If you’re searching for the best custom bikes in Chicago, Comrade Cycles is your go-to destination. We specialize in building custom bikes that match your style, whether you’re new to cycling or a seasoned rider with a clear vision. With top brands like Crust Bikes, Wilde Bikes, Velo-Orange, Surly, Salsa, All-City, Kona, State Bicycle Co., Specialized, and Bearclaw, we’ll help you create the perfect bike for your needs. We like to keep a selection of fun builds on the shop floor, but will happily work with you to build up your dream bike for every adventure. While stock bikes are a great option for most people, a custom build gives you a chance to tailor a bike to your needs and aesthetic preferences. Whether it’s a build from the frame up, or modding out a stock bike with some flashes of color or a custom wheelset, we’ll guide your through the process and make your vision a pedaling reality.
Crust Bikes: Built for Adventure
Crust Bikes are known for their versatility and ability to handle both urban streets and rugged trails. Whether you’re planning a city commute or an off-road adventure, a custom Crust Bike from Comrade Cycles will get you there. We’ll work with you to design a bike that fits your specific needs, from the frame to the tires.
Wilde Bikes: Unique and Handcrafted
Wilde Bikes offer a unique blend of craftsmanship and performance. Each Wilde Bike is designed with attention to detail, making them perfect for riders who appreciate quality and style. At Comrade Cycles, we can help you customize your Wilde Bike to suit your riding habits, whether you’re hitting the streets of Chicago or exploring the great outdoors.
Velo-Orange: Classic and Timeless
Velo-Orange bikes are known for their classic designs and timeless appeal. If you’re looking for a bike that combines vintage aesthetics with modern performance, a custom Velo-Orange build might be just what you need. We’ll help you create a bike that not only looks great but also rides smoothly on Chicago’s streets and beyond.
Surly: Tough and Reliable
Surly bikes are built to withstand the toughest conditions, making them a popular choice for cyclists who demand durability. Whether you’re tackling rough terrain or navigating the urban jungle, a custom Surly bike from Comrade Cycles will deliver the performance you need. Our team will help you select the right components to match your riding style.
Salsa: Adventure-Ready
Salsa bikes are designed for adventure, with a focus on versatility and capability. From gravel grinding to long-distance touring, Salsa has a bike for every type of rider. At Comrade Cycles, we can build you a custom Salsa bike that’s ready for whatever journey you have in mind, whether it’s a weekend trip or a cross-country tour.
All-City: Urban Performance
All-City bikes combine style and performance, making them ideal for urban riders. Whether you’re commuting to work or exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods, an All-City bike offers the perfect blend of speed and comfort. We’ll work with you to customize your All-City bike to fit your needs, ensuring you have a ride that’s as stylish as it is functional.
Kona: Built for Fun
Kona bikes are all about having fun, whether you’re riding on the road, trail, or gravel. With a wide range of models to choose from, Kona offers something for every type of cyclist. At Comrade Cycles, we can help you build a custom Kona bike that’s tailored to your idea of fun, from casual rides to serious adventures.
State Bicycle Co.: Affordable and Stylish
State Bicycle Co. offers affordable bikes that don’t compromise on style or performance. Whether you’re looking for a single-speed for city commuting or a more versatile bike for various terrains, State Bicycle Co. has options that won’t break the bank. We’ll help you customize your State Bicycle Co. bike to suit your budget and riding style.
Specialized: Innovative and High-Performance
Specialized is a leader in bike innovation, offering high-performance bikes for every type of rider. Whether you’re into road cycling, mountain biking, or anything in between, Specialized has a model that fits. At Comrade Cycles, we’ll help you customize your Specialized bike to ensure it meets your exact specifications and delivers the performance you expect.
Bearclaw: Rugged and Versatile
Bearclaw bikes are built for adventure, with rugged designs that can handle the toughest conditions. Whether you’re planning a backcountry tour or just want a bike that can take on anything, a custom Bearclaw build from Comrade Cycles will get you there. We’ll work with you to create a bike that’s ready for any challenge.
Custom Bike Components at Comrade Cycles: Tailor Your Ride in Chicago
At Comrade Cycles, we know that the right components can make all the difference in creating your dream bike. Whether you’re looking for performance, durability, or just the perfect aesthetic, we offer a wide range of high-quality options to ensure your custom bike is built exactly to your specifications. From drivetrains to wheels, hubs, rims, and color accents, every detail is covered.
