Copenhagen Cyclery - New in Chicago!

When I began searching for a Dutch-style bicycle last summer, no shop in Chicago sold them. I used a vacation in Vancouver and Seattle for test rides and then in the fall bought my Azor on the day that Dutch Bike Chicago opened. Since then, buying lovely bikes in Chicago has become considerably easier: Dutch Bike Chicago (Azor, Retrovelo), Boulevard Bikes (Pashley, Batavus), and Tati Cycles (Batavus) are the go-to shops, especially my beloved Dutch Bike Chicago.

Copenhagen Cyclery

Now Copenhagen Cyclery joins the group. Chicago’s newest bike shop opened this weekend in Wicker Park and, of course, I had to stop by to check it out.

The space is modern, welcoming, and airy, with a large window that opens onto the sidewalk to lure (successfully) passersby inside. The main attraction in the middle of the room is the Velorbis line – Churchill Classic, Scrap Deluxe, and Dannebrog. I chose the fiery red Dannebrog for a test ride.

Velorbis Dannebrog Test Ride

The Velorbis Dannebrog is very similar to my Azor Oma. The main difference is that my Azor is beefier. Someone looking for this style bike should try to ride both and decide which one feels better for them. I prefer the super Cadillac feeling of Azor’s wider tires, heavier tubing, full chain case, and extremely swept back bars. This fire engine red bike with Brooks leather accents sure is a beauty, though!!

Greg rode the Abici Grandturismo Uoma, an Italian lugged steel beauty with a single speed, back coaster brake, and front hand brake.

Abici

He enjoyed the upright ride, although it’s not the bike for him. Someone looking for a gorgeous simple bike should give this a try. The shop can order any bike from the maker’s catalog, which has plenty of geared versions.

There were a couple of cool looking cargo bikes; a change from the bakfiets that I’m used to seeing. I’m not sure the make and model of the one in the picture, but one inside was the Larry v. Harry Bullitt. I heard mention of a trike, but did not see it displayed. Single speed Batavus Old Dutches were hanging out by the wall in a medley of colors.

Cargo Bike

The Cyclery also carries some fabulous accessories, notably Bern helmets and Basil bags. I’ve been admiring Basil bags from afar for a while and finally gave in to my pretty bag desire.

Basil Bag for Oma

Oma was pleased, especially after standing outside watching me admire other bikes, like “what the eff’s going on here?” The color and pattern is so interesting and colorful – just what Oma needs to brighten up her black for the summer. There are two hooks that simply snap onto my rack and a fold of fabric covers them while off the bike, so no one would ever know it’s a bike bag.

So to recap: new shop, Copenhagen Cyclery, beautiful bikes, go visit!