Sure, I'll Google it, but just taking a chance someone here knows of any German bike-forum-like websites with discussions on commuting, utility biking and car-free living?

Try www.MTB-News.de - it is the biggest one in Germany (>70.000 Users)

Hi,

try http://www.rad-forum.de (the largest bicycle touring community in Germany)

greetings,
Bernd & Barbie (from Heidelberg, Germany)
http://www.bike-europe-ultralite.com

i'm in cologne for a couple months. i rode a single speed in the states and was wondering where some good shops might be in cologne. any advice?