New Chicago bike shops

Tati Cycles (1261 N Paulina St)
There’s nothing conventional about this teensy shop that recently relocated from Hyde Park to Wicker Park (including the fact that it was previously located in Obama’s old Senate office). Operating hours are typically later in the evening on weeknights and are announced last-minute via Twitter, and the listed phone number routes folks to Denmark via Skype (it does, in fact, reach Tati, just with an added long-distance phone fee). “I was afraid of having too much walk in-business, [where people] think they can get normal bike stuff done,” explains owner J. Tati, so he makes it a little harder for people to get in touch. The bulk of his business focuses on tubular tires (starting at $400), a throwback style that appeals to competitive cyclists (the majority of Tati’s customers) and which Tati makes by hand in the shop. Shelves showcase other specialty bike goods, such as the eye-catching Catlike helmets and massage oils from Italy to alleviate cycling-related soreness. That said, as the shop continues to evolve with its new digs, everyday goods such as a selection of standard tires will be available, too, along with full-service bike repairs and custom builds.