Known for its blustery winds, Chicago's lakefront might not seem an ideal place for a leisurely bike ride.

But the paved path along Lake Michigan that snakes south from the suburbs past some of the city's most famous sites is a nice urban excursion for taxi-weary tourists.

Several companies rent bicycles at prominent spots in the city. Two examples: Bike Chicago has six outlets and Bobby's Bike Hike offers day and night guided tours.

But there's no rule that says you can't bring your own set of wheels.

Why pay for transit tickets or ride shuttle buses when you can see the city at your own pace for half the price?

I started at visitor-friendly Navy Pier, where the bicycle rental kiosk sits along the shore. Choices range from sporty mountain bikes to comfortable beach cruisers.

One tip: Ask to try the different cycle types before you commit to one, and make sure the seat isn't too high.

Tandem bikes are available. So are inline skates and a variety of baby seats, strollers and wagons for the kids. Helmets and locks are included.

For those on the cutting edge, who prefer battery to pedal power, several companies offer Segway tours of the city.

I was suited up and ready to go when, I admit, I got a bit lost. The signs pointing out the lakefront trail aren't the best in some areas.

My advice: Bring a map or well-illustrated, lightweight guidebook. Bike Chicago provides maps, too.

A nice thing about the trail is that the addresses are painted on the pavement. So you'll know where you're at when it says, for example, "700S" for 700 South or "1600N" for 1600 North.

After my five-minute detour, I cycled a half-mile south to find a beautiful view of Navy Pier jutting into lake with its Ferris wheel standing tall. With all the sights to see, there will likely be more stopping than pedaling.

Continuing south, the path runs past the Chicago Yacht Club, a marina filled with hundreds of sailboats tottering back and forth in the lake breeze. Look west and there's Chicago's famous downtown skyline — the Sears Tower, the John Hancock Building and Prudential Building.

At Monroe Street, a side trail offers exploration of Chicago's new Millennium Park. Cyclists can lock up the bikes to stroll through the gardens or catch a performance at the outdoor amphitheater. But be careful, you have to cross the very busy Lake Shore Drive to get there.

Grant Park and its postcard-famous Buckingham Fountain are next, before Chicago's museum campus, offering stops and tours at the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Field Museum. The museums have restaurants and there are plenty of water fountains and food stands along the way for the road-weary.

The path continues south past Soldier Field, the newly redone spaceship-looking home of the Chicago Bears. The famous facade remains.

The city's main convention center, McCormick Place, is accessible as well, and there are picnic lunch possibilities at the 31st Street beach.

Other south-side trails off the lake lead to Chinatown, the Chicago Blues Museum, U.S. Cellular Field (where the World Series champion Chicago White Sox play), the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry.

North from Navy Pier there are more sites you would be paying a city cabbie $15 to drive you to through traffic.

I found the nicest section of the ride to be along Oak Street Beach, where the mist from the Lake Michigan waves touches your face as seagulls sail by. Riders pass the Drake Hotel and swanky Gold Coast high-rise condos.

The lakefront park trail continues north through trendy Lincoln Park with its popular zoo and conservatory.

From the zoo, riders can go off trail to cycle up Clark Street for great shopping.

The north side of the path offers at least six different beaches and a host of golfing options.

The bike trail is a steal if your plan was to walk or taxi your way along the Lake Michigan shore's most popular destinations.

At the most expensive, a single-person bicycle is $43 from Bike Chicago, or choose from the company's several neighborhood and nighttime tours.