Smart Bike Parts

Finally made it up to Smart Bike Parts at 3031 W. Armitage. It is now my favorite store in the city. Probably the only LBS that is actually less expensive than purchasing parts and tires on-line. They are not really local to me, but well worth the little trip. Highly recommended. I realize this won't be news to many Chainlinkers, but I just wanted to give a shout out, because I had such a nice experience dropping by and buying a bunch of stuff.

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Permalink Reply by Holly on October 24, 2011 at 11:02am

A group of us bought a gift there--a Brooks B17S saddle. It was $15 (and some tax) less than I paid for the same model I bought for myself elsewhere. Smart Bike Parts ordered it for us and we got it really quickly, too. I'd definitely go back there again. In fact, I regret that I haven't been back since, but I don't need anything...yet!

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Permalink Reply by Julie Hochstadter on October 24, 2011 at 12:02pm

Eric,

You sound like me. Cx races are super fun and my goal is to try not to come in dead last.

Eric Puetz - Smart Bike Parts said:

Slight correction: the owner TRIES to race cross. His consistent lack of speed, technique and strength is a thing to behold. Only a handful of races left at ChiCrossCup.com. Can't wait to try not to finish last and/or get pulled next Sunday. Ride on. Eric - SmartBikeParts.com

pjc jr said:

Smart bikes is the bomb. The owner races Cyclocross and his store helped a little with my build this season. They are new to me, but I have already been back many times. They always lay some knowledge on me and their service and employees are terrific. Also, one of the last few stores in this city that have bins of used parts to purchase.

Thanks Smart Bikes, you deserve a shout out! Or a hand-up like they say in CX!

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Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on October 24, 2011 at 11:31pm

I stopped b this morning...take note...they open at 11am on week days. Yep, great prices and quality gear

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Permalink Reply by Eric Puetz - Smart Bike Parts on November 2, 2011 at 9:34pm

Once again I succeeded: 30 out of 33. Wayne Simon again lapped me, but only once. BOOM! And, first crash ever in Cyclocross at -1 MPH. It's a wonder how I get to work. One mile at a time. Ride on! Fast is as fast does. Eric.The.Puetz

Julie Hochstadter said:

Eric,

You sound like me. Cx races are super fun and my goal is to try not to come in dead last.

Eric Puetz - Smart Bike Parts said:

Slight correction: the owner TRIES to race cross. His consistent lack of speed, technique and strength is a thing to behold. Only a handful of races left at ChiCrossCup.com. Can't wait to try not to finish last and/or get pulled next Sunday. Ride on. Eric - SmartBikeParts.com

pjc jr said:

Smart bikes is the bomb. The owner races Cyclocross and his store helped a little with my build this season. They are new to me, but I have already been back many times. They always lay some knowledge on me and their service and employees are terrific. Also, one of the last few stores in this city that have bins of used parts to purchase.

Thanks Smart Bikes, you deserve a shout out! Or a hand-up like they say in CX!

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Permalink Reply by Cameron 7.5 mi on March 9, 2012 at 4:44pm

Sounds like chasing muggers is easier than ridding cycle cross. Good job Eric.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-bicyclist-cha...

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Permalink Reply by Liz on March 9, 2012 at 5:14pm

Wow! Way to go, my grandma got mugged several times when she lived in the city in her 70s, its great to see someone helping catch a jerk like that.

Cameron Puetz said:

Sounds like chasing muggers is easier than ridding cycle cross. Good job Eric.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-bicyclist-cha...

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Permalink Reply by daftdesigner on March 9, 2012 at 5:28pm

I went in for pedals the other day... cheaper than other places I frequent and spun them on while I waited - no extra charge. Although a small shop - they seemed to have the right things (at least for someone like me). Some sweet single speeds, surly's and messenger bads hanging from the walls. Great guys and service.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Stenzel on March 9, 2012 at 8:52pm

Wow, civic-minded, crime-fighting bicycle ambassador and total stud. Impressive!

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Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on March 9, 2012 at 10:01pm

Awesome. And he commutes from freakin' ARLINGTON HEIGHTS. That's badassery right there.

Anyone know what full length fenders they stock in store? They have SKS longboards on their site, but wanted to see if they actually stock them. I'm having a hard time sourcing these locally.

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Permalink Reply by kiltedcelt on March 9, 2012 at 10:42pm

If he doesn't have something in stock, he will order it from a supplier and probably have it at his shop in a matter of days. I've gotten several things from Smart where they didn't have it on hand but were able to get it in stock within a day or two or in one case about a week or so. Prices really are pretty comparable to buying online, and you don't have to pay any shipping. If I recall correctly, I think he stocks some Civia fenders, Planet Bike, and SKS.