High end Chicago bike stores?

[jonjones13]

Off to the Windy City for a few days from tomorrow - just wondering if there were any good bike stores worth checking out (primarily to drop over high end kit) in downtown Chicago (we’re staying in the Loop)?
Thanks
Jon

[Heisenberg]

Velosmith!

[Andy sti]

Agree with Velosmith. Tony's shop is great. I used to work at his dad's shop and rode for the Alberto's team for many years. Velosmith is a trek from the Loop though.

Honestly, Chicago doesn't have, and never really has had, fancy high end bike shops. Not as a destination shop at least.

[likebikes]

get a grip?

are they still around? near downtown as well..

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by Andy sti

Agree with Velosmith. Tony's shop is great. I used to work at his dad's shop and rode for the Alberto's team for many years. Velosmith is a trek from the Loop though.

Honestly, Chicago doesn't have, and never really has had, fancy high end bike shops. Not as a destination shop at least.

Originally Posted by likebikes

get a grip?

are they still around? near downtown as well..

Areed on these. Chicago has never been a fancy bike town like others are. Get a Grip is the closest to downtown by a longshot. http://www.getagripcycles.com/

Velosmith is the shop you are looking for. It would be an hour drive to get to it.

If you want high quality on all fronts it's as good as any shop that exists. https://www.velosmith.com/

[Irishgirl]

I second (or maybe 4th or 5th at this point) Velosmith.

Good thing you didn’t plan your visit when we had our “feels like” -50 degree temps!

Enjoy the city!


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[soupless]

If you’re after clothes there’s a Rapha there too, I think.

[saab2000]

Sammy's Bikes in St. Charles blew me away the other day. Many Colnagos and other premium brands. Performance-oriented independent shop, but it's an hour+ west of downtown.

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by soupless

If you’re after clothes there’s a Rapha there too, I think.

Yes, Rapha is in Wicker Park.

I'd also add that Cycle Smithy and TURIN have the longest history and if you like Vintage the collection at Smithy is amazing. TURIN has been around since 1965 and certainly has some fancy bikes as well as some racing history etc. Both much more typical to what is considered a good bike shop in Chicago. Just not really boutique shops in the modern sense. If you like LAKE shoes TURIN is your spot.

https://www.turinbicycle.com/

https://www.cyclesmithy.com/

Both easy to get to from downtown via car or train.

Enjoy the city and remember we have some amazing museums, restaurants and architecture!

[Uncle Cranky]

Does Tenspeed Hero have a retail spot? I think they're Chicago based.

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by Uncle Cranky

Does Tenspeed Hero have a retail spot? I think they're Chicago based.

nope

[Uncle Cranky]

Last time I was in Chicago my wife and I walked over to Old Town from the loop and stumbled upon Village Cycle Center. Not high end but we picked up some "chicago" souviner bike stuff. Jersey/hat/whatever. There was also a cool Dutch cargobike type place over there?

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by Uncle Cranky

Last time I was in Chicago my wife and I walked over to Old Town from the loop and stumbled upon Village Cycle Center. Not high end but we picked up some "chicago" souviner bike stuff. Jersey/hat/whatever. There was also a cool Dutch cargobike type place over there?

Yes Village Cycle on Wells is 6 stories of bikes and is a huge Trek dealer. One of the biggest. They are the go-to low cost bike shop. Pretty amazing for what it is. At one time they were purchasing most if not all the previous years inventory form Trek and warehousing it. You walk in (no test rides) get fitted for a bike and walk out within an hour with a newly assembled bike and a free lock and helmet. Can't argue with the success of the place.

J.C. Lind is the Cargo/Dutch shop a few doors away. Worth a look for sure. Also a Brompton dealer if that floats yer boat.

[Adam]

Hi,

Adam from Get a Grip here. We certainly serve a high end niche here at the shop through a service first paradigm. Half the shop is dedicated to Cycling Analysis and the other for maintenance and bike builds. The space is small but cool, brick walls, vintage wooden beams. As we are a fit first place, bikes on display are primarily projects we are working on for clients. We currently have Parlee, Moots, Seven, and Orbea bikes on the floor that are worth checking out. Happy to chat and introduce you to Chicago proper bikes and riding!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by charliedid

nope

I believe TSH is in the process of opening up a small store front