Comrade’s turning 6! And we’re back to regular season hours.

Seven years ago, Comrade Cycles was little more than a twinkle in the eyes of three scraggly Chicago guys furtively discussing our grand plans in cafés and bars around town. Now, seven years later, spring is in the air, and tomorrow is Comrade’s 6 year anniversary. It doesn’t exactly feel like it was only yesterday that we were patching up the last holes in the drywall before our first day open six years ago, but it’s hard to believe that we’ve been here as long as we have. When we first opened up, Jesse, Bailey and Steve were Comrade’s only staff. We quickly realized we would need more hands if we were going to keep up with the fantastic response we immediately received. Over the years we’ve grown to a staff of seven full timers, and the hustle and bustle in season is difficult to miss.

 

We have grown a lot in the last six years, but our mission has stayed the same since we opened up. Our commitment to every cyclist, from the newbie to the racer, has brought out the best in our staff and shows in our customers’ satisfaction.  It’s hard to believe we just hugged our goodbyes to Bailey as he makes his way out west to train for another go at the Tour Divide this year, and eventually, to a new home at a new shop that he will pioneer out west. Earlier this winter, we also bid farewell to Aaron, our longtime friend and comrade, who made his way out west with his partner, Cauleen, to L.A. for their new adventures after six seasons lending a hand at the shop. And, finally, we bid farewell to Jason, who made his way back to Grand Rapids, MI after two seasons in Chicago.

 

You will undoubtedly recognize the same faces of Jesse, Steve, and Scott from seasons past. Scott has been a Comrade for four years now, and is now full time year round at the shop. In addition, we have some new arrivals, and we’re beyond stoked with the new Comrades on board for the 2018 season. We look forward to introducing you to Beth, Lauren, Max and José. You’ll likely recognize them from the other shops where they’ve worked around town, or from the races and rides where you’ve seen them, but please introduce yourself and get to know them the next time you’re in.

 

Farewell, and Godspeed Comrades!
  
Speaking of the next time you’re in, we’re officially back to regular season hours and open seven days a week.
Monday 10 – 7
Tuesday  10 – 7
Wednesday 10 – 7
Thursday 10 – 7
Friday 10 – 6
Saturday 10 – 6
Sunday 11 – 5
Special thanks to Tony Favarula for taking these amazing photos for us this winter! <3

Perhaps Cross Never Left

 

We will be closed this Sunday the 28th for an important landmark in the Chicago cycling scene. After a wonderful summer of road biking, muggy commuting, and mountain biking we are welcoming the arrival of cyclocross season with its unofficial #crossishere race Relay Cross this Sunday (8/28/16) in Jackson Park! There are still a few weeks before the Chicago Cross Cup kicks into full swing but Relay Cross is an absolute blast and a fun way to shake off the cobwebs of this particular racing discipline with the help of a teammate.

We will be CLOSED ON SUNDAYS from now until March.

8/28- Relay Cross

9/11- LaBagh Woods CX

10/2- Hopkins Park CX (We throw this one!)

Thank you guys! If you have any questions about cyclocross, racing, or how to get started please don’t hesitate to ask us!

Mountain Biking in the Chicago area

palos
So far this season, you’ve ridden the lakefront trail from bottom to top countless times, been on an overnight to Starved Rock State Park, gotten dusty on the Des Plaines River trail, and stopped in Highland Park for coffee on a road ride, but have you gotten rad on a mountain bike lately? Chicago’s flat as a pancake grid of streets doesn’t scream out “MOUNTAIN BIKES,” but if you’re in the know, you can easily find some dirt to rip. Have you been by the shop lately and seen some wider than average Chicago tires? We’re keeping a selection of mountain bikes in stock to slake the thirst of folks who are looking to get a little more variety into their riding menu. The Honzo AL is a great bike to handle the local terrain, and we’re keeping a size run in stock.
biketree
Chicago’s closest local treasure is the trail system at Palos Forest Preserve in Willow Springs, IL. Palos offers a robust 50+ miles of singletrack and widetrack trails to explore. The area boasts elevation not seen in Chicago proper, which means you’ll be climbing and descending on tight twisty sections, hammering up long rolling widetrack, and navigating rocky technical sections. Your guide to adventure comes from the Chicago Area Mountain Bikers at CAMBr.org, where you can find trail maps, conditions, directions, and more. Also check out the mountain biking at Kettle Moraine in Wisconsin!
rawny_honzo
Be sure and check the trail conditions before heading out, as riding on a muddy trail can damage them and make the trails unusable for others.

Palos2010Map

May Day 2016

Hello Comrades,

The shop will be closed Sunday May 1st for International Worker’s Day (May Day). Our regular hours will resume on Monday May 2nd.

If you wanted to celebrate the sacrifices workers have made for the 8 hour day, child labor restrictions, weekends, etc, in good company and support a wonderful non-for-profit we suggest swinging by the National Lawyers Guild‘s fundraiser party Saturday April 30th.

I’d also suggest stopping by the library in search of Carl Sandburg’s Chicago Poems. 1916.