>>>.....need a recommendation for a good bike store in Chicago. I will get her a modern bike, so the store does not need to have great classic credentials. Of course all things being equal, I would prefer to support a good classic store......<<<< Marcus Helman
My recommendation is Cycle Smithy on N. Clark St. Mark, the owner, is a genuinely nice guy, and is a collector of not only bikes, but other interesting things as well. One look at some of the pictures of his "storage area" should convince you he is afflicted as much (or more) than the rest of us. I have had him pack and ship bikes, and have been in the store several times to poke around or buy parts for my brother-in-law's bikes. Nice "old school" feel to the place. Check him out here:
Wayne Bingham
Lovettsville VA