Seasons

• You could smell the panic among Chicago cyclists last week, as the mercury dropped, and stayed dropped, and the forecast failed to provide consolation. Now things are looking a little brighter: September might not bring downright summery temperatures, but there will be sun, and there will be Septembery temperatures. Nevertheless, we can all sense what's coming.

  I for one love the autumn. Business slows down significantly, allowing the shop to drop the appointment-only mode and adopt regular business hours. The brisk mornings remind me why I still ride in wool. The path traffic drops precipitously. And bicycle vendors start hauling out the new designs for the following year.

  The extra breathing room allows for, among other things, more writing and introspection. I've been queuing up a dozen or more in depth product reviews, and I'm excited to share them. Among other bits, I've been using Knog's new 12 function computer, the Selle San Marco Zoncolan saddle, Hibros chamois cream, the Topeak Joe Blow Pro floor pump, and a variety of Panaracer road tires.

  With regular shop hours and a shorter service queue, it's possible again to stock interesting accessories and whatnot. Over the next few weeks a whole host of goodies will be rolling in:

  • TATI striped cycling socks, of course
  • Mad Alchemy embrocation
  • Cyclocross tubulars
  • Custom backpacks and messenger bags by Mer
  • COG magazines
  • A whole host of affordable fixies
  • New baubles from Knog
  • The autumn line from IBEX
  • Embrocation magazine
  • Eclat (clear!) saddles