I will simply never be back here. I went here once and had a terrible experience and can not in good conscience recommend them to anyone. Others may have had better service, but believe the negative reviews they have received because they are true as well. I went here only out of convenience because I work nearby and the previous shop I went to was in Humboldt park. Rather than going far out of my way, I thought I'd give this place a try out of convenience. But suffice it to say the pretentious roadie vibes are very real here and I should've stuck with my old shop. I went in to get my tubeless tires changed. That was it. It turned into sooo much more. When I first went in, I had already previously purchased tires in the fall and didn't bother getting the service done until spring. The tech laughed at me for not bringing in the correct tires for the bike.... I explained, no they are correct, I am not stupid. He then laughed it off... oh you're right, they are just so freaking dusty I couldn't tell(they had been in my basement since winter) This then turned into inspecting my bike and telling me I was going to need new handle bars all of a sudden? A full inspection because "things weren't working", and then the ancillary fees associated" new bar tape, labor, etc.) I reluctantly agreed, which turned into a 2 month process with my bike. They called me saying I needed new forks but could only get the ones they had picked, they couldn't return it to me without doing that work. The back and forth went on for so long I eventually said let me pay you for the work you have done and give me my bike back. It turns out the only work they had done was disassembling my bike. Take the bearings out of the forks, taking the bar tape off. And giving it back in that condition without the tires being done when that was all I wanted in the first place. Then they charged me 40 bucks for their "work". Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else. After asking around, there are better shops in Evanston. Save yourself the trouble you might encounter from these guys. Thanks but no thanks Pony. read more

Pony Shop - Bearings zip tied to handle bars. - Bikes Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

This is a great bike shop. The folks are super helpful an d friendly. Nice selection of Cannondale and other bikes. They tuned up my wife's e-trike that needed some tweaking. I just bought a Quick 3 mens bike. They have an air hose to fill your tires. read more

I brought in a Cannondale Super Six, equipped with a Dura Ace group set, that had a very tight crank set. The two mechanics in the shop stated that the bottom bracket friction was normal, but the cranks only turned with a lot of force. I took it to Peregrine bike shop in Chicago, and they said it was definitely bad bottom bracket bearings, and that the bearings had to be replaced. Pony shop mechanics weren't good in that case read more

They know what they are doing and not charging a high price for what they do. Plus, they were able to service my bike immediately. THese guys are great! read more

I've given the Pony Shop a lot of business over the years and the service is either okay or really bad. Most of the time you get the typical condescending roadie attitude. The owner is nice but his mechanics need to work on the ol' customer service skills. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment because I've tried over and over to give them a chance but after my recent experience I'll never step foot in there again. read more

Don't bother with this shop. Take your support elsewhere. I recently moved to Evanston. Today was the first time when I grabbed my bike and went to work on it because I had to run a few errands in different places. Few min after getting out of the house I noticed that my handlebar was loose. During the move I must have turned it on the side and forgot to fix in the proper position after. It was pretty unsafe but I didn't have time to go back home. One of my errands took me to a location near Pony Shop. So I stopped by the bike shop. As you know, many bike shops leave pumps and basic tools at the door to help locals with quick repairs. I noticed a pump at the door of Pony Shop, and thought this must be a friendly place where I can quickly tight my handlebar and get going. I walked in, and asked the guy at the counter if I can borrow a hex from them to quickly tighten my handlebar. The guy was very rude. He told me I can buy a hex from him, or I can leave the bike with him for repair and pay for labour and pick it up when he is done. He said that won't let me use any of this instrument and that it is called business. When I said "Really? You understand that this means I would never come to this shop again?". His response was "Whatever! Sure! Get out of here!" This was pretty disgusting interaction. If he gave me the hex today, he would have had my business for years to come. This is why other stores leave the instruments at the door. THIS is called business. Instead I will never set my foot in this store, and advise everyone, including you, to do the same. Place like this do not deserve to be supported. read more

The Pony Shop has been an Evanston mainstay for as long as I can remember--at least 25 years. They offer a no-nonsense, high-quality experience to just about every level of bicyclist. Their sales crew and mechanics offer a mellow approach. No pressure, no elitism, just good service and selection. They've made the most of a tight space and have largely shunned the more-boutiquey elements of other bike shops in the area. read more

