Sorry, you guys must get these posts daily and I apologize for being annoying. I moved to wicker park in Chicago and I wanted a comfortable bike, but really knew nothing. I bought a schwinn voyageur. While it is comfortable and nice looking, a ten mile commute to work now feels like forever. Women fly way ahead of me barely pedaling while I am working my ass off and not really moving haha. There is just no speed with this bike, its very heavy. I really didn't know better at the time. I am saving up to switch to a road bike. I am looking for a bike under 800 that has a lot of speed and is comfortable. I ride daily and I am just not happy with my purchase.

I have been eyeing the trek 1.1 but you guys know a hell of a lot more than I do. Any picks for me? Thanks.

I purchased a Trek 1000 some years back for nearly the same reason. I was using a cheapo Wal-Mart mountain bike, and upgraded to the 1000. I still do most of my miles on the bike. It's reliable, fast enough to get the job done, and the price was right.

Most bikes in a given price range will be very comparable, especially <$1000. If you're looking at Trek I just picked up a 1.5 for $900, which is even less than Trek's summer discounts. I fly by everybody on my commute, and average probably 2-3 mph faster than my previous bike. If you wait another month or two you'll start to find great deals on 2013's models as the 2014's roll in. I would suggest going with something above a 1.1 because I think you'll outgrow the 2300's or Sora's... if you start riding more you'll outgrow it very quickly and it will be worth the initial investment.

But like I said in that price range all bikes will be good... Specialized Allez, Jamis Ventura, Trek 1 series, Giant Defy... all good bikes. Most people will probably say to choose based on the LBS.

Unless your bike is with you 24/7 bikes in Chicago don't last long. Theft is rampant.

If you feel comfortable buying used, Craigslist has a long list of used bikes.
I just ran across this one. Its a beauty at a great price.
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/3941204170.html

You could always go the hybrid route. Trek's Fx line or something similar to that. You can then ride with 32 wide tires and take some of the bumps out of the ride. They are cheaper than the road bikes in general and IMHO, don't look as theft worthy. Chicago does have a ton of used bikes for sale too, so I am sure you could save some money going that route, but you should know what size you are beforehand.

The Trek 1.1 is a decent bike for Chicago that should serve fine as a Chicago bike. I would personally want a little wider tires for that kind of riding, but if it doesn't bother you, I say go for it.


BTW, Wicker Park is a cool neighborhood...I used to live there and had a blast.

i'd go the craigs list route. as mentioned, you can get a good bike for less money than a new one and you wont feel as bad if someone steals your $400 CL bike vs. your $800 LBS bike. just make sure you know what size you need and get one that fits.

What size tires are on the bike ? Look at the numbers on the sidewall. For example, 26 x 1.75. or 700c x 28 ..... If you have wide, low pressure tires, then a going to narrower , higher pressure tires can make a big difference for not much money. ..... That is if you like the bike otherwise.

I wonder if the rampant theft and the ample supply of used bikes on CL have anything to do with each other.

surely not.

however, if your bike does end up stolen you could always buy it back on CL...might even get a good deal on it.

anyways... back to the thread...that Trek is a great bike i'm sure. might even be some stolen ones on CL for a discounted price.