Smart Bike Parts

Category:	Bicycle Repair Shop
Address:	3031 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Phone:	+1 773-384-3010
Site:	smartbikeparts.com
Rating:	4.8
Working:	11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM

Location

Photos 35

Reviews 6

A Private User

I really, really dislike review sites, so please take the fact that Im submitting a review here as a testament to how strongly I feel about Eric and the rest of the crew at Smart Bike Parts. I have had a great experience there every time Ive walked in the door, whether it to be to buy some tubes, get a front end rebuilt after getting smacked down by a SUV, or buy a complete bike after having mine stolen. SBPs owner Eric is the antithesis of what you fear might be lurking behind the counter when you go into a bike shop for the first time. Hes personable, glad to listen to find out what it is you need (or think you need), and happy to discuss options at various price points. I havent seen any difference in how Eric and crew treat someone walking in with a Magna they found behind a dumpster needing a tune-up, a hipster looking for a neon chain for his fixie, or a weekend warrior in full kit on a titanium frame SuperBike looking for some arcane piece of hardware. They just want to see people ride. My wife has had similarly good experiences with the shop when going in unaccompanied. Bike shops and record stores have an uncanny ability to breed a certain sort of pretentious, creepy clerk archetype; you wont find those kinds of folks working here. Smart Bike Parts is to bike shops what Permanent Records is to record stores. Theyre not just a brick and mortar shop, also selling a lot of parts online, and I suspect that factors into why every time I leave there Ive parted with less $ than I had expected. Prices for both parts and labor are very reasonable. Ive had them perform multiple minor and major repairs and been pleased with the results every time. Their turnaround time is remarkable, and I am absolutely convinced that theyve got a pneumatic tube system between themselves and the Quality Bike Parts warehouse. Theres a good chance theyve got the part you need; if not, theyll be able to procure it quickly. The only slight downside I could really note is that the good word has (rightly) spread fast about them, and as a result theyre a pretty busy shop. You probably shouldnt expect to walk in on a gorgeous Summer day and have somebody immediately available to help you. However, stick around, browse some parts, and as soon as someone is available, theyll help you; Ive never had to wait more than 15 minutes for them to work through a queue. The front section of their store can get a little tight when there are a lot of customers and their bikes, but dont be intimidated and worry that youll be waiting for hours to be helped. As previously noted, despite a steady flow of business, their turnaround times are impressive. If your bike can be easily fixed on the spot, chances are it will be. To top it all off, wander into the store a couple hours before closing time on the right day and you might well be greeted with a beer. Right on.

Richard Perlin

I have been shopping at this store since 2011. I have purchased 3 bikes, including one that was later traded in. My son and daughter have each purchased a bike. I have also referred several friends. Eric the owner is an avid cyclist. He is very knowledgeable and intuitive with his advice. The prices are fantastic. Every bike I have purchased has been customized to accommodate me. The mechanics, Tyler, Jose and Greg are all experienced and creative. This is a very friendly place. Whether you are experienced and know exactly what you want, or a novice getting back into cycling, you will feel welcome. After all these years, I feel I am part of the family. My first experience was in 2011. I was looking for a particular model of bike and called several dealers to inquire about their inventory. Eric, the owner took my call. While he did have in stock the bike I was looking for, he asked me some very insightful questions and ended up recommending a different model for my style of riding. I test rode and bought his recommended model the next day. It has turned out to be the most comfortable bike I have owned. Many thousands of miles later, I still love it. Eric is very detail oriented. They have a large inventory of replacement parts for both customizing and repair. On several occasions, we stood at his computer and together browsed specifications and options for bikes. Most recently I visited with a friend looking for a new bike. Prior to the visit we corresponded by phone and email to make sure we found the most suitable bike for his type of riding. He left the shop that day with his new bike. Like other good bike shops, they do not have a set price for a tune up. When you bring in your bike, whether for maintenance or a problem, they will assess what needs to be done. You are charged for the parts and labor. This place does a great job and should be commended for it.

robert feldman

Eric, Greg, and the whole crew are simply as GOOD AS IT GETS!!! They are friendly, efficient, client-centered, and expert in everything they do with both bikes and the people who ride them. They built up my new road frameset and parts into a mean road machine. They knew what to do and how to do it with the max expertise. Communication during the process was amazing! If you live nearby, make this your go to bike shop. If you dont live nearby, its well worth the travel time to experience what a Local BIke Shop is supposed to be! I cant say enough great things about Smart Bike Parts, so I will just say THANK YOU!

Scott Waldo

Strongly Recommend This Bike Shop To All My Friends Highly Satisfied With Every Encounter With This Establishment Extremely Affordable Prices & Services They Allow You To Walk In And Use Their Tools & Work On Your Bike Unlike Other Shops Where They Charge You A Service Fee For Simple Things Like Chain Swap Or A Wrench To Pull Back Your Wheel When It Shifted Out Of Place. They Completely Understand What Your Speaking Of Without The Run Around & Dont Care If You Mispronounce Something Or Use A Word Out Of Term They Also Provide Great Suggestions And Different Ways To Do Simple Things More Efficiently 10/10

Conor Walker

Smart Bike Parts is the best bike store Ive visited in Chicago. Ive only lived in Chicago for a few months, but it is far superior to the shops in the Stinky Crouch and Logan Square: cheaper prices without snobby-hipsterisms destroying the experience. I recently went into Armitage Bike Shop to get rid of my suicide brakes in exchange for regular BMX style front brakes, new grip tape and a new bull horn handlebar. They priced the parts and labor around $130, so I aborted and went into Smart Bike Parts. For the same work I was charged $50 for parts and labor and my bike was finished in under an hour.

A Private User

There are very few stores (bikes, or otherwise for that matter) who are seriously interested in getting you on the road comfortably, affordably and safely without upselling you extra stuff. The owner has a LOVE OF RIDING and the top priority of this store is to get you out on your bike, whatever the make, model, or year. There is enthusiasm and support for the biking community and you can trust that the work done and the parts offered are not going to be overpriced. Theyre quick and even though some of them are a little quiet, everyone is friendly.