You know you have been meaning to do it.
With gas prices going up, bikes are looking sexier all the time (in spite of all the recent rain).
Just how much money do you throw away in gas? Say the average person drives 100 miles to commute to work each week. Add another 30 miles weekly for having a life, and we are up to 130 miles a week. If the average car gets 24 MPG, then 130/24 = 5.41 gallons of fuel/week. Multiply 5.41 x 52 (weeks) = 281.32 gallons, or about $1,124 a year by today's gas prices. And that doesn't include any longer weekend trips, insurance, or the occasional accident.
Even taking the CTA can add up. If you buy a CTA monthly pass at $75/month, that is $900/year.
So stop putting it off and buy a bike. Many of the suggestions you will see here on how to cut corners will involve a bike.
Purchasing a bike, especially a used one, can be overwhelming. The good news is that there are plenty of used bikes available in the city.
Craigslist has a plethora of bikes, although without a lot of bike knowledge, the postings are hard to navigate. If you go the craigslist route and are lacking bike knowledge, ask a friend who has an expertise to help you find a good fit--and offer to buy them a few drinks in exchange.
As another route, there are a few good used bike shops in the city.
Working Bikes on the southside always has a lot of bikes for cheap, and proceeds go to a good cause, but I have heard mixes reviews about the quality of the bikes. The bike I bought there lasted just a year.
312 Cycles just opened at 2107 Western Avenue. Jonathan, the owner, sold me my bike for $200--a nice Fuji road bike from the 80s. However you get it, when you buy your bike don't skimp on the safety accessories--helmet, front and back light.
Where do you think the best place in Chicago to get a used bike?
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Caitlin Elsaesser
Caitlin Elsaesser is a Maine girl transplanted to Chicago. More
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when you buy your bike don't skimp on the safety accessories--helmet, front and back light.
The front and back light are actually required by law. Not everyone USES them, but you are required to have them.
Also, less death is always a good thing.
I think Performance sells a kit too that will guide you through converting any multi-speed bike into either a single speed or a fixed gear. It comes with all the hardware you'd need too. I've been thinking about doing that with an old mountain bike. Cuts down on the amount of time you need to spend cleaning sludge out of the moving parts.
Enjoying your blog Caitlin. Getting ready to move to The Windy City in a few months and am taking all the advice I can get. :)
I love bikes - HUGE bike rider here ;-)
I live in Portland, Oregon and there isnt a place you can go in this city where you dont see a bicyclist every few minutes or so. I ride to work myself and the commute not only doesnt cost a thing it keeps me in good condition. More Americans should give up the SUV and bike around town. The Polar Bears will thank you!
Hi, I ran across your blog (awesome btw) and thought it'd be a great place to post my questions...
I live in Salt Lake City, UT and I'm flying to Chicago this Thursday, April 16th for Laughter Yoga training. I am on a shoestring budget. The workshop is in Vernon Hills (I am flying into O'Hare). What is the best/ cheapest way to get around? I've heard that VH is almost an hour away?
Also, what tasty/cheap places do you know of to eat?
Thanks so much!
Karen
vibrantliving@karenbayard.com
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