New from Chicago
 

Hi Everyone -

I've been biking for years on and off. Most recently living/biking in Chicago where I have a homemade hybrid (someone else built) for the nice weather riding and a mountain bike for winter/hauling.

I'd like to get out of the city more and into loaded touring so I'm currently iso a steel-framed bike I can use for that. With the current state of the economy and all, I'm hoping to find something used. Or a job. Well, both a bike and a job would be the best of all situations.

Oh, the other problem with bike shopping, I'm short. So if anyone has a lead on something that's 48 cm or smaller (down to 42cm) at a reasonable price, I'm likely going to be interested.

Welcome to Bike Forums.
I'm not a texter (many of us aren't) so tell me what "iso" means.

42-48 cm may be hard to find, new or used.
Good luck with the job search. Let us know what bike you find.

iso= in search of?

Yes, iso = in search of

I can find what I'm looking for (including size) new; just hoping to find something that will work for me until I can afford new.

I found a 48cm Schwinn Voyageur (the touring bike, not the current model). It's being shipped to me, so I don't know yet that it will, for sure, work. But I'm hoping. I should receive the bike next week, and I'll see once it's assembled.

Hi Sue
Look on craigslist chicago bikes. Will find alot. Also log onto Workingbikes.org. they rebuild bikes that are donated and they are cheap and GOOD, not just good and cheap. Chicago has alot to offer on bikes. Try also chainlink.org.
Although I've been reading the forum for years, I just signed up today to get info on building my LHT that I will use for touring. You will find what you are looking for - both in a bike and a job!
rsguy

Hi rsguy - I check craigslist a lot. There's been a few smaller touring frames recently, but most were aluminum, and I really want to get steel. I've also been by working bikes and ciclo urbano recently to check out the inventory. Nothing of interest posted on Chainlink lately. Waiting for the bike I bought online to arrive, but I should be able to give it a good test with rides around the city.

Thanks for the good bike and job thoughts. Good luck with the LHT build-up.