Vivian rides a kilo TT pro stripper edition fixie from bikesdirect.com
What are you wearing?My shirt purse, shoes and skirt were all purchased from thrift or discount stores. The scarf I have in my hair was from the Alameda flea market in california, and my jacket is from the Gap.
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it?My bike is a kilo TT pro stripper edition fixie of course haha. I got it from bikesdirect.com Where are you going?taking a ride just to clear my head and take a break from studying Why ride? I ride because it gives me a very tangible feeling of freedom and when so much of life feels out of ones control, biking can be a huge release. Favorite ride?My favorite ride is on the way to the beach with my friends in the summer we all feel so incredibly powerful biking in a gang together While riding you …?When I'm riding I tend to focus in on what's happening around me and it pushes all other thoughts away. How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure and be more friendly?I think it would be incredible if the city would replace street parking with car width bike lanes to encourage more commuting by bike.
Veronica rides a single speed Cannondale Capo named Ninja that she I got at Kozy's Cycler
I am totally obsessed with Veronica's Loeffler Randall rain booties.
What are you wearing: Loeffler Randall rain booties,the best shoes ever for biking in Chicago's gray months. Unlike a lot of boots, they're slim enough to fit easily into toe cages and they're made of rubber so street grime isn't an issue. I picked up these tights last time I was in NYC at Uniqlo. They're part of the brand's Heattech line and are super warm without being thick. I'm mad I only bought one pair. Uniqlo can't come to Chicago soon enough! In the winter when I'm not biking, I'm walking. I need a coat that I won't overheat or feel constricted in. This one is fromNauand it's the closest you'll find to a sleek version of the default puffy parka. It's micro down so there's no waddling around looking like Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. The dress was a gift (but it's from Anthropologie), and my helmet is a Bern.
Make/model color of your bike, and where you got it?
A single speedCannondale Capothat I got at Kozy Cyclery a few years ago. I call him Ninja. He's very light and fast, an ideal city bike. Unfortunately, he's not the ideal type of bike for this time of year, but we've had such an abnormally warm winter that I decided to just say screw it and ride unless there's snow on the ground.
Where are you going? I'm going to work in River North.
Why ride? I ride because I'm impatient. Why wait at a bus stop for 20 minutes to go two miles when you can hop on your bike and be there in 10 minutes? It's efficient. I hate wasting time. And it's a great way to see the city. If you're not out walking, running or riding, you're missing out on discovering all the hidden secrets of the city.
Favorite ride?I love the West Loop/Fulton Market area. It's quiet but distinctively urban and every time I ride through I discover a new interesting building or tucked away business I'd never noticed before. The downside is the streets are pretty chewed up. I got three flats in a month riding around back there.
While riding you…?Make to-do lists in my head and enjoy the scenery.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?
I think Chicago is an extremely bike friendly city, but the roads themselves could do with more maintenance. No one likes riding on pothole and loose gravel covered streets. There should also be more bike racks and a better public bike share program. Anyone in any area of the city should be able to walk out of a train station and leave on a share bike.
And other cool, funny tips, shout outs or stories?
Bike in heels often, wear a helmet always. People need to get over their "I'm-not-wearing-a-helmet" crap. This is the third largest city in the U.S., shut up and put it on. No one looks good in them, let's look bad in them together.
**** Check out Veronica's super cool music blog creamteam.tv
whitney rides an early eighties burgundy and gold Raleigh road bike
What are you wearing? A thrifted coat I recently discovered wasn't actually waterprooof, some ridiculous purple spandex leggins I got from the H&M clearance section a few years ago, a wooly sweater, hand-me-down mini skirt that's short enough to ride easy in but better than wearing just spandex off the bike, fleecy cyling cap & neckscarf I made myself and LAKE cycling boots. I bought these shoes last Autumn and for the first time in five winters my feet were actually warm during my long commute. They've totally changed how I feel about winter in Chicago. The company is run out of Evanston, IL and they've been making cycling shoes (and only cycling shoes) since the 80s. They know what they're doing and they know how cold this town can get. They may be the most expensive article of clothing I've ever owned, but I would have paid twice that for how warm they keep me. Wet or cold feet can really ruin everything.
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? This lil' pack mule is a burgundy and gold Raleigh from the early eighties. She's steel & sturdy & been through a lot. I originally bought her from "Nearly New" bike shop on Halsted in 2008, but she's had a bunch of rebuilds, wrecks, and reincarnations since then. At this point she's mostly my winter beater. I just got these handle bars installed at the uptown Johnny Sprocketsfor the winter. Upright riding seems to work so much better in the slush that Chicago becomes ones the snows hit. Unless it's really gross out -- for those "oops-we-haven't-salted-your-neighborhood-yet" days I have a banana seat kiddie bike I like to ride - its so much closer to the ground that inevitable black ice wipe outs are easier to giggle through.
