I have had good experiences with this shop in the past just buying parts, friendly service and the regular prices.This review is based on a recent experience I had using this shop to ship my bike, and it was a wonderful experience. Naturally, I was apprehensive to drop off my $6000 race bike at this shop with the understanding that it would get shipped across the country. They boxed it up for me and referred me to a site I could use to get a shipping label. I emailed them the label the next day and they got the box ready to be picked up.The bike arrived just fine, and I found the packing to be very conscientious. Every inch of the frame was wrapped in soft foam, the hydraulic disc brakes had chocks in them (important!) and the fork and hub axles were properly braced. They even marked where my seatpost was set which I forgot to do! Awesome! I’m incredibly happy with the service and with their patience with me when I called to check in.While most people won’t be shipping race bikes here, I believe that the care and thoroughness with which they helped me out and the quality of the packing work represents the shop’s service very positively.

I brought my bike in on a Friday evening because the back tire was bent and brushing against the back fender, and the guys working there fixed it in five minutes for me no charge. I will definitely be bringing it back there for a tune up as well as any future needs. Great guys, great service.

Got my bike tuned up here. They were friendly and helpful. It was all done on the same day! I think they even cleaned the bike too, I totally didn’t expect that. I’d definitely come back.

Jonah and Ryan were extremely helpful with navigating my bike purchase. I tried three options before settling on a custom shop bianchi. They were patient and knowledgeable, and ultimately I left with a bike far more fitting for my needs than I expected. Thanks again for the help!

Customer service was horrible! Granted I walked in about ten minutes before they closed but knew exactly what I wanted. I needed a chain. I had a couple questions about some other items and was barely given an answer to any of them. Never felt so rushed out the door before. It was 6:54 when I walked about and they locked the door behind me. I wouldn’t have even bought the chain from them if I didn’t need to have it today.

Bought a really nice bike from this place, they mentioned I could come in whenever if had a question. I went in today and explained my gears were skipping and asked him what needs to be done. I am new to biking so I want to learn how to do everything myself. He just takes the bike out of my hands while I wait outside (I had no mask). He comes back with the bike and I asked what the issue was. He stated it just needed to be adjusted, and walked away like I was bothering him. This guy had such and attitude and its a shame becuase I refuse to give my money to people who represent their company like that.Great selection of bikes, terrible customer serivce skills.

There are better bike shops around the city. I recommend going to. Prices are too high and staff always has an attitude

Sent my gf to take my bike in to get a tune up. Quoted at $100. Simple, all it needs is a new chain and some cables run. This is what they quoted her. Insanity. Trying to take advantage of a woman who doesnt know. Over $700 for a tune up? So shady. Take your business elsewhere to someone honest.

These guys are awesome. I was in town only for a few days, I contacted them on Facebook prior to my arrival and they were very quick to respond. They hooked me up with a road bike and provided useful advice on where to ride while I was at Chicago. I was able to find everything I needed in their shop and it was overall a superb customer service experience. Thank you On the Route bicycles for going above and beyond! Hope to visit again next time Im in town.

Awesome shop with a good variety of tires and other bike products. Went in with a flat tire, dude was super helpful and fixed it in 5 minutes. $30 for a flat tire is totally reasonable in my opinion.Will come back when its time for new tires on my bike.

In response to the owner response below: the term shoddy was not used. The issue was with the understanding of how tune ups were performed. I was not there, but when your spouse comes out of a store crying its appears there was a misunderstanding. Your shop does a wonderful job with fixing the bikes and has a lot a potential! Just a little fix and clean up on the customer service end by the owner and youd have a 5 star business. Best of luck!My wife and I her bike in after a tune up a few weeks ago. She had a blown out tire and we were trying get an answer as to why her tire was bad and what to do.The owner became upset stating that they do not fix the actual Trek tires, which is completely understandable. I also later received the comment from the owner that we were coming at their reputation. We were just looking for the why behind the issue and to see if it was fixable at their shop.The part that surprised me was the tone in which my wife was addressed by the owner. Im giving this three stars because the mechanics that work here are very knowledgeable and very customer service savvy. One mechanic took my wife off to the side and explained everything to her about the issue and now we know what to do!Im giving this place three stars for the fantastic mechanics and associates that work here. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the owner.

Great service. Friendly

Had a great experience here! I dragged my bike to the store after I caught a long skirt in the gears or brake pads or something and the guys were brilliant. They fixed the problem super easily (and for free!) and then were quick to offer advice when I said I was also looking for a basket. Clearly really knowledgeable about bikes and about their products.

I came into OTR Bicycles last week with an ongoing issue happening with my new cruiser I had purchased elsewhere. The original seat post had bent a couple months after purchasing and had it replaced to only have it loosened And The seat dropped first time riding. I took my cruiser into On the Route and they had the part needed to get me straightened out. Joanne and her repair techs had me back up and running within 20 minutes and I no longer have an issue with the seat. I recommend checking this store out and they have a new line of affordable bikes I would be interested in purchasing in the future. Thanks for all the help guys!

