From the lakefront to the 606 to the Major Taylor Trail to all the neighborhood bike lanes, Chicago’s a great place to navigate on two wheels. These local shops will provide everything you need to (safely) take on the open road.
BFF Bikes (Logan Square)
BFF Bikes at 2056 N. Damen Ave. is for the girlies! It was founded by two women who wanted to create a supportive environment for women cyclists of all abilities. Their goal is to be the kindest, most approachable shop in the city.
- 💪 Training for a race? You don’t have to do it alone! BFF Bikes offers monthly triathlon socials, complete with snacks and beverages.
Pedal to the People (Ukrainian Village)
If you’re looking for the kinds of bikes professionals are riding during Chicago Grit, visit Pedal to the People at 2030 W. Hubbard St. The shop specializes in custom-designed and custom-built bicycles, high-quality replacement parts, and accessories.
- 🤓 Check out Pedal to the People’s classes, where you can learn anything from basic bike maintenance to professional bike building and repairs.
Working Bikes (Little Village)
Working Bikes at 2434 S. Western Ave. is a full-service bike shop and repair center with tons of affordable refurbished bikes for sale. The nonprofit uses money raised in the shop to give away thousands of free bikes throughout the city and across the world.
- 🗑️ Since its inception in 1999, Working Bikes has saved more than 10,000 bikes from ending up in landfills every year.
Turin Bicycle (Ravenswood)
Since 1965, Turin Bicycle at 4710 N. Damen Ave. has helped riders repair their bikes and get back on the road. Even if you’re not in the market for a new ride, they encourage people to stop by and chat about cycling. (Can you tell these guys really like bikes?)
- 🔎 If you have no idea what kind of bike you want, Turin Bicycle’s in-house kinesiologist will do a full evaluation and recommend a style that best suits your body type and individual needs.
Not quite sure where to start? Check out this City Cast podcast that covers how to choose the perfect bike, offers maintenance tips, and provides even more recommendations.
