A friend forwarded a photo of a wooden bike sighting while traveling in Rome which got me to thinking about the market for wooden bikes.  In 1871 the first “bike” was made of wood, but it did not look like bikes of today--it had no chain and was powered by the rider pushing his feet along the ground.  Today there are over 100 companies worldwide making some or part of a bike out of ash, oak, walnut or beech.   The primary advantage is the unique look and bespoke craftsmanship as evidenced by this photographer traveling almost 5000 miles to Rome only to come back with an image of a bike.  But enthusiasts claim they are also sustainable, durable, absorb vibrations, and safe.  Disadvantages are the cost, from $3500 to $11,000 and also the weight.  What was old is new again.  

One of the benefits of spending more time in the Bucktown neighborhood with the bike shop is the the opportunity to have a real Chicago hot dog whenever you want.  JR's Red Hots serves a classic, dragged through the garden, Vienna beef dog with excellent french fries.  During the busy summer season they are open until midnight daily and 24 hours on the weekend, but has slightly less hours other times of the year.  I got a hankering for (another) hot dog after seeing a Wiener mobile on Kinzie Ave yesterday.  The hot dog shaped vehicle has been around for 83 years and there are six vehicles that currently drive across the U.S. by volunteers.  They do not serve hot dogs so JR's is still the best place for a frankfurter.  Hold the ketchup!