Rapid Transit Cycleshop

Winter Maintenance Classes offered at Rapid Transit

Rapid Transit will be running bicycle maintenance classes for intrepid winter riders (and anyone who wants to learn how to fix a bike). Classes will be offered on weekends throughout the winter season:

Sunday, November 8: FREE Roadside Maintenance Class 5-7pm
Saturday, November 14: Focus on Wheels 6-8pm
Sundays, November 15, 22 and 29: Three-Session FULL TUNE-UP Class 5-8pm
Saturday, November 21:  Focus on Brakes & Derailleurs 6-8pm
Saturday, December 5:  FREE Winter Riding Class 6-8 pm
Sunday, December 6: BASIC TUNE-UP Class 5-8pm
Saturday, December 12:  Focus on Headset Overhaul Class 6-8pm
Sundays, December 13, 20 and January 10: Three-Session FULL TUNE-UP Class 5-8pm
Saturday, December 19: Focus on Bottom Bracket Class 6-8pm
Saturday, January 2: FREE Winter Bike Class 6-8pm
Saturday, January 9: Focus on Wheels 6-8pm
Sunday, January 10: BASIC TUNE-UP Class 5-8pm

Class Descriptions:

Roadside Maintenance & Winter Classes
These FREE individual monthly classes will help you get through your daily ride easier. Each class will cover flat repair, basic derailleur and brake adjustments, as well as chain fixing. The December and January classes will also cover a variety of winter riding issues, and questions on handling techniques, cleaning and clothing systems. This is a demo class, and while we will not be working on your bike during the demonstrations, feel free to bring your bike and talk with a mechanic about anything you like. Each class will be about 2 hours long.

Focus Classes
We will be holding focus classes to help you learn to fix your bike and stay rolling. The classes are offered individually, and will allow you to get acquainted with specific systems on your bike. Each session will focus on either Wheels, Brakes & Derailleurs, Headset or Bottom bracket. Take one, take all four! Get your bike running smoothly before the salt and snow rolls in. You will be working on your own bike. Cost: $35.

Full Tune-Up Class
During the three sessions of this class, you will perform a complete tune-up on your own bicycle. Each component of the bike will be addressed and tuned. Included with this course is a copy of Park Tools Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair to help with retention of course materials. Cost: $135.00

Basic Tune-Up Class
This one-time three-hour class will be offered at the end of the series for folks who want to do safety-check, and basic adjustments and maintenance on their own bikes. Cost: $75-90 depending on type of bike.

Please call the shop at 773-227-2288 to sign up and reserve your space.

Learn to fix your own bike

 

FREE
Roadside Maintenance Class
Sunday, October 25 at 5pm
at Rapid Transit Cycleshop
call 773-227-2288 to register

Why spend so much time and effort destroying your beloved bicycle? Stop in, put a wrench in your hand, and learn the skills you need to keep your bike rolling!

Our introductory FREE Roadside Maintenance Class is just the beginning. Rapid Transit is now opening enrollment for a series of bike maintenance classes.

Full Tune-Up Class: $135*
Basic Tune-Up Class $75-90*
Roadside Maintenance Class: FREE!

*These two classes come with a copy of Park's Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair.
All class attendees will receive discount on tool packages.

We will be posting upcoming class dates & times right here, or you can call the shop at 773-227-2288 to reserve your space. Class size is limited, so don't delay!

Planning to bike through the winter? Check out our Winterbike 2010!

Rapid Transit is offering a special program for the hardy souls who cycle right on through Chicago's winter.

Winterbike 2010 is a season-long maintenance package for your bike. You can join anytime for a one-time fee, and enjoy free maintenance and discounts on merchandise all winter!

If you plan to get around by bike this winter, you simply cannot afford to miss this service. Click here for all the details.

Seasons change...

Like it or not, most folks assume that cycling is a warm weather activity, and put their bikes away for the winter. Those who continue riding enjoy a dubious reputation. You see them riding along, swathed in layers of fabric, wearing goggles, kind of like Calvin's dad in this classic Bill Watterson cartoon:

Winter biking can be efficient, safe, deeply gratifying and even fun. Most of us at Rapid Transit have been riding our bikes throughout Chicago winters, and we are none the worse for the wear. Because cycling works up a lot of heat, the cold itself will not hurt you, if you're properly dressed. After all, people do walk, jog, and ski outdoors in the winter. Why not bike?