Drivetrains: Precision and Performance
When it comes to selecting the drivetrain for your custom bike, we trust only the best brands to deliver smooth and reliable performance:
- SRAM: Known for innovation and precision, SRAM offers a range of drivetrains that cater to different riding styles, from road cycling to mountain biking.
- Shimano: A longstanding leader in the cycling world, Shimano drivetrains are celebrated for their reliability, durability, and performance across all terrains.
- Microshift: Offering excellent value without compromising on quality, Microshift provides a range of drivetrain options that are perfect for both budget-conscious riders and those looking for unique setups.
Wheels: Custom Built and Prebuilt Options
Wheels are a critical component of any bike, and at Comrade Cycles, we offer both custom-built and prebuilt options to suit your needs:
- Custom Built In-House: Our skilled mechanics handcraft wheels in-house, ensuring precision, strength, and durability tailored to your riding style.
- Prebuilt Options: We also offer a selection of prebuilt wheels for those who prefer a tried-and-true setup ready to roll.
- Dynamo Hubs: For riders who venture into long-distance touring or nighttime commuting, dynamo hubs offer reliable, self-sufficient power for lights and devices.
- Internal Geared Hub: If you’re seeking a low-maintenance, versatile solution for city riding or touring, internal geared hubs provide smooth shifting and long-lasting performance.
Hubs: Quality and Craftsmanship
The hubs you choose can define the performance and feel of your wheels. At Comrade Cycles, we offer a range of premium hubs to match your exact needs:
- Comrade Signature Hubs: Our own line of hubs combines durability with performance, offering a reliable foundation for your custom build.
- White Industries: Renowned for their precision and longevity, White Industries hubs are a top choice for those who demand the best.
- Hope: Hope hubs are known for their bombproof construction and smooth engagement, making them ideal for rugged terrain.
- Industry Nine: For those who want a hub that stands out in both performance and style, Industry Nine offers a range of colorful, high-engagement options.
- Chris King: A legend in the cycling world, Chris King hubs are celebrated for their impeccable craftsmanship and timeless design.
- DT Swiss Hubs: DT Swiss hubs are the epitome of precision engineering and reliable performance. Known for their smooth engagement and exceptional durability, DT Swiss hubs are a top choice for riders who demand consistent, high-quality performance in any condition.
- Velo-Orange: For those seeking classic aesthetics with modern reliability, Velo-Orange hubs provide a beautiful blend of form and function.
Rims: Strength and Style
Choosing the right rims is crucial for balancing weight, durability, and style. We offer a variety of top-notch options to suit any riding condition:
- Velocity: Known for their durability and strength, Velocity rims are a great choice for all-around riding.
- DT Swiss: DT Swiss rims are synonymous with precision engineering and are perfect for performance-focused builds.
- Astral: Offering lightweight and strong options, Astral rims are ideal for those seeking speed without sacrificing durability.
- Whisky: Whisky rims are designed for gravel and adventure riding, offering a perfect blend of lightweight performance and toughness.
- Zipp: For the ultimate in speed and aerodynamics, Zipp rims are the go-to choice for serious road cyclists.
- Pacenti: Pacenti rims combine innovation with classic design, offering options that perform as well as they look.
Color Options: Personalize Your Ride
At Comrade Cycles, we believe that your bike should be as unique as you are. That’s why we offer a range of customizable color options to add the perfect finishing touches:
- Headset: Choose a headset in a color that complements or contrasts with your frame.
- Steerer Spacers: Add a pop of color with anodized steerer spacers.
- Valve Stems: Even the smallest details matter—customize your valve stems to match your overall aesthetic.
- Pedals: Pedals come in a variety of colors and styles, allowing you to tie together your bike’s look.
- Frame Boss: Customize the frame boss mounts with color accents that make your bike truly one-of-a-kind.
- Bar Plugs: Finish off your handlebars with custom bar plugs that match your bike’s theme.
Why Choose Comrade Cycles for Your Custom Bike in Chicago?
At Comrade Cycles, we’re passionate about creating bikes that are as unique as the riders who ride them. With a wide selection of premium components, from drivetrains and wheels to hubs, rims, and color accents, we’ll help you build a bike that’s not only high-performing but also perfectly tailored to your style and needs.
If you’re looking to build a custom bike in Chicago, visit us at Comrade Cycles. Let’s create a ride that’s all your own, down to the very last detail.