I picked Chicago -
Hi I've been lurking on here for a couple of weeks now, and decided I should take a long-overdue moment and introduce myself.
I'm a late-20 something who just recently moved to the North side of Chicago from SF.
I'm in the attempts at building my own fixie, but in the meantime, I was kindly given a spalding blade 12 speed from about 20 years ago, that is working just fine at the moment. A new saddle and tube and I'm raring to go.

So on that note, I've been figuring out different paths around Chicago -anyone interested in riding around town with me? I'm still figuring out groups and what-not...advice, riding buddy? Someone who just likes urban cycling and idea of getting a cup of coffee at a destination point perhaps?

Well, that's my story, I'm happy to be here!
Thanks-

Welcome to BF! Glad you decided to come out of lurking mode. You should be able to find plenty of friendly folks in your area. You may want to check out the regional section on the main page.

cheers!
Liz

see cate, welcome to the boards. Cycling around Chicago is a blast. Faster than a car (and no need to find a parking spot on the north side.... ), plus more convenient than the CTA.

Lots of Chicago folks in the Fixie sub-forum, which you've probably already discovered.

Lots of riders out in the burbs, too. Check out the new Great Lakes sub-forum and introduce yourself. Trying to get a roll call of folks in the area.

Hi!

I live in Lincoln Square, and have been trying to expand out my riding routine. Generally, I mostly just commute (I work in the loop - you can see my route here) - but my fiancee and I try to ride together at least once a week - mostly on the lakefront path.

We've been trying to do a little more exploration lately though, so it would be cool to share stories! I think I might be switching up my commute to use the lake path more - it adds about 3 miles to the commute, but only takes about ten minutes longer (due to no stopping), plus, with the exception of North Ave Beach area, it's a lot safer

Welcome see_cate! Lots of Chicagoans on the boards so I'm sure you'll have no problems finding people to ride with. Not to chase you off the boards, but rather to supplement your biking experience, I offer the following website geared to fixed gear riders in Chicago:

https://chifg.com/

Also, check out the SS/FG forum here cuz there's lots of great people and info to be found.

hello everyone! Thank you so much for the replies and advice. Well, as I stated before, I'm "working on" building my own fixie, being that I'm not the most mechanically inclined ahem, I have gone for help in this matter. So right now I'm strattling that fine line between track and road bikes. When all is said and done, I should have two - my 12speed which I'm probably eventually going to change to a single gear but keeping the freewheel since I never use the other gears anyhow, and then the fixie for the rainy days. Thats the plan anyhow! Fingers crossed!

So yup, I'm here for friends and collaborations, anyone ever want to work on their bikes together etc... I'm all for it. Riding friends, and general good-times!

Ciao-

If you haven't seen this yet, this may help you with your fixie conversion.

https://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html

BTW, Sheldon's also a BF member.