Chicago bike shop recommendations?

I'm taking my Trek 1500 up to Village Cycle for it's free tune-up in a week or so and wanted to hit a couple more shops while I'm in the city. I'll go to Kozy's and Rapid Transit (never been but it seems like a cool shop)...any other can't miss shops up there?

I'm looking for a new commuter bike and here in CU we have really limited choices so thanks in advance for any recommendations.

It's a little further north, but my favorite shop is The Pony Shop in Evanston. The owner, Lou, is awesome and I always get great customer service.

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Originally Posted by Sheesh

It's a little further north, but my favorite shop is The Pony Shop in Evanston. The owner, Lou, is awesome and I always get great customer service.

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Thanks Sheesh! Their website has a bunch of info and Evanston isn't too far from where I'll be so I'll stop in and see what they have.

Has anyone been to Rapid Transit Cycles on North? I emailed the shop and got a really nice reply so I thought I'd give them (and the Jamis Coda) a look.

I recommend Turin Bicycle on Davis St over the Pony Shop. Turin is also in Evanston: http://turinbicycle.com/

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Originally Posted by pll

I recommend Turin Bicycle on Davis St over the Pony Shop. Turin is also in Evanston: http://turinbicycle.com/

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Thanks pll! My SO needs a tune up on her Specialized (we no longer have a dealer in town), so I'll add Turin to my list of shops to visit.

There are coffee shops and restaurants (and cinemas) around the Turin block, both on Davis and in the next street, Church, in case you need to wait while your SO's bike gets serviced. On Church, just east of the Metra station, there is an decent Italian coffee / gelato shop.

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Originally Posted by pll

There are coffee shops and restaurants (and cinemas) around the Turin block, both on Davis and in the next street, Church, in case you need to wait while your SO's bike gets serviced. On Church, just east of the Metra station, there is an decent Italian coffee / gelato shop.

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Thanks again pll, sounds like it could be a very pleasant visit (much better than the sports bar next to my old bike shop :D ).

I just learned of this link today... it might be helpful as you scout out other Chicago shops to visit.

http://www.chicagobikeshops.info/

Excellent link Sheesh! I found something similar yesterday and after reading the reviews and talking to a friend who had service done at Village I'm having my LBS do my tune-up. I'll still take a trip to the city soon to do some shopping though, so many bike shops/so little time. :D

Get A Grip on Irving Park is great! The only drawback is that it's a small shop & can get a bit crowded. It's very friendly to women.

Turin in Evanston is also a nice shop.