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January 2024 by Kevin Claffy
I had high expectations for Urban Tri Gear knowing how unique this type of store is. The woman working was incredibly rude, talking down to me as a beginner triathlete. I was looking for guidance on the items I need for my first race and the experience was really disappointing. The main items I was looking for were a tri suit and a wet suit, but I was told to make an appointment because it's the 'off season' and that can only be done over the phone on Mondays. I was ready to purchase whatever gear was suggested to me and instead
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September 2023 by Tess Branklin
Absolutely the best place to buy tri gear! Super helpful and knowledgeable. You can buy literally any gear at all you need for a triathlon. My husband had to get a tear in his wetsuit repaired, they did it quickly and it’s like brand new!
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September 2023 by Steve Ahlgrim
Support your brick and mortar!After some research, my wife and I elected to buy our tri gear from UTG. We could maybe have saved 5% or so by going to an Amazon or something, but the service you get from supporting a small business far exceeds any extra cost. Firstly, you can try on equipment, and ask questions from the knowledgable owners which in and of itself is worthwhile. They have great selection, and when I tore my wetsuit, with 2 weeks before the ChiTri, they were able to do a speedy repair, which is now like new!I would strongly recommend UTG to anyone looking for tri-specific gear.
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July 2023 by Claudia Garcia
I bought a Zoot tri suit and after wearing it for only one race, the material tore. I wore a belt that I have worn in races for years with other Zoot tops and this has never been a problem. Zoot has a two year limited warranty, so I tried returning or exchanging it since the quality was definitely not what I expected for the price. Their policy states that a product purchased from a retailer, in this case Urban Tri Gear, can be returned to them and they will process the warranty with Zoot on your behalf. This is the part where I had a really bad experience with this company. I'm not upset that I couldn't return it, but I feel that there no willing to help in the process. Even after sending customer service Zoot's policy, they were not responsive at helping with the warranty process.Update: I am surprised you mentioned that you reached out to them. I kept waiting for your message and never got a follow up from you. I reached out directly to Zoot and they were very responsive. It is a very reliable company, they sent me a new top. I wish my experience had been better.
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June 2023 by Raven-Deneice Carouthers
I was referred here by a helpful leader of the First Timers Program associated with the Chicago Triathlon. This person spoke very highly of this business so I was truly excited to support, but unfortunately I was turned off by the customer service experience. As an avid cyclist and aspiring triathlete, I fully understand the financial investment required for the sport. I also know that in order for me to make an investment (especially in a higher ticket item like shoes, wetsuit, bike, etc), I'm going to take my time and try on different brands to figure out sizing, feel, etc. During my brief visit today, I feel as though I was denied the right to shop and try on different suits without guaranteeing a purchase. I absolutely understand not wanting to waste time or effort on a potential customer (I guess??), but I think in general a business that is not an ice cream shop should assume that someone walking in has the intent and means to purchase what they came in for unless they don't find what they're looking for (and that's not the fault of the shopper). Maybe having a few products available for try-on would be helpful, but not sure of the logistics for this. All I know is that at other sporting stores, I have tried on multiple products, and in many cases spent wayyy more than I planned simply because of the patience and high quality customer service I experienced while shopping for the perfect product. From my quick glance around the store, there were plenty of products I could and would have purchased for training, but I got the vibe that I wasn't worth their time, and so I'll have to search elsewhere.
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May 2023 by Mary Morrison
Staff so helpful! I get my oofo sandals there.
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September 2022 by Emmanuel Manuel
Knowledge folks and very helpful. Will be returning here for all my swim-bike-run needs.
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September 2022 by Kyle Schneider
Strict on the no return policy located on bottom of receipt. Unfortunately bought a wetsuit and a few other items after the owner told me what I needed for the triathlon (which I didn’t). Despite not realizing the policy at the time of purchase, I will admit it is located on the bottom of the receipt. I tried to see if I could at least get store credit since I’m out $280 on something I’ll never use / they can easily resell the item since it has never been worn, the tags are still on it and it’s in the original packaging with the plastic wrap. Even the manufacturer (Zoot) has a 30 return policy on wetsuits along with online retailers like Amazon. I understand why they would have a policy like this to prevent one time use scenarios then have customers return items. In a situation like mine I don’t understand how they wouldn’t even allow store credit. I guess customer goodwill isn’t of much importance. Luckily slim competition in the Chicagoland area.