On a dry frosty day, you can ride as safely as during the summer. Many winter days are free of precipitation, and  riding safely on such days largely comes down to dressing appropriately. Snow, ice and slush make road conditions more hazardous. Use extreme caution and high-quality equipment, or stay off your bike on days you think conditions are too dangerous.

Here are some things you can do to keep riding safely as the weather cools:

Wear functional clothing.
Use layers for easy stripping, in case you overheat. Avoid cotton, as it will trap your perspiration and make you feel clammy. Wool and performance synthetics are good choices. Select a good, wind-resistant shell (or waterproof suit, if you plan to ride when it's wet) as your top layer. In very cold weather, use windfront tights, or loose-fitting wind-resistant pants over your tights.

Protect your extremities.
Wear good boots that allow and extra layer of wool socks. Mittens, or "lobster" style gloves will keep your fingers warmer than gloves. Cover your head and neck with something that will fit under a helmet. A microfleece headband will work on milder days; for seriously cold days opt for a balaclava ( a one-piece head and neck gaiter).

Be seen.
If you are riding in the city, where street illumination in adequate, front and rear blinking lights are the most effective and economical way to be seen at night. If you ride on unlit paths or darker streets, or in very inclement weather, choose a high-powered rechargeable light for your handlebars or helmet. Stay away from dark clothing, or use a reflective vest or sash over your garments.

Get good tires.
If you'd rather not sit on a curb, fixing a flat in sub-freezing weather, invest in a set of high-quality, puncture resistant urban tires. There is no tire that will improve handling on glare ice. However, there are tires specifically designed for better handling in wet or snowy conditions. When you go to purchase your tires, make sure you explain your riding needs to the salesperson, so that the tires you choose are matched to how you ride.

Protect your bike.
Install full front and rear fenders, and clean and dry your bike after a ride through snow, slush and salt-covered streets. Don't let the salty moisture stay on the bike too long. Lubricate your drivetrain frequently throughout the winter season, with a lube made for bicycle chains.

Bike if you want to

Labor Day weekend will be here before you know it, and summer will seem to draw to a close.

In fact, there are still more than six weeks of summer left on the calendar.  And even after that ends, Chicago often experiences some of the best cycling weather of the year. Fall days can be sunny, mild, or pleasantly cool, and turn the sweat-drenched cycling of the summer months into a truly refreshing experience.

Don't see yourself as a bike commuter? That's OK. I happen to believe that you do not have to "become" anything if you just want to try riding your bike. My mother-in-law and her 80-year-old husband recently started riding their bikes to the grocery store. I don't think they ever stopped to figure out if they are "bike commuters".

The best tip I have for riding a bike is to do it when you want to. Here are some other tips for incorporating biking into your routine this season and through the fall:

• Keep your bike where it's easily accessible, with all your gear near at hand (helmet and lock at a minimum). This will reduce the frustration of trying to find a key item when you're in a hurry to get out the door.
• Carry a backpack. It will turn any bike trip into a potentially productive one without a major investment.
• Don't bite off more that you can chew. Rather than trying to build your whole day around the bike, start by planning short trips: post office, library, coffee shop, small shopping errand.
• If you were planning a major shopping expedition, see if instead there are a few things you can pick up locally, and put off the big trip until you have to be out with the car for another reason.
• If you are traffic-averse, ride your bike to places you can reach using small neighborhoods streets.
• If needed, give yourself a small push once in a while.

Here's the thing: just because you drove your car or got on the bus today doesn't mean you can't ride your bike tomorrow. Conversely, if you ride your bike today, It doesn't mean you have to cycle everywhere for the rest of your life. It only means that you will use your bike sometimes, when it makes sense to you. Personally, I am much more likely to use my bike if there is no external pressure on me to do so, such as a guilt-trip from someone who cycles more than I do.

Labor Day weekend will be here before you know it, and summer will seem to draw to a close.

In fact, there are still more than six weeks of summer left on the calendar.  And even after that ends, Chicago often experiences some of the best cycling weather of the year. Fall days can be sunny, mild, or pleasantly cool, and turn the sweat-drenched cycling of the summer months into a truly refreshing experience.