Bought a bike from them a year ago. Was a smooth process, they were very helpful and not pushy at all.Just dropped off my bike for the free tune-up thats included when you buy a bike, and it was as simple as walking in, giving them the bike, telling them if anything was wrong, and I was on my way! Should get the bike back in a day or two at the latest

On the Route is a great local bike shop! I’ve purchased a couple of bikes from them, and I enjoy having my bikes serviced their. They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Would recommend to anyone looking for great service!

Great service. The employees really go out of their way to accommodate you. Went in to fix an old bike and have been ever since!

They brought my father-in-law’s old bike back to life with a very reasonably priced tuneup that was done in

I bought a few road bikes here over the years and had them serviced many times. The mechanics are very good, and the service is quick. And they tell you the cost when you drop it off, so no hidden charges. My favorite bike shop in Lakeview. After a tune up, my bikes always feel and ride very good.

Stoped in for a small problem. Was in and out in less than 5 minutes with a bike that worked better than it did before it broke. 10/10 will definitely be coming back again.

Went in there Saturday, staff was standing around looking clueless, not much variety

This bike rental place is just brilliant. Excellent staff, friendly and knowledgeable, and the best looking and comfortable bikes around. Reserved our bikes online and got 20% off on the daily rental rate. Very impressed with the whole ride - nothing too much trouble and everyone was very happy after the ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, which had amazing views and beautiful nature! I would highly recommend this company.

We have bought several family bikes here over the years and have always gotten a fair price and good service. Mechanics are always good. But this recent experience was the best yet and resulted in me getting my all time favorite bike, the Cannondale Treadwell EQ. They listened to my needs and after trying several bikes they directed me to this bike and it is amazing! Thanks On The Route!!

I really wanted to like this shop, as all of the staff are very friendly and knowedgable, and the wait time on service is fantastic. Unfortunately I have just had a series of bad experiences that has led to my loss of patronage.I purchased a bike from the diamondback website, and there is an option to pick up the bike at an LBS/distributor, so I selected On the Route. There was a series of problems on DiamondBacks end that made things very complicated and im not sure if Beeline support is from OTR or DB but I have been recieving several notifications promting me to go back to the store, when I ask about my notifications to the owner/employees, Im just told that my problem is odd, but there iss no real apology from anyone for my time-- although I aknowledge this may be a diamondback problem as opposed to a OtR problem.One of the times I came into shop to pick up this bike, after asking what was going on, the owner snarkily said that if I didnt want these problems I should have bought a bike from an LBS instead of Amazon, when I didnt even purchase from amazon, I purchased from Diamondback and OtR is a partner with the company so if it was really such a problem that I didnt purchase my bike from this shop, why choose to distribute diamondback bikes in the first place?After having my bike for two weeks I got a flat, I ran into the shop 10 minutes before close and the guys working there (the guy with the dog) were AWESOME and fixed me up right before close. I did not ride my bike home, I carried it because I was with my bf and the bike is super light. I had not ridden it since getting it fixed and I just carried it up to my apt.Two days later I went to go ride and it was completely flat again. After pumping the tire a little I noticed a hole and went back to the shop. The guy helping me was able to pull out a piece of glass that was responsible for the pop. I asked as frusterated because I was going to spend $60 on tire problems within two days after never actually sitting on the bike. I asked if anything could be done since I paid to have the same issue fixed just two days prior, the employee helping me said his hands were tied (which I get) and they had to assume it was from something that I did with the bike since getting the flat fixed which really sucked because I hadnt actually sat on the bike since before I came in for my first round of service. I didnt ask to speak with the owner about it because of my previous experience, which I guess is my fault for not having the courage to ask. I felt like it was such a waste of money. I get that as employees, you have to trust your people, but from the customer side of things it just really sucked to not be trusted from the getgo after dealing with all of the problems with the shop in my previous visits.Again, the employees here are actually really cool, I just cant say Im a fan of how I was spoken to by the owner, the policy implimented, and how customer complaints are dealt with.

Under the best of circumstances buying a bicycle can be unnerving-- with sometimes indifferent staff and haughty sales people it can be a drag-- Luckily, I bought my daughter a new Bile from OnThe Route in Lincoln Park.Joanne McSweeney and her staff could not have been more kind and helpful-- and under arduous circumstances with the Covid-19 social distancing protocols in place-- they greeted us at the curb with N-95 masks and gloves and made this easy and found my Daughter the exact Bike and in the color she preferred!!!-- She was also outfitted with a helmet and able to ride her new Bike home--What a joy it was to work with Joanne who made this easy and treated us with good humor and kindness. I will never buy a bicycle anywhere else...Thank You Joanne!!!

