Chicago Bike Blog

OUR Economic Stimulus Package

The day after Thanksgiving: Black Friday, or Buy Nothing Day? Far be it from us to encourage you to spend money on unnecessary doodads, especially since we, ordinary Americans, are still waiting for out bailout checks.
However, it could be argued that bikes shouldn't be classified as either "unnecessary", or as "doodads", particularly if they figure prominently in your household transportation package.
So, if you are going to spend money this holiday season, why not spend it on that noblest of vehicles? Here are a few thing to help your dollars go a little further.

And, if you do in fact want to buy something on Buy Nothing Day, this is or you:

As usual, click print and redeem at Rapid Transit Cycleshop.

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.

Savings Flyer

Please click on the flyer to enlarge, print and come in to Rapid Transit Cycleshop to redeem. (Any of the coupons may be used together, however, they may not be combined with additional discounts, such as CBF.)

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.

Rapid Transit Wins Mothers' Vote

Thank you to the mothers who read Lori's Kids Ride Free column on Gapers' Block for choosing Rapid Transit as your favorite bike store. The column may be obscure, but the author is darned right when she says the title is coveted.

(our kid rides free!)*

Problem is, most bike shops don't exactly bill themselves on being family friendly. We are, and it's time we made a big deal about it. There are a few very serious limitations, largely having to do with our crowded urban location, that make us less than ideal shopping destination for moms with small kids.

• Lack of parking, particlularly for minivans.
• Mom-unfriendly doorway.
• No child play area.
• Lack of display space for specialty items, such as jogging strollers.

However, we bend over backwards for moms and families, and try to offset the foregoing shortcomings in lots of different ways.

• You can always bring your bike, or stroller, or trailer inside. No matter how cumbersome.
• You can bring your children inside. Don't worry, we won't offer them espresso or a free puppy.
• We will hold the door for you.
• We will let your children entertain themselves with squeaky horns, blinky lights and floor pumps (due to insurance restrictions, however, we cannot let them ride adult trikes around the store...)
• We carry the most adaptable of bike trailers by Chariot, which convert easily to various stroller configurations. This allows us to display the most bang for the buck in out cramped space. We make it real easy to special order anything else you might want that we don't have in stock.
• We will help you make sure your child's helmet fits properly (we know how to talk to kids who resent having something put on their heads).
• Believe it or not, we carry kids trikes and bikes that will see your child from about the age of two through teen.
• We carry a variety of products that make it easy for you to ride bikes as a family, including child seats,  the above-mentioned trailers, trailer bikes, and the greatest item for family cycling since sliced bread, the Family Tandem by BikeFriday.
• We know what works, because we cycle as a family. While some of our products may be a bit costly, our advice is completely free.

We hope you visit us at Rapid Transit, and see what we can do to help you  and your family enjoy cycling more this coming season. And here are some coupons to help make getting ready for the season a little easier. Just click, print and redeem at Rapid Transit Cycleshop.

*She always, always, always wears a helmet. We just really wanted that photo of wind in her hair.

Last-Minute Gifts for Cyclists

Last minute?!

Yep. One measly week left. Don't squander it at the mall.

In this installment of Chicago's ULTIMATE Cyclist Gift Guide, we race through Rapid Transit, and grab everything that seems like a good idea for a cyclist on your holiday list. Big or small, there is something here for everyone.

• Folding Multi-tools ($20-50).
• KRYPTONITE Evolution Mini ($65) compact bicycle lock.
• Festive handlebar tape ($12-20). Available in a rainbow of colors, this will dress up any road bike.
• Safety-orange helmet ($57), or other stylish helmets

• Something warm for under the helmet (headbands, beanies and such from $12). Also, a selection of one-of-a-kind cycling caps made by our very own Elise (modeled by Elise & Ben).

• Handlebar or helmet mirror (<$20).
• Smartwool socks ($12-20; after you've tried these, it's hard to go back to ordinary socks).
• Brooks leather bicycle seat (from about $70).
• Rear rack. This JANDD Expdition rack ($82) is a workhorse; other racks available from about $40.

• Rainwear. From a simple helmet cover to a full rain suit, this will be appreciated by any hardy cyclist.
• "I Love My Bike" bell , and other bells (from $5).

