Neutral Cycle

Category:	Bicycle Store
Address:	624 S 5th St, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
Phone:	+1 217-979-2471
Site:	neutralcycle.com
Rating:	4.8
Working:	11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 12–6PM 12–4PM

Location

Photos 35

Reviews 8

Jill Krueger

Neutral Cycle in Champaign is GREAT! I took in my 30+-year-old bike to get revamped. Josh checked it over, (without judgment I might add), told me what should be done but also the least I could repair but still be safe with a nice ride. I chose the cheaper path and it was great to be on a bicycle again! This time without a baby seat or a young child to worry about. Within a week the back wheel was stuck. I called Neutral Cycle thinking I would have to fix the things I chose not fix. Matt, the manager, walked me through a repair over the phone. When that didn’t fix my problem and I wouldn’t be able to get into the shop for a few days he offered to stop by my house for an inspection on his way home from work. (I was kind of in route for him) Who does that?! After the repair he told me to stop in the shop when I’m out so he could adjust something else but didn’t have the tool. A week later I was able to get over to the shop where they would not accept payment for the house call or the adjustment that day. Obviously, Neutral Cycle offers excellent customer service, a knowledgeable crew who enjoy their jobs, everyone is super friendly even though busy and, I feel, priced fairly. Buy, Rent, or Bicycle Repairs … go to Neutral Cycle! They are located on 5th Street just north of Green. Thank You Josh & Matt!

Jennifer Hanna

I went in to look at what type of bikes were available and to buy a bike in the near future, Tim assisted me. They had very few bikes in the shop and needed to bring over what they thought I would like from their warehouse. Tim took my info to contact me when they had brought over some bikes for me to look at, he said it would be two or three days. Six days went by, I went back to the shop wanting to look at bikes to buy. They still didnt have the bikes from the warehouse as they "hadnt had time". It has been over two weeks and I still have not been contacted. I have since visited Champaign Cycle and Durst Cycle. They both had very helpful staff and had the bikes in their showroom for me to look at on the spot. They explained each type of bike to me and assisted me in deciding what I needed for my lifestyle. Champaign Cycle is active in the community and raises funds for the upcoming Rail Trail for the Champaign Urbana Park District. Neutral Cycle is convenient for the students on campus, but I will not be back. I am very disappointed in their service.

Amber Riley

Worst bike shop I have ever been to in my lifetimt!!!! DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU CARE FOR YOUR BIKE. Overcharging, rude, and very much sexist employees. Will take advantage if you are a girl and a student. Very arrogant and acted as if I didnt know a thing. Was recommended this place but rather than directly helping me with my tire they told me my bike had about 100 more problems tht they were going to overcharge me. Thank goodness I just said I wanted the tire but with that it took them way longer to take care of my bike than they told me. I got my bike back with more problems than the one I came in with and they refuse to refund me. Coming into this male-dominated shop I should have just left and gone to the campus bike center where students who actually care can help which is where I went to after and they are more honest than Neutral Cycle ever will be. They are a bunch of scammers. And the only reason I am ranting is because I care for my bike A LOT. Have had it for years and never had such a bad experience at a bike shop like this one before.

Bryson Sullivan

Everything great about this place thats already been said is totally true. The main thing, however, that I think stands out about Neutral Cycle are their masterfully-written, data-driven articles on bike theft and how to properly lock your bike that (frankly) no one else has done equally well. Sure weve all heard sensible notions about exactly what you can to do to keep your sled safe, but Neutral Cycle actually did the legwork of sifting through police reports (from three departments no less!) and presenting the resulting data in clear and interesting ways. Not only did they identify hot spots around the UIUC campus where your bike is most likely to get pinched, but they also figured out which months of the year are especially prone to bike theft (its August and September btw, so watch out!). The owner Tim is as knowledgeable about bikes as he is congenial, and the whole staff generally just enjoys working on bikes. In short, I dont go anywhere else when I need something.

Nick Lannan

Every time Im here there is wonderful customer service, and a very knowledgeable staff. They always tell you whats going on with your bike if you inquire and want to know. The one time I had an issue over a repair cost they were not ride, and figured out the issue very quickly (it was just a mistake with their entry). It can get very busy during the school semester here, so plan early and call in to set an appointment. During the summer Ive only ever had to wait a few days (~3 days max). Always helpful, and very up front with pricing and what you need versus maintenance or upcoming costs. Very reasonable pricing compared to the other bike shops in town. TL;DR Great service, reasonable pricing, knowledgeable staff. Happy returning/continuing customer.

Joe Barnes

I brought my vintage bike in for routine maintenance and was looking for advice on how to change it from a road bike into a tri bike for my first race. Their prices were very reasonable, work was performed quickly, and they kept in communication with me as additional work was required to get the bike up to racing specs. Every staff member I dealt with was very friendly and I appreciated how honest they were when making recommendations on what enhancements to make to the bike. They didnt try to up sell me on bike components and take advantage of my lack of biking knowledge. I definitely would recommend shop to anyone in need of bike repair, supplies, or even a new bike. I will be a repeat customer!

Joline Chang

Ive gone into the store three times in the past week: first time just to look around, second with my friend who had a broken bike, and third because my own bike had an issue. Each time I was greeted nicely and was met with professional opinions. You can see right off the bat that these guys know what theyre doing. The shop itself is very simple itself and has a clean aesthetic to it. My bike had to get its rear tube replaced and I bought a kickstand. The price was very reasonable and they even adjusted my handlebars for free. Would highly recommend this bike shop for any bike related issues/questions.

Janelle Anderson

I went here a few weeks ago to get a bike lock and the owner actually put the bike lock holder on my bike and taught me how to use it as I was not familiar with this type of lock. While I was there, he also put a knew kick stand on my bike, helped me pump up my tires, and checked my bike for any other potential problems. It was wonderful to have everything taken care of at one time and the owner was very friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. I would recommend this shop to everyone!