Charging 40$ for two brakes adjustments on a scooter -no parts- and with a smile - never again for me thanks !

Very hopefull.

There’s better shops throughout the city, can’t recommended this type of shop to anyone unwillingly to work with customers . poor people skills

I cannot sing their praises enough. The owner answered my Facebook message with care amd was prompt in doing so.The gentleman that helped me was more than awesome and answered every question i had. Got the pleasure of meeting the owner when she came in. The two of them sent me out with the perfect bike for city riding and a helmet for a great price.If youre looking for a bike shop, and want to feel like youre more than a transaction, this is certainly the place to go!

Quick turnaround on tune up and work was done well.

This is the only place I bring my bike, its close by, they are fast and super friendly. When I picked up my bike from getting a tune up (which was amazing) the front tire was flat. They replaced the tube for free for me.

This place is great, very friendly staff. Everyone is very knowledgeable about bikes and they have great attitudes. Ive bought a few things from there and got my bike fixed once, they always help me out and offer the best deals. If you need anything for bikes go here!

Ha thanks for askin google how my experience was. It is always 5 stars for me. Then again I do own this bike shop.

Excellent servicing. If your bike uses Campagnolo drivetrains or components this has to be your place. Their mechanic is EXCEPTIONAL. I seriously can’t say this enough. All services come with a thirty day warranty too which is great if you do long rides or competition. You get two tune ups for the price of one.As for supplies, they have decent selection from what I have seen. Can’t speak to prices as I don’t make many supply purchases here.

Had a back tire fail on my beach cruiser. For the new tube plus install was only $20 (no gears)- in and out in under 10minI also use their air all the time. Great shop!!!

So I bought a backpack with warranty from this place, and the strap broke. I went in to ask for an exchange, and right off the bat, the hipster dude behind the front says with a raised-voice: Im not going to return your bag. (I kid you not, thats what he said. He didnt say, sorry its store policy, he didnt say sorry that happened, let me speak with a supervisor to see what we can do for you, hell, he didnt even say sorry. Who taught this guy customer service?)I explained that the stitching on it was bad but said that it wasnt his fault and then asked me why I would buy it if the stitching was bad. I told him if I knew it was bad before, I wouldnt even have bought it. His buddy in the back then came out of nowhere and said I was lying and then accused me of breaking it so I just left.I called the manufacturer and they said that this place should have just given me my replacement and they (the manufacturer) would reimburse them. Whatever. The manufacturer reimbursed me and now Im on my way.One thing is for sure, Im never going back to that place after being a customer for 2 years.

Got a flat tire and luckily this place was right around the corner. Great service, reasonable rates, and the employee who helped me even gave me some tips on bike maintenance since Im new to cycling. Highly recommend

I bought my bike here and the staff as really helpful. I also had work done on my bike and they did everything they could to help me take advantage of the bike warrenty. I ended up paying a lot less then I thought. They even gave me a really nice loaner bike during the process. Check this place out.

Pps... I am a light skinned person of color and I didnt speak to our member of Congress. I spoke to your neighbors who all directed me to other bike shops in the area. My political party or my reps party does not matter in regards to this discussion, but since you brought them up I will be speaking to them to see if I am the only one or just one of many that have had similar experiences.P.s. the below owner response is a lie. I was never given any advice over which seat would be appropriate. If Joanne wishes to set things right I would gladly watch or listen to the materials she has that determine my questions were answered. Time and date for when to meet and I will be taking video of the meeting and of the recording she took with out my permission. There is not an expectation of privacy in the store so my documentation should be of no regards if on the level...Terrible service. I had specific questions that were not answered. They were instead condescending and implied I could not afford products there. As a POC that has experienced similar behavior while looking at condos, I knew that this was not a place I wanted to give my money to.Being active in the community I asked around and found out they are consistently this rude.This place does not deserve my nor your business.I walked down the block to Heritage. While Heritage had a smaller selection and not what I needed, they did treat me with respect, listened to my questions, and gave thoughtful suggestions for my needs.

I am not impressed with this place I went there to fix a basic puncture with my BMX bike they came out about 10 minutes later and said we do not know where some tool is to fix your bike because it has pegs and we cannot get the tire off they also said there was a master builder who would know where everything is and said he is probably coming in today but then they called us and said he’s not coming in today but tomorrow I think this is super unorganized and they just need to keep everything together and no one there employees are going to come in and have everything together like their tools

On the Route offers cyclists great advice, friendly service and a good selection of bikes. From the moment I stepped in, there was someone right there to ask me if I needed anything and gladly answered my questions. The bike selection is not the biggest but its sufficient if youre looking for something between $400 to $2000.My major gripe is that their accessory section is not quite as expansive as I hoped it would be. There were some bags, a few seats, fenders, locks and lights. I dont think I saw too many racks and baskets though. Overall, a great place for bikes, not so much for accessories.