Why ride? It's the most incredible way to experience a city. You're going a little slower... you're seeing everything... Your senses are sharpened as you're focused on staying alive... and each neighborhood comes to shine and smell and feel different -- the chocolate aromas downtown, the doughy bread cloud over Augusta at Kedzie, the sweet mulch smell of Sacramento as you come over the pond in Humboldt Park... The view of the skyline as you hit the top of the Diversey bridge... You can't really get these things on the bus or train or in a car. Also, the camaraderie! Being not the only crazy person on your bike in a downpour or in the snow is an incredible rush. Making conversation at a stoplight, or saying good morning as you pass someone (or get passed!), stopping to offer tools or swap stories if you see another cyclist walking their flatted bike -- these are things you miss out on in the aloof fortresses that are automobiles. Also ... the days that I don't ride I sort of feel like I never actually wake up.
Favorite ride? Any time I can get someone else to ride on my tandem with me is a great ride, especially if there is some sort of musical instrument involved. But if I'm by myself, I'd have to say either the funky narrow bridge over the river at Wilson... or the huge empty boulevards down by my house... in Garfield Park there's rarely any car traffic on the side streets and when there is they're pretty nice to you... the streets are well maintained and the houses are old and massive and beautiful and I swear there's a new little garden or community farm popping up every month. Though I do also really like the views of the city from Elston -- both Elston and Grand are great for riding toward downtown -- there's almost no pedestrian traffic, no cars making really bad decisions while trying to find parking, and there's no bus to contend with... basically I just absolutely hate riding on Milwaukee more than anything.
While riding you …? signal, watch for taxis, try not to piss off pedestrians, dream about hitting certain cars with my sling shot, smile at other cyclists, plot to take over the world.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? I know this is going to sound extremely far fetched, but I would love to see whole streets taken away from cars and given over to cycling. In Portland the city planers are pretty great about making certain side streets much too slow for an automobile (with round-abouts, four way stops, etc) in order to keep cars on the main through-ways and let bikes have the littler ones. It's brilliant. Can you imagine if Damen or Jackson or Augusta, or ANY streets were bikes-only arteries? Or if we could just get the Bloomingdale Trail built? I'd go miles out of my way on my commute JUST TO HAVE A CHUNK OF IT BE CAR-FREE.
But really, I do think Chicago is one of the better big cities for cycling. It's crazy flat and easy to navigate and I think a significant percentage of drivers here have ridden a bike at one time in their lives (or at least know what a "bicycle" is -- which is more than I can say for LA, where I am from). If we could just force everyone who lives here to ride a bike to work for one week in the summer I think every driver and pedestrian would be a ton better about being nice to cyclists all year round.
Until these sorts of lofty dreams come to life it's really up to us (especially us ladies), to convince everyone we know that riding bikes is totally rad, completely doable, tons of fun, and lets you eat everything you want all of the time. Because having people join us out there on the streets, creating converts for our cause, is really the best thing we could possibly hope for. Hand-me-downs help -- giving away your old winter jackets or cycling shorts or rain slickers or still-working parts to newer cyclist friends really helps them get more comfortable out there. I know, it helped me. I'm excited to return the favor any chance I get.
And other cool, funny tips or stories? Wool, wool, wool. It will save your winter ass. I can't tell you how much i wish someone had told me this earlier. And it sure doesn't stink after one ride like all that other expensive synthetic stuff on the market. And its like $2 a sweater at Villiage Discount. There's simply nothing else like it.
Ruby rides a Schwinn World sport called Black Betty from A Nearly New Shop.
Where are you going? To Boulevard Bikes. My dear Betty is missing her chain!
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? My bike, Black Betty, is a Schwinn World from the '80s or '90s I assume...adopted from Nearly New in Lakeview.
What are you wearing? I'm wearing a red hat with awesome ear-warming abilities, blue wrap skirt and boots that are all from thrift stores. My "stuffed animal" coat is from an estate sale in Seattle, and my gloves were my grandma's.
Why ride? Chicago is wonderfully flat - why not? Favorite ride? I don't know if I have a favorite, but I like biking down Webster Ave at night. No potholes, virtually no street lights or traffic - its perfect. While riding you …? Worry about all the different ways I could be hit by a car. How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? Chicago streets need clearly defined bike lanes so bikers can feel safe and drivers can watch where they're going. Any other tips? Don't bike in Wrigleyville after a Cubs game or some drunk guy will push you off your bike into a telephone poll for a laugh. And wear a helmet!!
