Commuting - "You see bikes as a work of art..."

That's what a buddy at work told me yesterday. It made me happy. I figure, with all the negative threads about road raging motorists and people at work who think you're a DUI, we could share some of the positive things about commuting.

I've got one guy interested in cyclotouring at work. He bought a Wal Mart POS, despite my warnings to the contrary, and has already admitted he has spent more trying to fix it's problems than he would with a Giant or Trek. Anyway, the important part is, he's bought a seatpost rack from me and is dead set on taking this bike for a one or two night camping trip, which is extremely cool, since a month or two ago he was a non-cyclist.

A couple other guys have come to me for advice on what bikes to buy based on their interests. It's great. I know, on bikeforums, krispistoferson can be the soul of negativity sometimes, but in real life, when I talk bikes, I get all bright-eyed and literally soliloquize about the beauty, efficiency and purity of the noble bicycle. I thought most people were bored to tears, but apparently my positive attitude has rubbed off on some of them. Now, share your stories. :)

Of course, here in Michigan it's perfecly acceptable to soliloquize about cars and trucks, not so much bikes.

When I see a bike I like parked somewhere, I lurk around to see who shows up to claim it. Sometimes I get up the nerve to ask them about their bike, other times I just look to see what the owner of such a bike looks like...

One time I had a nice long talk with th owner of a Walmart MTB who had a huge American flag waving off his bike, an elaborate cargo carrying system, and a boom box blaring Phillip Glass music, of all things!

Last week I saw a shiny big pickup outside a fancy men's shop withe a brand new recumbent trike in the back. The owner looked a little snooty, so I didn't approach him.

Yesterday I sqaw a Bianchi SISS parked next to my bike at the library. I thought it was a beautiful understated machine with a strange configuration--single speed with disc brakes. I'll still keep an eye out for the owner so I can find out more.

the only people i've completemented have been ones with really creative things, like homemade trailers, creative racks, and storage solutions

the things created by people are a lot more interetesting than the store bought solutions.

i'm the only one at our office who bike-commutes (going on 6 years duration). our psychiatrist has been observing my efforts, questioned riding in the rain (or if it's cold, dark, too hot) while he drives in with a Lexus SUV. at our x-mas party and earlier x, he has asked about practicallity and positives gained from commuting. he is talking about proposal that he and coworkers ride bikes 1x to work this summer, those who don't ride have to supply lunch. i am going to suggest date of "event" be around National Bike to Work Week and supply as much tech support/training as possible, explore feelings/feed-back after. the work of planting seeds continues!

I agree that many MacGyver bikes are interesting. You can really see the love that's gone into those bikes.

But I also love the elegance custom steel bikes, especially with nice touches like built-in pumps and cables that go through the tubes. Those bikes just beg to be ridden.

You mean everybody does not see bikes as " works of art"? .........How sad.

Several people at my office have asked me about bike commuting--in good ways, like what do they need to start? They say that my enthusiasm, trim physique, and love of ice cream all indicate that bike commuting is a good thing. They do get that glossy-eyed look when I start explaining the differences between different types of bikes, though, so I have to remember to keep it simple.

They do get that glossy-eyed look when I start explaining the differences between different types of bikes, though, so I have to remember to keep it simple.

I know that look....

.....bonking, brifters, barcons, butted, calipers, cablestops, countersteering, cadence, cassette, cyclocross, drafting, freehubs, freeride, flange......................
.........manual, pawls, Q-factor, randoneering, spyder, stacking, seatstay, trials...........

Blablabla....'shut up and kiss me!' :p

I don't know if I see bikes as "works of art" - But- I can definately see the art in a working bike.... my $.02

Two guys that worked for me turned into bike commuters. I waxed rhapsodic on occasion, but I think it was just the example, showing that it can be done and that it brings joy to my life. And two friends have been hugely enthusiastic, though they haven't yet committed.

Before the automobile even, the bicycle was the first widespread personal transportation vehicle that resulted from the advent of the industrial age. It is a piece of rolling art that is equally functional and beautiful... simple, elegant and yet sophisticated enough to marry the principles derived from over a century ago with ever evolving technology. It still stands as the most efficient mechanical machine in the world and enjoys a well deserved reputation as being incredibly versatile. I enjoy it from an artistic as well as technological and engineering standpoint. I enjoy it as a sport as well as a form of transportation. It something that can be enjoyed by persons of all ages. Bicycles and cycling have been with me since my first bike, a blue Columbia cruiser, at age five and they shall remain with me for as long as I can see.

But I also love the elegance custom steel bikes, especially with nice touches like built-in pumps and cables that go through the tubes. Those bikes just beg to be ridden.
All of my German city bikes came with built in stops for the pump (and the pump) and the lighting front and back with the wiring through the tubes from the included dynamo. Even the two that cost DM268 ($135) each came equipped like that.
I do very much like them, and I, as well as my family, ride them all the time for commuting purposes as well as recreation.

Bikes are works of art! I love them for their simplicity and elegance. I'm constantly reminding myself during conversations with non-cyclists that they will get tired of me talking like this, so, I keep it to this forum mainly with like minded individuals such as yourselves. One caveat to this is the fact that I've "infected" some non-cyclist and turned them into cyclists, much the same as it happened to me.

All I know is that when I walk into my garage and see my bikes in there, I smile. That makes it all worthwhile to me.

I started to write about my obsession with them but
it went into epic, Gone with The Wind, Pt. 3 proportions and 12x as boring.
Anything I would say has already been said. Its a soul enriching obsession.
Its only the first month of '06 and Im already building up a fixie and have
a BikeFriday folder being ordered from my local shop :eek:
I dont smoke, drink, eat real food, go out, care about cars or sports etc...
Bikes remind me I still have a pulse ! :roflmao:

/\/\/\

I hear fixed ... that is all I heard!

People here look at me funny when I go on and on about bikes, but "they" can talk for days about their "deer stands". To each his own..................Squire

A coworker asked me about riding to work and rain jackets yesterday. He seemed REALLY concerned about not getting wet. I don't think he's ready yet ;)