Chicago Bike Blog

How to use your 24 gears

I have a dream bike. It's probably not what you think. My dream bike is pumpkin orange, has a svelte steel frame, priest-style handlebars, 700 c wheels, and 5 speeds. You can't buy it anywhere, and whenever I approach our otherwise fine mechanics, they tell me it can't be done, not with a traditional derailleur.
Why not? 
Well, with a single chainring on the front, the chain will fall off. Unless you install a front derailleur. Plus, you can't buy a 5-speed cassette anymore. Anyway, why don't you just get a single-speed bike, they ask.
Cuz I like my knees, and sometimes, I want a little extra help.
Well, then, get a bike with an internally geared hub.
No. They're heavy and I don't like'em.

Without getting too much further into the actual feasibility of making my dream bike, and the pros and cons of internally geared hubs, let me just say that many cyclists are puzzled and frustrated by the number of gears on most standard bicycles available today. Here in Chicago, any number of gears above seven is completely redundant and unnecessary for most riders. It is a rare Chicago cyclist who has ever used all of his or her gears, and usually it was outside the state lines. Yet, not everyone wants a cruiser or a fixie. Some folks just want a basic hybrid to ride around town. Most bikes come factory-equipped with more gears than you can count on your fingers and toes, and few salespeople take the time to explain how to use them correctly. Consequently, many cyclist don't know how to shift gears for maximum benefit.

Surprisingly, when you purchase a 24- (or 21 or 27)-speed bike, you do not get gears 1 through 24. Instead, you get three ranges of eight gears. Here is how it works: most bikes have three front chainrings, attached to the pedal crank (road bikes generally have two chainrings): the small one is easy for climbing; the medium is moderate; and the large one is hard, for riding with wind on your back, or going downhill. These are operated by the front derailleur, controlled by the left shift-lever on your handlebars.

For each of the three chainrings, you get eight (or seven, or nine, depending on your bike) gears from the cassette attached to the rear wheel. These are operated by the rear derailleur, controlled by the right shift-lever. Here, the smallest gear is the hardest, and the largest is the easiest. This can be confusing, because it is the opposite of what happens with the front chainrings.

This arrangement of front and rear cogs gives you eight easy, eight moderate and eight hard gears. In a flat city like Chicago, you will probably be using primarily the moderate gear range. Most of us have a favorite gear or two in which we usually pedal. That's the gear that offers the most efficient cadence when you are moving at a good clip, but not pushing a gear that is too hard, or spinning in a gear that's too easy.

On a derailleur-equipped bike (as opposed to a bike with internal gears housed inside a hub), you must be pedaling in order for the chain to move to another gear. Many bikes have shifter indicators, telling you what gear you are in. But after you've gained some practice, you will be shifting gears by feel.

As a rule, shift gears when the riding conditions change: when changing direction (the wind may now be in your face), when the road slope changes, when you are forced to alter your speed. When you pull up to a red light, shift to an easier gear (using your right shifter), so that when the light turns green, you won't have to stand on the pedals to get going. As you begin to accelerate, shift back up to your preferred gear. Shift to an easy gear in front (the left shift-lever) when you approach a steep incline (rare in Chicago, but it could happen, like when you are going on an overpass), and keep shifting gradually as you scale the hill and the pedaling gets harder. Once at the top, shift back to the harder gear in front to get the most out of your descent.
Other things to remember:

• You don't really get 24 gears on your 24-speed bike, because some gear combinations are to be avoided. When riding in the small (easy) chainring in the front, avoid shifting to the small (hard) chainring in the rear. And vice versa. These positions cause the chain to cross over and subject it to undue stress. You may hear the chain grind as it rubs the front derailleur.
• Avoid shifting under torque. When you need to shift, ease the pressure on the pedals somewhat to release the tension in the chain, and allow it to move to the next cog as you press the shifter. 
• You don't have to shift one gear at a time. Simply move through the range of gears until you get to the one you want, and the chain will follow.

Until I get my dream bike, which I promise to do every year, and invariably put it off when push comes to shove, I will keep using my old workhorse, wearing out the same three cogs on the freewheel.

