Welcome!

-Rapid Transit Cycleshop. Family-owned neighborhood bike resource since 1994.
-Chicago's premier dealer of recumbents, folding bikes and urban bikes & gear.

Rapid Transit Cycleshop was founded in 1994 in Chicago's Wicker Park by Chris Stodder and Justyna Frank, a husband and wife team, with a mission of getting more Chicagoans on bicycles.

We believe in human-powered transportation, and are committed to the commuting and utilitarian cyclist. Although bicycling for transportation had always seemed to us like a good idea, we wanted our shop to welcome and support all cyclists. We wanted invite, not intimidate the beginner; listen, not preach to the curious; and salute, not marginalize the commuter.

We also saw the opportunity to offer Chicago’s cyclists bikes that were not available in other area stores. In March of that same year, with one recumbent n stock, we became Chicago's first recumbent bicycle dealer, and today continue to be the only shop in the city where you can see, compare, test ride and purchase a wide variety of recumbents.

Several years ago we introduced folding bikes into our product mix, and thus opened up new transportation opportunities to commuters who needed to combine cycling with public transit.

Our emphasis on human-powered transportation has shaped a unique company philosophy, and resulted in an eclectic mix of bicycles and accessories not found anywhere else in town. We offer bikes that will take you downtown, and out of town; around the neighborhood, or around the world; bikes you can fold up in a suitcase, and take on the plane.

But we don't just want to sell you stuff. We want to help you find a bicycle that will fit your body and your lifestyle, delight you, offer you years of enjoyment, and a new feeling of freedom. We sincerely hope you will come in to see us soon!