Author Archives: Maria Squire

Job Alert!

Bike & Roll Chicago is seeking experienced, friendly, and professional customer service assistants, mechanics, and tour guides

for our locations in downtown Chicago. We want self-motivated people who love bikes and want to give others great experiences riding and exploring Chicago. This is a great job!

Bike Jobs

 

Ideal candidates have a passion for cycling and seeing others on bikes and Segways. Our employees enjoy being outside on a daily basis and get to see the best views of Chicago (and share them with others).

We’re looking for someone who:
– Has amazing organizational skills and inventory management
– Is an effective communicator – both verbal and written
– Has excellent customer service skills with ability to respond in a quick and friendly manner
– Thrives in a fast-paced job environment
– Is able to work on weekends and some holidays
– Is a social creature who takes pleasure in serving customers
– Is passionate about cycling and shares our conviction of making Chicago a greener and healthier place to live and visit
– Is independently motivated and works well within a team
– Is willing and able to work outdoors, indoors, and travel by bike from location to location

Bilingual applicants desired, but not required.

If interested, please head over to our employment page or send and email to info [at] bikechicago.com and let us know a little more about you and why you’d be a great fit with our team.

We are looking for some fellow bike nerds mechanics to join our crew.

bike job

Bike and Roll Chicago is seeking experienced, friendly, customer service oriented and professional bicycle mechanics for the McDonald’s Cycle Center in Millennium Park. This is a world renowned commuter facility with bikes ranging from old cruisers to high end road bikes as well as Chicago’s largest fleet of rental equipment and bicycles.

We’re looking for someone who:

– Has at least 2 years of experience working in a bike shop job
– Is able to work on weekends and some holidays
– Has amazing organizational skills and inventory management
– Is an effective communicator – both verbal and written
– Has excellent customer service skills with ability to respond in an efficient and friendly manner
– Thrives in a fast-paced work environment
– Has the ability to assemble bicycles and perform mechanical repairs
– Is a social creature who takes pleasure in serving customers
– Is passionate about cycling and shares our conviction of making Chicago a greener and healthier place to live and visit
– Is independently motivated and works well within a team
– Is willing and able to work outdoors, indoors, and travel by bike from location to location

Applicants for the mechanic positions should have at least 2 years of experience working in a bike related field.

Head over to our employment page or send an email to info [at] bikechicago.com and let us know a little more about you and why you’d be a great fit with our team.

Bike Sale is on! Pick up your summer ride now

Bike and Roll Chicago’s end-of-season Bike Sale is continuing!

We are currently offering some of our rental fleet bicycles and equipment at tremendous discounts during our ongoing Bike Sale: Kids bikes for as low as $60 and adult bikes as low as $136!This sale is set to end this Friday February 26, 2016 March 31, 2016.

Trek bicycles are known for quality and reliability. All bikes in this sale are tuned up and ready for years of riding. Start this riding season off right with a quality used bike from Bike and Roll.

Verve 3 Male alpha

2013 Trek Verve 3 LIMITED BIKE SALE STOCK AVAILABLE!

Hybrid Bike

MSRP: 659.99
was: $250

now: $200

Available in Men’s and Women’s frame styles. 24-speed bike with front shocks to give you a comfortable ride through the city.

Verve 3 Male alpha

2014 Trek Verve 3

Hybrid Bike

MSRP: 659.99
was: $350

now: $280

Available in Men’s and Women’s frame styles. 24-speed bike with front shocks to give you a comfortable ride through the city.

Electra Townie 2013

2013 Electra Townie 3i LIMITED BIKE SALE STOCK AVAILABLE!

Cruiser Bike

MSRP: $599
was: $170

now: $136

Laid back riding style for cruising along the lakefront path.

Electra Townie v2

2014 Electra Townie 3i

Cruiser Bike

MSRP: $599
was: $225

now: $180

Laid back riding style for cruising along the lakefront path.

Trek 3500 blkorange

2014 Trek 3500

Mountain Bike

MSRP: $439
was: $325

now: $260

24-speed mountain bike for off-road.

Trek 7.2 FX

2014 Trek 7.2 FX

Fitness Bike

was: $375

now: $300

24-speed aluminum frame bike with a fixed front fork. Great for weekend rides and commuting.

Trek 1.2

2014 Trek 1.2c

Road Bike

MSRP: 659.99
was: $550

now: $495

Designed to get you where you’re going fast! Aluminum frame and a carbon fork.

We also have kid’s bikes and equipment, and accessories for sale at deep discounts. Click the link below for additional information.

Stop by our location in Millennium Park (239 E Randolph St. Chicago IL) to check out the selection and take one home!

Email us at info@bikechicago.com for more information.

http://bikechicago.com/bikesale

Bike Sale

Bike & Brewery Tour to Lagunitas Co.

 

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The Bike and Brewery tour is an exclusive tour being offered by Bike and Roll this summer. The tour currently runs only on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On this tour you’ll explore through neighborhoods like the Prairie Mansion District, Chinatown and Pilsen. All of which are unique and exciting in their own way. At each of these neighborhoods you will stop by various popular restaurants and sample dishes. The tour concludes with a tour of one of the largest breweries in the Chicago area, the Lagunitas Brewery. At the tour you are given samples of their well known craft beers and also a lot of facts about how the Lagunitas Brewing Company began and established success.

