The Bike Thread

[todd]

I think the bikes you're talking about, with the stripped-down effect and such, are mostly built by local bike enthusiasts.  I'm pretty sure you won't be able to find that kind of bike in stores, although I could be wrong.  The guy at Yojimbo's Garage builds ones like that, I don't know how much that would cost you, but you might be able to get one built for a few hundred bucks if you ask around.  I saw someone post something on craigslist offering to build bikes like that for people on a sliding scale. 


....Definitely don't get a brand new bike because you can get a really good one built for you for a couple hundred bucks....

I'll be honest: one of the major reasons I like the idea of biking is that I really enjoy fixing and repairing stuff - thats why I want such a stripped down, easy-to-fix bike. Computers and cars are so complicated, I want something simple that I can look at and go "oh thats the problem."

So my last stupid question is: is having a bike made a really stupid idea? I kind of like the idea of picking out a frame, picking out the gears, picking out some handlebars, and walking out with Todd's Bike, not a SCHWINN RAPTOR FX or whatever.

[dania]

no, it's not stupid to want one made, but for somebody who hasn't ridden a bike since they were ten, you might want to keep it simple by just getting a road bike that fits.  Look at this sweet one for instance:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/bik/669112768.html

or this one looks decent too:
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/668903212.html

more:
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/668808889.html
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/bik/668783242.html
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/668987687.html

there are lots of quality used bikes on craigslist.  I'm constantly looking out for a second or maybe third bike for myself, or for friends. 

[Josh]

Anyone have any experience with Kona bicycles? I'm considering the Smoke 2-9 for commuting, errands, and joy/ghostriding.

[WavyGravy]

get a small pair of bolt cutters and take your pick

[yesno]

They're a good brand.  You might want to consider a chain guard to protect your pants when commuting, and a basket.  I can't emphasize basket enough.  I never had a bike with a basket until last year, and I can't imagine commuting without one now, carrying my stuff in a messenger bag or backpack.

[henry]

try out Nearly New Shop up on 3826 N. broadway.  he is the sweetest older bike man in city.  completely unpretenious bike guy with a good amount of knowledge.  NNS is a small shop with floor to ceiling bikes.  if he doesn't have one for you one day try the going back, his inventory is always changing.  picked up a super nice raleigh for my girlfriend.  it was perfect for a conversion (we just finished it). 

if you are looking for a new bike you might want to try Tati.  his shop is in hyde park, but his customer service is unbeatable.  he closes his cash register at noon for one hour of tea and conversation.  it's really endless with this guy.  if anything stop down by his shop and hang out with him for a bit. 

www.taticyles.com

let me know when you get a bike.  we can have FOT bike ride.

[dania]

that reminds me.. CRITICAL MASS IS THIS FRIDAY!!!!! 

[Emily]

i have a bike.

[jed]

I also have a bike.  It's great!

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

I have a bike but I don't ride it often enough.

[folksnake]

Todd--any luck on the bike front yet?

[todd]

Yes! I'm sorry I didn't update the thread. I bought a cheap $100 Giant road bike from the Nearly New Shop Henry posted. I actually knew about that place before, and I live 2 blocks from there, but every time I'd gone they didn't have anything in my size.

My bike has some problems (the seat and drops are terribly uncomfortable), but its a great bike to beat around on and learn what I need out of a more expensive bike in the future. It's been cold in Chicago, so I haven't ridden as much as I like, and I still don't have the confidence to commute from Lakeview to my job in River North (about 4 miles of city traffic), but I'm working on it.

This thread was a big help! Thanks to everyone!

[folksnake]

Excellent! Great to hear it.
Seats/saddles are a fraught area--many different ways to fix it, many different issues could be at work--your body geometry, your body not being used to the saddle, the saddle being wrong for your shape, the bike being the wrong size/geometry, the bike being maladjusted, you being maladjusted, etc etc etc. It took me 2 seasons of riding to get a saddle I really like (a Brooks B17, FWIW). The more you ride, and the more regularly you ride, the better things will be, in my experience. Things will sort themselves out.

As a tinkerer, I have to admit that having a bike is great. Plenty of relatively easy stuff to mess with...it sounds like you like that sort of thing, too. Have Fun!

[henry]

Yes! I'm sorry I didn't update the thread. I bought a cheap $100 Giant road bike from the Nearly New Shop Henry posted. I actually knew about that place before, and I live 2 blocks from there, but every time I'd gone they didn't have anything in my size.

My bike has some problems (the seat and drops are terribly uncomfortable), but its a great bike to beat around on and learn what I need out of a more expensive bike in the future. It's been cold in Chicago, so I haven't ridden as much as I like, and I still don't have the confidence to commute from Lakeview to my job in River North (about 4 miles of city traffic), but I'm working on it.

This thread was a big help! Thanks to everyone!

good to hear.  i hope to see you tearing around the streets.  it's warming up finally. 

since this is the bike thread...i just picked up a schwinn circuit frame.  from my few attempts at internet research, i believe it  was made in the late '80s.  i think it was the #2 bike that schwinn was producing at the time.  it's great, columbus tubing.  but it has some rust on the bottom bracket and on the top tube.  any suggestion on how to stop it from further damage?  also, if any enthusiastist have some parts that might work for this bike and are willing to sell please let me know.

i know there are proper forums to be asking these questions.  but i don't know those folks, i know FOT.

[todd]

Yea, I decided to get a junker to learn what I like by riding, instead of guessing whats right for me based on things that I read online. I have a habit of obsessing over things and trying to get "THE PERFECT BIKE/AMP/GUITAR" instead of just buying a damn bike/amp/guitar.

So I knew this bike was going to be uncomfortable and a hassle, but I don't know the difference anyway! Once I get the balls to actually use this bike as a commuting vehicle, I'll start shopping for something a little more suited to me.