On The Route has a knowledgeable and friendly staff. They have excellent mechanics I will definitely buy another road bike from them.

Great service - morning go to bike shop - supports my year round biking habit!

The website says 24-48 hours, when i dropped my bike off they said 72 hours, and finally i was able to pick it up after 96 hours for a tune up. I know its busy, i get it, but set expectations properly and stick to it. Not to mention they charge more then competitors. Disappointing experience, go elsewhere.

I came by on July 4th, and roughly 10 minutes the store close. Came in to ask if they can take a look at my bike with quick brake adjustment/question, they told me they can only patch flat tire and dont have time since it is 10 minutes away from closing and they cannot see me until following Wednesday. I understand about store closing early on holiday, but since both employees were sitting there chatting & chilling. It is was an easy fix if they took the time to look.Right after, I took my bike to Turn bicycle store by Damen and Lawrence. They were closing too, but they didnt turn me away and happy to help me out. They pumped my tired, tightened the screws and helped me with my brake. It took them 3 minutes and I am grateful and would now go there to purchase bike and accessories.Bicycle community should be happy to help out others but On the Route Bicycles chose to not help out a quick fix.

They caused a leak in my tube and1. Wouldnt fix it2. Acted like I was an idiot for thinking that they could have done thatIt held air indefinitely beforehand and was flat when I got it back, then flattened again overnight after I re-inflated it.The guy pulled a piece of glass out of the tire that hadnt even gone all the way through the tire and claimed it was just bad timing. But that really makes no sense because I didnt even ride it after I got it back, I walked it home.If that wasnt enough he guilted me for not paying him to investigate even though he was the one who suggested it (without mentioning charging me).I wanted to like them but thats not how real bikers treat each other, thats how aggressive salespeople treat their marks :/

Very kind staff - I stopped by On the Route Bicycles to browse the shop. One of the workers helped me to pump my bike tires and gave me a lesson on using a Presta Valve. Thank you!

Great staff and service. No unnecessary upsells, helpful upsells where it matters and you can tell they are trying to get you to invest in your bike riding experience. Great local bike shop.

I only come here because their experience and high quality!!!

Okay bike shop. I got some bad advice once on something that was weeks away from breaking. I declined and 2 years later it is still working fine.

I really want to like this place. I purchased my bike from here and the experience was awesome and the staff treat you like a friend when you walk in the door. However it kills me after I purchase something from them, go home look up the MSRP of something and its 50% over what I paid for it. This is the second time this has happened and there staff just says they cant help how management prices things but they would be happy to refund it but they didnt provide me with a receipt. Their pricing structure doesnt make me want to just stop in to buy something I need knowing that Im getting extra ripped off. I know they cant charge amazon prices and wouldnt expect but anything over MSRP is just simply wrong especially 40%.[Update-06-22-2012] Called a second time to speak with a manager about this and again not a manager during the middle of the day and all the staff just repeat we dont know anything about pricing policy or something like that. Or we just charge what we need to charge to stay in business. I called the other store in Lincoln Square to see if they had a manager and spoke with the one there and he told me that the price they were selling the item for and it was 20% lower than the store in Lakeview. So it seems that they just dont have a pricing policy and just make up prices depending on if they like you or not. Also to make matters worse what they sold me didnt even work, a spoke wrench. I told them I needed a spoke wrench for as Shimano set of wheels, which I had with me, and gave me the Park Tools SW-7 which all three are too small. I went to Performance on Halstead and asked them what I needed and there staff knew exactly what I needed, a Shimano brand spoke wrench and told me they didnt stock it but it could be purchased most any store on the internet. They helped and On the Route sold me the wrong thing 40% over MSRP and 20% over their other store and in the end it didnt even work. The employee from the Lakeview store even argued with me on how I even knew what the MSRP was because Park Tools doesnt publish it ..... really how about you not worry about schematics of the hows and just provide good customer service. Anyrate the manager of the Lincoln Square store (Chris I think) claimed he would ask the owner to call me ... I will be sure to write an update on the Owners response, or lack of which ever it is.

Moved into the neighborhood recently, and On the Route has become my local bike shop. They are knowledgeable, have fair service prices, and have done excellent maintenance work on my bike.

Big shop, lots of bikes. The employees were amazingly helpful about getting us bikes that fit.

Here at 1020 on a Saturday... Doors locked and lights off. Please update your hours on your site.

Helpful in a pinch!

Excellent shop!!!!! Great customer service and Very knowledgeable !

Great neighborhood bike shop.

A zero bull crud bike shop. The #1 bike shop on Lincoln Avenue for new bikes and repairs.

It always baffles me when people in customer service can be such dicks.

Need Air for free they have an outside hose, need rental bikes they got em, need a smile go there ;)

Love the place ❤️

Great shop