Ranting for sanity

Since I could not attend last night's Ride of Silence here in Chicago, I wanted to see what was being written about it out there in the big world. So the first place I landed was a Chicago Tribune article announcing the ride.
I tried to stop myself, but couldn't: I read the comments.

Alive.

I know (I think) that many drivers are courteous, considerate, cautious and tolerant of slower moving vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, the handicapped, parents with strollers, folks with walkers, and anyone who does not happen to be driving a multi-ton, foreign-fuel-dependent machine. But some of the comments posted below that article made me question my faith in the fellow man.

Perhaps the bicycle industry is at fault for persisting at marketing bicycles for leisure and recreation. Not that there is anything wrong with leisure and recreation per se. It's just that, in out profit-driven society, those activities are less of a priority than just getting things done. So, if you are riding a bicycle, an item that, like it or not, can still be purchased at Toys-R-Us, you are perhaps perceived as doing something frivolous, playing, enjoying yourself, kind of like the grasshopper among the busy ants.

Well, to all you busy ants out there, with your very important appointments and agendas, let it be known that you do not need to be the owner of a $40,000 pile of metal for your livelihood and your life to matter. People use bikes for all sorts of reasons. People cycle to their jobs. No, they are not deadbeats. People from all professions, white and blue collar alike, cycle because they chose to, not because they've had their driver's license suspended. People cycle to get to school. People cycle to get things done. People cycle because cycling provides good exercise, is cheap, efficient, and maybe because they believe in a cleaner, saner community. Some people cycle because they believe bicycles will change the world. Who are you to tell them they are wrong? And, yes, people cycle for recreation.

Contrast this with some of the reasons people drive. It could be argued that driving in today's climate, for any reason, is downright irresponsible. Driving supports questionable foreign governments, degrades our environment, destroys communities, contributes to obesity, and creates urban congestion. But, as a car owner and driver myself, I can't, in clear conscience condemn the use of the car altogether. Nevertheless, it should be clear as day to anyone, that most people use cars when it is completely unnecessary. Parking lots at supermarkets are filled to capacity as bike racks stand unused. In Chicago, most people are within a mile of a grocery store. On school days, neighborhood streets are backed up with SUV's disgorging children, most of whom live within walking distance from their local school. On weekend nights, trendy neighborhoods are clogged with automobiles, as their owners circle for parking spots, and later drive home having consumed several martinis at a fancy restaurant. Women drive to beauty salons to get their pedicures, and drive back home with tufts of cotton stuffed between their toes. People use their cars as moving offices, talking on phones, sending text messages, reviewing emails, and who knows what else.

But what about cyclists who ride irresponsibly? Of course, they endanger themselves, and other users of the road, including drivers, who may be affected forever if they happen to injure of kill one. Nevertheless, dangers posed by cyclists pale in comparison to those created by automobiles. According to the US Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics, in 2006 (the last year for which data has been compiled), automobile-related deaths numbered 42,642. Of those, 773 involved cyclists, 4,784 pedestrians, and a whopping 30,521 were occupants of passenger cars and light trucks (for the complete report, click here).

Well, you might say, these statistics don't reflect percentages. Yes, more car drivers and passengers die in crashes than cyclists, because  there are more cars than bicycles on the roads. Sure, you could use this argument. But here is mine. Suppose for a minute that there were no other road users besides cars: no cyclists, no pedestrians, nothing. It is a fair assumption that cars would still crash into one another with the same abandon they do right now, and, as a result of these crashes, and from the sheer force of the impact, people would die in great numbers. Possibly, drivers would behave more recklessly knowing there are no more vulnerable users on the roads. Now, suppose there were no cars on the road. Yes, cyclists and pedestrians would still sometimes crash. There might be injuries. There might even be an occasional death. But I am willing to bet it would not even approach 1% of the deaths we suffer from automobile use today.

Dead. (from Chicago Ghost Bikes)

It's a long post, I know. Thanks for bearing with me. If you are cycling, please follow the rules of the road. If you are driving, please do the same. And all of us, let's please have some civility, understanding, tolerance, and respect, not derision, for those who died.

Junque Bikes

What could this have been used for?

Just take a look at that sweet fork! And the cool main frame design. And how about those multi-position handlebars. What the heck did they haul around in it?  Anybody?

