Specialized dealer in Chicago

Triathlon Forum
1

My usual bike shop only has one mechanic, and a pretty large backlog right now.

Anybody have any experiences with Specialized dealers in the city for a Transition build-up?

Kozy
Smithy
Sprockets

?

Thanks.

2

I am more than certain that Get a Grip would have no issues building up that - or any other bike.

3

Thanks. Probably need somewhere in immediate north side though.
I have no way to make it all the way to the shop on the NW side, & they don’t really do much wrench work on Fulton.

4

Forget Kozy but on Smithy and Sprockets depends on who the mechanic is at the moment. It could be someone way better than GAG or could be a collage dropout learning the job on your frame.
Element Multisport on Clyborn and Diversey is very good too.

5

yeah element is my usual spot, but they don’t have time right now, i was just in there yesterday.
the only reason i brought up spec. dealers is b/c it’s hard to find a new mechanic you don’t typically use, so i figured at least id go to a dealer of the bike im bringing in.

6

If you’re looking for an authorized Specialized dealer, I think Smithy, Kozy, and Johnny’s might be it in the immediate Chicago area. I’ve been in Smithy’s a few times and they usually have a few Transitions on the floor. No experience with the wrenching though.

Element is a great store, but again, not an authorized dealer.

7

Your best bet would be smithy among those, at least they will not call you the next day and ask why you don’t have a rear brake.

8

alright maybe i’ll drop by smithy then.
i’m not looking for them to do anything complicated really.
i just don’t have any carbon paste at home right now, and would prefer to have them install/tweak drivetrain.

9

I’ve never used Village Cycle, anyone care to comment on their service? I usually trek out to Get a Grip even though I’m about 300 yds from Village Cycle.

10

good god stay far far away.

11

I would recommend Johnny Sprockets on Bryn Mawr… They have worked on several of my bikes. Including two transitions.

12

Run, don’t walk. Unless you are a trixie and want to get hit on. Then go for it.

Get a Grip has a great rep, though they left my bike outside and gave it back to me dirty

Smithy and Johnny Sprockets are both good, no wrenching experience though.