The Downers Grove Bicycle Club offers terrific bike riding opportunities though out the year, as well as social gatherings and friendships through our common interest in cycling. With about 120 members, we are small enough to get to know one another through rides and social activities. Our members include all levels of cyclists. Whatever your level of experience, we welcome you to join us.

The Elmhurst Bicycle Club is one of the larger, more active bicycle clubs in the area and has a variety of activities throughout the year that are directed at all skill levels. Rides range from 8 to 10 mph to over 16 mph. Ride distances range from 10 to 100 miles. Sometimes we ride just to ride, and sometimes we have a specific purpose like exploring a new park, restaurant or a community festival. You will find riders at your experience level and with similar interests. On all club rides we stick together, staying with anyone having mechanical problems.

The Stand-over Test Is Just A Start - The stand-over test, which you may have used or heard about, is a quick, ballpark-only indicator of whether a certain-size bike will fit. It's simply done by straddling the bike and checking the clearance between the crotch and top frame tube. On bicycles designed for road use, you usually want about one to three inches of clearance (depending on the size and design of the bike). On off-road models, which usually have sloping top tubes and long seatposts, more clearance is needed. Look for three to six inches (depending on size and design). There's a lot more to a proper bicycle fit than stand-over clearance and on some bicycles, especially those with compact frame designs, it doesn't tell you enough to judge fit. Be sure to ask us for expert advice in selecting the right size bicycle and getting it fitted correctly, too. We're always happy to help.