What's the bike swap schedule this year?

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on March 7, 2013 at 9:17pm

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Chicago Bike Swap, and more!

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Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on March 7, 2013 at 11:53pm

Chuck-- the past two years I put up a separate chainlink event to list the presentations-- is that what you're missing?

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Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on March 10, 2013 at 2:54pm

1. I can't believe that I failed to try out any of the cargo bikes. I've been interested in them for years and I had a whole day to try out a bunch of different cargo bikes and I just watched other people ride them. 

2. The bike polo was very fun to watch. Enough fun to tempt me into playing it some time.

3. I bought stuff I didn't need even though I had no intention of buying anything except a fixed cog (and could only find a 20 t  and completely forgot to get/look for a lockring).

4. Speaking of forgetting, I am in the midst of a build and forgot to make a list of stuff I needed.

5. The venue, while nowhere near as funky as the Pulaski Park Field-house, had a charm of its own. It was fun to have the swim meet going on upstairs. I don't think the event suffered at all from the change of venue. In fact, it seemed a lot more cohesive. (And it is closer to my house!)

6. I wish I could afford a Heritage or Legacy Frameworks bike (or one of those gorgeous Saga bikes, or even Rusty's Voyageur).

7. Did anyone here buy the blue filet brazed Sports Tourer? That was super tempting - probably the most tempting bike there for me (It seemed reasonably priced and needed some work and wasn't remotely mint so I would not feel bad converting it to commuter.) If you bought it on impulse and now have any regrets, contact me!

8. I finally got to see a Chester paint job in person. Wow! Great work.

9. There was plenty of bike parking. Yay!

 

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on March 10, 2013 at 3:18pm

I finally found a Kozie Prery cap that fits both my oversized cranium and my peculiar taste. That in it self made it worth my while.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on March 10, 2013 at 4:06pm

I thought that having it in one gigantic room worked very well.  It was much easier to navigate, and I'd imagine it was a lot easier for Active Trans staff and volunteers to manage compared to Pulaski Park. 

I had a lot of great conversations with people, got to try a few cargo bikes, found a Kozie Prery hat for myself, had no trouble finding bike parking, and generally had a fun time.

Thanks to all who helped make it possible.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on March 10, 2013 at 5:44pm

Apparently there was a lot of pent-up Kozie Prery demand. I got a winter cap and cowl.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on March 10, 2013 at 7:40pm

And another Kozie Prery cap!  Along with a Po Campo bag that supposedly has something wrong with it but I can't figure out what it is. It is attached to my rear rack ready to go in the morning.

I tried to convince Levi that he needs to make a bike for short people.  Not into building things yet, so no parts.  

Told a young friend and his wife about it. They brought bikes they did not like, sold them, and bought bikes they do like.  They loved the bike polo and were amazed by The Chainlink.  They also talked to a lot of neat "bike people" so we might have two converts.

The ride was only a little over 4 miles, and I only caught a bit of freezy stuff at 6:15 in the morning, so overall really a good day.

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