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.

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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"

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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.

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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"

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Schwinn Woodlands 21 Speed

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

Size: 23" c-t.

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