Every time I think I've got winter riding all figured out, someone shows me something new! Furry hood over helmet, not a bad solution to winter riding.
Where are you going? To work, which is at an elementary school. Why ride? It's the fastest and most fun way to get around. I am definitely a late bike bloomer. I am coming up on my 1 year anniversary of cycling being my primary way of getting around the city. I am a part-time filmmaker, and the cinematic view from a ride never gets old.
What are you wearing? Costco's finest imitation down puff coat with gigantic faux fur lined hood, my boyfriend's bike helmet that I think he got in high school, brown and peachy-stiped skirt, grey tights, and my greybrown Game of Thrones-esque tall boots. Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? I ride a Schwinn Passage. I think it was made in the late or mid 80s, and is "one of the last good Schwinns" according to various bike friends and message boards. The color is midnight blue with a few gold and red accents. If it had a human name I think it would be something in the male tennis star family. Favorite ride? Through Humboldt Park at night, and the cruise to my house on my own block. While riding you …? Alternately feel like I am cheating death/am going to be cheated by death. And I sing sometimes! How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? Lately I have fantasized about street parking only being allowed on one side of the street, and having bike lanes be on the non-parking side. The lane on Kinzie is a dream, so more clearly marked/divided lanes like that make me feel more safe when riding. And posting gigantic signs that say hitting pedestrians equal a huge fine might help as well. Any thing else? Immediately after this picture was taken a lady screamed at me for being in her way by saying "You think you pay plates?!" I kind of wish there were bike licenses you could pay a small yearly fee for so I too could be entitled to shouting this at people. You think you pay plates?!
*** Martha says: I can get enough of these old catalog pictures! Click to read.
Kelly rides a vintage Motobécane Mirage single speed road bike named Bucky
What are you wearing? Boots are from a thrift store in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dickies Girl Jeansare band swag passed on by my musician coworker (thanks Alison!) My helmet is from Working Bikes, glasses from D/Vision. The bag is fromLL Bean, a gift from my dad given with bike use in mind. Tell me more about your bike and where you got it?My bike's name is Bucky, because when I got it I had previously owned a cruiser, and getting on a road bike felt a little like riding a spirited colt after a complacent trail horse. It's a silver single speed road bike I found on craigslist. The frame is vintage Motobécane Mirage, but the handlebars, wheels, and seat are newer..it's kind of a Frankenbike. Where are you going? Home to Ukrainian Village. I just finished shopping and have a bagful of wine & groceries! Why ride? It's often the best way to get anywhere in this city. Plus I really enjoy it, and love the perspective from a bike. Favorite ride? Grand Avenue. It runs through some really diverse chunks of the city, and there are long, uninterrupted stretches the further west you go. It's also wider & less congested than some of the other main roads. While riding you …? Alternate between daydreaming and paying serious attention. How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? More protected bike lanes like the new one on Kinzie would be nice. That demonstrates a real dedication to safer conditions for cyclists, and a validation of our presence on the roads. I think Chicago is generally a comfortable place to ride, though.
Where are you going? Riding home fromMyopic bookstore Tell me more about your bike, and where you got it? Miyata Three Ten, I bought it off one of my old roommates, it was too short for him. What are you wearing? I got my bag about 7 years ago from this place in Philly called Reload bags. the scarf is from my friend who got it from the salvation army on Devon. It's pretty handy for drying off my seat after its been sitting out. BDG Jeans, T-shirt, Jacket, Frye Boots, and, most importantly, Smart Wool socksand myTriple Eight Helmet. Why ride? Even on these rainy days, still faster than walkin. Favorite ride? I really like this protected bike lane business on Kinzie, so I'd say my ride to work. While riding you …? Catch flies. I really have to stop riding with my mouth agape... How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? It'd be nice if everyone wasn't so angry all the time.
***Just had to share the rad vintage photo of Mary Clare's bike. Looks almost identical to hers:
Jana rides a Motobecane Grand Touring road bike from Working bikes
A love letter to Working Bikes
Dear Working Bikes,
I have been photographing cyclists in Chicago for about 1 year now, and I am constantly amazed at how many people you provide bikes to, and how many bikes you are able to save from the waste stream. I've see your sticker on bikes from Rogers Park, to Pullman, to Hermosa, and everywhere in between. The fact that you can do that AND send bikes to Africa is truly astounding. Thanks for providing Chicago with a low cost way to get a bike and support a good cause.
