2008 Chicago Bike Winter Weather Update2008

Did this winter seem worse then ever, here's the facts, as distributed by the BIKE-CHI@LISTSERV.UIC.EDU:

Subject: [BCHI] Chicago Bike Winter Weather Update
Period: Nov. 1, 2007 - Mar. 31, 2008
---------------------------------------
Days in period: 152
Max/Min/Avg Temperature: 66 -5 30
Number of days +21F or warmer: 97 64%
Number of days temp. rose over +60F: 2 1%
Days with 1/10" or more of rain: 32
Total Rainfall (Inches): 12.8
Days with 1" or more of snow: 19
Total Snowfall (Inches): 60.3
Average wind speed (m.p.h.): 10.4-

Bob MatterChicago Bike Winter Meteorologist
http://www.bikewinter.org

Internet Cool

Click this link and Do the Test.
It's pretty neat.

here it is again, in case my link doesn't work, and you want to copy and paste.
http://www.dothetest.co.uk/

this is "Safe for Work"

keep the rubber side down,
peter

Web Site Changes

Hello,
We here at C.S.B.S. have been getting alot of questions about the "Fixed Gear/Single Speed Bicycle Trend". Partially because we have a few in stock, and because there seems to be a bunch of people riding them around, and they are getting some press.
So we put a page on our web site in an effort to answer some of those questions.
Check it out.
And as usual, let us know if you have any questions.

oh yea, I fixed the link to Sheldon Browns web site on the left (Thanks Mark W. for bringing that to my attention)

Happy Valentines Day

What's with this weather? For a while it felt like spring, now it feels arctic! Isn't it great living in a crazy weather city? It will only be a few weeks (give or take a few) until all this cold will be a memory and we can celebrate the out of doors again.
Valentines Day is the time to Re ignite your love affair with your bike.
Nothing makes your bike happier then giving it something new.
Purchase Parts or accessories for your bike from us and save on installation, Don't forget about Snow Rates (20% off Labor when Snow is on the ground or in the air)
What are we talking about? For example:
Get some aero bars for your Tri this season
Upgrade your Derailleur and or Shifters
New Fork
New Tires
Clipless pedals
Make the Leap to a Sram group
Come on in and we can talk about options.

oh yea, we are a Bicycling Magazine retailer, and March’s issue just came in. Come and get them while supplies last

Guru Down

Sheldon Brown passed away recently.

I'm not sure how to explain how this effects me. I never met him, but had some interactions with him on BikeForums.net.

His website (Link on the left) helped make cycling what it is to me. When I first got into cycling as an adult, I went to his site many, many times for advise and information (I still do). It took some of the mystery out of it, and some of what I do is based on concepts learned from him.

Rest In Peace Sheldon "Captain Bike" Brown
Your work will be continued by the many people whose lives you touched.

You can read more about the effect this Man had on the world of cycling by going to the following sites:

Bike Snob NYC

DrunkCyclist

BikeForums.net

BikeForums.net (this one is a different thread)

There are many more. He was very prolific and helpful. And will be missed by anyone whose life he touched, either directly or indirectly.

Happy Tuesday

Every now and then folks ask us about our hours.
"Why are you closed Tuesday?"
So allow me to elaborate:
Sunday and Monday (8:00am -4:00pm) we open early to accommodate anyone who is to busy to get in after 10. And anyone who needs a little something when on their way to a ride. Or the day after a ride.
Wednesday through Saturday (10:00am-8:00pm), we stay open kinda late-ish for those folks hanging around Downtown Arlington Heights. Or people getting off the Metra.
But Tuesday... We are a Mom and Pop shop. You will often find our kids here. And we needed a day that we could be closed to take care of Home Life stuff, and Appointments etc..
And go for a rides. (Today I rode Busse Woods on my Fixed Gear)
So Tuesday seemed like the best day for that.
We are often here on Tuesday's and you can certainly make an appointment if you'd like.

If we find there is a clamoring for us to be open on Tues. maybe we will change our hours. And if someone wants to make an appointment. just let us know.
peter.tif@campbellstreetbikes.com

thanks for stopping by,

Go for a ride?

I just noticed that we haven't posted anything here in a few weeks.
My bad.
We've been busy.
Our website has been given a Major overhaul, so click the link to the right and check it out. among other things we added a Message board. So if you want to organise a ride, or sell your used stuff, or share a story, keepin it local.
We've been giving alot of thought to oranising some rides starting from the shop.
I've been thinking Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday?
Anyone interested in a New Years Morning ride, just a little something to get out and strech your legs a little. Probably on Mountain Bikes, mabye 20 miles or so?
Drop us an E-Mail at peter-tif@campbellstreetbikes.com if your interested.

Snow Rates

Well, it's seems to be officially winter, we got 7 inches of the white stuff yesterday, and "They" are saying theres another couple on the way tonight.

Which brings me to my point.

We offer a labor discount when there is snow on the ground (or in the air). Plan ahead, bring that bike in during the winter, and save 20% off of labor, not only do you get to keep some of your hard earned money, but you are one step ahead of the rest of the riders who are going to be bringing their bike in on the first day of spring.

And speaking of spring, a flower picture:

This picture was taken on our opening day. Our friend Mo brought us some lovely daisies (I think thats what kind of flower they are), and this one had a little tiny heart in the middle. I thought it was super neat and showed it to our friend Col who was snapping away with her fancy camera. We kind of thought it was a good omen.
Thanks for stopping by

December?!?!

December already!?!


yup, it seems like just yesterday it was 80 and sunny, and here we are today, recovering from an ice storm.


Which brings me to my point, or one of them any way.


We discount our labor rates when theres snow on the ground, so if you brought your bike in for it's tune up today, you would get 20% taken right of the top, we feel it sould pay to plan ahead.


The other thing I thought I should mention, we have super gift ideas for the cyclist in your life. Sometimes they can be hard to shop for, a couple of ideas:


The Big Blue Book of Cycling Repair, great for someone learning how to do their own work.


We've got stuff made from bike parts, Picture Frames, for that shot of them at the line. Clocks, Key Chains and Jewelry too.


Here is a pic from opening day compliments of Coleen,

It's our good friend Scott, with my first official repair job.

Thanks Scott and Col for your support and Help.