expertise and good prices. I've been going to this shop for 5 years now and they do not disappoint.
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Jason - from: '' - no rating given - 26-Jan-08
Where is Jason working now? He was my OTR mechanic and I heard he's no longer working there.
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• Re: Jason - from: '' - 22-Apr-08
  : Where is Jason working now? He was
  : my OTR mechanic and I heard he's no
  : longer working there.
  
  He's out of the industry. He's a good guy.
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Weekend frenzy - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 15-Jan-08
I am a frequent patron of OtR and I was there over the weekend getting some help with something. A fella by the name of Dan (bearded version) was extremely helpful and genuine. He went the extra mile with what I needed and I just wanted to let someone know that this guy made my weekend. He was very approachable and patient; people like that are the reason why I keep coming back to your shop.

Everyone in your shop is pretty much amazing, he just helped reinforce that thread.

Thanks, Dan

-f
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repair rave - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 27-Nov-07
I'm a year-round daily commuter and my bike does take a beating, but the news that I needed a new cassette and crankset was not what I wanted to hear when I brought my bike in for a tune (though that did explain the chronic chain slippage). However, the attention I received, both dropping off my bike and picking it up, along with the fine work performed on it made that news--and my lighter wallet--a lot easier to take. The bike rides better now than when it was new. Despite the weather, the next day's commute was the best ride to work I can remember. (The lack of bus traffic certainly added to the pleasure.)

I also greatly appreciated that I was able to drop the bike off and leave it while I was out of town for the long holiday weekend while I was out of town, so I didn't risk not having my bike when I needed it.

Since an unsatisfactory experience at a shop slammed elsewhere in this site, I think this is the third time OTR has serviced my bike, and I will continue to take it there whenever I need repair work done. A new bike is in my (unfortunately not near) future, and when that time comes, I know where I'll look to buy it.

Thanks again, and please pass along my gratitude to the mechanic who worked on my bike, and both the salesman who was in the shop when I dropped it off last Monday evening and the one there picked it up yesterday morning; they were both very attentive and helpful.
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Great shop for decades - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 07-Sep-07
I've lived in Lakeview for many years and several shops have come and gone. OTR has always been a high quality shop with top notch service.
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The bessst. - from: 'joycer' - Rating: 5/5 - 31-Aug-07
I got my first road bike used at Working Bikes, but I've updated all my parts at OTR. They are friendly, helpful, and they know what they're doing.

Even though I've moved to a different part of the city, I still go back to OTR first to make a big purchase. They really gave me a great impression of Chicago bike shops.
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Best Customer Service - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 02-Aug-07
Consistently amazed at the great service here.
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Racing Bike Rental - from: '' - no rating given - 29-Jul-07
Hi I am coming over from Ireland to partake in the Chicago Tri event and would like to rent a racer for the event. Can you please help Thanks James
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• Re: Racing Bike Rental - from: '' - 29-Jul-07
  James ->
  The shops on the Chicago Bike Shop Database do not necessarily monitor this forum. Please contact the shop directly.
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• Re: Racing Bike Rental - from: '' - 01-Aug-07
  We do rent road bikes...happy to help, just give a call.
  D
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Good shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 03-Jun-07
I made four visits before deciding on a bike to buy. The staff (mostly Paul) were very helpful and patient, asked a lot of questions - and asked to see my existing bike. Then asked "why" I had certain things and what I wanted to retain, and what changes I would make.

They offered to move my existing racks to the new bike, though I opted to buy new. There was no pressure from them to do this.

I ordered, and waited a week for the bike. They called as soon as it was ready and I rode it out of the shop.

I'd go back there again and recommend them to anyone interested in buying a new bike.
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These Guys are the Real Deal - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 10-May-07
I just picked up a bike for my wife there. They took the time to show me everything. No pressure, fair prices and made sure to tune it up before I walked out. I have purchased a few bikes before and have always felt like they were trying to move me to a higher price, but these guys were focused on what I needed and came through. Great experience.
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Fair - from: 'Judy' - Rating: 2/5 - 27-Apr-07
It is a nice shop, but a got a bit of "tude" here about not being a racer. I ride a road bike and everything I said or asked was criticized by the staff. I'd bring my bike in and shop there if the staff was nicer.
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• Re: Fair - from: '' - 01-Jun-07
  From the owner. So sorry about your impression. We are very proud to serve commuters, racers, mountain bikers, and recreational cyclists. We love bikes and people who ride them. We also practice continuous improvement, so the staff will be aware of fair reviews as a means to better customer service to all. Thanks for reading.
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top shop - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 07-Oct-06
best of the best...no weenies
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Most well-rounded shop in the city - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 08-Aug-06
OTR is without a doubt the most well-rounded shop in the city. Yeah, they stock everything from cruisers to Tour de France time trial frames. However, in addition to the bike stock, the guys walking the floor actually KNOW what they're talking about when it comes to every cycling discipline - from track to trail to unicycle races (seriously). Also, the spin studio is a one-of-a-kind setup. The Clif Bar Midwest guys take advantage of it, and other aspiring racers should as well.
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• Aces! - from: '' - 25-Aug-06
  As a competitive racer I spend a helluva lot of time on my bike. Aside from racing upwards of 50 times this season I ride every day. I'm quite particular about my equipment as my success and safety depends on it. The wrenches at OTR are simply top notch. Every time I have an issue with my bike I confidently drop it off at OTR and recieve it it perfect working order. When it came time for me to invest in a PowerTap system I chose OTR. The guys walked me through every step of the wheelbuilding process, from the PowerTap, spoke selection, tires, and rims. It was a master class in boutique wheels. In the end there isn't another shop in the city where I would drop 3K on wheels. I simply cannot reccoment OTR enough.
  
  And let's not even get started on that spin studio the have!! Seriously when there's a foot of snow on the street where else has a loft with PowerTap stationary bikes, a HUGE video projector and a library of DVD's... I know where I'll be come January!
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great place, nice people - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 28-Jul-06
I have purchased 2 bikes here since '97. With their tune ups my 1997 cannondale still rides like new. I brought my girlfriend here to buy her first "real" bike and they were more than helpful and allowed her to ride like 10 of them before she made up her mind.
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best bike shop period - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 01-May-06
I bought 2 great bikes here. They've done my tune-ups for the last 10 years, and they've been very fair on deals for lights and other stuff. Once I watched some jerk customer try to hard bargain these folks into not paying for a part for like 15 minutes, perhaps trying to impress his girlfriend, and these guys never lost their cool. I've changed my neighborhood but these guys are still my bike store. Also, I like Johnny Sprockets on Broadway too.
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perfect bike shop - from: 'John' - no rating given - 29-Apr-06
If you're looking for a neighborhood bike shop where you'll be making repeated visits for tune-ups, etc, OTR is ideal. First and foremost, they are scrupulously honest: you will never be overcharged or talked into buying something you don't need. Beyond that,if you go in for a repair, the mechanics will explain the problem and you'll learn something about the workings of a bicycle. If you've been burned by the big bike franchises in town, this shop is a real eye opener.
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good joint - from: '' - Rating: 4/5 - 18-Apr-06
i've had many a flat & other repairs completed @ on the route. like another poster said, competitive prices & no annoying attitudes. the latter despite the fact i didn't buy my bike there! i don't think you'll save much money compared to other bike shops, but they do good work, & are very pleasant to deal with. I recommend them!
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Fair Prices, good attitude. - from: '' - Rating: 5/5 - 17-Aug-05
Visited on a slow summer day to buy a few inexpensive parts to upgrade a tired commuter bike. They had what I wanted for prices below website prices. No annoying hipster attitude, I really liked that.
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