This is where you will find dirtbaggin’ teams in Chicago. These teams represent fairly regularly at MTB and Cyclocross events across the city and the midwest (and in some cases nationally or internationally!).
Some teams have a larger dirtbag base than others – but participate wholeheartedly and encourage others to join in on the fun. You are encouraged to visit their website to read more about them if you are interested in joining a team or contacting them for more information.
If you feel that a team should be represented on this page – simply e-mail us the contact information for that team using our web contact form on the right.
Twin Six is well represented in Chicago by some of the fastest mountain bike and cyclocross racers in the region. The METAL can be easily spotted in their uniquely designed kits by the dirtbag artists at Twin Six, the makers of the finest dirtbag artistic kits and clothing to be proudly worn by dirtbags of all influences. This team will be keeping it loud and METAL exclusively on the dirt!
xXx Racing-AthletiCo is the largest cycling team in Chicago. Their emphasis is development of riders. The team was originally founded by messengers who had dirty roots in MTB endurance events – back when there was still the 12 Hours of Palos. The team hosts the annual start to the Chicago Cross Cup by hosting the Jackson Park Cyclocross race. You can find xXx racing in XC events, endurance MTB events, and even internationally at MTB stage races.
Half-Acre Cycling is a fast growing team with an excellent Chicago brew behind their kits that pay homage to Chicago’s colors. They cycle in every discipline and represent heavily as a dirty contingent at MTB endurance events, MTB XC events, and even offer up a fly trophy to the most cyclocrosserific team in Chicago. There’s a dirtbagger behind every kit.
Courage Cycling is a new team redfined by Chicago.CX for 2011, but with some familiar faces from the front of the pack. The Courage name will live on through a mighty new endeavor by the Chicago.CX team that will exemplify the spirit and art of Cyclocross. This team is strictly CX as their new name implies.
Iron Cycles was founded by dirtbags who were shredding trails in Wisconsin who wanted to do things right, do them pro, and serve their community by doing so – with this simple concept, Iron Cycles was brought to life. This team brings not only great looking bikes to the races, but a fellowship and drive to keep the community strong as the metal forged in their name. This shop is a highlight in it’s Albany Park neighborhood promoting the Chicago Cross Cup as a title sponsor and various charity ride events. In one short year they’ve quickly become a team to be reckoned with on the trails and on the CX course.
Roscoe Village Bikes is an idyllic gem nestled in the tree covered streets of it’s namesake neighborhood. Like the neighborhood they’re in, they offer the pleasant attitude of enjoying a bike through the park, whether for leisure and especially for competition. Mountain bike and cyclocross racers have been honed from this shop alongside amazing works of rideable art. Every shop seems to have their favorite mascot – this shop has broadcast their love for the friends of the soon to be loved.
Beverly Bike-Vee Pak, Inc. Racing is one of the largest south side contingents. This team puts on a great effort to promote off-road cycling in the city’s south and southwestern neighorhoods truly adding to the Chicago geography of accessible off-road cycling teams in the area. Representation is great at the CX and MTB races and if you ask nicely, they’ll show you where you can turn yourself into a baseball card stud.
Flatlandia gathers the congregation that is known as the ‘Church Cross’. This multi-disciplined team has a dirty side indeed; these riders are fast and super furious at CX and MTB events across the midwest. They present the ‘Leland Kermesse’ race every year for those looking for a hardcore challenge in the springtime ala the spring classics!
Mox definitely has appeal for the dirty kindred souls! This is an old shop come new shop that is delivering the CX and MTB goods in advice and equipment. They are easily recognizable in their pink jerseys – and typically moreso because you could be chasing one in a CX race! This shop is as urban as it gets – especially when CX practice meet up is by the heart of the downtown district.
The Chicago Cuttin’ Crew puts the fun back into the local racing scene in every endeavor they attack – and attack they do well. They are a messenger based contingent, but don’t let the skinny tires fool you because they throw it down on the dirt handily. Their mightiest team member may also be, their greatest advocate to keeping you motivated at a race on the dirt near you!
Johnny Sprockets has had a strong presence off-road since 2007 sending National Championship caliber riders to the endurance racing scene. They preach the good word of the dirt to all their customers at their shop, and have started growing their team to represent more on the MTB and CX racing scene to great success. This shop is a CAMBr supporting shop member. This shop is bar none the dirtbaggers delight.
Tati Cycles has a team dedicated to the virtues of keeping their kits down to earth in both color and material. They have brought a creative presence that is bound to to the virtues of wool and giving an off-road chance for cyclists in a neighborhood best known for economists and presidential awakenings. You cannot miss them – hook-up on their weekly Sunday Ice Cross offerings through the spring from December. In addition, this shop promotes and encourages local business to provide bicycle offerings from the ground up bringing back a vibe of Chicago craftsmanship, the city was once known for in the bicycle industry.
One of the strongest and most prominent bike shops on the North Shore since 1965, serving the Evanston community and beyond. Most significantly, Turin plays the title sponsor for the final party of the Chicago Cross Cup calendar known as the Illinois State CX Championship. This team has a hearty love of cyclocross and shop management actively involved in the cycling race community.
