Hey Chucky! First off, thanks for taking the time, man. I’ve been watching your shots and your videos, and I gotta say, every time I see you and your crew riding around, I just wanna hop on a plane to Chicago and join you guys! It looks like you’re having a blast. So, let’s start from the beginning. Who is Chucky?
Of course! Aw man, that means a lot. My name is Chucky Berls. I’m 37 years old and residing in Logan Square in Chicago. I’ve been running Marygold Cyclery for almost three years and work a few days a week at my favorite Chicagoland shop, Mack’s Bike & Goods up in Evanston.
How did you get into bikes, and what sparked that passion?
I grew up with bikes around but chose skateboarding for a good 23 years with bikes sprinkled in every once in a while. 2017 is when I really started getting interested in seeing the city by bike and soon after customizing my bikes to be more comfy for longer days hauling stuff around or going camping.
At some point, this love for bikes turned into Marygold Cyclery. Tell me about that, how did it all start? Was it a personal project that just grew naturally, or did you always have the idea of building something like this?
The idea came to me in 2021 but kind of started in 2020 when bike shops were super backed up. I would bring my bike stand into the alley to help friends change flats, brake pads, etc. I was learning on the spot a lot of times and would accept beers as payment. It was taking up a lot of my time but was fun so I wanted to keep it going. March of 2022 I started posting on Instagram as Marygold. I never saw myself working outside of the restaurant service industry and tinkering on bikes changed that
And the name, Marygold, there’s gotta be a story behind that, right?
Yeah! I made a pretty long list of names before settling. I wanted it to be welcoming but the word itself needed to be aesthetically pleasing. Marigold is one of my favorite colors and simply changing the “I” to a “y” made it look better to me. Also helps that there was a woman from Chicago named Mary Gold. Look her up. She was a badass.
I know you do a lot of vintage custom builds, and man, I love that you’re keeping 26-inch MTBs alive. What do you think about 26ers today? Some people say they’re outdated, but you and I know they still have so much to offer.
The only thing that comes close to beating an old 26er for romping around the city and camping on a budget, or not, is a 90’s rigid hybrid. 26ers are the best in my opinion. They absorb potholes, most have rack and fender mounts, and the long top tube pairs well with swept bars. Maybe they’re outdated if you want Bluetooth to shift your derailer, which is fine, but I don’t think they’re going anywhere yet.
“Community is everything. The spread of YouTubers, Instagram tinkerers, and bike lovers sharing their builds is at an all-time high, and it’s keeping these classic bikes alive.”
Do you think the cycling community is slowly realizing their value again? Or is it still an underground thing?
Community is everything so I hope we feel valued. I don’t think it’s underground anymore but in the best way. The amount of YouTubers sharing knowledge on how to work on bikes, The Radivist posts a 26” bike almost every week, and the spread of Instagram tinkerers posting their builds is at a high right now for sure.
Alright, let’s talk about riding in Chicago. What are your favorite routes? If I finally make it out there, where’s the first place we’re riding?
Des Plaines River Trail is super fun but kinda hard to get to. I like riding from Mack’s up north. There are good little dirt/gravel bits close to the shop that are fun. If you come visit though, I’m taking you north thru Horner park up to Nhu Lan for a Bahn Mi. We’ll make a bev stop and depending on the time of year, I’m either taking you to the river fire spot or we’re heading east to ride some lake front gravel and hang by the water. That’s my visitor special.
And what’s the best ride or trip you’ve ever done?
Too many good trips to mention but I think riding from Chicago to Minneapolis last June takes the cake. 500 miles in 8 days with a fluctuation of friends joining and leaving the ride. Riding through the driftless for the first time was unreal. A truly underrated part of the country.
Speaking of epic trips, that Grand Island ride looked insane. The views, the terrain, the whole vibe… it seemed like a perfect mix of adventure and good times. Can you take me through that trip? What made it so special?
That trip was like three years in the making haha. We tried in 2021 but the crew dwindled down to my buddy Tim and I. So we made it happen last year! Mitch and Justin, of Genosack, did the planning for this trip and crushed it. We got a cabin and 26 people from Illinois and Minnesota to link in Munising, MI. The cabin was only a mile ride post ferry but the plan was to day ride from homebase. The trails and service roads on the island are no joke. Super fun but challenging. We had family meals and beers and a couple black bear encounters. We saw the northern lights too! That island is so special. There’s something about it. Go if you ever have the chance.
What’s next for you and Marygold Cyclery? Any upcoming builds or big rides you’re excited about?
I have a few finished builds to post including my entry into the cheap bike build off. I’m going to push to do more community stuff this year between coffee meet ups and group rides. Those are so important and I dropped the ball last year. The first trip of the year is out of Kansas City with Matt from Hobo Hub Works. Holler at him if you’re in or around St. Louis for all your 26” needs.
Man, talking to you just confirms what I already felt, it’s thanks to people like you that the culture around 26ers is still alive and spreading. You’re out there showing not just how beautiful these bikes are, but how functional and versatile they can be. It’s inspiring to see someone keeping that spirit alive.
Thanks dude! I appreciate you!
