Alberto’s Cycles

No shortage of choices when it comes to bike shops in the area. Where Alberto’s excels is making sure the bike you want to buy fits you & the type of riding you want to do. Riders sponsored by other shops come here for repairs & to get advice about gear & cycling. Lots of bike shops– few offer 25+ years of experience and support to people that like to ride.
Other +; regular rides several times a week & indoor training in the winter.

Great bike shop! Friendly service and staff. Great bikes and supplies. We have been shopping there for 25 years!

Very friendly, knowledgeable staff makes it easy for both the new and the experienced cyclist. I shopped multiple stores before buying my bike there and have been treated like family every since. They have never hesitated to help me when I dripped in with a question or needed help with my bike. Cannot imagine going anywhere else for my cycling needs.

After getting a flat, and simultaneously dealing with an SOS from my teenager on the phone, Alberto’s guys grabbed my bike, changed my flat and got me back on the rode in a few minutes.
It is a beautiful store and I am so impressed with the staff. I will be back!

This has to be one of the most beautiful bike shops I have ever visited. Lots of open space and well displayed bikes. Excellent staff and wide range of products. Was a pleasure visiting. :)

Simply the best bike shop, ever! Great selection of gear, accessories and apparel at very competitive prices. Plus the best bicycle service ever.

Alberto’s came into my life by default– I was in the market to buy a bike trailer (A Croozer) and this was the only shop near me that apparently stocked them in store so I could touch/​inspect/​test out before making the pricey plunge. The guy I mostly dealt with (Joey? I think…) ordered one, assembled it, called me, showed me how to use it, let me take it for a spin around the block– all while my 1 year old was being a one year old in the store. He fitted the said one year old for a bike helmet with out rolling his eyes or getting frustrated. A few weeks later we returned there to buy new bike tires and I mentioned to him the bike trailer/​jogger was pulling to the left and he recommended I bring it back in and have him readjust the wheel, for free. I didn’t end up needing that service, but the fact that he didn’t hesitate to offer holds weight in my book.
I’m no avid cyclist and have no idea if they charge a ridiculous amount for bike-​related things. I do know that their customer service is top notch and nowadays, that’s worth a few extra bucks on the price tag. (To be clear, the trailer I bought was actually $ 4 bucks cheaper in their store than it was online…)

I am really surprised to read some of these reviews.
My recent experience at Alberto’s was outstanding start to finish!
I had decided that it was time for a new bike. I wanted to get into riding and increase my fitness level.
I went in and was very quickly approached by John. While the store was fairly busy, I was approached very soon after walking in.
John asked a variety of question as to what type of riding I expected to be doing and what type of surfaces and how many miles. He also asked for my price range.
Upon providing the info he suggested two or three different choices. He was knowledgable and was able to answer a wide variety of questions.
One thing I did not say is that I tend to analyze things, a lot!
I returned a week or so later, John was off and I dealt with Joey. He did am excellent job and was a pleasure to deal with. At no time did I feel that anyone was «pushing me» into a higher priced bike.
Based on my extensive research I in fact decided to buy the next better model. I ended up with the cannondale quick 4.
Based on their help and guidance I chose to get different pedals and also shoes with clips.
Before I decided they made sure I rode the various bikes. They said go out and really get a feel for it.
They ordered the bike in the size I needed. When it came in, Joey sent me an email with a picture of my bike.
I went in on a Thursday at about 5:30. They close at 6:00. Joey took all the time I needed to fit and inform me about the bike. He made the necessary adjustments and made sure everything was as it should be. It was after 6:30 before we were finished taking delivery of the bike. I was never rushed!
I have had the bike about 3 weeks and could not be happier.
I would highly recommend this bike shop to anyone looking for a bike. They said to make sure I return when I have 100 miles on the bike… this will be very soon!
If you’re looking for a place that will work with you to get you want you want and will provide excellent service, this is the place. Every employee was helpful and made this a great experience.
Thanks to Joey and all the staff at Alberto’s.
Thrilled that I purchased my bike here!

Not impressed. Went to the shop with my wife to look at a bike for her, her first road bike. Browsed around a little while and finally had a sales guy come «help» us. Gave the general sales routine about the bikes, etc. We were looking at Cannondale road bikes and my wife has never cycled so has no idea what size she is, doesn’t own bike gear yet, and was interested in trying a few out in a trainer. They had trainers set up in store, but the guy just said come back another time with bike gear and we will let you try them out then! We were ready to buy now. She doesnt have bike gear and would have bought that too. The sales guy was also not very friendly and condescending. So we left and went over to Higher Gear instead and bought a bike!

Purchased a bike from them several years ago and was impressed from the beginning. They’re knowledgeable, smart and very forthcoming with rating bikes and giving time estimates on service. I’ve never had a bad experience there.

Excellent service and reasonable prices. I’ve been servicing my bikes with Alberto’s for last 17 years. Always pleasure to do business with.

Bottom line: The people there are knowledgeable and helpful, but Alberto’s is a rip off. I brought my 30 year old single speed road bike in to get the bottom bracket fixed and they wanted $ 75 bucks just to look at it and estimated $ 75-​$ 125 to fix it. So I shopped around. I found a shop at 999 Green Bay Road in Winnetka called «Green Bay Cycles». Cool guy who owns it, Larry (used to work at Alberto’s) looked at for free on the spot and estimated $ 50 bucks to fix it. I then asked him to true my front wheel and tighten the brakes. He said to bring it in on the following Tuesday. When I did he thought it’d be ready by Thursday. I got a call a few hours later and the bike was ready. Total charge was $ 52 dollars!!!
I’ll be taking my family’s bicycles to Larry from now on. Arrivederci, Alberto!

I learned about Alberto’s from a friend. First, they did an AMAZING job of fitting my bike– which took next to NO time and the charge was minimal! Also, it was the head guy who took care of me, so he seems like a good boss that gets his hands dirty with the employees.
Second, even though I’m not in love with their selection of clothing and it is pricey, their shoe selection is good and their customer service is excellent.
They, along with Fleet Feet have other programs that if you are a big cyclist, are cheap or even free. They are not well advertised if you don’t know much about cyclying, but with a little research you’ll find that they have a lot to offer.

I’ve been goin to these guys on and off for 10 years. Llived in Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh and L.A.. .. so far no bike shop comes close. Yeah, it might take a minute to get you serviced but these guys know their stuff and its worth the wait. If they have the time, they’ll take the time.

What every bike shop aspires to be!
What differentiates bike shops, aside from the selection of bikes, is the quality of service and in depth knowledge. Alberto’s has both. The cycling staff took time to understand my questions and biking habits/​skills and matched me to the right bike — you wont find that at those big bike shops.
I bought my Cannondale here and have been very satisfied with the fit Alberto’s did as well as the *FREE* minor adjustments they have made throughout the season. I will keep going back for more information and for all my cycling needs.