Fixed Gear

Courtney, Talman Ave and Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL

Courtney rides a fixed gear Stratos Keirin frame, moss green with rainbow flakes.

Courtney says:  "My friend in Japan helped me get my bike and most times I feel like it's too cool for me!  She was home visiting her folks when I stumbled across it on Japanese Yahoo.  She and her mother bid on it and won it for me, which was super sweet.  I previously tried to get a Vogue frame made for a Keirin racer called Noboru, but it got too expensive.  My bike is a Stratos Keirin frame, in moss green, with rainbow flakes, and it turned out to be for the same racer, Noboru.  I searched for details about him on the internet, but never found anything. I have had it for about 4 years and it rides like a dream.

The finish on Courtney's bike is so unique I had to show this detail... she's also got some pretty sweet boots.

Rachel, Wacker and State, Chicago, IL

Rachel Rides a 2008 Surly Steamroller Fixed Gear with all the fixings! Almost everything has been replaced on it, including the front wheel 4 times. It's her love!

Cycling Tip from Rachel: Spend the money on good gloves. It gets ridiculously cold in the winter and cheap gloves just won't cut it (who wants frozen fingers anyways??). Bike stores have great selections of winter gloves, like Gore and Pearl Izumi, that'll keep those hands warm 'n toasty! Try going in the spring or early fall to get discounted gear. Also, full fenders are a life saver. You can find them in different colors as well to add some fun to your bike. They help keep all the nasty road grime off of you and your bike, definitely an essential on sloppy wet days! 

Alexis, Kinzie at the Chicago River, Chicago, IL

Alexis' hat is by Kindred Honor, Her Jacket is Nau, and her helmet is made by Bern.

Alexis rides a track model Soma Rush with Velocity rims built up by Marcus at Yojimbo's Garage.  The five layer powder coating was painstakingly painted by UV Metal Arts in Bridgeport.

Cycling Tip from Alexis: Learn to fix a flat. There is something incredibly empowering about being able to repair the vehicle you rely on, realizing that it's something you are completely capable of. I never cease to get that feeling of accomplishment, being closer to my bicycle, and stronger as a person. 

Alexis is the Founder and Producer of  TyK [Thought You Knew] a bicycle chick pinup calendar, the proceeds from which go to support The Chicago Women's Health Center [CWHC].  Check out their Gala Launch Party this Friday at The COOP from 5-10pm at 845 W Fulton Market, Chicago. 

 

Dana, Paulina and Roscoe, Chicago, IL

Dana at Paulina and Roscoe with her Pake track frame fixed gear bike built at Bicycle Station, Brooklyn.