Chicago Bike Blog

Fat Bike Interlude

 

On their way to Grand Rapids to visit TerraTrike last week, the intrepid Rapid Transit research team found themselves unable to resist the temptation of exploring some of Michigan's off-road bike trails. The back seats of the van came out, and two Surly Pugsleys and a Krampus came aboard. After all, there could be no substitute for first-hand experience to enhance our understanding of these products.

Though the Pugs seem to be alsmot the opposite of what a recumbent trike is, there are some interesting conceptual parallels. These ultra-fat-tire bikes gave us courage to take a stab at some daring terrain that might be quite daunting to anyone with a standard bike.

They may appear fat and clumsy. But they are elegant in their simplicity, eschewing elaborate suspension systems in favor of low-tech, but very effective, shock-absorbing fat tires. The tires are great at helping the rider maintain momentum while rolling over obstacles. While narrower tires might bounce off the ground on rugged terrain, these four-inch babies stick securely to the ground, affording an unsurpassed degree of control.

We're confident that this style of bike can open up the adventure of off-road riding to participants who might otherwise be too timid to give it a try. If you haven't tried mountain biking, you might ask yourself why you should submit yourself and your body to this kind of activity and its inherent risks. One answer is that off-road riding is something that you do to reconnect yourself with the moment. Many of the decisions that you make when you ride off-road are made with your subconscious mind. The worries of the day have to be set aside and you must ride with a meditative focus if you expect to keep your wheel on the trail. At the end of a challenging ride, you enjoy a sense of accomplishment, exhilaration and clarity.

If you would like to see how the Pugsleys or the Krampus perform in the field, please contact us to arrange for a test ride..

And if you would like to try the trails that we explored in the Grand Rapids area, here are the links:

General trail guide: http://mmba.org/trail-guide/

Merrel Trail
2908 Ten Mile Road, Rockford, MI, 4934
Map location https://maps.google.com/?daddr=43.1161,-85.599734&ll=43.114898,-85.599586&z=14
Merrell Trail is also on Facebook.

Luton Park Trail

6125 Kies Street, Rockford, MI, 49341
https://maps.google.com/?daddr=43.108205,-85.52132&ll=43.113616,-85.521865&z=14

no specific web site that I can find but discription availible at above mmba trail guide

or check here http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/3927737

Cannonsburg Ski Area

6800 Cannonsburg Road, Cannonsburg, MI, 49317
http://www.cannonsburg.com/

Map location https://maps.google.com/?daddr=43.057193,-85.500455&ll=43.052158,-85.496601&z=15

Trail head can be hard to find.  Go to the far left of the ski hill.  If you are mortal you will probable skip the "trials" at the end of the trail. Ride within your skill level; this trail is arduous.

Finally, we'd like to thank Mark from Michigan (you know who you are) who kept us from taking any wrong turns on the Cannonsburg Trail.

Customer Love: Andrew K

Following is the inaugural entry in our new Customer Testimonial feature from our UIC store customer Andrew K.

"My stumbling across Rapid Transit came about following the inevitable commuting accident, which left my trusty steed -- Wilier racing bike -- bent, snapped, and crushed in the middle of the road. Resurrecting any of her was very doubtful of, especially as (like a Ferrari driver who can't even check his own oil) I had no idea how to do a rebuild.

Following a crutch-enabled stumble to Rapid Transit, I met Jay and the guys. Amongst a fellow bunch of bike-loving Pilsenite commuters we devised a plan to rebuild what turned out to be all of the bike (barring my beloved Campagnolo gear shifters and brakes, seat and pedal arms). They entertained my ideas, helped to put a bike on the road with a similar performance to the wrecked beauty that had been assembled in the Italian Alps by Wilier.

Over the course of 3-4 months, whilst awaiting the insurance payment, the guys gradually added part after part, including new frame, forks, wheels, drive chain, bottom bracket, handlebars, brakes, and cables. Fortunately, being a University employee, I received 15% off, which allowed me to keep the spec' of the bike nice and high. The finished product is a unique build/resurrection that has been a lot of fun to commute 20 miles a day on, and put me in the top half of the field at the US national triathlon trials this summer, even amongst a field predominantly comprised of tailored tri-bikes. Next year, with a little more tweaking of the gears, I expect Rapid Transit to help me ride into team U.S.A.

