Chicago Bike Blog

Bike Solidarity 2

Chicago Critical Mass, April 2007

It has been literally years since I participated in a Critical Mass Ride.

We decided to come for the first time as a family. Chris and Peter rode on our family tandem, and I pulled Nadia on the trail-a-bike. The kids were wide-eyed at the spectacle. Believe it or not, they have never witnessed grown-ups behaving this way: shouting en masse, blaring loud music, dancing in the street, wearing silly constumes, sporting body piercings, taking off their shirts and spraying their bodies with paint, wearing clown make-up even though it's not Halloween, and on, and on...

Actually, the CM was an eye-opening experience for me as well. Aside from the sheer spectacle and party aspect of it all, I was simply not prepared for the diversity of people that would participate. While I was expecting to see a large contingent of young people riding everything from fixed-gear to tall bikes to contraptions, I didn't think I would see a lot of other families, older folks, or just ordinary people who like riding bikes. Well, they were all there in droves. We saw al least six other families, some with very small kids pulled in trailers, some with kids on tandems, and some kids riding their own bikes. Older folks, well, that was eye-opening too. I recognized people I've known for years from being in the business, both customers, and fellow bike shop owners, who look, well, older. And that's probably how I look to them too.

Although the ride has its regulars, and I am guessing that they are the most vocal, and sometimes outrageous group, it was heartening to see regular people on their hybrids, and three-speeds, and cruisers just riding along. The drivers and pedestrains were by and large amused, or at least they appeared to accept the proceedings in good spirit. The El train driver tooted and waved at form an overpass. The wild party-goers in the Humvee stretch limo (?!?!) waved at us. We witnessed a couple of potential confrontations, but they didn't amount to anything more than an exchange of words. After all, how angry can you be, when someone wishes you a "Happy Friday!", and goes on his merry way?

Foot loose & fancy free

I thought this picture captures the essential spirit & freedom of cycling.

(BTW, she usually wears a helmet.)

Parking Woes

It is not uncommon for folks to call us, especially on a busy Saturday afternoon, and inquire where the #%*&@^#! they are supposed to park. While we try to be as responsive as we can to customer needs, we cannot be held reponsible for traffic patterns and population density in Wicker Park.
When the we first opened the shop many years ago, the area was still considered somewhat, hm, blighted (you know, with artists and what-not running around), parking was not really an issue. Now, that it is a highly desirable urban destination spot, more and more people seem to want to park here at the same time. And they are driving larger vehicles.
While we cannot entirely solve this problem, we have several suggestions to alleviate the pain.
Refrain from driving, if you can. We are conveniently located within two blocks of the Blue Line, and directly on the North Ave. bus line. Bikes can be carried on public transit (click here for more info). Plenty of bike racks are available near our shop, and you are always welcome to bring the bike inside with you.
Some of our customers travel a long way to get to us, so we understand the necessity of driving. If you can, choose a weekday, when you can often get a parking meter within a block of our front door. On weekends, you are on your own; however, we can offer some advice. While the cross streets off North Ave. (Wolcott, Winchester, Honore, etc) have residential permit parking, that is limited to only the first block. If you travel one block further north, you may be able to get a spot without risking a parking ticket. Please pull up in front of the store first, and we can help you carry in any bikes you may have brought with you. You may also deposit any relative unwilling to walk with you, but please be advised that we cannot be responsible for children left unattended (we have trouble keeping up with our own...)
   

These guys changed our lives

After using an extremely unwieldy point-of-sale system at our cash registers for a few years, we were relieved to discover Justin and Ivan. We met them at the industry trade show two years ago, when they first introduced their web-based software to bicycle retailers. Unfortunately, at that time we were unable to jump on board with them, because some key component were still unavailable.

This year, everything we needed was ready. We took the plunge and haven't looked back. Now, instead of getting mindless updates which have nothing to do with feedback we've provided, we get immediate response to our questions, updates that are based on our input, and cool holiday cards to boot!

