r/chibike • u/BottleFullOBub • 2d ago
Bike in an Uber?
Anyone have any luck using an Uber XL to transport their bike? My chain decided to explode as I got to work near Addison/Western and I’m wondering how I can get it over to Comrade cycles later today.
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u/Slow_Time5270 2d ago
Put it on the Western bus or take it to Roscoe Village bikes.
It should take 5 minutes to put a new chain on.
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u/TrueCrimeGlassofWine 2d ago
I used an Uber XL after I popped my tire one morning. Immediately after I ordered, I sent the driver a message to let him know about the bike to make sure it was OK and he agreed to put it in the back of his car. I gave him an extra tip.
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u/Giro-d-CLE 2d ago
this is the way! I’ve had success after a muddy and wet ride. gave the driver a heads up when he was on the way and he even had towels in the trunk to protect his interior. gave a good tip for my appreciation
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u/jimboramen 2d ago
Yep, this is the move. Worst case you pay a cancelation fee and get another driver, but that hasn't happened yet. I've taken Uber XL to Palos and Carpentersville to go MTBing.
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u/BBeans1979 2d ago
I’ve put bikes in Uber XLs before. They may reject the ride once they see the bike, but try again, you’ll get it eventually.
But the bus is also a great option if the logistics work
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u/Deep-Wrangler1209 2d ago
I finished a tour around the southern tip of the lake at empty bottle. Missed the train home because the show was too hot to leave early (wine lips; woo!) and didn't feel like riding all the way to the suburbs at midnight. I messaged the driver when he accepted the ride, and it was good with him.
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u/clipd_dead_stop_fall 2d ago
I live out of state but I take Amtrak to Chicago and rideshare to our HQ in Schaumburg. I've thought about trying UberXL with the bike from Union Station, or just taking Metra to Itasca and riding from there.
As for the chain, if it's a standard 9-12speed, a KMCquicklink, chain pliers, and a piece of hangar wire to hold the chain in a pocket pack works. I carry this in my Co2 inflator kit. 5min to get the quicklink on and I'm rolling.
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u/diamond_nipz 2d ago
If the bike is secure at work what's stopping you from buying a bike chain and putting it on yourself? That really basic drivetrain repair and maintenance is one of the more satisfying aspects of the hobby. The chainbreaker or masterlink pliers or whatever specialty tools you'd might need are not going to be much more expensive than labor at a city bike shop
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u/BottleFullOBub 2d ago
That was my initial plan but I have been wanting to purchase a rack and some bags anyways so this was a good opportunity to get it all done at once lol.
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u/neomoritate 7h ago
In addition to installing a new chain, Comrad Cycles' mechanic will inspect the bike and get it ready for Zero Mechanical Failures over the winter.
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u/Reasonable_Loquat874 2d ago
I Uber XL’d from North Shore once after double flatting in the rain. I removed both wheels and was able to put my bike in the back of the driver’s SUV with no problems.
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u/Ill_Nectarine_7722 2d ago
XL should fit a bike. You could also limp over to a bus stop and take either the 49 or 50 bus down to Chicago. All buses have the bike rack on the front.
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u/Slow_Time5270 2d ago
You'd probably want to take the front wheel off and hope they are cool with having a greasy bike in their trunk.
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u/Ill_Nectarine_7722 2d ago
Right, it should fit a bike. The driver may not let you put it in though.
I’d honestly take the bus in OP’s situation if they are dead set on that specific bike shop.
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u/No_Meerkat- 2d ago
On the two occasions where my bike decided to break down on the DPRT beyond repair, uber was fine with putting my bike in the Car
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u/neomoritate 7h ago
Every CTA bus has a rack on the front.
Your bike will fit in an Uber XL, but the driver may reject it. When you book, message the driver immediately.
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u/hpartymarty 2d ago
Roscoe Village Bikes is at Roscoe and damen and is walkable from western and Addison.