Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on June 19, 2017 at 5:15am

Hi Megan-

 While I can't speak to your new bike purchase, (fit is important for comfort, etc.), I can tell you that the archives here will answer most any question you can think of about biking in Chicago. Take some time to go through the years of threads and posts from cyclists of all stripes/experience levels from all over Chicagoland and welcome to the Chainlink.

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Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on June 19, 2017 at 6:01am

http://www.bikeroar.com/products/khs/flite-280-2016/gloss-black-small

Factory Description

"Commuting, fitness, and fun: KHS's Flite 280 is made to handle it all. The tough, light 6061-aluminum frame is the spine of this pavement machine, and the steel fork up front takes the edge off of road vibrations so you stay comfortable no matter where the blacktop takes you. Smooth spinning, road bike size Weinmann wheels let you pick up the pace and stay stiff when you dive into corners, while CST Caldera tires give you the right amount of traction wherever you roam. Fast or slow, the Flite 280 is an easy-pedaling machine thanks to the wide-ranging Shimano Claris drivetrain, and when you need to slow down as you commute to work or join in the Saturday group ride, reliable Promax brakes are on the case."

Hi Megan! First question, does this bike fit you with comfort and efficiency. Talk with the shop on how you feel riding it and maybe it can be adjusted or exchanged for the proper size.

It sounds like you wanted a lighter/faster/commuter style bike to carry upstairs and lift up in your vertical storage area. You're good, I hope.

Would you be happier with a more upright lightweight hybrid commuter similar to the ride on your current casual cruiser bike?

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Permalink Reply by Chucko on June 22, 2017 at 8:33am

Looks like a decent bike to me. But really the bike you need is the one that has the features you want. Guessing as you ride you'll find thugs you like about the bike, and maybe some things you don't. It'll help educate you the next time you go looking. For instance- I look for bikes with fender and rack mounting points since I like fenders for wet weather and I hate carrying a backpack or messenger bag. But those things might be pointless for someone who wants to carry a bag and have a lighter feeling bike. What you bought is a solid entry level road bike. Should serve you well while you have it.

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Permalink Reply by Nick Alt on June 23, 2017 at 7:06pm

khs bikes are pretty decent in general I owned a khs mountain bike and wish I had never sold it..anyway you might look into some cyclocross tires like Vittorria Cross XG..these sort of knobbies can give a lot more confidence on cruddy streets but are still high pressure good for commuting..check out Richards Bicycle Book by Richard Ballantine for lots of great riding advice..Damen ave. is a great N-S route I always try and use that gets you pretty much from Rogers Park to Wicker Park..use lights for sure and bright clothes..Also try Alltrails.com..

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Permalink Reply by V W on June 25, 2017 at 3:02am

I've bought 3 bikes from Uptown Bikes. 2 Raleigh and 1 Marin. No regrets here. Just rode the Marin last night and the Raleigh 2 days before that. Their service is top notch too.

They don't have the huge selection of some bigger bike shops, so they seem to have bikes that are good for commuting in chicago. If I wanted a beach cruiser or a tourer or an electric bike or something, yeah I'd look to an REI or a Kozys. If I wanted a hauler I'd go to a place that sells those. But for a decent bike to get you around, for your general purpose chicago commuting, you can't go wrong with Uptown Bikes.

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