Chicago Bike Blog

Grow your own. Bikes.

Rapid Transit Cycleshop has teamed up with the Waterford, a Wisconsin-based frame building company to produce RT Bikes, our own brand of durable, stylish performance machines for folks who love cycling without the fuss.

The bikes are the brainchild of Elise, who, in all the spare time she had on her hands during the winter doldrums, has dreamed up the idea of a premium, American-made frame, spec'ed out with spare, high-quality, durable components appropriate for urban riders who value quality and simplicity. After meticulously assembling the components and accessories from vendors, Elise passed the baton to our expert mechanics, who hand-build the wheels and build the bikes up from the frames with care and precision. Finally, the staff photographed the finished bikes, created fliers and spec sheets, and put together a small but informative website.

RT Bikes come in two basic models, a fixie called Icarus, and a single speed urban bike called the Go-Getter. These bikes are truly a home-grown effort conceived and created entirely through the efforts of our dedicated staff, who love bikes and cycling.

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.

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.

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.

What bike is best for me?

Choices.

Occasionally people ask us to recommend a bike over the phone. A customer may describe the type of riding she would be doing, and mention a couple of brands that her friends suggested.

I can't imagine recommending a specific bike to anyone over the phone, without seeing the rider, and most importantly, fitting the rider on the bicycle. I would ask the customer more questions about her riding style and preferences, and point out several features she might look for in bicycles, suggesting alternatives based on price, and fit considerations. Without trying the bike, I'd explain, she wouldn't really be able to tell which one was right for her.

When deciding which bike to buy, there are several guidelines you can use.

Don't be too concerned about the brand. Within a given price range, most manufacturers offer comparable packages, as far as the quality of the frame and parts goes. (I am referring to mainstream, lower to mid-priced bikes. This may not apply to specialty manufacturers of higher level, and custom bikes.)

Determine how you plan to use your bike. Are you a fair-weather rider, or will you be commuting to work daily, regardless of weather? Do you ride for recreation and fitness? Does the bike have to serve multiple functions -- maybe you'd like to ride off-road, or train for a racing event -- in addition to commuting? Do you anticipate traveling with your bike, or carrying it on public transportation? Do you plan to go bike touring? Getting a bicycle that is appropriate for the type of riding you envision will give you the best value for your money.

Try different bike so you know what feels comfortable. Many people fall between standard frame sizes. Each person has different fit and comfort considerations.

• Try different types of bikes. Hybrid or urban? You won't know the difference until you ride it! If you've never been on a road bike, make sure you try it first before you decide it's right for you. Some people still feel most comfortable on a mountain bike.
• Try different brands. Frame geometry varies from one manufacturer to another, and if you can't find good fit with brand X, try brand Y.
• Test the brake and shift levers to make sure you will be comfortable operating them.
• Don't buy a bike unless you've been given an opportunity to test-ride it.

Be open to customization. This sounds expensive, but doesn't have to be. Discuss fit and equipment options with your salesperson. Some key alterations can greatly affect the comfort, enjoyment and efficiency of your ride. Don't be shy about discussing a better saddle, altering the hand position, swapping the tires, or any other changes that you feel will enhance your riding experience.

Finally, don't make price your final determination. And make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Twenty bucks saved at a volume dealer may translate into higher costs incurred down the line. (BTW, Rapid Transit Cyccleshop has a price matching policy.) You should purchase your bike from a shop that offers solid services to back up your new purchase, and is staffed by people who are skilled at listening to your needs, and patient about finding appropriate solutions. Even after you find a bike that delights you, chances are you will be coming back for accessories, modifications and services. It's nice to keep coming back to a place where you feel welcome and comfortable.

New Bike Service Plan

When you purchase a new bike from Rapid Transit Cycleshop, we give you a number of free services to go along with it. Here is what we will do for you and why:

NEW BIKE CHECKOVER.
During the first 30 days of riding your bike (not necessarily 30 days from the date of purchase), we want you to bring it in for free adjustments. It is important that you ride you bike during that time. If weather, or other factors prevent you from doing so, wait until you have ridden it enough before you bring it in for service. Although we pre-stress cables and spokes on any new bike, it is very common for those and other components to loosen slightly or "wear in" when you begin riding. This service will give us a chance to address these issues before they turn into problems. If you notice anything out of the ordinary before the first 30 days, by all means, bring the bike in.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE
You will receive free labor on anything related to the normal maintenance of the bike during your first year of ownership. For example, if you are a commuter, and need to adjust your brakes or replace the pads, you will only be charged for any parts that are needed for the repair, and none of the labor. We regret that we cannot extend this policy to any damage sustained in crashes or accidents, but we promise that in such cases we will work with you on getting you a fair price.