Pony Shop - Bikes Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Excellent! I came in with the intention of buying a bike and left completely satisfied. Elliot was great. They charged me the same good sale price as was available on the Cannondale website. Much better than a competitor on Davis St where I was ignored for 5 minutes before leaving, and better than another Evanston bike shop I used previously. Buy your bike at Pony Shop! read more

There's only one shop I felt comfortable turning to for a pair of custom-built wheels strong enough to support my substantial weight: the Pony Shop. Owner Lou Kuhn fabricated them with wider rims and four additional spokes front and rear. I rode them this morning; they're fabulous! read more

Be careful. My husband was quoted $225 but charged $331 without a call to say it would be more. When we called to question the increase, they said they had written this out when he dropped the bike off. Not true. I wish we had gone to another shop. read more

We got into a little bike snafu just down the block (bicycle + truck driver not realizing that his trailer was much wider than the truck...). Thankfully, everyone was all right and someone from Pony Shop came out to assess the scene and to advise us to file a police report. (The scene wasn't within viewing range of the store, so... ESP for a fellow cyclist in distress?) It was mostly moral support, but we brought the bike in for repairs anyway. Replacing the wrecked front wheel, fork, stem, headset, and seat: 10 days, $177 (parts plus labor). It would've taken exactly a week and cost $50 less, but Pony Shop called and said that they realized the stem was cracked only after the rest of the parts had been ordered. They even had good judgement about picking a fork color that would match the bike. Whereas both are clean, pleasant, reputable places, Pony Shop is a hell of a lot less snotty than Turin on Davis St. I randomly asked about pricing for replacing the wheels for my crappy old bike, making it clear I had no intent of paying for anything at the time. At no point did I feel uncomfortable or mocked for my lack of "pro"-ness or reluctance to dish out money. The staff actually tries to *help*, rather than hawk pricier options. What a concept! One complaint: They only have one checkout counter, so if you come at a busy time (near close, at 8pm on weekdays), be prepared to wait to pay for your stuff. But that's okay, you can spend the time ogling the gorgeous high-end bikes suspended from the ceiling. Lastly, their logo is fucking awesome. A pony, with WHEELS as LEGS? !! read more

Pony Shop - awesome-ass (ha) logo - Bikes Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Pretentious, unfriendly, impatient, limited and overpriced items in stock + overall stingy as hell vibes from this bike shop that could have been my go-to place had I had a better experience there in 2016 when I got a used bike off Craigslist and needed to get an assessment + accessories for it. Tall long haired dude that mumbled all his responses to me with a face like -_- and as I asked questions, it was like he tried to withhold the information, like someone who thought a band was cool and didn't want you to know and listen so that they could continue to feel privately good about liking an obscure band?? How does a place like this continue to exist / survive? Or is it fine since they only need to serve an elitist bro af clientele? ***lol thought I had already posted this in 2016 and guess it was always in drafts, but it's 2018 and I still have that bad taste thinking about this place read more

I'm kind of a bike snob. I have a garage full of bikes and I've taken them all over Chicago for servicing. The Pony Shop does high quality tune ups. Took my road bike and mountain bike in for annual strip down and rebuild. My Tallboy rode better after the tune up than it did when it was new. Brakes and drive train were dialed in, silent and precise. Road bike, same story. Excellent attention to detail. I'm happy I found these guys. read more

Take the pony express elsewhere! What a bunch of rude, stuck up snobby sales people (owner included!). There are too many other fantastic bike shops to support instead! Please go elsewhere unless you want to feel belittled and given an attitude the entire time you are in the shop. read more

I had my bike tuned here after 12K miles new Gears controls, Chain , rear Sprockets and general Tune up. Rides like new! Very good service!