You could also get lights, clipless pedals, tires, bags, fenders, cycle computers, handlebar grips, horns, baskets, cargo trailers, kid trailers, heck, you could even get a bike! OK, I'm all out of breath. If you need more ideas, click here. You can access all our coupons here. Oh, and Merry Christmas.

Some Of Our Favorite Bikes Are Hybrids

The problem with hybrid bikes is that they don't have a catchy name. If they were tomatoes or cars, things would, perhaps, be different. But in the world of cycling, hybrid is not very sexy word.

Yet, I firmly believe that were it not for the invention of the hybrid bike, urban cycling 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.

In this installment of Chicago's ULTIMATE Cyclist gift Guide, we highlight some of our favorite hybrids:

MARIN Larkspur ($450). This bike has been the mainstay of our hybrid selection for many years now. Basic, dependable, tough urban bike, that is also at home on country trails, and suitable for light touring.

MARIN Fairfax ($665) is part of the ALP series, which includes bikes with road geometry, modified for urban use, and quite lightweight. These are well suited for longer, fast paced commutes, road riding, training and touring.

JAMIS Coda ($450) is and affordable example of an increasingly rare breed of steel hybrids. The Coda series includes bikes that are nimble, zippy, and very forgiving on hard paved surfaces. Like other hybrids, the Codas are great for trail riding and touring.

KONA Dew Deluxe ($600-650) takes the idea of a hybrid in a different, tougher direction. Drawing on their vast mountain biking background, the folks at Kona have equipped this bike with wider tires, disc brakes, and shorter frame with more forward extension. This gives the rider more control on the street, as well as off-road trails.

MARIN Muirwoods ($465). Speaking of off-road, this bike is not a true hybrid. Its heritage goes back to the early 80's and the invention of the original mountain bike. I put it in with the hybrids, because no one thinks of it as a mountain bike anymore. Its light, tough double-butted cromoly frame, and 26" wheels make it a great, no-nonsense commuter, and, with a set of knobby tires, a capable off-road bike (no, in the eighties they didn't use any suspension).The 2008 Muirwoods is available with 29" wheels as well.

Here's is a coupon for the hybrids:

Click, print and redeem at Rapid Transit Cycleshop.

 

20 Best Stocking Stuffers for Cyclists

Welcome to the new installment of Chicago's ULTIMATE Cyclist's gift guide! Here are our top picks for stocking stuffers for urban cyclists:

For the night rider:

1. LED Blinker
2. Refective leg band
3. Reflective vest or sash
4. Blinking valve covers
5. Small headlight

For the commuter

1. Handlebar or helmet mirror
2. Bell or horn
3. Wheel locking skewers
4. Patch kit or spare tube & tire levers
5. Packable emergency rain jacket

For winter riding

1. Bicycle chain oil
2. Gear brush and cleaner
3. Headband or balaclava
4. Merino wool socks
5. Lobster gloves

Etc.

1. Folding multi-function tool
2. Seat bag
3. Arm warmers
4. Seatpost-mounted mud guard
5. Water bottle with holder

and, of course, a gift card.

Here's the coupon:

Click, print and redeem at Rapid Transit Cycleshop.

Top Reasons to Get Your Kid a Bike

Chicago's ULTIMATE Cyclist Gift Guide would not be complete without a discussion of children's bikes. Bikes are the quintessential holiday gift. Here's why:

1. For most kids, it is simply THE BEST gift you can give. A bicycle, especially the first bicycle, is different from any other gift. It represents a coming of age, a new independence, a right of passage. Owning a bicycle creates new transportation options, and brings with it a sense of autonomy.

PONY Tricycles ($65).

 2. This gift will keep on giving. It will not be discarded or forgotten. Your child will use it enjoy it for a long time to come.

JAMIS Lady Bug & Hot Rod 12" bicycles ($130).

3. It is a fancy gift that's worth it's price. Think of a price of a popular doll with a couple outfits, a fancy box of Legos , or a video game system, and you will see that the price of a quality child's bicycle is actually quite reasonable.

ELECTRA Townie 20" ($250). Available in boys' and girls' styles. This amazing "flat foot" bike allows the rider to plant feet firmly on the ground while seated. Great for any kid; unbeatable for kids who have a hard time giving up training wheels.

4. It makes very effective presentation. Imagine this giant package under the tree!... Or rolling it with great fanfare from the garage... wow!

JAMIS Laser 20" bike ($180; also available in 16" size for $155 ).

