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Divvy

I've noticed that a number of us primarily use Divvy to get around. I figured I'd create this thread to discuss all things Divvy. Compliments. Complaints. Suggestions. All welcome.

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Permalink Reply by Argonne69 on January 25, 2018 at 8:44am

Well, it appears that Divvy has been listening to some of the complaints/comments. I received an email yesterday spelling out some upcoming changes, including:

- Annual members will now get unlimited 45 minute rides, up from the old 30 minute limit.

- Overage fees have been simplified to $3 per 30 minutes

- Introduction of a new $3 single ride option (30 minutes)

- Replacement of the 24 hour pass with a $15 Explorer Pass, allowing riders to keep the bikes out for 3 hours, instead of 30 minutes. No mention if the pass is only good for a single 3 hour window, or a 24 hour period.

The Explorer Pass appears to be geared towards tourists, allowing for a more leisurely ride along the lakefront.

Permalink Reply by John Greenfield on January 25, 2018 at 9:16am

With the Explorer Pass you can take as many three-hour trips as you like within 24 hours.

https://chi.streetsblog.org/2018/01/24/divvy-finally-introduces-3-s...

Permalink Reply by Argonne69 on January 7, 2019 at 11:09am

I received my Divvy stats for 2018. 'Not too shabby. I took 462 trips, and logged 5,490 minutes, putting me in the top 1% of users. Given that the bikes rarely have enough air in the tires, the minutes seem much longer than the actual time spent on the bikes.

Speaking of air in the tires, any idea if Divvy uses special tires? I purchased a small pocket air pump, but it doesn't seem to fit on the valve stem.

Permalink Reply by Bruce on May 28, 2019 at 9:43pm

Hi Argonne,

Did this work for you? I think that Divvy uses regular "Schraeder" valves and I suspect the pump you bought may have had the smaller "presta"valve, although sometimes they have both.

Bruce

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 14.5mi on January 7, 2019 at 12:26pm
I was only in the top 3%. :-(

I thought I recalled that they used nitrogen instead of plain compressed air? At any rate, I'm pretty sure the tires themselves are pretty sturdy, so are going to ride like you're in a tank. As for the "not enough air" business, I have encountered bikes from time-to-time whose brakes are rubbing. Upon return, I hit the wrench button in those cases.
Permalink Reply by Argonne69 on January 7, 2019 at 12:51pm

The tires are plenty sturdy, even when only inflated 50%. Trying to pedal on half inflated tires is a real workout.

Permalink Reply by Mike Schwab on January 7, 2019 at 10:17pm

How about a repair station style pump so you can air up before taking the bike out of the dock?

Permalink Reply by Argonne69 on January 9, 2019 at 1:47pm
Yeah, a pump at each station would be great. Riding this morning was a real workout. A solid headwind and tires that were 3/4 inflated. Who needs a health club membership?
Permalink Reply by Phillip Hutchinson on January 10, 2019 at 8:53am
I did around 200 Divvy trips in 2018. I've encountered a few Divvy's with flat (or nearly-flat) tires and pushed the wrench button on them, but otherwise never really noticed the tire pressures being a regular issue.

My main complaints:
- Brakes that need adjustment because they're rubbing and/or not working correctly.
- Seat tubes that have been over-lubed and won't stay in place, sliding down and/or twisting as you ride.
- Lighting that isn't working correctly (and in general isn't bright enough for night riding).
- Handlebar grips that feel like they're about to slip off, and/or leave gunk all over my hands. The newer ones are better than the old ones.

In general, I love Divvy. I use it often for commuting and it's nice to not have to carry locks or worry about leaving my bike on the street. It's awesome for spontaneous trips and for getting around in the loop for meetings during the day. If I get a bike that has an issue, it's simple to just re-dock, push the wrench button, and grab a different one.
Permalink Reply by P.J.C. on January 10, 2019 at 9:55am

My experience has been that many of my Divvys had too much air in the tires, causing an overly harsh ride on bumpy roads.

Permalink Reply by SixtyTwoPercent on January 10, 2019 at 10:56pm

I ride Divvy a fair amount. But with a twist. I try to do what I call my Divvy-Duathlon. Ride for a mile, dock, run for a mile, get a bike, ride, dock, run, get a bike...you get the idea. This is my commute to/fr work. The workout is excellent and the bikes are plentiful. i love the stats that Divvy sends me monthly. 

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 14.5mi on January 11, 2019 at 5:04am

Neat concept. I wish my bum knee allowed me to run still.

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