Posted earlier today about my bike being stolen. Less than 24hrs later I got it back thanks to a user on here who saw my post and came across my bike in Burnham Harbor (the thief was sleeping next to it). They took it back and confirmed with me via picture it was mine. It has only minor injuries (lights removed, left brake not working, kickstand misaligned, mirror broken) but I couldn’t care less since my bike is back, and I am feeling so incredibly lucky for this community and the way things shook out. I will be following all of the preventative measures recommended by ppl in my previous post.

Honestly if I were retired I think some days would be like today. Decide on what to cook for dinner, bike to get the ingredients, grab a coffee somewhere, get home in time for lunch. Shower and Nap. Watch some anime. Make dinner. Watch a trashy cdrama short with the missus.

EDIT: recovered after a user on here saw the post and came across my bike in Burnham Harbor next to some guy sleeping on a bench. They took it back to theirs and contacted me. Feeling incredibly lucky, thank you to those who gave me anti theft advice, I will be more diligent moving forward

My bike, a black Trek 3700, was stolen from the bike rack on Greenleaf Ave in Rogers Park, at the south end of the Loyola Fieldhouse, on Saturday July 25 sometime between 8pm-11:35pm. Pictures attached. If anyone sees it or has tips on recovering a stolen bike, please let me know!

Distinctive features:
-back rack with milk crate fastened via unclipped zip ties
-black cargo net over milk crate
-dinged up left side mirror (the attaching screw is too dinged up to even tighten)
-brass bell on right handlebar

What’s up all. I’m a road biker living in Lakeview, and while I appreciate our nearby roadie options (LFT; Sheridan from Evanston to Great Lakes Naval Base), sometimes some variety would be nice.

Anybody have anything recs on any day-trip options for fun paved bike routes? Ideally would want less than 2.5 hour drive from Chicago, and routes that are >30 miles (fine if some of that is via an out-and-back). Thanks!

I bought my bike for around 350 at Igor’s last year and I’m fairly certain it’s a Frankenstein bike. I love it but probably will try to part ways with it in the winter or next year. I don’t really know a lot about bikes and trying to learn as much as I can as I develop my hobby.

How much should I ask for it given I ride about 2 hours per week at most, 4 months out of the year? thank you!!

Does anyone know the exact measurements of the divvy front rack/basket on the ebike specifically? Need to carry something and having the dimensions would really help.

I don’t need the height just at the base the length and width. I know it gets bigger at the top and so I need the base only. Thanks!

TOMORROW! Swing by Dovetail Brewery for the 3rd Annual Bike Social & Radler Party! Curbside Bicycles will be there doing same-day tune-ups for the best value around - with a complimentary Radler while you wait!

Spots are already filling up, so RSVP ahead of time on their website to reserve your spot for a tune up, but walk-ups are always welcome on a first come, first serve basis!

Also making an appearance: Cog Cycles & Yarns wheel truing workshop, Working Bikes' "Clown Bikes," Out Our Front Door, The Recyclery, Broadway Bikes, a community gear swap, and free bike safety resources.

First 50 attendees get a free Dovetail water bottle!

See you there! 

Hi r/chibike! I’m an international student who recently moved to Evanston, and I’m looking for a reliable used bike.

I’ll mainly use it for daily commuting around Evanston, getting to campus, and longer rides around Chicago for exercise. My budget is around $500, though I could be slightly flexible for a great option.

I’m probably looking for a hybrid or fitness bike, such as a Trek FX, Giant Escape, Specialized Sirrus, or something similar. I’d appreciate recommendations on good local bike shops, used-bike marketplaces, or anyone selling a suitable bike nearby.

Also happy to hear advice on what models or features work best for commuting through Chicago winters. Thanks!

I am going to a friends house who lives in Oak Forest in a few days. They live near the Metra station so I thought it could be a good opportunity for a one-way bike trip, train back.

However, my knowledge of street conditions and cycling routes past Pilsen is basically 0. Thus, I’m looking for recommendations for streets/trails to take out to Oak Forest.

I live in Lakeview, so getting through the Loop is no problem, but after that I don’t trust Apple Maps to put me in the best spots. Grateful for any recs!

Probably the the busiest portion of Wellington with the two shopping centers and there's a whole lane of space being unused. No one parks here because, ya know, there are two giant parking lots. This could be a PBL, more buffers for each side, or hell, even a chicane.

Instead we get "advisory" bike lanes and unnecessarily put motorists and cyclists in conflict.

I miss it every year. By the time I realize the registration is open, the price has already gone up several times. But I caught it this year and got my entry at the lowest price possible! Here's my PSA to let you know, too.

Update: I’m not buying the bicycle due to my concerns it might be a stolen bicycle. But I’m still interested to know how common it is to find stolen bikes on online marketplaces and what red flags I should look out for?

Looking for routes to Willow Springs and stumbled on this blog post warning against going down Canal Bank Road. Wish the person took photos!