A few years ago I made a very short sighted bike purchase. Somehow I talked myself into getting a single speed that was super uncomfortable and just not right for what I intended to use it as. Fast forward to about 6 weeks ago and I was ready for another bike purchase. This time I did a ton of internet research and identified two bikes that were within my $600 price range as well as way more appropriate for my city riding needs. I went into another Evanston bike shop that supposedly carried both the Trek and Jamis model that I was looking for. After standing around for 15-20 minutes, they finally came up to me and asked if I needed help. Then they told me they did not carry the Jamis, and they only had hideous colors and tiny sizes of the Trek. They just said to come back at some point in the future. That left a bad taste in my mouth. I knew the Pony Shop was close, so I walked over to see if I had some better luck. I was greeted immediately when I walked in and they could not be more helpful. It was the first time in life someone down sold me. I ended up getting a Giant that was basically the same as the bikes I was looking at, but at $200 less. I did a test drive and everything was peachy read more

The Pony Shop is a top-notch bicycle shop located in Evanston, IL. The staff is knowledgeable, experienced, helpful and polite. The selection is good - and they will order whatever you need if they don't have it in stock. They stock a good selection of bikes - Cannondale's, Redline's, Giant's & Colnago's to name a few. The owner, Lou, is an experienced Cyclocross racer (Illinois State Champ in the Masters 30+) which makes the Pony Shop the premier place to go for 'cross bikes, gear, advice or banter. The staff is friendly and experienced. Johnny, Todd and Warren are all rock-stars. The Pony Shop is very supportive of the north-shore cycling scene - the shop was a co-sponsor for the Evanston Super Week Criterium. The shop also sponsors 2CC & MetLife Cycling Teams. Now Lou just needs to get an espresso machine... read more

I stopped here with no particular agenda, I just wanted to wander through the closest bike shop to my home. There were three mechanics working and no other customers, and none tried any high-pressure sales tactics. I asked a few questions and they were super helpful and we just started chatting. When I asked about a test ride, they offered to set me up right away. It was a very friendly bike shop. I am often intimidated to go into small shops because I worry that it will be filled with bike snobs who would look down on me because I didn't arrive wearing lycra and riding a $5000 bike. But no one made me feel out of place. Beautiful bikes. I am afraid I will be back there soon dropping some serious change on a new bike. read more

The Pony shop is the only bike shop I will visit in Evanston. Hands down. Why? Because they treat people like...(gasp)...human beings. Take this morning. I came into the Pony shop with an extremely bike novice request, "Can you replace my handlebar tape?" Now, if I was at another Evanston bike store, the response would have been to peer down their nose and act like I do not deserve to share the same road as real cyclists. But the very cool and knowledgeable guy at The Pony shop said, "No problem." He made a couple recommendations on the type of tape I should buy and then let me choose. He didn't quiz me on the winner of the Tour De France. He didn't ask when my latest century was completed. He treated me, a complete bicycle non-expert with respect. The work was completed by the time I walked home and I am utterly pleased with the results. Thank you Pony Shop. read more

The Pony Shop is a fun bike shop that is really geared towards bikers (mostly serious bikers) and they have some cool Canondales there - their service is great and totally worth five stars. The staff here is super knowledgeable and helpful - we came in last summer looking for bikes (I really wanted an old school bike with basket - not a mountain bike but a Cruiser - I like a cushiony seat that will fit my butt) and they didn't have any in the store but they pulled out the catalog and looked a couple up for me. Super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable - I'd recommend this place to anyone searching for a good bike! read more

I've got a nicer bike than I used to, and I ride it a lot more. I managed to break my chain not long ago, also taking out my rear derailleur. They fixed me up nicely, also re-truing the wheel, and I didn't feel scalped at the end. I was without my bike for a few more days than I would have liked, but they completed the repair in the time frame they estimated in person (over the phone they suggested they might be able to get parts overnighted, which made me think the repair would be faster), and the bike felt perfectly dialed in when I got it back. I'd use them for service or perhaps a tune-up again. They also get points for having an outside air hose available during business hours. read more

