The Wheel Thing

Category:	Bicycle Store
Address:	15 South La Grange Road, La Grange, IL 60525, USA
Phone:	+1 708-352-3822
Site:	thewheelthing.net
Rating:	4.5
Working:	Closed 11AM–7PM 11AM–6PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–6PM 10AM–5PM 12–4PM

Location

Photos 24

Reviews 15

A Private User

I moved to La Grange in the past year from Chicago. This bike shop blows away the Village Cycle conglomerate in terms of service and matches their prices. When I first arrived in La Grange I needed to borrow a spare SPD pedal for a crank tap. Although they didnt know me from Adam, they lent a pedal out without question. My 5-year old daughter refused to wear the hand-me-down helmet because the straps were all a tangle. The store owner smoothly and calmly adjusted a pink helmet so that it was a perfect fit. Where she wouldnt wear the other helmet, she grudgingly wears her new helmet. But what sold me is their amazing tune-up service. I typically wait 3-4 years between service breaks because I think it is not worth the cost. In particular, I am thinking of Village Cycle, which for a lot of money typically only greased the chain, adjusted bike derailleur, and tightened up the breaks. Mind you, they did what they promised, but nothing more. For instance, I handed them a muddy bike and it came back with the same mud and grime. This year, I reluctantly took my road bike in because I was fed up with a sticky shifter. It was time. For the roughly the same price as Village Cycle ($70) they did everything and more. Apart from the basis maintenance, they also trued my wheels--which no bike shop over 10 years had ever done with a basic tune-up. Even more surprising, the bike was cleaned up. It looked like a million bucks. Pros: Low pressure sales, honest, fair prices

A Private User

I have been in here several times over the last few weeks as I have been shopping around for a new road/commuting bike. The first time I came in a younger gent showed me a few bikes - he was very helpful and willing to just throw out suggestions. The second time I came in was for sizing on a bike I was considering buying off of Craigslist, and a different employee helped me. Not such a great experience. He didnt seem excited to help me out with something that didnt involve an immediate purchase in the store, and essentially pointed over where the model was and told me to try it myself. I can understand this to an extent, though regardless of where my bike comes from this shop is local and they have the potential for my business for tuneups, etc. in the future. A relative of mine stopped in for a small bike part (some sort of screw or something) a week later and they insisted on bringing in the bike for an entire look-over instead of selling him the single piece. Because the bike was cheap, the extra charges werent worth the price to him and he went elsewhere rather than go through an entire overhaul of the bike. The workers seem to be knowledgable, though not very enthusiastic unless a purchase is imminent to them. I ended up buying the same bike at the same price from a shop downtown (Johnny Sprockets) today, though I may return for maintenance work in the future.

A Private User

Bruce has had this store for many years and he has survived, which says something in itself. I was looking for a bike to take with me to Hawaii and also do RAGBRI on next year. A friend suggested as Specialised, so I went to the Wheel Thing because they sell this brand. He was very honest in his approach, didnt try to sell me the top of the line etc. My husband decided to buy one also, and I think we got the best bike for our use. Bruce fitted both of us, which is a very important component to buying a bike, most bike shops dont offer this expertise. I would highly recommend Bruce.

Tim Merker

Excellent sales and service. Over the years I have bought three bicycles, two of which were built to my specifications. I do most of my own basic service, but defer to their expertise for larger or more complex jobs. Friendly and involved owners.

Patrick Sheridan

Kevin is great! He has a wonderful staff with great attitudes. I have had them service both my bikes and they have had them done in a timely manner. I have also purchased a bike here, price was competitive and the service cant be beat.

Adam Mccarty

Love this place. Very friendly and skilled mechanics. Would not take my bike anywhere else for repairs. Keep up the good work! Have also purchased bikes for my kids there. The trade in program is great.

Eli Cvetic

Cool place, they sell Specialized Bikes. Owner is great and super knowledgeable on bikes, to parts to bike car racks. I recommend this place to everyone.

Donald D.

Excellent variety of products, knowledgeable staff and the best bike fitter in the Chicagoland area. I wouldnt take my Sworks Venge anywhere else.

Marcin Swiatek

I got my bike today and service was excellent. Very patient and knowledgeable about the product they have for sale.

A Private User

Great store with friendly, helpful knowledgeable employees and excellent service.

Gary Slus

Very helpfull sales personel , my buddy bought stumpjumper , he got a good deal!

Patrick Newman

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. One of the best shops in the SW suburbs.

Traci S

Great service, had what I was looking for in stock, and very knowledgeable.