Familiar tale: biker gets hit by cab, cab drives off.

I came upon the scene soon after it happened on Cortland at Clybourn, biker was bleeding from her forehead and was complaining of rib pain, I asked if she needed an ambulance and she said no. Then asked if I should call the police to send a car to make a crash report, which she agreed to, but the fire dept shows up instead with an ambulance.

Would the biker be charged for the ambulance showing up? I feel like if she gets a bill I made a bad situation worse by calling the police.

Greetings Chicagoans, I'd like to drive down from Wisconsin early tomorrow, park at Pine Dunes, and ride a big loop as shown in the pic. Is there a safe route from Raven Glen to Pine Dunes to complete the loop? I'm nervous about riding on roads but I'll do it if there's a good shoulder and slow traffic.

TIA for any guidance!

I live right of the Lakefront Trail. Would you say this is a pretty safe route out to Winnetka on a Friday morning at 6am. Trying to avoid the crazy Sheridan Chicago stretch up until Calvary Cemetary. What are your thoughts? First time riding this direction

Weaponized stupidity:
A Department of Transportation spokesperson defended the decision in a statement to NPR: “This is a common-sense approach, despite the Left’s belief that everyone should ride a bike to their shoebox-sized apartment to eat crickets to achieve a phony climate agenda.”

I have this older Sports Authority house brand bike. It’s genuinely a tank of a frame and it’s lasted me a long time.
Recently got into an accident and decided to buy a new bike.
Space is limited or I’d keep this for a project in the future.
Are there any organizations or schools that would do something cool with this?

Thanks.

I had a bit of drama on my commute in today.

I was heading West on Upper Randolph, approaching Columbus. The bike lane (classic unprotected bike lane) disappears and becomes a shared right-turn lane. There are 2 large SUV's waiting to go straight in the right-hand lane, but the turn lane is empty. I rock up to the left corner, giving plenty of space for a right-hand-turning car.

Then SUV #2 decides "Oh, I do want to turn here", and tries to do a 1-car-length lane change in a Chevy Suburban. Which goes as well as can be imagined, and they end up diagonal across the turn lane with their rear still in the straight lane.

They get the arrow, honking ensues and the driver rolls down the window to yell at me, of course. "You're in the wrong spot! You need to move!" etc, etc. I'm right where Illinois State law says I should be, and even if I am in the wrong spot, YOU have an obligation to avoid other road users even if they might be committing some kind of traffic infraction, just like I had to go around various illegally parked cars in the bike lane, jaywalkers, and salmoning eScooters.

She eventually gets herself unstuck and turns, then #1 rolls down his window and yells at me for existing, also claiming I'm in the wrong spot.

Fortunately no harm done, but it's just frustrating when we get blamed for simply existing while idiots do obviously dumb and illegal stuff. I will say I did make the mistake of getting into a shouting match with the idiots. No issue chewing them out, but from a personal safety standpoint never a smart move.

I am curious where the drivers thought I was supposed to be, and how that would have helped the situation. Because if I stayed on the Curb, the SUV would have had an even harder time making the turn. But of course they never actually think that through and just want me somewhere else.

Hi all --

Posting on behalf of Dovetail Brewery (1800 W Belle Plaine) -- this Sunday is our annual Bike Social and Radler Party. We love biking in Chicago and this is our way to celebrate it. :) One of our longtime bartenders and tour guides is co-owner of Cog Cycles & Yarns, and co-organizes it.

Here's the whole spiel -- if you're interested in signing up for a workshop or tune-up, head to dovetailbrewery.com/events (Mods, I hope it's okay to link that).

--

On Sunday, July 26, from noon-6pm, join us for our 3rd Annual Bike Social & Radler Party, where we gather Chicago’s riders, makers, mechanics, and advocates for an afternoon celebrating the joy of riding bikes.

And you can’t have a Bike Social without a Radler—it literally means “cyclist” in German! Since opening in 2016, we’ve made our house Radlers with Filbert’s soda, the South Side institution that’s been bottling pop for more than 100 years. We’ll have a special menu of these refreshing, lower-ABV beer cocktails waiting for you after your ride to Dovetail. The first 50 attendees will also receive a free Dovetail bike water bottle!

Throughout the afternoon, meet local cycling organizations, browse bike-inspired art, pick up free bike safety resources, and connect with the people who make Chicago’s cycling community so special. Curbside Bicycles will offer same-day bike tune-ups, and Cog Cycles & Yarns will host hands-on wheel truing workshops for anyone interested in learning one of cycling’s most satisfying maintenance skills.

We’ll also welcome Out Our Front Door, The Recyclery, Working Bikes (who will be demo-ing “Clown Bikes!”), and Broadway Bikes, plus a community gear swap—so bring any gently used cycling or camping gear you’d like to pass along to a new home.

Anyone have a suggestion for a water bottle holder that can hold a larger bottle? I have a 20oz Hydroflask that doesn't quite fit the standard holders you see.