INSTALLATION OF PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Any time you purchase new parts or accessories at Rapid Transit for your new bike within the first year of ownership, you will receive free labor on their installation. This can ad up to substantial savings, especially on labor-intensive items such as tires, racks and fenders.

FLAT REPAIR
That's right: we will repair all your flats for free for one year from the date of purchase. This includes a free tube and labor any time you get a flat for any reason. Why do we do this? We think flats are one of the most frustratingly annoying occurrences, especially on a new bike. We find that manufacturers often use inadequate rim strips on new bikes, and, unfortunately, it is not practical for us to inspect them on every new bike we sell. The free flat service allows us to address this problem for you. Of course, not all flats happen that way. When you bring your bike in for your free flat repair, we may be able to forestall any problems that might cause recurring flats, and also give you tips on how to repair or prevent flats yourself.

DELUXE TUNE-UP
Within your first year of ownership, you will be entitled to one free Deluxe Tune-Up service on your new bike. As with the above repairs, we will perform the labor for free. Most people use this toward the end of their first riding season, or to get their bike ready for the next riding season.

The anatomy of a basic hybrid

Well, first of all, what is a basic hybrid?

To some, it may be the bike that's advertised in the paper for $199 with a free helmet and lock thrown in.

To us here at Rapid Transit, a basic hybrid is a bike that will carry you and your gear around Chicago 365 days a year (366 this year).

When we evaluate our vendors' offerings each year, we look for a minimum of features before we decide if the bike is appropriate to carry in our store:

• A corrosion-resistant, durable and lightweight frame with quality construction. Some folks duke it out over the relative merits of chromoly steel and aluminum. Chromoly is getting harder to find on a reasonably priced hybrid, and many well-made aluminum bikes, sometimes with a chromoly fork, can do the job admirably.
• Wheels that can take a beating. We stock hybrids with double-walled alloy rims, with sealed hubs and stainless steel spokes. Such wheels resist corrosion, and can handle rough roads and occasional potholes.
• A crankset that allows for a reasonable cadence on urban streets, such as a triple set with 48 on the outer ring, 38 on the middle and 28 teeth on the inner ring. Anything smaller, and you may run out of gears on Chicago's flat streets, especially when you have a tailwind.
• Dependable brakes, including alloy (NOT resin!) hand levers. The brake mechanism itself should be sufficiently adjustable and solid to allow for squeak-free, confident braking, without shuddering. Brake levers should allow for adjustment for smaller hand sizes.
• Appropriate rider comfort features. For urban riding, we like bikes that don't go over the top with whistles and bells, but a few well-thought-out comfort features can go a long way. Such as a simple suspension seat-post that can be locked out when not needed, or an adjustable stem for customizing your position on the bike.
• Eyelets for mounting fenders and racks. This is a small but crucially important feature of any hybrid bike. After all, if you can't put a rack and fenders on your bike, are you really a commuter?!
• Out-of-the-box rideability. Yes, virtually any bike can be improved through customization. But a good basic hybrid can be ridden as-is. It comes factory-equipped with decent, grippy, smooth city tires, and a reasonably comfortable gel saddle.

Some of our favorite basic hybrids are Jamis Coda (one of the rare chromoly steel city bikes) and Marin Larkspur (a worthy aluminum competitor). They sell around the mid-$400's. Not a bad deal, all things considered.

Bikes are inexpensive! People are lazy.

This heading was a conclusion drawn by a commenter on a recent post on CommuteByBike. Here's a little more of what he had to say:

Where there is a will there is a way. There just is no will. North Americans aren’t fat asses by accident. There are plenty of choices available to the consumer right now. Any quality mountain bike with lights, a rack, some panniers and slick tires will do the job more than adequately. We need to stop waiting for the manufacturers to build the perfect bike. We have literally dozens of bikes that will do the job available now.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

I'd like to add my three-cents' worth to this.

