Great Lakes - Introduction

Just wanted to say hi and try to make some Wisconsin(Milwaukee) connections. I'm coming from Austin Texas in August to get married and hope to find some folks to bomb around with. I have a 1981 Schwinn World Sport that lives up there, converted to 5 speed as I didn't see too many hills. I'd like to upgrade to something a bit,ahem,lighter to get around on. I have seen a guy who posts lots of vintage bikes on CL up there and have forgotten his website. If anyone could remind me that would be great. I have not made it to the Bike Collective there, and suspect it is like the one here:great to use the tools, but no decent parts to be had(I'm not too picky, but really who needs clamp on down tube shifters these days...). So, basically, anyone who could help me keep my bike mechanic desires under control I'd love to hear from you. I'd really like to get a Trek, as I just found out they were made in Wisconsin until the mid 80's. Anyhoo, thanks for listening, hope to find some bike folks to hang out with...Jason

Welcome. Are you coming up just for the wedding, or are you permanently relocating?

Just coming for the wedding. My girls folks live in Whitefish Bay. In order to get a marriage license we have to be there 10 days ahead, so we'll be in town for 2 1/2 weeks or so by the time all is said and done. I just found out about a bike film festival and swap meet in Chicago so I'll probably pick up a project while we're there or check CL. Funny, last time I was in town there were lots of $100 bikes that go for twice that in Austin, but I guess the word is getting around that bikes are "cool" again. I think I'll have time to rehab at least one bike, so I'm leaning towards a geared bike so I can explore a little further than the old Schwinn. Like I said, really looking to get a locally made Trek to go with the Chicago Schwinn(actually made in Taiwan and assembled in Chicago from what I gather). I'm interested in checking out a ride or two, do you know if they do a Critical Mass or Moonlight Cruise? I'm looking to get some miles in the cooler weather before it's back home and 100 degrees...

^^^ That's a good one! Cooler weather . . . yep, nothing like the near 90s with 90% humidity that we've been having . . . . :)

Not sure about critical mass and the like. I think I've heard of the occasional CM ride, but don't know anything about it. Might try try an email to the guys over at Ben's Cycle (http://www.benscycle.com/) as they would be the ones who would be in the know on this kinda stuff.

Yeah, I see Ben's online quite a bit. Those Milwaukee frames look great. Too rich for my blood, I'd rather just convert the old steel and save $600 and probably end up with just as good a ride...I'll see if they have events listed on their site. Thanks

Welcome to my hometown!

If you're gonna be in Whitefish Bay on the east side, stop by my friend and coach Jerry Pearce's Rainbow Jersey shop....Trek dealership.

I ride mid-mornings for about :90 minutes or so, but on the west side toward the south....Franklin area. Probably doesn't equal hooking up for a ride, but just throwing it out there.

So you know all about the places for custard then, right? :)

Welcome and congratulations.

And, uh, I'll part with my 199something Trek 2300 made in Waterloo, WI, 55cm, carbon/aluminum road bike for $400 firm:D

...or convert that schwinn to fixie! flip flop wheelset for $100...16t and lockring included

Thanks for the info, I have been to the Rainbow Jersey for some parts when I last visited. Nice little shop. I think you're right, my girl says you're pretty far from her folks place. And yes, I have the custard connection... As for the Trek, not really into carbon or aluminum and the Schwinn is too heavy to bother putting any $ into it, I just took off everything I could and got some new tires. I'm pretty limited tool wise, so I should probably get a tool kit at some point to keep there. I'm really looking for a stock Trek 500 type ride for $200ish, are they out there? Anyway thanks for the tips and keep 'em coming. Jason