~xoxo Bike Fancy
Tell me more about your bike and where you got it? It's a Motobecane Grand Touring, from Working Bikes. The good fellows at Boulevard Bikes helped get it in working order for me. What are you wearing? The tag says it's from Cole Haan, but I got it at a flea market. My hat's from Una Mae's, and my scarf was a present. Where are you going? Meeting a friend at Big Star for some lunch. (okay I'm going to be totally self-referential and link to one of my food photos) Why ride? I don't like to exercise, but I like getting places quickly. And it beats public trans, time-wise. Favorite ride? Getting caught in the pouring rain is the best, if you have no need to be dry wherever you're going. While riding you …? Mostly just look out! How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? We're doing alright. The more bike lanes, the better, but I think everyone needs to just be very aware that when you take to the road (by car, bike, on foot, stroller, or however) that your actions are affecting the safety of you and the people around you.
Where are you going? I am headed to a meeting before work. Tell me more about your bike, and where you got it? My bike is a vintage Raleigh Super Course MK II, I'm not sure of the exact year but i think its early 70's made in England. The awesome people at Lugsrestored her for me. Why ride?I ride because I don't own a car and wouldn't own one living in the city and riding is so much easier that relying on public transportation.
Favorite ride?I don't have a specific favorite ride throughout the city, but I do love my Sunday morning, with no particular place to go, rides with my boyfriend. While riding you …?I never listen to any music or try and multi task while I'm riding. Its dangerous enough bobbing and weaving through the traffic and watching for car doors. How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? The biggest problem i encounter are the pot holes, some streets are just littered with them and a flat tire is just a bummer on your day. I appreciate the bike lanes but would appreciate even more would be drivers paying attention to bikers. It's so dangerous to bike in the city, you have to pay attention to so much, one wrong move could mean your life. So a little extra caution from a driver is much appreciated.
Terry rides a Centurion frame built-up to a custom single speed road bike
**** I randomly stopped Terry on the street and it turns out he produces the Chicago Bicycle Film Festival. Its happening next weekend Friday November 4-6th. There are lots of cool movies and events so check it out!
Where are you going? I am headed home(logan square) from the loop where I
am finishing my masters at DePaul.
What bike are you riding and where did they get it? Its a Centurion
touring frame built-up to a custom single speed road bike, basically. My bike was built-up by the guys over at Nearly New on Broadway ... upkeep
and modifications by myself and the guys at Boulevard Bikes in Logan
Square.
Favorite ride? That is tough...as crazy as it my sound-- anywhere in the
loop or downtown. I didn't grow up in a city so flying through tons of
traffic, and huge buildings is still pretty surreal for me-- LOVE IT!
While riding you …? Sometimes listen to music, sometimes I film rides-
when I'm in no rush.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike
friendly?
I think one MAJOR problem is the CTA's rule about no bikes during rush
hours. This is very dangerous since sometimes people get stuck in crazy
weather and are forced to ride in it due to the policy. Over 90% of bike
accident happen in rain.
Other than that--I think a few HARSH examples need to be made of people
who "door" bikers. There are so many people that don’t understand how
dangerous it is to not pay attention while parking and will not pay
attention until there is something being threatened.
There is right now, taking place over the sea, a bicycle racing called "The Touring of France." In this racing, the men winning the race at those moments will be Thomas Voecklers. He wears a Glorious Shirt of Yellow™, and his tongue goes like this:
I admit I've never been much of a Thomas Voeckler fan in the past. The suitcase of courage; the tortured expressions; the failed breakaways... Really, a Thomas Voeckler ride was exactly like a Lifetime movie special: long, overly melodramatic, and you knew exactly how it would end.
Now, though, I find myself feeling differently. As I mentioned on the Bicycling website, Voeckler has proven himself to be a possible contender for the overall, and suddenly very much I want him to win. Voeckler becoming the first Frenchman since 1826 to win the Tour de France would be a turnaround of profound historical significance. Meanwhile, what do we get if Andy Schleck wins? We'll just see him do more of that that lemon-sucking face he does:
Even a Cadel Evans victory would just encourage more of his trademark "fierce kitten" behavior:
I don't want to lie to the public. Maybe it would be good to say I'm a possible winner of the Tour de France but I'm not interested in that. I don't want to say that I have a chance to win. The Tour has been designed with the last week to be decisive. I'll fight, that's for sure, but let's be honest: I have 0% of chances to win the Tour de France.
O% chance of winning?!? That must be his Frenchness talking. I mean, he's probably right, but clearly he needs to take the American approach by surrendering himself to delusions of grandeur and adopting a grossly swollen sense of self-importance out of all proportion to his natural ability. He could also probably use some American-style motivation:
Then I had another one at the hotel, we hit the restaurant and had to walk through holding a cup of my own urine which I’m sure the people eating dinner really appreciated. Then I woke up and had another test in the morning.
