BFF Bikes is a full-service neighborhood bike shop. We proudly offer a unique collection of bikes and women-specific apparel, accompanied by organized rides and clinics to put it all to good use!

At the Shop

Gillian Forsyth, OWNER

Gillian came from a career in finance and accounting- commuting by bicycle for most of it! After being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes she took to endurance sports and has ironman triathlons, ultra-distance races, marathons and ultra running all under her belt. Gillian also donates her free time as a certified USA triathlon coach to other athletes for the Team to End AIDS program and for Diabetes Training Camp Foundation and is on the board for National Bike Dealers Association (NBDA).

ANGELA CHAN, SERVICE MANAGER

Angela Chan has more than six years of experience as a mechanic and shop manager which is the role she is filling for us here. We love how kind and patient she is with customers and her talent for bike builds from the paint job up! She loves to fit a casual bike tour in when she can and she’s also an artist and worked for a year on an outsider art project in Georgia.

Kate roca, Marketing & Events MAnager

Kate started off as a BFF Customer and was so smitten with bikes asked if she could work here! Of course we said yes!! After graduating Kate did a solo trip around Lake Michigan so if you have any bike camping questions she is your gal! Kate is only too happy to help you find the bike of your dreams or just something to get you from A to B. Or she is always out on our group rides in the summer and has also been dabbling in triathlon for a few years as well! When not at the store or on rides she is at home playing video games, out thrifting or trying a new craft project.

Fiona Beltram, Bike Mechanic

Fiona completed her first triathlon as a high school senior, which rekindled a love of cycling and started a journey that eventually led to Chicago. Her work as a professional mechanic supports her pursuit of an elite license in triathlon. When her hands are mostly free of grease she enjoys baking, painting, and biking to new coffee shops around the city.

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This is more than a bike shop. It's a community that no matter what level of cyclist you are, everyone is welcoming and encouraging! Oh, yeah, and they have great bikes, gear and service!

/ leslie w. /

Our Story

BFF Bikes was founded by two women, Vanessa and Annie who recognized the need for a strong supportive and encouraging environment for female cyclists regardless of ability. BFF was created to encourage more women to join the cycling movement that our city, state and country is embracing. While remaining a women-focused bike shop, their reputation for being friendly and approachable contributed to its success.

In the fall of 2020, Gillian took the helm as owner of BFF. Gillian has a passion for all things bike whether it be racing, touring, commuting, leisure, hauling groceries, dirt, road...you get the point. “In addition to providing top notch repair service, it is our mission to make sure customers (whether 2 or 102) walk away with the right bike for them.” — Gillian Forsyth, Owner

BFF strives to be the kindest and most approachable shop in Chicago. We really really love bikes, and we know you will too.