Chicago Bike Blog

I fought the trend and the trend won

It is perhaps always a little dispiriting when you find that an idea or concept you've quietly nurtured and fostered with devotion suddenly becomes the center of a trend. It's hard not to feel a little bit envious of its success. After all, weren't you one of the reasons that the idea became so popular? And, don't you feel that the new people coming into the conversation somehow don't have as much right to speak on the topic as you do? Since they haven't gone to the school of hard knocks, like you have?

I was on the verge of saying, with my friend Kim, "I am so over you, bike commuting!" I stood by you when you were the ugly stepchild of the bike industry. I insisted that you were practical, viable, and good for our health. I maintained that you offered a way to take the road less traveled, that did not include a large financial commitment to a chunk of steel and its insatiable appetite for fossil fuels. It was an important job, and you did it well.

But lately, my sometime friend, you have become too big for your cycling knickers. No doubt, this has a lot to do with how popular you've become. Everyone wants to hang out with you. But will they still remember you when the trend passes? And then, will you turn to fall back on your old friends?
Wait a minute.

When the trend passes? Who says it's going to pass?  Wasn't this what we, the quiet, relentless advocates of utilitarian cycling were hoping for? Now that cycling is enjoying the limelight, driving clothing design, appearing on bus-stands and billboards, and becoming part of our everyday vocabulary, there is a good chance that the "trend" will actually stick. That it will evolve seamlessly from a trend into an integral part of our culture.

Why, then, the pang of regret? If I'm honest with myself, I will admit that I fear being displaced by the new, exciting stuff, and maybe not be able to keep up. It is easier to say bah, humbug! to something new and unfamiliar, that to go out there and get to know it. It is an inevitable fact of life that new ideas flow over the old, and eventually displace them. But the important thing to keep in mind, I've realized, is that we are not talking about displacement of fundamental values. We're only talking about a radical makeover of their outward manifestations.

This realization came to me as I attended the industry bike fashion show at Interbike Expo last night. As the music pounded under my feet, cameras flashed all around, and models swooshed down the runway in an assortment of whimsical fashions and atop bicycles of every conceivable ilk, I realized that I must rejoice in the bike culture whose seeds have been sown and are now sprouting abundantly all around me. That I must throw aside my ideas of bike commuting being something that goes against the grain of society, and realize that society now has to go with the flow of the growing cycling culture. That I must make sure that my store, and I myself, reconcile the idea of bike commuting as serious business with all that is fun, offbeat, fresh, creative and inventive about it.
When I return to Chicago, I plan to get a helmet in a color I've never tried before. And bright, obnoxious panniers for my groceries. And pull on a flouncy dress for my cycling trips. And decorate my bike with daisies.
No, bike commuting, I'm not over you. I'm into you more than ever.

So far, we found cool helmets. Well, warm helmets.

Most companies that design products for cyclists are unfamiliar with Chicago winters. This is why Elise was really stoked about the Bern helmets.
"They are warm and fuzzy. And fluffy!"
Helmets?!
Indeed, they are:

The helmets are integrated with a full range of weather protection liners, including water-shedding visors, ear flaps, knit cold weather liners, and, Elise's favorite, furry lined winter inserts.

Plus, they are a festive departure from the usual "banana helmets", and come in a wide range of eye-catching hues and patterns. Here, we model the orange-brown color scheme.

It will be a refreshing change of pace to be able to offer a helmet to winter bike riders without having to engineer a solution to keep their heads warm.

See, he likes it.

Interbike: who are we, and where are we going?

So, I didn't think Las Vegas had any real wildlife, but today, I was proven wrong:

This guy was hanging out in the driveway of our hotel. We admired and photographed him/her (they're hermaphrodites, you know), moved him/her gingerly onto a scant patch of greenery, before proceeding to our real destination, the annual bicycle trade show extravanganza, the Interbike Expo.

The schizophrenia of this industry was immediately apparent as I entered the giant, product-filled hall. Let me begin with the idea that holding tradeshow for the health-conscious, environmentally-minded, green and sustainable industry that bicycling is, in a town like Las Vegas, is in itself preposterous. Every year, dealers and vendors alike plead for holding the convention in a bicycle-friendly city, and perhaps one with some beauty and nature surrounding it, such as Denver, Portland, perhaps Minneapolis, and every year the convention organizers force us to visit the city of sin.

Here are a few more examples of and industry in search of personality. These two sights were literally across the walkway from each other:

A wholesome idea. No?

I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

Of course this year, just like last, everyone is on the bike commuting bandwagon. Including Louis Garneau, not necessarily a company known for its consistent commitment to utilitarian cycling.

So they threw some "commuter friendly" fashions into their clothing line...

...added a commuter bag...

... and, voila, you have a commuter line!