Don't see yourself as a bike commuter? That's OK. I happen to believe that you do not have to "become" anything if you just want to try riding your bike. My mother-in-law and her 80-year-old husband recently started riding their bikes to the grocery store. I don't think they ever stopped to figure out if they are "bike commuters".

The best tip I have for riding a bike is to do it when you want to. Here are some other tips for incorporating biking into your routine this season and through the fall:

• Keep your bike where it's easily accessible, with all your gear near at hand (helmet and lock at a minimum). This will reduce the frustration of trying to find a key item when you're in a hurry to get out the door.
• Carry a backpack. It will turn any bike trip into a potentially productive one without a major investment.
• Don't bite off more that you can chew. Rather than trying to build your whole day around the bike, start by planning short trips: post office, library, coffee shop, small shopping errand.
• If you were planning a major shopping expedition, see if instead there are a few things you can pick up locally, and put off the big trip until you have to be out with the car for another reason.
• If you are traffic-averse, ride your bike to places you can reach using small neighborhoods streets.
• If needed, give yourself a small push once in a while.

Here's the thing: just because you drove your car or got on the bus today doesn't mean you can't ride your bike tomorrow. Conversely, if you ride your bike today, It doesn't mean you have to cycle everywhere for the rest of your life. It only means that you will use your bike sometimes, when it makes sense to you. Personally, I am much more likely to use my bike if there is no external pressure on me to do so, such as a guilt-trip from someone who cycles more than I do.

We now offer faster repairs

In order for handle the crush of in-season repairs and tune-ups more effectively, we've worked with our service staff to create work shifts. Traditionally, our repair stands are empty when the shop isn't open, but, hey, the rent still has to get paid for that time, so why not also use the space then?

Following months of meetings, scheduling nightmares, discussions over coffee, discussions over beers, etc., we now have mechanics who can work uninterrupted when the shop is quiet. This allows for faster, higher quality repairs and assemblies, which, in turn, enables us to  handle walk-in repairs during business hours much more efficiently. 

Our open hours are staying the same, yet our repair staff will be working before and after hours. If you see us through the windows during non-business hours, be aware that we have the gates locked and registers closed because we are committed to doing what it takes to complete our current repairs for you as promised.

What this means for our customers is that currently anything that does not require special order parts or the attention of a specific mechanic, can generally be done within one or two days of walking in the door. Our objective, as the season ramps up and we get busier, is to keep that turn-around time, including special order parts from our main vendors, to less than a week. 

So far, the reluctant spring has been helping us: we've had time to train people and practice. But what we really need is for you to help us test our limits by bringing in as many bikes to be repaired as you can! We  promise that we will do our utmost to get you back out enjoying your bicycle as soon as humanly possible. 

What is a bike tune-up, exactly?

Tune-ups and fees associated with them very from shop to shop. Before you compare prices, make sure you also understand what services a shop is including as part of the package. The quality of service and workmanship are also important.

When we perform our Deluxe Tune-Up at Rapid Transit, a bicycle gets the mechanic's undivided attention for 2-3 hours. After going over the bike with you, recommending replacement parts, and writing up the cost of the repair, the mechanic will take your bike through the following procedure:

Cleaning and degreasing (aka. The Bike Spa). Your bike will be soaped and scrubbed from top to bottom. The chain, chainrings, freewheel, derailleurs, brakes and rims will be thoroughly degreased and dried. The chain and other key parts of the drivetrain will be treated with a high-quality lubricant.

The Bike Spa

Drivetrain. People who use their bikes heavily find that parts of the drivetrain need to be replaced periodically. If the chain is worn, no amount of lubrication will restore it to it's original functionality. Sometimes a worn chain contributes to excessive wear on the rear cassette, and, in extreme cases, front chainrings. The labor for servicing and replacing these parts is included in the Deluxe Tune-Up. 

Wheels. After your bike has been cleaned, we will move on to the wheels. We'll adjust the external tension on the bearings of both wheels, and dish the wheels, which involves centering the rims perfectly on the axle. Finally, we true the wheel by precisely tensioning the spokes to make sure the rims are straight and will stay that way.