By the way, that's how we feel about our customers too.

Use your quick release safely

Most adult bikes today are equipped with quick release (QR) wheel retention devices on both wheels. QR's are very reliable in keeping the wheels securely attached to the bike, provided you know how to use them correctly. And many people don't. Please, do not ride your bike without knowing how to use the quick release.
The QR is not simply a wing-nut to be twisted as tight as possible. If you are using it that way, your wheel could come off your bike while you are riding. I probably do not need to go into any potential gory details at this point.

The QR skewer has four parts (see diagram). A lever (A), a cap that the lever goes into containing either an exposed or concealed CAM mechanism, a shaft, which goes through the hollow center of the hub, and a threaded adjusting nut on the opposite side from the lever (B).
To make sure the QR is properly closed, follow these steps:

1. Open (flip) the QR lever A, so that the concave (curved inward) side faces out. Hand tighten the adjusting nut B until just lightly snug.
2. Flip the lever A, so that the concave side faces inward. The word CLOSED should be visible on the out-facing side of the lever.
3. Closing the lever should require very firm pressure using the heel of your hand. If you can easily close it with a couple of fingers, it is not tight enough. Open the QR lever and tighten the adjusting nut a bit more. Then close the QR lever again.

The same procedure applies to both front and back wheels. Stop by Rapid Transit at any time for a free quick release tutorial, if you wish.

Toward a better bike path

Click here for thoughts on improving a messy bit of bike path.

Thank you, happy mechanics

Thanks to the cyclical nature of the seasons, our mechanics and sales staff can again count on having regular work hours and paycheck. Last night, we celebrated the shop's 13th anniversary at Goose Island. The quality of the pictures suffered in direct proportion to the level of alcohol consumption, however, I think it's apparent that good time was had by all.

Actually, we have been spectacularly fortunate in our hiring. We have had over 75 employees (although not all at one time), and quite a few of them stayed with us for several seasons. Some have even gone on to start their own bike shops. Most of our staff are, and have always been, bicycle riders. Long before it was fashionable, they and our shop have advocated the use of bicycles for urban transportation.
Much has changed in the thirteen years that we have run Rapid Transit. What has stayed consistent, is our desire to get you what you want. We don't just wan to sell you stuff. We want to help you find a bike that will fit you and your life, thrill you, give you years of enjoyment, add years to your life, and perhaps even help you discover a new freedom by liberating you from the car trap. that is what we felt was lacking among Chicago area bike retailers thirteen years ago. That is why we went into this business.

Mystery Flats? Check the rim strip.

One of our first business lessons came a long time ago when a couple came to return two bikes they had bought the previous day, because one of them got a flat on the first ride. Naturally, we offered to fix it, but the woman was so disappointed, she just wanted her money back.
After removing the tire from the rim, we discovered that the flat was caused by a low-quality rim strip. A rim strip is a piece of tape, which can be rubber, plastic or cloth, that lines the inside of the rim to protect the inner tube from protruding spoke nipples on a standard rim, or from edges of holes drilled in a double-walled rim. Hardly anyone ever thinks about rim strips, and yet a good one can prevent a lot of unnecessary flats.
Because we assemble hundreds of bikes annually, we've discovered that quite a few bike manufacturers use sub-standard rim strips, causing many new bike owners frustration and disappointment. This problem is by no means limited to cheap bikes. In fact, manufacturers tend to use basic rubber rim strips on entry-level bikes. They can sometimes cause problems, but are not the main culprit.
For some reason, higher-priced bikes come equipped with thin plastic rim strips, which fold over and don't protect the tube, or have sharp edges or seams, which actually cut into the tube, as shown at left.
The experience with the disgruntled customer was a blessing in diguise. Since we cannot possibly check rim strips on every bike, we began to offer free, unconditional, one-year flat repair service with each new bike we sell. This gives us the opportunity to replace those rim strips which cause problems, and gives the customer peace of mind.
If you are getting a lot of mystery flats on your bike, worn, loose, folded-over or excessively stiff rim strips could be the problem. We suggest you replace them with high-quality cotton rim tape, and start enjoying riding.