Never mind that the real urban commuters, who actually ride their bikes on real streets, in real traffic, and in real weather, would have to be nuts to spend, what, 85 bucks on the little plaid skort just to define their ordinary daily activity as "commuting". And that those bag handles would make the bags really easy to swipe if someone happened to really like them while you were waiting at the stoplight.

Not to pick on this particular company. I'm sure they do some stuff really well. And they are certainly not the only ones who seek to define bike commuting as some sort of a trend or fashion. Look at this smiling, happy person. Do you actually know any bike commuters who look like this?!

Nah, they're much more gritty than that. Their clothes are not always so clean from being on the road so much. That's why they don't indulge in frivolus bike fashions, except serious weather gear. But that doesn't mean they want junk. They want thoughtfully designed stuff that's made for the way bike commuting actually works and feels. Like this:

A real beauty from Civia cycles. Three or nine-speed versions are available. Beautiful, spare frame, full racks, bamboo accessories add a touch of style. Hey, I'm not saying it has to be dowdy. In fact, style is a big part of bike commuting. But style that derives from real functionality is different than a mere trend.

Like these bags from Detours, made from juice cartons recycled by a women-owned coop in the Philipines. They work well, look good, and support a good cause.

(Stay tuned for more on bags, I'll do a separate post.)

The bike industry seems to be torn on what to make of the growing popularity of bike commuting. Everyone seems to want to capitalize on it, only they are not sure how to do it. Bike commuters have an image problem, which they themselves inadvertently helped to create. They are not perceived by the bike industry as real cyclists. Read: they are not perceived by the bike industry as having money to spend. What happens as a result is that products made for commuters are often cheap and flimsy, and offer a certain urban "look" rather than true utility.

Where much of the industry is missing the boat is the fact that urban commuters are willing to spend money where it counts. Like the example I mentioned earlier: foul weather clothing. Other examples are lights and bags. And, of course, the bikes themselves. Bikes that hold up through the rigors of daily use.

A few bike and accessory companies, usually ones where the owners and/or employees actually use their own bicycles for transport and utility, understand this, and they tend to make ther truly useful products for the bicycle commuter that are engineered with specific functions in mind. Those products are not cheap, but they tend to also not be disposable.

I am here in Vegas to find these products. The products from companies that understand that bike commuting is not a trend.

Looking for a bike in Chicago? They're on sale.

If you're a reader somewhere far away, this post isn't gonna do you any good.
But if you are in Chicago, and in the market for a commuter bike, you may be interested to know that Rapid Transit Cycleshop is clearing its decks. Yep, we'll be heading to the Interbike Expo next week to do some bike shopping for next season, and we need to make some room. So, all of our remaining 2008 bikes (excluding folders and recumbents) are marked down 10-20%. Check out this cargo bike, now at 20% off:

And here are additional coupons you can use, whether or not you're buying a bike. Just click, print and redeem at Rapid Transit.

As usual, the coupons may be used together, but cannot be combined with another discount, such as CBF.

Suited for commuting? Yes!

Any bike, really, any bike, is suited for commuting.

OK. I'll make a couple of exceptions. A bike that is very highly specialized for a particular type of use, such as road racing, track racing, triathalon, downhill racing, etc. is less well-suited to commuting. That doesn't mean one can't commute on it. However, chances are that you've spent too much money on a bike like that to give it a beating on the streets of Chicago.

But let's examine some more common types of bicycles, and take look at ways they are particularly well-suited to urban travel:

Hybrids

I firmly believe that were it not for the invention of the hybrid bike, urban cycling in the US would not be what it is today. Thanks to their versatility, utility and ease of use, hybrid bikes made urban biking accessible and convenient for all. And, unlike bicycle shop personnel, and other nutty enthusiasts, most normal people tend to only own one bicycle. For these normal people, a hybrid is a great choice, because it adapts well to a variety of uses. Hybrids usually offer a fairly upright (or adjustable) sitting position, and come equipped with smooth street tires. They readily accept racks and fenders, and are increasingly available with commuter-specific accessories. Though many hybrids focus on comfort at a reasonable price, performance models are also available.

Folding Bikes

If ordinary bikes give you freedom to move around the city with ease and sidestep traffic woes, folding bikes crank that freedom up another notch. For the urban commuter, they offer the ultimate in versatility and flexibility, allowing you to combine biking with transit, taxi cabs, and giving you access to storage and security options unavailable to standard bikes. Because they are easy to store at home or at the office, and relatively easy to take in and out of buildings,they never need to be locked outside. They fit a wide variety of riders, and can be shared by members of the same household, or loaned to out-of-town visitors. And that's just for local commuting. For the traveler with a folding bike, the world is your oyster.

3-Speeds and Cruisers (including thrift-store finds).