My rating has nothing to do with their technical skills. In fact, think they are among the best bike mechanics in the area. I recently brought my bike in for a tuneup and some minor repairs. I got a call saying that my bike was ready. I used to live in the same building where they are located but now live about a walk of 15 minutes from the shop. I walked to the shop to pick up the bike, however, when I got there I realized that I did not have my wallet or phone with me. The response I received was "too bad ". No suggestion that I take the bike home and call them with the credit card info, or that I use their phone to call home to get the credit card info. The only response was "too bad". As I walked home I swore that I would never set foot in their shop again even if it meant not getting my bike back. I did get my bike back a few days later only because my wife drove to the shop, paid the bill and had them load the bike in the car. In doing so, they disconnected the front brakes so the bike would fit. We were not able to reconnect the brakes on our own, but the bike shop across the street was more than willing to do it. read more

The Pony Shop is a nice bike shop that caters to bikers on the North Shore. Their service is good and courteous. Most of their stuff is for the high end road bike enthusiast (North Shore bikers) but they have a decent selection for the size of their shop. I haven't had any bad experiences there, but wouldn't go there for parts for vintage/older bicycles. If you're looking for a new "bling" Colnago, you could find it here. Some really nice Canondales are here, too. They did have a shiny chrome Schwinn Paramount vintage track bike (drool...) hanging from the ceiling when I went there once. Beautiful! This shop is a new location and is smaller than their previous one. I liked the old location a lot, but they had some issues with theft and probably do more business with their target customer at the new location. This location is nice. read more

We have been to the Pony Shop for two different reasons in the last few months. First, we blew out a tire on our bike trailer several months ago, and the guys at the Pony Shop were helpful in suggesting a better-quality tire. They ordered what we needed, then when it came in, they took care of replacing both the blown out tire and putting a new tire on the other side of the carriage. All this was done for a reasonable labor charge. We were happy with that decision. Second, a few weeks later, we felt like both of our kids are ready to start learning to ride their own bikes. After doing our due diligence and looking at a couple of other local options, we settled on going back to the Pony Shop. After comparing, we knew they had very decent prices on kids' bikes and gear, and we got very, very good personal service from the staff. I have noticed a few reviews saying their prices are high, and in my experience shopping around, they were higher - compared to say, Target or Wal-Mart. BUT - prices were not high compared to other local bike shops. There's nothing wrong with buying bikes from a box store, but you don't get the same service or attention, so keep that in mind. Since we bought two bikes on the same day, they even gave us a really nice discount on the second bike, which I cannot complain about, so I think prices can depend on what you want or need, too. We are pretty much casual bike riders but we will patronize this local business from now on whenever we need bike-related stuff. read more

Great bike shop - I got my bike from here, got bikes for family members, friends. They're always good - give competitive prices and good service. read more

The people that don't give the Pony Shop five stars are being ridiculous. I've been a loyal customer for fifteen years. I consider myself lucky to have met Lou (owner) and team. Every serious cyclist in the Chicagoland area knows and respects the shop and what they do. They treat everyone the same too. Doesn't matter who you are or what you know or look like. Can't be beat. Just go there and be done with it. read more

great bike shop -- i drive down from highland park to get my stuff at the Pony Shop. They were unbelievably patient with me when i bought a new bike there a couple years ago, and i absolutely love the bike. great service, the best. worth the drive if you're outside of Evanston. read more

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This place has a ton of positive reviews and a good reputation so I've taken my bike there a few times. The repairs are top notch but quite expensive compared to what I've had done elsewhere. Service could overall be much friendlier. They didn't seem interested in answering my questions about some mechanical issues. They also tried to upsell me on a few items which was unnecessary and kind of annoying. Later it was pointed out to me that my handlebars needed a minor modification, one that vastly improved the rideability of my bike. It bothers me that I took my bike into their shop for repairs twice and no one pointed it out or offered to repair it, especially when I think about how much money I spent there. It seems like this is a really good place for very serious bikers, especially those who bike for sport. I got the impression that those who worked there did not care about my experience because I did not have a ton of money to throw around. read more

Prices are a tad bit higher than I'd like, but the staff is more than competent. I needed to perform some tune-ups on my roadie. I was out in the rain a few times and inevitably kicked up some mud into my drivetrain. I'm a busy dude, so I'd rather just pay someone to do this. I roll up (literally, since I'm on a bike) and get a tune-up. By the time I got it back, you'd never know moisture existed in the Midwest! :D I might be upgrading my components pretty soon (derailleurs and shifters to Duras from 105s) and was originally going to do it myself since my bike shop in SD was filled with lazy and sloppy bike mechanics, but I trust these guys enough to do a professional job. TL;DR - Competent, etc. read more