Coupon

Please click on the coupon to enlarge, print and come in to redeem.

Back in the Saddle

Spring is a time when many people decide to get a new bicycle, or dust of and repair an older one they already own. Either way, they are often faced with a substantial expense. To make sure that you get the best value for your money, and the best use of your bike, consider the following.

Decisions, decisions...

What type of bike?
Consider how the bike will be used. If you are a fair-weather rider, and just want something for tooling around, and entry-level, inexpensive hybrid or mountain bike is probably a good choice.
If you wish to commute day in and day out on your bike, choose the type of bike that is most comfortable for you (contrary to what you may have heard, any type of bike can be used for commuting), but do spend a little more on higher quality drive parts, sturdier wheel set, more durable tires and comfortable saddle.
If you are a fitness rider interested in occasional touring, by all means try out a touring bike, but check out also recumbents and higher-end hybrids.
Don't get bogged down in bike categories. Any bike you choose can be customized for your particular use.

Fix the old or buy the new?
If you own a bicycle which is basically in good shape, fits your physique, and generally offers you enjoyment, no question -- give it a good tune-up and keep riding. Some minor fit problems can also be addressed through relatively inexpensive alterations.
Buy a new bike if the one you own doesn't give you what you want. A too-tall racing bike is never going to be comfortable if you're on the short side, and want an upright riding position. A mountain bike might be frustratingly slow on a 10 mile commute. A comfort cruiser won't let you keep up with your fitness-riding friends. And virtually no bike in the condition of total disrepair is worth fixing (barring those with very high sentimental value, on which we would not presume to put a price tag...)

Bike Fit
If you purchase a bike that doesn't fit you, you will not ride it. Each bike manufacturer makes several frame sizes of each bike model. Nevertheless, those sizes are based on certain assumptions about the rider's size & proportions. Bikes tend to fit men better than women, because most are designed with male riders in mind. Men on average have proportionately shorter legs & longer arms & torsos than women. Therefore, if you are female, or a male who fall outside of the "average" physique, you may need to modify your bike to achieve better fit.

Stand-over height
This refers to how much clearance there is between your body & the top tube of the bike, as you straddle the frame with your feet flat on the ground. Clearance of 1.5-2 inches is adisable. With city & road bikes, you can get away with a little less,but in no case should you buy a bike that presses into your body as you stand over it.

Seat height
Once you've found the correct frame height, adjust the seat level. When seated, only your toes should be able to touch the ground. If you can plant your  feet firmly when seated, the saddle is too low, and you will strain your knees. (The exception to this rule are the new "flat foot" bikes available from Electra & some recumbent manufacturers, which are designed to allow you to put your feet down while seated.) When pedaling, only the ball of your foot should rest on the pedal, and you should only have the slightest bend in your knee on the downstroke.

Extension or Reach
This is the hardest part of fitting a bike. Women often find that when the frame size & seat height are correct, the extension from seat to handlebars is too long. Some men feel that a frame that gives them enough stand-over clearance doesn't provide enough extension.
In many cases, these problems can be solved through minor alterations, such as replacing the existing handlebar and/or stem. If you are buying a new bike from us, we can often make such substitutions at no extra cost. If you are modifying an existing bike, the alterations might cost $80-120.
If you are having difficulty getting good fit with a particular type of bike, try another bike brand. Different manufacturers offer slightly different frame geometries, and you may have better luck. Or, try a different type of bike. You might be surprised to find how the ride will vary from one type of bike to another.

Support
It comes down to finding a bike shop that will work with with you on finding the best fit. Don't buy a bike that doesn't fit you, even if it seems like a bargain. It won't seem that way anymore after you haven't ridden it all summer.