02-17-2009, 04:36 PM
Location: Albany Park, Chicago
20 posts, read
28,936 times
Reputation: 19
Chicago Bike Riders! Help!
I recently acquired a bike. It is an old 1981 Raleigh. Great shape and everything. Then again, I know nothing about bikes.
02-17-2009, 04:53 PM
Location: Chicago
7,930 posts, read
8,232,888 times
Reputation: 5043
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RedLineBlueLine
Also...how do I keep people who ride bikes from laughing at my amateur bike skills, haha. Kidding.
Punch 'em in the nose.
Keeping a bike is pretty simple; mainly keep air in the tires and keep the chain oiled. Of course there are people who are "into" bikes and make the simple complex but that's another story.
There are many websites out there on bicycle upkeep, this site is a good place to start.
Harris Cyclery Articles
02-17-2009, 04:57 PM
Location: Albany Park, Chicago
20 posts, read
28,936 times
Reputation: 19
Thanks a lot!
02-17-2009, 05:03 PM
5,807 posts, read
6,937,427 times
Reputation: 2058
As far as tips on riding, just avoid the major streets (because who needs that?) and keep moving. Treat biking like driving, in that if you're the slower traffic, just stay to the right and don't be bothered by people who pass you. If you're passing others, give a nice audible "On your left!"
02-17-2009, 06:18 PM
Location: Wicker Park, Chicago
3,981 posts, read
5,240,021 times
Reputation: 1389
I am a major biker with 7 bmx 7 road bikes and 2 mtn bikes. Essentailly, what you gotta carry around with you is tools and gear to fix a flat tire, pump it up, lock up your bike, and maybe night lights of you bike in the dark. The Light & Motion brand lights are good and cheap on ebay.
02-17-2009, 08:20 PM
Location: Edgewater
72 posts, read
131,859 times
Reputation: 26
try to be aware of car doors opening (of parked cars while you pass them) - happens very often. Chicago Bike Map (http://www.cityofchicago.org/Transportation/bikemap/keymap.html - broken link)
02-17-2009, 08:47 PM
3 posts, read
4,397 times
Reputation: 10
Just remember, Loud Pipes Save Lives
02-17-2009, 08:47 PM
5,807 posts, read
6,937,427 times
Reputation: 2058
Quote:
Originally Posted by
StopMADD
Just remember, Loud Pipes Save Lives
Bicycles. Bicycles, friend.
02-18-2009, 06:58 PM
504 posts, read
689,825 times
Reputation: 190
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RedLineBlueLine
I recently acquired a bike. It is an old 1981 Raleigh. Great shape and everything. Then again, I know nothing about bikes.
You're going to have to remove the derailleurs and brakes if you're planning on riding your Raleigh in the city. Sorry, I don't make the rules.
In all seriousness though, the advice in this thread is pretty good. If you don't want to carry an extra tube, pump and tire levers with you, bring your CTA pass. Because you're going to get flats now and then. Also, get a decent u-lock if you're going to leave your bike anywhere. I'm thinking a low-end kryptonite (used like this:
Lock Strategy ) should keep thieves away from an old Raleigh.
02-18-2009, 07:41 PM
Location: Wicker Park, Chicago
3,981 posts, read
5,240,021 times
Reputation: 1389
No, you don't have to remove your derailleurs or brakes. Just don't leave your bike locked out overnight in any area where it can be stripped of parts. Yes, carry a CTA card with money on it because I had a puncture flat so bad running through NAILS on the road that no flat repair kit could fix and the CTA buses with their front bike racks took me home!
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