If all that wasn't bad enough, the restaurant also charged Schleck a €150 "corking fee" for bringing his own beverage.
Meanwhile, as the professionals go about their business over in France, many of us do our best to emulate them--though some of us try harder than others. One way to do this is by riding the same bike they do, and a reader has forwarded me this video of somebody who sounds like he's masturbating while reviewing the $15,000 Specialized McFadden Verde:
Yes, that's right: the Specialized MacDonald's Penga costs $15,000. However, the reviewer says it's worth it. Actually, he says he'd pay more than that:
I’m a 44 yr-old, Cat 2 Masters Racer. I can drive a line, bridge a gap and finish mid pack. I looked down at the speedo while jumping between groups and I was going 31.5 mph with a slight sidewind and not at full effort. 15k? Really for that sensation and speed, I’d pay more.
Really, he'd pay more than $15,000 for this bike? Wow. Well, you know when I'll take a single word in this review seriously? When he actually does this and furnishes a receipt to prove it. I'd love to see a bike reviewer willing put his money where his bad metaphor hole is. In fact, I'll even take him at his word if he pays the $15,000 "base price." However, I'm pretty sure that he won't, because even he must realize that $15,000 is a great deal of money, and that in order to spend it on a bike like this you'd have to be completely insane.
Then again, on the Specialized MacPherson Vulva you can bridge gaps between bloated Specialized dealers on demo rides at will. Plus, you apparently don't even have to pedal it:
The ground effects are real. In the various groups I rode with, before punching out of them, I’d roll up on the wheel in front of me without pedaling.
Well, Mark Cavendish is riding one of these, and if the above were true then he'd fire his leadout man Mark Renshaw. HTC doesn't have a sponsor for next year, and I'm sure they could use the money.
None of this is to say I have any issue with Specialized spending a bunch of money to develop a bike that may offer their pro riders a slight advantage. I also have no problem with them trying to sell the bike to the general public since, hey, they might as well, right? I even believe that you might ride the Specialized Malcolm McLaren Venti Soy Latte and think, "Holy shit, this thing feels fast." Still, it's important to maintain some perspective, and if you want to spend $15,000 to experience what it's like being a pro bike racer, then spend $2,000 on a Scattante and the rest on a Toyota Corolla. Make sure the interior's in decent shape too, because you're going to be living in it.
By contrast, paying $6,000 to stick a walnut between your legs seems like a bargain, and according to another reader you can now do just that:
Really, who hasn't been stoned on the sofa and wondered, "Dude, what if the coffee table was a fixie?"
The build quality—custom made in American Black Walnut with aluminum and titanium metal parts—seems exquisite. So simple and beautiful. I'm sure Steve Jobs is ordering one right now.
Right. I'd wager that Steve Jobs is probably a little more concerned with his health right now than he is with riding around on his living room furniture like an idiot.
By the way, if you're wondering about Bret's odd riding position, he's just using the old "one-cheek" sitting technique. It relieves pressure from the perineum while simultaneously sparing you the indignity of a noseless saddle.
Anyway, nobody with any sense would buy a walnut bicycle, since everybody knows that the alternative frame material of choice is bamboo. Until now, if you wanted a sweet bamboo bike, you had to ride something that was lashed together like Tom Hanks's escape raft in "Castaway." Now, though, yet another reader tells me you can simply grow the bike into its final shape:
That's right, no more joining:
Mr Vittouris, 25, was originally planning to use processed bamboo fibre to make the vehicle. But harvesting, weaving and compressing the bamboo tends to be energy and labour intensive. ''I thought, why not just grow the vehicle into the shape that's required in the first place,'' he said. And that's what he did, literally growing the bamboo vehicle, called Ajiro, by molding bamboo onto a skeleton frame, a process called arborsculpture.
In other words, "arborsculpture" is to bamboo what "monocoque" is to crabon. This could spell trouble for today's artisanal bamboo bike fabricators:
While his bamboo vehicle would be quite expensive initially, eventually he hoped it could be mass-produced, or rather mass-grown. ''It may be possible to plant a field of vehicles.''
Watch out, Craig Calfee, you're about to be replaced by a trellis.
Why ride? Nothing moves the Qi like an early morning bike ride!
Favorite ride? Riding along the beautiful boulevards in Logan Square, especially if I'm headed to the farmer's market in the summer.
While riding you...? People watch and window shop.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?Chicago has to fill up those pot holes, especially in bike lanes! I also wish there were more off-road or wider bike lanes so I wouldn't have to fear cars and could bike side-by-side with a friend or my boyfriend.