Headset and bottom bracket. Next, we adjust the external tension on the bearings inside the headset (between the handlebar and the fork of your bike) and the bottom bracket (inside the shell between the crank arms). These bearings, along with the wheels, take a real beating even during normal riding, and the correct tension on these bearings will maximize their lifespan. Even newer sealed bearing systems require servicing, including making sure that they are properly and securely retained, and some have a degree of adjustability.

Gears and Brakes. This is the most "touchy-feely" part of the tune-up. The mechanic will spend an untold amount of time coaxing these parts into submission (often muttering invectives). If necessary, cables and brake pads will be replaced. The brakes will be aligned with the rims, and "toed" to prevent squeaking. The mechanic will adjust the cable tension and the position of the brake arms to make your rear brake quicker and stiffer, and your front brake a little softer, so you don't go flying over the handlebars when you brake.

Some repairs call for extreme measures...

The mechanic will also replace and/or lubricate the derailleur cables, set the cable tension and adjust positioning and the limit  screws on the derailleus, to make sure the gears are shifting quickly and accurately, and the chain doesn't skip off the cogs.

Safety Check. The mechanic will fill up the tires, and check the safety and secure attachment of all the parts and accessories on you bike, making sure that nothing is worn or loose, or could contribute to an accident or fall.

Test Ride. Finally, the mechanic will test ride your bike to check if all that work paid off. Any problems will be corrected, and then a bike will be double-checked by a second technician.

The tune-up described above is suitable for heavily-used bikes. Lighter versions of the services are available for lighter riders (click).

Bicycle Safety Check

Those of you who have stored your bikes away for the winter may be hauling them out again at the first sign of spring. Take a few moments to assess the condition of your bike after a season in storage. These steps will help you decide if your bike needs professional attention and perhaps a full tune-up, or whether it can be ready to ride with just a few simple adustments.

Wheels & Tires

• Spin each wheel & make sure it turns freely, without rubbing against the brake pads, or a part of the bike frame. A wheel could be mis-seated in the dropouts. Loosen the quick release or axle nuts, reposition the wheel, tighten & spin again. If it is still rubbing, it may need an adjustment by a pro.
• As each wheel spins slowly, check that it is free of bends, dinks or wobbles. Check also for loose & broken spokes. These problems require the attention of a bike mechanic.
• Make sure the quick release skewers are firmly and securely fastened.
• Check to see if the tires are inflated to correct pressure (embossed on the sidewall of the tire).
• If they are completely flat, chances are they simply need a refill after being parked all winter.
• Brush off or pry out any debris embedded in the tire (you may be surprised to find good sized chunks of glass).
• Examine each tire for holes, splits or dry-rot along the sidewalls. Replace tires if holes or splits are present.

Brakes

• Squeeze the brake levers, and make sure the brake pads grip rims firmly before your brake levers "bottom out" against the handlebars. Lean on the bike and try to roll it forward as you engage the brakes. If you can, the brakes need adjusting.
• Examine the brake pads to make sure they are securely attached, aligned with the rims, and not rubbing the rim or the tire. (If they are rubbing a tire, get it fixed immediately, or you may get a blow out).
• Check also for uneven or excessive wear on the braking surface of the pads.

General

• After inflating the tires, let your bike drop from a height of about 10 inches and investigate any abnormal rattling noises.
• Check for frayed, rusty or frozen cables, or any cables or housing that appear to be loose. They may have become mis-seated as your bike was jostled around in storage.
• Check the hub adjustments (the bearings in the center of each wheel). Grasp each wheel and try to shake it side to side. There should be no "play".
• Check the bottom bracket adjustment (the bearings between the cranks of your bike). Grasp one of the crank arms and try to shake it back and forth. Again, there should be no "play".
• Check the headset adjustment (the bearings that allow your handlebars to turn). Holding the front wheel between your knees, squeeze the brake levers and shake the handlebar back and forth. You guessed it, there should be no "play".

If your inspection reveals anything that makes you uneasy, stop by Rapid Transit for an evaluation by a mechanic. Many problems can be addressed with a simple and inexpensive adjustment. If it turns out your bike needs a full tune up, get in now, and beat the spring rush.

