This month, we’re featuring Crank Revolution - a retailer that proves passion and community are just as essential to cycling as the bikes themselves. Founded and run by riders, their team has created something special: a space where expertise meets approachability and where every interaction starts with understanding what makes each rider tick.
They first caught our eye on social media with their awesome Reid content - like this post featuring the Reid Quest eBikes - and it’s clear that their enthusiasm for riding goes far beyond the shop floor. From building a vibrant local scene to championing accessibility and education, Crank Revolution continues to show what happens when a bike shop becomes the heart of its cycling community.
Introduce yourselves…
We’re Crank Revolution, a rider‑run bike shop in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. We built the shop to be the place we always wanted to walk into: honest advice, quick turnarounds and zero bike‑snobbery. From first flats to dream builds, we help people fall in love with riding and keep them rolling with service you can actually rely on. Our showroom mixes everyday value with enthusiast‑grade gear so riders can grow without outgrowing us. Our YouTube and Instagram channels are constantly growing with content that helps customers with knowledge, repair advice and bike-based fun!
Where can your store be found?
We’re tucked in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, surrounded by bike‑friendly roads, multi‑use paths, and across the street from Paul Douglas Forest Preserve with 21 miles of Mountain Bike Trails and 7 miles of paved path. That means test rides feel like real rides.
Address: 1636 W. Algonquin Rd., Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
Phone: (847) 790‑5115
Phone: (847) 790‑5115
What does cycling mean to you?
Cycling is freedom with a side of sanity. It’s the fastest way to clear your head, see your town differently and feel like a kid again, whether it’s a five‑minute spin or an all-day gravel adventure. We built Crank Revolution to make that feeling accessible to every rider, from brand‑new to podium‑bound. If it rolls, we’ll help you love riding it.
How do you integrate with your local community?
We approach our store as a rider clubhouse. A place to celebrate cycling, launch group rides, host parties, attend repair clinics and a space to shoot social media content. TC hosts bike repair classes at Harper College and Jeremy works with elementary schools and scouting for bike days. We sponsor Cambr events to encourage more people to get out and experience mountain biking and race events.
- Group Rides: Wednesday road rides (50-75 riders), Thursday Mountain bike rides (20-30 riders).
- Charity Fundraisers: We host a ride each year to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer's.
- Free clinics: Flats & tubeless basics, shifting & braking, e‑bike care, and more.
- Pop‑up repair tents: At local events and schools.
- Bike Donation Drives: We host bike collection events for workingbikes.org, an amazing charity!
- Education online: We create repair and how‑to videos so riders can learn at home and become more confident riders.
Do you have any interesting store stories you can share with us?
All of us have worked in shops where sales and retail were the focus. TC, Jeremy, and Mark have all been store managers at bike shops and wanted to create a different experience. We believe every interaction should start with questions: how fast, how far, how often and what do you picture yourself doing? Our job is to help people discover and reach their goals. No two riders' needs are exactly the same. Whether it be helping someone with a disability find ways to get out and ride, or helping a customer set up a touring bike for a cross-country tour. Opening Crank Revolution was our passion project and we just passed our 6-year anniversary.
How long have you been a Reid retailer?
We’ve carried Reid for several years now. We brought the brand in because the value‑for‑spec hits our sweet spot: dependable builds, great designs and pricing that is an easy entry into cycling. The line has grown with our community’s needs ever since. We now carry Reid eBikes, kids' bikes, and fat bikes.
What is your best‑selling Reid product?
There are a few standouts:
- Reid Quest and Blacktop e‑bikes - They are easy, comfy and confidence‑building for new or returning riders.
- Hercules fat bikes - We keep these in stock for Chicago winters and keep them in our rental fleet for snow or MTB beginners.
- Tract JR 24 - kids’ trail bike for growing riders.
How has your experience with Reid been?
Specs and pricing line up well with what new and returning riders need. Reid has been a great bike shop partner, allowing us to offer a wider range to our customers while offering a quality experience. Post-purchase customer feedback has been great.
Finally, what advice would you give to those who are considering getting into bike riding, or perhaps have never tried it before?
Start small and start now. Swing by, try a few sizes and test-ride many types of bikes - something will feel right and make you smile. Start there and don’t be afraid to ask questions so your second ride is even better than your first. A great-fitting, well-tuned bike is something you will be excited to go out and ride on, and not a task you create for yourself. Finding a good bike shop that will support you and help you grow is incredibly important.