 

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I was able to go on this tour myself on Friday June 12th to see what it was all about. The weather wasn’t cooperating with us too much throughout the day but I don’t mind a bike ride in the rain. Thankfully there weren’t any severe storms on our ride.
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Our tour started off with a trip to Del Campos Tacos on 12th street beach. This is a hidden gem. This taco stand is right behind the Adler Planetarium and right in front of a small beach. David the owner/chef served us some of his steak tacos and they were delicious. He mentioned that he will be opening a location in Pilsen but for now you’ll have to make to trip to 12th street beach to give his food a taste.

 

From there we visited the Prairie Mansion District near the south loop. This part of the city was the original “Gold Coast” of the city. Some of Chicago’s most elite residents owned homes in this part of the city. Many of the homes now have been restored while others have been declared historic landmarks. Marshall Fields and George Pullman were two people who were residents to this area. Al Capone also spent some time in this district.

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After visiting the Prairie Mansion District we took a trip into Chinatown. Chicago’s Chinatown was designed to resemble Beijing. It is one of the largest Chinatown’s in the country. There are a lot of restaurants, grocery stores and gift shops in the area. In addition there were also a lot of services that cater to the Chinese culture.

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Once we were done exploring Chinatown we headed to Pilsen. Pilsen is a well known Latino neighborhood. Our first stop in Pilsen was at Dia De Los Tamales. I tried the Cuban Slow Roasted Pork tamale. It was delicious. The workers there are very welcoming and help you out if you’re not sure what to order. Go on the tour and you will see for yourself.

We made a quick stop at Carnitas Don Pedro after having some tamales. Carnitas is a Mexican dish originating in the state of Michoacán. The term carnitas literally means “little meats” and is made by braising or simmering pork. Carnitas Don Pedro is a very well known establishment in the Pilsen community. Long time residents of Pilsen always bring up this establishment. It has been in the community for over 30 years and hopefully it stays for many more.


IMG_5203 copyOur last stop in Pilsen before heading to the Lagunitas Brewery was at a well regarded Salvadorian restaurant in the area. The restaurant was named Pupuseria El Excelente. I had never had Salvadorian food previous to this. People have always recommended I try pupusas though. Pupusas is a traditional Salvadorian dish made with a thick homemade corn tortilla that is usually filled with cheese, beans and meats as well. The pupusas from this location were very delicious and they have received several excellent reviews on yelp!

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Then we were finally on our way to the Lagunitas Brewery! The main entrance to the upstairs taproom was very colorful. It felt like you were walking into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Once everyone had arrived for the 1p.m. tour a very enthusiastic gentlemen guided us towards their cozy and vintage tasting room. Four of their beers were given to us to taste. We were given their Pilsner, IPA, Lil Sumpin’ Sumpin’ and NightTime beers to taste. Their tasting room featured jenga, a racing video game and even a piano for guests to use.

 

Following the tasting portion of the tour we were guided around the brewery and informed about the various procedures they use to brew their beers. Our guide mentioned that Lagunitas had a whiskey they were working on. They also mentioned a new beer in the works that would be exclusive to Chicago only.  

Don’t hesitate to go on this tour but remember you have to be 21+. The food was delicious at every location we stopped at. You will learn some cool information about a few neighborhoods in Chicago. The Lagunitas tour was very fun as well. The tour guides are very enthusiastic and that always leads to a better experience!

Triathlon season is approaching!

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The Chicago Triathlon SuperSprint is on August 29, 2015. The Transamerica Chicago Triathlon takes place August 30, 2015 and the ITU World Triathlon will make its stop in Chicago on September 18-19, 2015.

If you are participating in any of these events and need to get your bike ready come on by to our shop. Our mechanics will make sure everything is working properly for these exciting events. We are located at 239 E. Randolph inside the McDonald’s Cycle Center.

If you are in need of a bike for any of these events we have Trek 7.2 FX Fitness Bikes available and Trek 1.2 Road Bikes. Both in various sizes.

Reserve your bike for the Chicago Triathlon Supersprint here http://bikeandrollchicago.rezgo.com/details/81792/chicago-triathlon-supersprint-saturday-august-29Reserve your bike for The Transamerica Chicago Triathlon here http://bikeandrollchicago.rezgo.com/details/38098/transamerica-chicago-triathlon-august-30-2015
Reserve your bike for The ITU World Triathlon here http://bikeandrollchicago.rezgo.com/details/65250/itu-world-triathlon-september-18-19-2015

Bike to Lollapalooza!

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July 31 – August 02!  

The best way to get to and from the Lollapalooza Music Festival and aftershows is by bicycle. You just jump on your bike, ride down to the festival,  park it at the complimentary bicycle valet and enjoy the show.

This year we’ve put together an extra special bike rental deal for all Lollapalooza attendees!

5 day rental = $75

3 day rental = $55

1 day rental = $25

ALL bike rentals include: bicycle lock, riding map, & a helmet.  As an added bonus ALL Lollapalooza attendees receive $10 OFF any segway tour, bicycle tour, or food tour by bike. Bikes are going quick so please reserve yours today at http://bikeandrollchicago.rezgo.com/details/55485/lollapalooza-bike-rental Bike to lollapalooza