First of all, it is a common misconception that you need to have a very expensive bike in order to be a serious and successful commuter. We have sold bikes to commuters in the Chicago area for nearly fourteen years. For every cyclist who has spent in excess of $1500 on a new bike, there are perhaps ten who buy a bike for under $500. Many of those folks are or become serious commuters. Many more people find bikes recycled in one way or another from the waste stream, and use them for commuting year-round in our midwestern climate. One of our oldest customers, who has a number of fancier bikes, uses a basic single-speed folder to get herself and her Schnauzer all over the city. Several people on our staff, including yours truly, use older bikes that we've adapted and maintained over the years as dependable and durable commuters.

Unfortunately, I think the above commenter is right. The fact that more people are not on bikes is fundamentally a matter of values more than price tag. Even the most cursory google search reveals what most people spend their money on, and how much money they spend. I have compiled some of these items, and, for comparison, suggested bicycles (or commuting gear) you could purchase instead. I used stuff we carry at Rapid Transit.

I think you may find that if only price were the object, bicycles compare rather favorably:

• Popular gaming systems (Wii, Playstation3). The system itself will set you back $400-500, plus $50 per EACH premium game. So let's say five games in a year (really, I have no idea how many games an enthusiast would buy a year, but five seems like a good number). So now you have  $650-$750 at your disposal. At this price you could get yourself a Jamis Coda Sport, with fenders, rack, and a Kryptonite Evolution lock. You might even have enough left over for a helmet.
• What's a fancy game system if you don't have a big TV to play on? A highly rated 52" plasma TV will cost you $3000-4500. You could buy one really nice bike for yourself. Like this one. But at this price, you can get everyone in the family on one. How about a Bacchetta Corsa recumbent for the more adventurous family member,  a Jamis Aurora Elite for the traditionalist, a Marin Bayview Trail for your older kid, and a nice convertible Chariot Cougar double trailer for the twins? Might as well get them started on the bike culture while they're young.
• As long as you have a big TV, you should get a good program package to go with it. How about Comcast Triple Play, which will also cover your internet and phone. This will run $99 a month (each and every month). For about one year of this privilege, you could get a Surly Long Haul Trucker with a Burley Flat Bed trailer. One more month, and you could go for the BOB trailer.
• Speaking of cell phones, you won't be able to buy a bike for a cost of a Razr (but you could get some useful accessories), but for an iPhone, at 400-500, you could get one of the most perfect minimalist commuters, a Marin Muir Woods with a lock. (I could, but I will not, include a MacBook in this comparison, because I happen to think that they are absolutely essential for existence).
• For $1000-2000 you could buy a stationary exercise machine, which might help you get fit, but will not help you get anywhere. For that kind of money you could treat yourself to Kona Jake The Snake, a Chrome messenger bag and a helmet. Or for maximum commuting flexibility, get the Bike Friday Tikit.
• And how about those small but regular expenses that really add up over time. Such as:
  
  • Lattes. Let's say you indulge three time a week at $4, times 52 weeks, that's about $600, which you could spend instead on a Dahon Curve folding bike.
  • Transit pass. At $75 a month, a CTA pass will cost you $900 per year. Don't give up the CTA entirely. Public transit is a good thing. Here's an idea: use the CTA when the weather is bad. Save half the money and get yourself a Breezer Freedom or a Marin Larkspur.
    
  • Health club membership. About a grand? But now that you are riding your bike and not the bus more often, maybe you can skip it. In that case, you can afford a much nicer bike, such as Jamis Coda Comp, or perhaps and Exile 29-er. Throw in the money saved in the step above, and you can step up to a Kona Sutra.
  • Gas. Oooh boy. There are so many ways you could approach this. Let's use my own experience. A fill-up on my minivan costs about $70 these days. Let's say I fill up once every two weeks. Ten weeks' worth of gas would yield me $350. That would just about get me on a Kona Smoke. If you are more serious about giving up your car, make it 20 weeks, and you could afford a Kona Paddywagon or a Marin Fairfax.

Of course, this is just a handful of examples to demonstrate how affordable bicycles really are in the scheme of things. This doesn't even begin to address the rewards -- improved health, physical and mental, cleaner air, sheer enjoyment -- that bicycles offer over these other pursuits. And I'm not asking for privation. But now imagine that some people could give up ALL of the above items. And not just for one year, but forever. Now they could afford to buy bikes not only for themselves, but for all the neighbors on their block! And maybe even send some overseas to help folks around the world. Wow.

Anyway, a pipe dream. People are lazy.

Related posts:
Some Of Our Favorite Bikes Are Hybrids
What Is A Commuter Bike
The Cost of Biking
It's not about the Stuff, Part IV