Anyway, this cool thing is available at a junque shop in Glenn, Michigan, one of my favorite places to stop whenever I'm in the area.

Maybe they are celebrating bike month, because they seemed to have a bit of a bike theme going.

Junqui cruisers galore!

Apehangers!

Safety first! (I think this distiguished gentleman looks a little bit like a certain former executive director of the CBF, no?)

For more on Sunset Junque, click here.

Sometimes we party

Last Sunday we hosted a belated 14th birthday party for Rapid Transit Cycleshop at Goose Island Brewery. Staff, their guests, and even some of our former employees came for a night of pool, eating and drinking until the wee hours. (Well, actually yours truly had to leave a little earlier to retrieve her children from a generous friend, while Chris stayed until the bitter end to see all our guests off, and pick up the tab, of course.)
The photos came out blurry, but jolly nonetheless.

Party guests arrive by bike.

Cheers!

Rapid Transit Cycleshop offers new discount to CBF members

In observance of National Bike Month and the upcoming Bike to Work Week, we are stepping up our CBF discount program. We will be enticing card carrying members of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation with special perks.
Now through June 15, 2008 CBF members can enjoy:

• 20% discount on any merchandise, excluding bicycles
• $30 off on the purchase of any adult bicycle
  
• $20 off on the purchase of any child or youth bicycle

During the rest of the year, CBF members shopping at Rapid Transit still get a pretty darn good deal:

• 15% discount on any merchandise, excluding bicycles
• $25 off on the purchase of any adult bicycle
• $15 off on the purchase of any child or youth bicycle

These standard discounts are available to any current member of CBF, and apply to regularly priced merchandise in stock or on special order.

If you do not belong to CBF, sign up here, and you too can enjoy the benefits of membership.

Staff bikes: Alexi

The thing that I really like about Alexi's new bike is the color: the deep, rich, unapologetic sunset orange. The kind of orange that makes you eyes hurt a little if you look at it too long, and leaves the negative of itself on your retina after you close your eyes.
I am an absolute sucker for all things orange, bikes being no exception.
Apparently Alexi feels the same way about the color.

When I asked her what she likes best about this new bike named Hank, which she got from the Dutch Bike Company in Seattle, she said it was the ability to carry a case of beer and a large bag of dogfood, simultaneously. The rear rack, adorned with a very stylish pannier with a seahorse logo, will carry 70 lbs, while the front rack, which is easily removable, and does not turn with the front wheel when you are steering, will carry 50 lbs.

Carrying demanding loads, and standing up with grace, character, and an appropriate set of accessories, to the demands of urban riding is what the workhorses from Dutch Bikes are good for. One of our customers uses hers the same way most families use a minivan: to carry kids.

The best thing about Alexi's new bike is how she plans to use it. She is not a bike fanatic or Critical Masser. She has the same trappings and challenges of any car-dependent individual living in Chicago. All she wants to do is see if she and Hank can make a go of it for one year. 365 days of commitment to a bike. Can she do it? I think she can.
Keep up with the two of them on their blog.

Amanda Annis

Mandy Annis, a 24-year-old teacher and cyclist, was struck and killed by a driver yesterday in Logan Square. Our heartfelt condolences and sympathy go out to her family, fiance, her students, and all who loved her and will miss her.

50 Ways to leave your car

May in National Bike Day in the US of A. So, get out there, and do your share for the environment, and at the same time make your corner of the world a little more livable. Ride a bike.

Many people think bike commuting is for the dedicated few. Maybe you don't want to commit to that type of lifestyle. First of all, biking doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. You can use your bike when convenient, and still use the car when you really need it. Second, in Chicago, with gas prices reaching four bucks, and transit cuts always looming on the horizon,  biking may soon become THE preferred alternative to easing traffic congestion.