Inexpensive, even cheap, tough, low maintenance no-frills transportation. Because these bikes have completely enclosed gearing and braking systems, they are highly weather-resistant. If you are not too concerned about speed, a basic bike of this sort will carry you dependably over just about any distance in the city. In style.

Recumbents

Unsurpassed for comfort, period. This characteristic makes recumbents fabulous for longer commutes, especially for those who use cycling paths. Additionally , recumbents allow us to fill the needs of those customers who would not be well-served by a standard upright bike. We are approached by people who are older, who have had to give up cycling because of back or other injuries, or who cannot get comfortable on a standard bike for reasons of their own.
But let me dispel the notion that recumbents are for the aged and infirm. The main reason our customers are attracted to recumbents is because they combine good ergonomics and high performance with spectacular success. They are very fast, and thus capable of keeping up with motorized traffic in many urban situations. They are also surprisingly visible, which makes them great for people who want to draw attention to themselves. For even more visibility, and weather protection, use a front fairing.

"City bikes" (including European bikes and their look-alikes)

Perfected for daily urban use by millions of European bike commuters, such bikes offer simple, weather-protected gearing and braking mechanisms and durable, often heavy construction. They are made to be ridden in ordinary street clothes, in a very upright, dignified position, allowing for good view of the road. These bikes usually include commuting essentials, such as fenders, chain guards, racks, locking devices, dynamo lights and bells.

Touring and Cyclocross bikes

These lend themselves well to longer commutes, giving the rider a more athletic and efficient riding position and multiple hand positions thanks to the drop bars. Though not as light as performance road bikes, they are still built for fast-paced riding, and sturdy enough to carry significant loads. They are durable and versatile, with wider frame clearances to accept a wide variety of urban tires, and eyelets for easy installation of fenders and racks. They typically come with stockier wheelsets that can withstand the beating they'll get on potholes.

Single-Speed Road bikes

Ideal for the minimalist urban commuter; light, fast, uncluttered; easily thrown over the shoulder for the fourth-floor walk-up. If you install a light fender set, skip a rack and carry a messenger backpack instead, you'll have the quintessential no-frills personal transportation bike. (Stay tuned: Rapid Transit will be rolling out it's own line of RT Bikes just like this, handmade by Waterford).

Trail bikes and Hardtail Mountain bikes


(Yes, this is a mountain bike. Take my word for it. It's mine.)
For many riders, there is no bike as comfortable as a mountain bike. The smaller wheels and tighter main triangle of these bikes give the rider a different type of control in stop-and-go city traffic. These make great, tough, bouncy urban vehicles once you change out the knobby tires. It you don't actually ride off-road too much, throw on some fenders and a rack. You can also lock out the front suspension if you want a little more control on a city street.

A word about quality
Within any of the above categories, there is a wide range of quality and prices. Most bikes are not priced higher simply for prestige. The differences may not be obvious to an untrained eye, and that's why as a bike shopper, you'll want to put yourself in the hands of trustworthy bike shop personnel. Generally, they should be able to explain to you what upgrades in frame materials and construction, wheel construction and components you get as you go up the price ladder, and what the benefits of those upgrades are to you as a rider. You, in turn, need to honestly assess your riding needs, and evaluate if those upgrades are simply icing, or indispensable for your demanding commute.

A word about department store bikes
Bike shop personnel are notorious for looking down their noses at mass-merchant bikes. Yet the reality is that mass merchants put bikes withing reach of people who could not otherwise afford them. As I said above, any bike can be used for commuting. But before you buy any type of bike, take the time to honestly and thoroughly evaluate your cycling needs: the frequency and distance of your commute, potential savings over other transit options, maintenance costs, accessories, etc. If you go through this process, you may discover that the initial savings on a department store bike are more than offset by higher maintenance cost over a couple of seasons of use.

Having said this, I would just like to add that the kind of bike you ride does not make you a cyclist. It's the act of riding that does.

Braving the waters of Chicago

Will this be called the great Chicago Flood of 2008?
These photos, featuring a few cyclists fording the waters, were taken today near Gomper's Park at Foster and Pulaski in Chicago.

Swimming pool at Gomper's Park.

Not much use, these.

C'mon in, the water's fine!

That's more like it!

This guy's having even more fun.

Equal pay for equal work.

The bridge is not really bridging.

Mind the rules of the road, y'all.

OK, so maybe this is more practical.

Gotta go. My camera's fogging up.

Hankandme is gone...

... but Hank and aLex continue to roll together through the streets of Chicago. Both are fine, and happy "out there, signaling turns, having ethical dilemmas over red lights, and trying to keep that Irish temper in check".

You won't find them on the internet anymore. But you can wave to them if you see them ride by.

And for another view of bike polo....

... this time from the younger edge of the generation gap...

It's how you use it

Wouldn't life be boring if all bikes looked the same?