The guys are easy going, get onto the job quickly, take on crazy requests, and, especially with the University discount, leave you with enough money to get that component that's next up in the range, that you would otherwise not be able to afford. I advise anyone to get their bikes rebuilt, fixed or pimped at Rapid."

Thanks, Andrew!
(photography by Jay Madden)

Road Trip to TerraTrike

Sometimes at Rapid Transit we are called upon to conduct rigorous research that involves riding a bunch of bikes. This month, our research team consisting of of Jay, Adam and Chris embarked on the road trip to Grand Rapids, MI at the invitation of TerraTrike.

Whenever we visit bike companies, we find ourselves surrounded by individuals who are evangelists for the products they manufacture and represent. This holds true for trike manufacturers as well: company employees, dealers who represent them, and certainly the enthusiasts who ride them are fiercely loyal to the brand and its products, and, through them, to the activity of cycling.

What makes TerraTrike different from traditional bike manufacturers is that the cycling adfficionados who gather there represent a much more inclusive group in terms of age, physical fitness and ability. Some who thought they might never get on a bike again find themselves integrating TerraTrikes into their lives, becoming increasingly active, and reaching goals they previously considered impossible.

In addition to prior innovations, TerraTrike unveiled some new product offerings that we feel will open trike riding to even more riders: a folding trike, a model with a DaVinci hub and integrated auto-shifter, an off-road kit that promisses the possibility of riding a trike off-pavement, and the use of Ride Kick, an electric power-assist trailer that can attach to the trike when needed.

Folding trike: a breakthrough for people with limited storage space and those wishing to drive to trails or travel with the trike.

A power-assist trailer from Ride Kick. Works with almost any bike.

The off-road version still needs a little work. But there is the tantalizing prospect of riding trikes on pavement-free trails.

(photography by Jay Madden)

Fall is a great time to start commuting by bike

If we are lucky, over the next few weeks we will experience the best cycling weather in Chicago. Did you think August was too hot to be enjoyable? Get your bike out now.
Whatever bicycle you have, it will usually get you from point A to point B faster and easier than other vehicles, often including the car. You don't need any special equipment -- with a decent pair of shoes, some easy-fitting pants, sweatshirt and a backpack, you can ride over to the coffee shop, bookstore, or post office, and pick up a few groceries on the way back.
If you are, or are thinking of becoming, a bicycle commuter, take a long, hard look at your bike. Is the type of bike suitable for the type of commuting you envision? First, consider the distance you'll be traveling. If it's only a couple of miles, just about any bike will do. Really. For longer commutes, you may want a lighter, faster bike (though we have seen people take clunky one-speed cruisers to and from 95th street).
Whatever type of bike you choose, make sure it's in good repair. Check the condition of the tires and the brake pads, and see if anything on the bike feels loose. If you're not sure what to look for, bring it in to Rapid Transit, and we'll go over it with you, and recommend needed repairs.
The safety of your commute will depend largely on you. When you cycle on city streets, your bicycle is a vehicle governed by the same laws as a car. That means moving in the direction of traffic, and obeying traffic signals. Common sense and courtesy also go a long way in making your bike commute a safe and pleasant one. We strongly encourage you to wear a well-fitting helmet, forgo the use of headphones, and to use lights and reflectors as needed to stay visible.
You really don't need to rush out and spend a bundle on expensive bicycle gear, but a few well-chosen items will make your commute more efficient and comfortable.

• If you need to leave your bike unattended, invest in a good lock, and learn to use it properly.
• Good quality street tires will reduce rolling resistance, provide better handling in inclement weather, and protect against punctures.
• A rear carrying rack and bags (or a cheaper alternative) will take the load of your back and ensure a more stable ride.
• Fenders will protect your face, clothing and bike from excessive splatter.
• Your butt will thank you for a comfortable seat.