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July 2022 by Ar P.
The owner is very kind and understanding. He tailors his recommendations to your needs, and overall creates a great buying experience. I even took the Metra line from Union Station to his shop in Westmont. Don't worry if you live downtown like me, it was a super easy train ride.
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June 2022 by Joseph Smith
They only did the work that was necessary on my bike. They did a good job and did it at a great price. I used to be a big fan of Performance Bicycle, (until they closed), but now I am a fan of "Urban Tri Gear - Swim Tri Run".
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April 2022 by Jesus Alfaro
I went in for a wetsuit fitting, telling P. that I dont have the normal thin body even though I have a moderate weight (173lbs). I have larger calves, quads and broad shoulders. P. took his time with my and letting me try on various of wetsuits in which in the end I did make a purchase. The amount of help I received and fitting is great and it is something you can’t get from just buying and trying on a suit and returning it if it doesn’t fit.If you are into Tri, or any of the three sports individually, I recommend this store.
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September 2021 by Melissa Pavlica
I was in today and purchased an item for the lake Michigan swim. Great staff, have sent other people, and everyone ways comes out happy and carrying what they need. Same for me, a local go to store!
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August 2021 by Nicole Devine
I went in after having a horrible experience with goggles and I was wanting to try new ones. All the salesperson had to say was "it's mostly trial and error. The pair you have already is our best seller." Really lady!? I drove 45 minutes to listen to that line of garbage? Know your products. And learn to help your customers instead of offering zero solutions other than "maybe this one will work...oh, and by the way, you can't return it if it doesn't". Poor service. Poor attitude. Would definitely not recommend.
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August 2021 by Geo L
Called twice during business hours to confirm they were open before I rode 8 miles to buy a swim cap. VM said they cannot take the call and to call during regular business hours. It was noon. I took a chance because I needed a swim cap for an upcoming tri. There was a woman at the desk and I asked are you the only one here? She said yes. I said I called twice to confirm you were open. She said, why wouldn't we be. I said it happens. Since Covid, my experience has been that businesses do not answer their phones, probably due to understaffing due to cost cutting measure due to Covid. She (I found out later that she was the owner) said she was very busy the past few hours. It is frustrating to not be able to reach a business to ask questions or simply confirm if they are open before biking or driving to discover they are not. This literally happened to me a couple of weeks ago with a coffee shop and it's not the first time. I walked several blocks to buy a coffee before boarding a train and there was a note on the door that they would be closed that entire week. I also called as I was walking over but no one answered. There was no VM message explaining the circumstances in either case for those of us who choose to be prepared. The owner of Urban Tri Gear seemed surprised that happens. I can understand that times are tough for businesses as a result of Covid and maybe you have to let staff go or reduce hours to stay afloat but if you cannot hire enough staff, how about leaving a message on your VM stating "If you have reached our VM, we are assisting customers and cannot take your call. Today is July 29th and we are open from 10-6p. Please stop in and we would be more than happy to assist you in all your tri-gear needs. Thank you for your understanding." Pretty simple. On another note, I arrive at an sports store on a bike and there is not a bike rack to be seen. Perhaps the landlord does not allow it. If I were the owner, I would inquiry about installing something for bikes. I used the handicap sign. This owner may care less, she made a sale with me out of necessity but I will not go back. Poor customer service.
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July 2021 by Michael McPartlin
Pretty disappointed… bought a swimskin from here before a 70.3 as a back-up in case the race ended up not being wetsuit legal. The swimskin was from Zoot and pretty expensive. With tags still on the skin and it never being worn, they won’t accept any returns. This was not mentioned to me at the time of purchase, so I’m bummed. Probably won’t come back here again to buy tri gear. Cheaper to find things online and order from Zoot directly, especially when Zoot offers a 30 day return. I would understand if the suit has been raced in, but it is literally brand new with tags.