5. It doesn't need batteries. A couple of strong legs, and a little air and oil once in a while. That's all.

JAMIS Miss Daisy ($155), Starlite ($180), and Capri ($275). This group covers girls from about 4-12 years of age.

6. Won't scatter small parts all over your house.

MARIN Hidden Canyon ($280) and Bayview Trail ($335) mountain bikes are available in boys' and girls' styles.

7. It's really a gift for your whole family. Now you can enjoy cycling outings together. Or you can walk or jog, while your child cycles along.

8. It is the most fun your kid will have without being plugged in.

9. But it's winter! SO? Your child will actually WANT to go outside in the cold. Trust me, I've been there.

10. The expression on your child's face. As they say: priceless.

Oh, and this could be #11: we will store the bike for you until December 24, so you can keep it a surprise.

And now for the coupon:

Click, print and redeem at Rapid Transit Cycleshop.

5 Winter Bike Commuting Necessities

1. Good set of street tires.
OK, what's a good tire? Start with a tire that is appropriate for the road surface. When you are commuting by bike in a large city, like here in Chicago, you want a fairly smooth tire. Yes, even in winter. A tire with a tread made for pavement will give you better control, and cut down on rolling resistance. Knobby and studded tires may give you some advantage in a layer of snow, but street tires are your friend in most riding conditions (deflate tires slightly to get better traction in wet conditions).
All tires are not created equal. The best tires use special compounds that provide better r0ad grip, and thoughtfully designed treads that channel water away to keep you from hydroplaning in wet conditions. Some of the best tires also give you a high degree of flat protection. This is especially important in winter, when fixing a flat on the curbside could quickly go from inconvenient to dangerous.
Here are examples of a couple tires we really like:
SCHWALBE Marathon Plus ($46/ea) has a tough puncture-resistant band that does not compromise your ride, and a nice, flexible compound that further resists punctures, and gives you good grip on the road surface. Bonus: reflective sidewalls increase your visibility to other road users.
CONTINENTAL Contact series tires ($35-37/ea) offer a choice of good city treads combined with excellent puncture-resistance.

2. Full set of fenders.
Yes, they're a bit geeky, but not as geeky as a black mud streak running up your butt and back. Quick release fenders that attach to your seatpost offer some protection, but they wiggle out of position, and can't compare to the real thing. Full fenders, made out of lightweight plastic, provide maximum coverage, protecting your chest and face from front-tire spatter, and your back from the afore-mentioned skunk streak. They also protect you bike's drivetrain and frame against excessive build-up of winter gunk (it will build up anyway, why make it worse?). They attach to eyelets on your bike with steel struts, and will not easily shift out of position. We like SKS fenders (about $45 plus installation), because they come in an array of sizes to match your tires, they are durable, and come in a very elegant silver with pinstripes (these will, sadly, not be visible under a layer of winter mud, but you know they're there).

3. Illumination.
Blinking front and rear lights. The more the merrier. We offer a wide variety of these at prices starting at well under $20. Put them on you, your helmet and your bike.
Reflective bands: chose from legbands, sashes, reflective stick-on tape, and sidewalls on tires.
Headlamp. Very useful if you ride where there is limited street illumination, like Chicago's lakefront, or if you have a propensity for cutting through alleys. PRINCETON TECH EOS Headlamp ($55) is a great, moderately priced, waterproof commuter light, offering 25 lumens with standard AAA batteries. A more premium LIGHT & MOTION Vega ($210). This one gives you a whopping 85 lumens with a rechargeable NiMH battery.

4. Lubrication.
Please don't leave home without it. Purchase a bottle of chain lubricant made specifically for bicycles (for heaven's sake, please don't use WD40 or anything like that!!!), and use it religiously. Click here for a detailed explanation of why you must do it.

5. Quality Technical Service.
It is vitally important that all systems on your bike - brakes, derraileurs, drivetrain, wheels and bearings - function at their peak in winter. If you want to do your own bike repairs all winter, great! However, if you prefer to avoid contact with your chain, or other moving parts on your bike, or if you simply don't have the space or time to do the work yourself, please check out our Winter Tune-Up Special. The real value of this service is not only in the initial repairs performed on your bike, but the on-going, follow-up care to which you and your bike will be entitled all winter.

OK, and now for the coupons:

Click, print and redeem at Rapid Transit Cycleshop.