So, I've compiled 50 ways you can incorporate biking into your life, even if it is car centered. Try one, try them all:

1. Ride anywhere within 2 miles: grocery, post office, library, coffee shop, friend's house (click here for more)
2. Take you child to school (check out some options)
3. Ride to work
4. Ride to the train if your commute is long
5. Ride to work on casual Friday
6. Pick one car-free day a month, and have your whole household use bikes instead
7. Teach your kids the rules of the road by bike
8. Work at home? Spend your lunch hour riding a bike
9. Run your weekend errands by bike
10. Recycle by bike
11. Ride to your kids' games by bike
12. Take the kids to the park by bike
13. Bike to your workout
14. Skip your workout and ride your bike instead
15. Ride a bike on a date with your spouse or significant other; the further the restaurant, the more you can eat!
16. Bike to the movies
17. Bike to get bagels for your Sunday brunch
18. Visiting open houses? Ride a bike
19. Ride a bike to garage sales
20. Ride a bike to the farmers market
21. New mom? Get a baby seat and ride off the baby weight (baby has to be able to sit unassisted)
22. Traffic averse? Figure out places you can ride without going on a major thoroughfare
23. Ride to you hair appointment (caution: avoid updo's since they won't fit under a helmet)
24. Use your bike to get home after you've dropped your car off for maintenance
25. Ride to the Lake (there are many ways to do this while avoiding major streets; visit the Chicago bike map)
26. Out of cream for the morning coffee? Take a quick ride to the store
27. Bike to street and arts festivals
28. Explore some of Chicagoland's bike paths and trails (click here)
29. Ride the lakefront path on cool spring day (you'll have little competition)
30. Try a social ride to meet new people (click here)
31. Pick a day of the week to substitute biking for driving
32. Pick an errand you usually do by car, and switch to biking
33. Commit to a number of miles to ride each week or month
34. Show your kids it's possible to get places without a car
35. Ride to a natural area, then relax and enjoy your surroundings
36. Park you car along the bike path, and ride bikes to Navy Pier, museums and other downtown attractions
37. Park you car along the bike path, and ride to the Botanic Garden
38. Ride your bike to an evening class or workshop
39. If you participate in community gardening, ride your bike there
40. Never learned to bike? Consider an adult tricycle
41. Looking for a new home? Get a friend, and explore new neighborhoods by bike
42. Ride a bike to get ice cream or other indulgences
43. Combine biking and walking: bike to a shopping area or other attractions, lock you bike, and continue on foot
44. Keep your bike accessible, so you can get on at a moment's notice
45. Keep a pump handy, in case your tires get a little soft
46. Keep all your bike gear in one place to avoid running around at the last minute
47. Carry a backpack in case you find anything you want t carry home with you
48. Stash a packable windbreaker in case the weather turns cool
49. Carry a little cash for emergencies
50. Learn some basic things about your bike, so you don't have to depend on others: how to lock up, how to fill the tires, how to remove front wheel.

2008 Bicycle Commuter Challenge

From the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation comes this invitation to enter your workplace in this year's Bicycle Commuter Challenge:

How green is your workplace? The 2008 Bicycle Commuter Challenge is now open to all companies who want to compete to be the most environmentally friendly company in Chicagoland.  Sign up now at www.biketraffic.org/commuterchallenge.

Companies competing in the Bicycle Commuter Challenge strive to recruit the highest percentage of employees biking for part or all of their trip to work during Bike to Work Week, June 7-13, hosted by the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. “Bicycle commuting transforms the atmosphere at work – it boosts the health and energy of employees, encourages team spirit, lowers costs, and builds the organization’s reputation for being green,” said Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.

For organizations and companies competing in the annual Challenge, designated Team Leaders get their office excited about commuting by bike. They recruit co-workers, track team-members’ biking trips, and offer tips on making bicycle commuting easy and fun. Plus, team leaders distribute discount member cards to participating employees, which provide Bicycle Commuter Challenge participants the same discounts as Chicagoland Bicycle Federation members from May-July.

Participants can bike for all or part of their trip to work. They can also stop for a quick snack and tune up at Bicycle Commuter Stations located around Chicago and at suburban Metra stations. Teams face off against companies of similar size and type, i.e. public agency, business, non-profit and bicycling-related business. Winning Bicycle Commuter Challenge teams receive fabulous prizes and are honored at a luncheon.

“Public esteem is a big incentive in this competition.  It’s a sign of the vitality and vision of the organization when employees compete for health instead of parking spots,” Sadowsky said.