The people at the Pony shop are extremely helpful; I went to the store with an old road bike I'm slowly building up as my daily commuting bike. I just went in there for some advice and a few accessories; they provided me with excellent customer service. Seeing that I am a low-budget college student, they recommended for me to check out used bike stores for cheaper parts. I enjoy their honesty that they provide to us customers; they care more about the customer getting the best deal than the store making money. If you want great customer service and free advice; choose the Pony Shop (Wheel and Sprocket sucks). read more

The only store that I called that had CarboRocket in stock! First time coming here and they had everything I needed. There are no bike shops in the suburbs that carry what I was looking for. This shop has a great location and a knowledgeable, friendly staff. I was quickly assisted upon finding the bike foods. I only wish I lived closer so I could frequent this shop more. The name is cool enough and that alone made me want to shop here. They had an air hose hanging out of the front door to top of your tires. A great experience and mad props for having quite the supply of CarboRocket! read more

OK, I don't know which bike shop these reviewers have been to, but it doesn't sound like the one I stopped at. It's like someone decided to open up a bike shop in a failed auto garage. There are a few bikes on display, a small rack with helmets, and a couple pieces of gear. Many of the items were not labeled with a price, and in the time I was there, not one person even acknowledged my existence, let alone asked me if I needed help with anything... although the old guy behind the counter did stare at me, the only prospective customer in there. There were a couple guys working, chatting amongst themselves, but at no time did they even say hello. Say what you will about places like Village Cycle, but I've always been greeted and assisted. read more

I have to update my review. I went in to get a wheel trued that I have been having trouble with. I trued it myself a couple of times but it the wheel would go out of true after one ride. The wrench behind the counter was rude, judgemental and demeaning. He said the wheel, although not overly expensive ($1600/set) was cheap Chinese sh*t. The wrench stated that he would true it, but I would be better off getting a new wheel. The wheel came from a reputable builder who said I could send it back. I decided to go to a local "professional" instead shipping it back. When I receive the recently trued wheel, I put it on my stand and it was barely trued. Never again will I set foot in this shop. B, bye. (the builder fixed the wheel and paid for shipping) read more

I brought my front tire in after it had popped to get the tube replaced and to buy some back-up tubes. It had been a while since I had changed a tube out, so I wanted to make sure that it was done right. The tire seemed a bit off, but I figured that a place that deals in bikes should know how to do the job. Afterward I get home and put the tire onto my frame and about an hour later the tire pops. My bike was just propped against my wall. After checking it I realized that they had over inflated the tire. Good thing that I bought extra tubes while I was there! read more

This is one of two bike shops in Evanston. Though it's the smaller of the two, they provide top-notch customer service. I had a wheel that required truing, and they were able to turn it around in a couple of days at a reasonable cost. I would definitely go back for repair jobs that I'm otherwise too lazy to do myself. read more

I've been using the Pony Shop for years, and have been delighted with their service and products every time. I've been biking for 25 decades, and this is the best shop around. I have a tuneup there every spring, and have purchased tires, brake pads, chains, and numerous other parts and accessories. If you care about your bike, take it there for service, parts and products. read more

Just took my bike in this past weekend and I was quite happy with my visit. Being new to cycling, I feel a bit intimidating going into bike shops...I've experienced snobbery and patronizing attitudes at other Chicagoland bike shops so I'm always a bit guarded when entering one. However, once I went into the Pony Shop I was put at ease by a guy named Brian who not only fixed the problems on my bike but also helped set me up with a few odds and ends I was in need of. Also, the turn around on the work was a little over an hour...it was probably easy stuff for them but I was more than pleased with how little time it took to have my bike fixed. The only real downside is the shop is pretty small and there isn't a whole lot of pickings for accessories. The selection of bikes isn't massive but I sort of get the feeling that they specialize more on the mechanic side than the retail side. However, when I'm ready to upgrade to a better bike this is definitely a read more

