Review Date
June 12, 2009

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Customer Service Rating
 1 of 5

Technical Expertise Rating
 1 of 5

I visit this shop:
Every few months

Reviewed by: Hurlow ,  Cross Country Rider

Shop Summary:
The shop seems adequately well equipped. Prices were higher than nearby shops, but they price-match for bikes. Make sure you do your research if you go there, otherwise you will end up overpaying. The road behind is good for test rides.

Customer Service:
This is where they are hurting. I kept hearing from friends and people on the web about how great the bike shop experience is, how I should make sure to buy a bike at a LBS because the people really know what they are doing, and will fit me for a bike. How any 'reputable bikeshop" will go to great lenghts to make sure the bike is adjusted for me. The salesmen knew less than I did (and I know very little) about fitting me to a bike, and really didnt seem to care much. Odd, since I was spending over $1000 at their establishment. The great words of wisdom from my salesman: "stand over the bike." That was it. My crotch wasnt touching, so the bike must fit. Seriously?? I started asking questions like, what about this amount of reach, seat position. I think I was boring the guy.
Having talked to a friend who ran a bike shop over a thousand miles away, I was pretty sure my desired frame size was the next one up, so I asked to take a look at that one (after he told me I shouldnt bother). Sure enough, it was clear, even to me, that it was a better fit. I guess they did allow me to test ride it (which EVERY shop does).

Other Comments:
Also, when I got home I noticed how poorly they put the bike together. I am no bike techie, but I was having to adjust the brakes (which were very crooked) and tighten the seatpost (which spontaneously adjusted itself to a near vertical position while riding).

After buying my wife's bike at another shop (Orland Park Cyclery) I realized all of the things I was missing at Byron's. The Orland shop was attentive, talked with us about bike fitting, even helped me out with my bike (even though I didnt buy it there). If I could have returned my bike to Byron's and bought another instead at Orland Park Cyclery I would have, SOO much better experience.

As a final note, a few trinkets were thrown in as part of the sale (VERY common for bike purchase). When I found that I could not use one of them (it was unused and in new condition, & only a few days later) the shop refused to give me store credit for it, even though I had called to ask before I made the 1/2 drive over there and was told it shouldn't be a problem-- and had the receipt. Ridiculous.

Do buy your bike at a LBS, make sure to get fitted for the bike, and just go to another shop. There are like 100 of them in the area.

Review Date
May 26, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Customer Service Rating
 5 of 5

Technical Expertise Rating
 5 of 5

I visit this shop:
Once a month

Reviewed by: jgedde ,  Weekend Warrior

Shop Summary:
Decent sized selection of entry level and hard core offerings from Trek and Specialized. Decent sized selection of parts and accessories.

Customer Service:
Helpful sales staff, especially Shaun. He's an Avid mountain biker with years of riding experience and a large knowledge base.