where are you starting? and where are you trying to get to?


on the el (CTA), a full size (non-folding) bike is a bit of a pain in the ass, especially if the train is crowded. you will be in everybody else's way with your bike as there just isn't a good place to put a bike on an el train. i've occasionally done it later in the evening when i've gotten caught in storms or the few times i've had a major mechanical failure. it can be done, but i'd say it's pretty annoying unless the train is mostly empty.

on Metra (commuter rail), when bikes are allowed off-peak, it's pretty easy to take a bike on the train because they have designated areas where bikes can be stored.


of course, all full-size (non-folding) bikes are prohibited on all el trains at rush hour, and all inbound metra trains for the morning rush, and all outbound metra trains for the evening rush.


as always, know before you go. read the following links if you intend to bring a bike on any train in chicago.

CTA bike policy on trains: http://www.transitchicago.com/riding...biketrain.aspx

Metra bike policy on trains: http://metrarail.com/content/metra/e...on_trains.html