Those of you who have stored your bikes away for the winter may be hauling them out again at the first sign of spring. Take a few moments to assess the condition of your bike after a season in storage. These steps will help you decide if your bike needs professional attention and perhaps a full tune-up, or whether it can be ready to ride with just a few simple adustments.

Wheels & Tires

• Spin each wheel & make sure it turns freely, without rubbing against the brake pads, or a part of the bike frame. A wheel could be mis-seated in the dropouts. Loosen the quick release or axle nuts, reposition the wheel, tighten & spin again. If it is still rubbing, it may need an adjustment by a pro.
• As each wheel spins slowly, check that it is free of bends, dinks or wobbles. Check also for loose & broken spokes. These problems require the attention of a bike mechanic.
• Make sure the quick release skewers are firmly and securely fastened.
• Check to see if the tires are inflated to correct pressure (embossed on the sidewall of the tire).
• If they are completely flat, chances are they simply need a refill after being parked all winter.
• Brush off or pry out any debris embedded in the tire (you may be surprised to find good sized chunks of glass).
• Examine each tire for holes, splits or dry-rot along the sidewalls. Replace tires if holes or splits are present.

Brakes

• Squeeze the brake levers, and make sure the brake pads grip rims firmly before your brake levers "bottom out" against the handlebars. Lean on the bike and try to roll it forward as you engage the brakes. If you can, the brakes need adjusting.
• Examine the brake pads to make sure they are securely attached, aligned with the rims, and not rubbing the rim or the tire. (If they are rubbing a tire, get it fixed immediately, or you may get a blow out).
• Check also for uneven or excessive wear on the braking surface of the pads.

General

• After inflating the tires, let your bike drop from a height of about 10 inches and investigate any abnormal rattling noises.
• Check for frayed, rusty or frozen cables, or any cables or housing that appear to be loose. They may have become mis-seated as your bike was jostled around in storage.
• Check the hub adjustments (the bearings in the center of each wheel). Grasp each wheel and try to shake it side to side. There should be no "play".
• Check the bottom bracket adjustment (the bearings between the cranks of your bike). Grasp one of the crank arms and try to shake it back and forth. Again, there should be no "play".
• Check the headset adjustment (the bearings that allow your handlebars to turn). Holding the front wheel between your knees, squeeze the brake levers and shake the handlebar back and forth. You guessed it, there should be no "play".

If your inspection reveals anything that makes you uneasy, stop by Rapid Transit for an evaluation by a mechanic. Many problems can be addressed with a simple and inexpensive adjustment. If it turns out your bike needs a full tune up, get in now, and beat the spring rush.

Your Mother's Guide to Winter Cycling

Before you run out and get a whole bunch of expensive bike gear, remember what your mother said before you go outside:

1. Tuck in your shirt! Forget those low-slung trousers. Nothing feels worse than a cold blast of Chicago wind on your back. Make sure your shirt is long enough to slide inside your waistband, and your waistband comes up high enough to keep it there.
2. Where is your scarf?! OK, if you're cycling, you may substitute a neck gaiter, balaclava, or even a snug turtleneck, but keep that neck covered. This is the second place where that cold wind can really getchya.
3. Stuff your cuffs inside your gloves, or the gloves inside cuffs. It doesn't matter. Just keep that cold blast from making direct contact with the skin.
4. Same goes for the pants. Stuff'em inside your boots or socks.
5. Pssst.... did you put on your long underwear? You might need it today. Just stay away from the cotton stuff.

PS. Really, we want you to buy bike gear, but, more importantly, like your mother, we want you to stay warm.

Your 2009 Biking Goals

Goals, targets, resolutions.... Whatever you call them, you may be making some this time of the year. And if you are a cyclist, your goals may have something to do with your bike.

I know some people advocate setting big, audacious and even hairy goals. The problem with these types of goals is that you feel like a big failure if you happen to not meet them. Which is quite likely, in large part due to the size and audacity of the goal.

We''d like to advance a concept and benefits of small, modest goals:

• They are easier to reach
• They are easier to modify
• They are not likely to make you feel like a failure

For example, you could set a big, audacious goal like this:
I WILL RIDE MY BIKE TO WORK THIS YEAR EVERY DAY, NO MATER WHAT, RAIN OR SHINE!

Unless you are already fully committed to a car-free lifestyle, there are several things wrong with this goal.