Sopped in to see if they had a spare part I needed for a project bike I was working on and they did. One of the mechanics got off the computer and found just the piece I was looking for. When I tried to pay him for it he wouldn't take my money. That's treating people right!! Said he wouldn't have used the part anyway. Everyone was friendly. Can't complain and although their bikes are a bit out of my price range I will definitely consider this shop on my next big purchase. read more

Bottom line: I won't shop there again because of 1) customer service and 2) price. Background: In preparation for a triathlon, went in to get a minor brake adjustment for my son's bike. There were no other customers in the store when we went in, and the guy said that it would be 30-45 minutes to fix and just a couple of adjustments to the brakes. He saw that I was in a hurry, so he took down my number and said he would call me if it was ready before 30 minutes. After 35 minutes of waiting at the nearby Starbucks, we returned to the Pony Shop and asked another person about the bike, since the guy who helped us first was chit chatting to someone who was dressed in biking clothes, and who did not appear to be a customer. The person helping us asked a third salesperson about our bike, and he said " oh yes, it's done and over there." That meant they did not contact us when completed and they knew I was in a hurry. The guy then told me it was $30 for the service, and I asked if this was just for labor, and he said yes. I also confirmed that they charge $60/hour. After my questions he then began giving an attitude, poor customer service. They may know how to fix bikes, but they aren't worth the price or aggravation. read more

I went there last November to fix my rear wheel before the winter and to avoid the summer rush. The hub was making loud grinding noises, and though I suspected that it would need to be replaced, I was hoping that maybe it could somehow be fixed. I figured that the technician would be able to correctly diagnose the problem and advise me accordingly. I was a bit baffled to learn that the person I spoke with couldn't tell me what the issue was (despite correctly identifying the noise and heavily insinuating that it's a broken hub) without a $30 checkup... The alternative I was presented with was to order a new wheel. I went for the latter, making a very explicit request for a wheel that's as close as possible in quality to the one originally on the bike. It was particularly important to me that the wheel didn't come out of true every time I ride the bike, which is something I'd struggle with a lot in the past. The original wheel, that was now broken, was fantastic in that respect. Either way, it was the only request I had: order a wheel that is about as good as the one I'm turning in, and one that I wouldn't have to true all the time - seems pretty simple. And here is where the struggle began. The technician was unable to recommend a good, comparable product. All the options were much pricier and not at all similar to what I was letting go off. When confronted about the selection the person told me that that's the supplies they have access to and that alternatively we could try ordering separate components and building a similar wheel from grounds up. I would have to pay extra for the service (go figure) but all in all, it should be just about affordable (I was quoted ~$300). As long as that meant that the wheel wouldn't fall apart, I was fine with that solution. I was told that while the store couldn't assure that the wheel would stay true (???), it'll most likely last a while. When asked if they'd true it if it fell apart, I was told that they wouldn't and that I would have to pay for the service (odd, considering that they are the ones building it; not sure of the quality of their own work???), but that it most likely won't be necessary as the wheel will just last. I shook hands, left them the bike and picked it up after a week. I rode for a week or two tops before retiring it for the winter. A few months and ~$300 later, I pulled it out of the storage to start the new season. After a couple rides ~500 miles, the wheel looks and feels like a jello. Half of the spokes have lost their tension, the brand new hub is making rattling noises, all while the front wheel (worth much less) is doing great. My other bike, equipped with a ~$200 wheel set, and with over 500 miles on it is also as true as new. The frustration and disappointment aside, I was able to draw a few conclusions about the Pony shop and its staff: - Their supplies are very limited... - ...if they're not limited, then they only have access to top-shelf, expensive parts (at least when it comes to wheels). - Their technicians are not as competent in the matter as they sound... - ...and if they are indeed competent, they are being disingenuous in pushing their services and parts on you - They don't know how to assemble bike wheels... - ...and if they do, then the parts that I was sold were subpar quality, contrary to what I was promised - They don't take ownership of their craft / work, being unable to back it up with at least free tune-ups in case things don't work out (which in my case clearly didn't). Overall, I am very disappointed with my experience at the Pony Shop. I find this establishment not trustworthy and will not be returning there. read more