As a retailer, the thing I really like about catering to bike commuters here in Chicago, is the diversity of bikes they use for that purpose. There are probably as many types of commuter bikes as there are bike commuters.
People in other countries have it easy. Because in countries like Denmark and the Netherlands cycling has long been accepted as a preferred mode of urban transit, there is a type of commuter bike that is sensible, practical and readily available. In the US, urban cycling, utilitarian cycling, bike commuting, cycling for transportation (whatever you call it) was for many years relegated to the fringes of the cycling industry. This does not mean that there were no bike commuters in this country. It's just that there were no commuter bikes. Thus, those of us who ride for transportation have had to adapt. Adapt our bikes, to be specific.

When we first opened Rapid Transit Cycleshop in 1994, with the intent of making it a commuter bike shop, we were excited to have some Bridgestone city bikes on our floor. Alas, the company folded its US operations and took their quirky designs away. Whenever we went to trade shows or met with sales reps, we talked their ears of about the need for a practical urban bike, and they nodded their heads and rolled their eyes: "not in this country!..."

So, we too, adapted.  And all along we went against the grain of the industry bent on squeezing more gears into the rear triangle, and more suspension into the front fork. We adapted these bikes to the way our customers actually used them. And now, finally, commuting & urban bikes have come into their own, and command a substantial chunk of product developers’ energy and budgets.

The new widely available urban hybrids are proliferating so fast, the manufacturers are at a loss for what to call them. Hybrid? Comfort? City? Urban? Asphalt? Concrete? Whatever you call them , the new generation of urban commuters is clearly interested. These bike offer off-the-shelf utility  at a reasonable price. The European bikes are starting to build a fiercely loyal following for their tough, dependable construction and practical, no-frills accessories.

But the tradition of adapting a variety of bikes for urban travel is well established in Chicago. So, to the question "what is the best commuter bike?", I still answer "it's the one that's best for you."
That doesn't mean that I will not give you pointers on selecting a bike that is right for you. Try a few of these steps:

• Determine where and how often you will be using your bike. This, together with your income will help you make a decision about your price range.
• When deciding on your budget, it's nice to allow a little extra for modifications and accessories necessary for your commute (but see below).
• Think about how the bike will be used. Will it be a dedicated urban bike? Will you want to tour? Will you ride on trails? Will you wear a skirt? Professional clothes? Carry children? Heavy loads? Will you have to store your bike in a small space or carry it up the stairs? Will you be locking it in a public place for most of the day? Will you be combining biking with public transit? will you want to travel with your bike? Anything else?
• Don't buy a bike form the shop that has the lowest price. If you really plan to use your bike for transportation, find a shop where you feel comfortable, supported and confident in their expertise and quality of service. If possible, find a shop that hires bike commuters.
• Make sure the bike fits and is comfortable. Before you purchase a bike, make sure you have the opportunity to try riding it (and a few others) outside.
• Be ready to change. With the help of the shop staff, establish what modifications, substitutions and accessories will be necessary to really fit your needs.
• Don't let your limited budget keep you from using your bike. As long as your bike is safe and comfortable for you to ride, you can use it for transportation. Get the must-have gear, such as a lock and helmet, but put off the whistles and bells until you can comfortably afford them. If your shop makes you feel bad about the bike you ride, look for another shop.

Ultimately, what defines a commuting bike is not what it is, but how it is used. Transportation bikes rarely look pristine. They have a well-worn look and are sometimes wrapped in tape (duct or reflective), covered with stickers, scratched and nicked. They have fenders. Racks. Carriers: panniers, milk crates, even plastic wastepaper bins, are a sure sign that the owner carries stuff on the bike. Modifications. It is rare that someone who rides more than occasionally is perfectly happy with the bike exactly as it came out of the factory. Commuting cyclists frequently change tires, saddles, handlebars, stems, pedals, you name it, on their bikes.

If you commute in Chicago, you have character. Let your bike reflect that.

Chicago Bike Polo

It is a little known fact that Rapid Transit Cycleshop is one of the sponsors of Chicago Bike Polo. So last weekend, Chris and I, together with our troop of two children, made an appearace at the bike polo tournament in Garfield Park.

Now, let me tell you, Chris and I know nothing whatsoever about bike polo. We sponsor bike polo, because of the persuasive efforts of our fine employee Ben, whose commitment to and enthusiasm for this home-grown sport we wish to support.

As we arrived at the scene, we were plunged into the very vortex of similarly home-grown bike culture. Not a hint of lycra in sight, but fixed-gear and single-speed bikes lay everywhere. And not fancy bikes. Many of them were quality recycled older frames, outfitted with mismatched handlebars, colorful rims, wheel covers, and decorated with slogans, home-made accessories, and otherwise personalized for use by the urban, hip and generally young cyclists.

I immediately felt the generation gap widening. For one thing, we were carrying chairs...