Credit: J.C. Lind Bike Co.
Have you been biking a lot this year? Whether your current bike needs a tune up, or you realized your littles have outgrown theirs and need new ones, these are the best bike shops in Chicagoland for all your biking needs.
Barnard’s Schwinn Cyclery
These guys know bikes. Seriously. Barnard’s Cyclery has been around since 1911 and the staff is beyond knowledgeable. Barnard’s carries a full line of cycling bikes and products, literally crammed in every nook and cranny of their bike store, plus a large variety of children and youth bicycles.
They are an authorized Schwinn dealer and specialize in classic Schwinn restoration. They also are the place for tune-ups. Barnard’s brings bikes back to life by adjusting brakes and gears, tightening nuts and bolts, and adding oil and air where needed. They can even completely disassemble an old bike and make it look new again.
6109 W. North Ave., Oak Park
J.C. Lind Bike Co.
Go beyond your traditional bike and try a European style from J.C. Lind Bike Co. They are all about the European way of using a bike as a form of everyday transportation. And they are working on bringing that way of life to Chicago cyclists. J.C. Lind sells premium high quality European brands from Holland, Denmark, England, Sweden and Italy that are not commonly found in the U.S.
And although they don’t sell children’s bikes, they do offer many bikes specifically designed to easily transport up to two kids. The most popular family cargo bike is the Bakfiets, which is Dutch for box bike. The Bakfiets is an elongated two-wheel bike with a wheelbarrow-sized cargo compartment that is forward of the rider. It’s considered a human-powered minivan and can even come with a rain hood to keep the kids nice and warm in chilly weather.
1311 N. Wells St., Chicago
Wheel & Sprocket
With the motto, “We believe that bikes make the world a better place, and are here to make the world a better place for bikes,” Wheel & Sprocket is seriously passionate about bikes. Once a small shop in Hales Corners, Wisconsin in 1973, Wheel & Sprocket has grown throughout Wisconsin and now has locations in both Evanston and Oak Park.
They sell new bikes, have professional bike fittings and have a variety of bike repair and maintenance packages. Wheel & Sprocket also has a large selection of bikes and helmets for kids, so you can get professionally fitted in the store. They also offer a trade-in service, where you can put money towards purchasing a new bike when you bring in your old one.
1027 Davis Street, Evanston & 1118 Westgate Street, Oak Park
Village Cycle Center
If it’s selection you are seeking, head to Village Cycle Center, which is one of the nation’s largest bike stores with more than a thousand bikes in store. With more than 100 years of industry experience, Village Cycle Center can help get you on the perfect bike, from road bikes to easy-to-ride cruisers. They have a wide variety of children’s bikes and is a one-stop shop for all your biking needs by offering helmets, locks, water bottles and more.
Walk in and ride out the same day! WIth the largest Trek bicycle selection in the region, Village Cycle guarantees you will not find the same bikes cheaper anywhere else. Plus there is a 30-day test ride guarantee, in case you realize your bike isn’t what you expected.
1337 N. Wells Street, Chicago
Kozy’s Cyclery
With four Chicago locations, Kozy’s Cyclery has been serving the cycling community for more than 70 years with the largest selection of bikes, apparel and accessories. In addition to their full-service repair department, Kozy’s Cyclery has passionate and knowledgeable staff members who can help guide you to make the best selection.
Each new bike purchase comes with two free fall tune-ups. And one of their best selling point is their 30-day best price guarantee, where you have a full 30 days after your purchase to match any locally advertised price that is lower.
219 W. Erie St., Chicago; 3255 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 3712 N. Halsted St., Chicago
This article originally published on May 7, 2018. It has been updated with the most recent information.