Raleigh Reliant Single Speed

This bike features: a brand new 18t Dicta freewheel, new Kenda K35 tires, new black handlebar tape, and a new SRAM chain.

Size: the c-t frame size is 21.75"

The model name ("Reliant") seems to suit the bike rather well. This bike never rolled in the pro peloton (not even 30 years ago---not by a long shot), but I'd much rather be steamrolling Chicago potholes on this bike than a 15lb carbon wonder bike. This bike is the real deal.

(Sold)

Schwinn Sprint Single Speed

This bike features: a brand new 18t Dicta freewheel, new Kenda K35 tires, new Jagwire brake cables, and new white handlebar tape.

Size: the c-t frame size is 21"

(Sold)

Adverse Riding Weather

This morning I went for a ride after the rain had already started. The first spin of the pedals is not a simple thing in nasty weather. If you only want to ride on days of guaranteed beautiful weather, you'll have a riding season somewhere between 14-20 days in Chicago.

Here are some tips for riding in nasty weather:

Heat:
-Bring an extra bottle
-Bring along sunblock and reapply often

Rain:
-Cycling specific clothing (though expensive) helps you feel drier
-Wear eye protection
-Beware of painted or metal road surfaces because they are very slick when wet
-Try foot retention (clips and straps or clipless) to help prevent your feet from sliding around on the pedals
-Remember every puddle can be a pothole
-Some people like fenders. My thinking is: you are going to get soaked anyways
-Leaves are slippery too

Snow: Last winter I got a few miles in, but ultimately I was unable to keep my face or hands warm for more than about 4 miles no matter what I tried. I'm going to invest in a thin hood for under my helmet next season, but I'm not sure what to do about gloves because I had used thick skiing gloves last winter.
-Think about keeping around a "winter beater" (perhaps a cheap MTB). All of the moisture and road salt will either damage your nice road bike, or necessitate constant cleaning.
-Wear a plastic shell layer
-Consider leaving your foot retention off (because of the constant risk of going down on)
-Wear bright colors, use lights
-Ride slowly and cautiously.
-There are some great resources on http://bikewinter.org/

I want to hear some other input---especially on the glove issue.

Ride safely,
Anthony P.

Recommended ride: the lakefront path

If you live in Chicago and bike at all, odds are you've probably already ridden on the lakefront path. For everyone else, I strongly recommend giving the lakefront path a try.

This paved multi-use path stretches all the way from Roger's Park in the north to South Shore in the south, alongside Lake Michigan.

The path is sometimes rather crowded, especially between Fullerton and Navy Pier, so I would recommend riding slowly and attentively through that section. Remember to check to your left before overtaking slower traffic. Also pay special attention to dogs and children.

Another word of caution: watch out for the wind!

Enjoy,
Anthony P.

Spalding Blade Single Speed

This bike features: new 18t Dicta freewheel, new Kenda K35 tires, new MCS Racing saddle, and new white handlebar tape.

Size: the c-t frame size is 21"

This bike is extremely distinctive.

(Sold)

Schwinn World Single Speed

This bike features a new 18t Dicta freewheel and new black handlebar tape. The tires are in very good condition and have many miles of riding ahead of them.

Size: the c-t frame size is 23"

(Sold)

Schwinn Woodlands 21 Speed

This bike features Shimano 200GS components. It shifts like butter.

Size: 23" c-t.

(Sold)

Vacation

I've been on vacation in Ann Arbor, MI all week.

I'll be back next week with some interesting new bikes!

Raleigh Rampar R1027 Single Speed

This bike features: new 18t Dicta freewheel, new Kenda K35 tires, and new black handlebar tape. I also upgraded this bike to alloy wheels, alloy brakes, and Leotard pedals.

This bike has an exceptionally clean paint job.

Size: the c-t frame size is 23"

(Sold)

Confession: I took this bike out for a quick 15 mile ride today. This bike is really great!

Schwinn World Sport Single Speed

This bike looks pretty much like a doppelgänger of the last bike I built, but there are a few differences. This is the "Sport" version of the world which means it has a 4130 Chromo frame, aluminum wheels, and a super nice crankset.

This bike has a new 18t dicta freewheel, new Kenda tires, and new white handlebar tape.

Size: approximately 20" c-t.

(Sold)

Update

Because of the overwhelming response, I'm building up another women's Schwinn World just like the last one (even the same awesome color). It seems that nobody wants to call dibs on it sight unseen, but this bike is going to sell quickly.

Also, I've decided to offer delivery to the blue line for a $20 fee on all of my bikes.

Thanks,

Anthony P.

Miyata One Ten

This bike features: aluminum Araya wheels, an SR crank set, Shimano SIS shifters and derailleurs, MKS pedals, and brand new Kenda tires.

Size: The frame size is 21" c-t. The standover is 31"

(Sold)

Women's Schwinn World Single Speed

This bike features: new 18t Dicta freewheel, new Kenda K35 tires, new Jagwire brake cables, new KMC gold chain, and new white handlebar tape.

Size: the c-t frame size is 19.25"

This bike looks (and rides) sweet.

(sold)

Quick tip: sticker removal

The trick to getting that "Mike's Bike Shop" sticker removed from your seat tube is to warm it up with a blow dryer first. This softens the glue and should help make the sticker easier to peel. If there is any adhesive residue leftover, you can painstakingly try to remove it with rubbing alcohol.

Don't go peeling any tubing stickers :p

Anthony

Also, coming up this week is a neat girl's Schwinn World, and a Miyata geared bike.