• It sets you up for failure. Anything could come up, and you know it will, and you have failed.
• There is no middle ground: it's either complete success, or else it's failure.
• There is no way to redeem the failure. If for some reason you cannot, or choose not to ride on a given day, you have already failed for the whole year.

Instead, you could set a small, modest goal like this:
I will ride my bike x number of miles this year.

This type of goal has some advantages.

• It can be broken up into manageable monthly, weekly and daily chunks.
• You can exceed you goal. If you exceed it temporarily, it's easier to forgive yourself if you fall behind another time.
• Conversely, if you've fallen behind, you can recalculate your monthly and weekly requirements for the remainder of the year, and still catch up.
• Even if you don't catch up, you haven't completely failed. Maybe you've biked 800 miles rather than a thousand. That's not bad!

Don't ruin your biking experience by setting yourself up for failure. Especially if you are a relatively new cyclist. Try some small, modest goals that will help enhance your enjoyment of cycling. Like these:

• I will keep my biking stuff in one place, so it's convenient for me to hop on my bike when I feel like it.
• I will make a list of places that are easy for me to get to by bike, and try to ride there whenever I can.
• I will challenge myself a couple of times a month to do a bike ride that tests my comfort zone (longer distance, bad weather, heavier traffic, etc.)
• When making my daily transportation choices, I will consider my bike as a viable option.

An urban transportation alternatives coordinator once said:

“We have this picture of cycling commuters as being like supermen, and that discourages other people from doing it. When I came into this job, our thinking was we needed to enable cyclists to make 40-mile bike trips. Now my thinking is we need to have development in place that allows a cyclist to make a one-mile bike trip.”

Here's to the New Year, and millions of car-bound Chicagoans making the the switch to the one-mile bike trip.

Goals, targets, resolutions.... Whatever you call them, you may be making some this time of the year. And if you are a cyclist, your goals may have something to do with your bike.

I know some people advocate setting big, audacious and even hairy goals. The problem with these types of goals is that you feel like a big failure if you happen to not meet them. Which is quite likely, in large part due to the size and audacity of the goal.

We''d like to advance a concept and benefits of small, modest goals:

• They are easier to reach
• They are easier to modify
• They are not likely to make you feel like a failure

For example, you could set a big, audacious goal like this:
I WILL RIDE MY BIKE TO WORK THIS YEAR EVERY DAY, NO MATER WHAT, RAIN OR SHINE!

Unless you are already fully committed to a car-free lifestyle, there are several things wrong with this goal.

• It sets you up for failure. Anything could come up, and you know it will, and you have failed.
• There is no middle ground: it's either complete success, or else it's failure.
• There is no way to redeem the failure. If for some reason you cannot, or choose not to ride on a given day, you have already failed for the whole year.

Instead, you could set a small, modest goal like this:
I will ride my bike x number of miles this year.

This type of goal has some advantages.

• It can be broken up into manageable monthly, weekly and daily chunks.
• You can exceed you goal. If you exceed it temporarily, it's easier to forgive yourself if you fall behind another time.
• Conversely, if you've fallen behind, you can recalculate your monthly and weekly requirements for the remainder of the year, and still catch up.
• Even if you don't catch up, you haven't completely failed. Maybe you've biked 800 miles rather than a thousand. That's not bad!

Don't ruin your biking experience by setting yourself up for failure. Especially if you are a relatively new cyclist. Try some small, modest goals that will help enhance your enjoyment of cycling. Like these:

• I will keep my biking stuff in one place, so it's convenient for me to hop on my bike when I feel like it.
• I will make a list of places that are easy for me to get to by bike, and try to ride there whenever I can.
• I will challenge myself a couple of times a month to do a bike ride that tests my comfort zone (longer distance, bad weather, heavier traffic, etc.)
• When making my daily transportation choices, I will consider my bike as a viable option.

An urban transportation alternatives coordinator once said:

“We have this picture of cycling commuters as being like supermen, and that discourages other people from doing it. When I came into this job, our thinking was we needed to enable cyclists to make 40-mile bike trips. Now my thinking is we need to have development in place that allows a cyclist to make a one-mile bike trip.”

Here's to the New Year, and millions of car-bound Chicagoans making the the switch to the one-mile bike trip.