Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Beware! Component weight limits!

I was once the one you called “big guy” on group rides. That’s right- all 6’, 230lbs of my Clydesdale self. I would ride 100-150km a week, and I enjoyed some occasional racing. Needless to say, I did not perform very well- I usually got dropped on the first climb of the race. However, since then, I have lost over 70 lbs over the past year- I did this through hard work, determination, & perseverance. I used to ride a Trek 1500, which served perfectly well. I am currently considering a Cervelo R3 SL or Scott Addict for the upcoming racing season to reward myself for reaching the goals that I set out at the beginning of last year.

However, I have noticed on these forums that every time someone mentions a new component, frame, or set of wheels, one question is inevitably asked- “What’s the weight limit on it?” However, this is utter nonsense. People who are concerned about being near or over the weight limit of bicycle parts should not be buying them in the first place.

Most components with weight limits are high-end;- that is to say, much research and development costs have been used to make it as light, but still relatively safe as possible. However, expensive components only make a negligible difference in performance, while the extra adipose tissue that most people over the limit are carrying is obviously slowing them down more than any second-rate parts. Perhaps, if these overweight people have the money, they should first invest in coaching, or educating themselves about their nutrition, training, & other lifestyle regimen. This will benefit them far more than having Zero-G brakes over their 105’s.

Many raise the argument that if they have the money, let them spend it however they want. Allow me to make it clear that I am not writing this out of jealousy, ignorance, or hatred, but rather out of compassion for other Clydes. Rather, I am trying to allow you to get the most enjoyment out of cycling. Last year, when I was still over 200lbs, I bought a new set of wheels, Mavic Ksyrium ES, thinking that it would make me go faster? Sure, it felt nice on the first few rides, but I was still getting dropped on the climbs- which was not fun at all. I regretted this purchase, but as I bought it on eBay, I kept the wheels. I told myself, I’m not going to spend any more money on fancy bike parts until I deserve it!
So what is a Clydesdale to do, you ask?


1) Thinking of joining in on that next CF, Ti, Unobtanium rage on your group rides? Get a coach/nutritionist/dietitian instead.
2) Think of your bike as a tool, not a jewel. It’s meant to be RIDDEN, not to be coddled & stared at. With all due respect, why don’t you coddle your 40-inch waist?
3) Stop spending so much time on BF (I need to work on this one!) Just think of how many miles you could put down instead of staring at this screen!

Cycling is a sport, not a hobby. Be sensible.

Does someone need a cup of coffee?

Cycling is a sport, not a hobby. Be sensible.

Incorrect.

I will agree and disagree with the OP. I agree that a lot of time is spent talking about the weight/strength of a component and we pretty much have found that wheels (actually spoke quality) has made a difference in the clyde group. I actually dropped spoke count and went with a better wheel than the stock one, with the help of the owner of the bike shop I use.

I think most frames (aluminum, steel, and CF) can handle the weight of most clyde's, but we also need to think about the diet/nutrition side of things just as much if not more. I can exercise a lot, but if I eat crappy foods I will not lose weight as my calorie intake is too high. If I eat the fruits and vegetables that I should, I am full more of the time if not most of the time, I have more energy and my calorie intake is much lower.

Is bicycle a sport? Yes, to some that make it a sport. No, to those that enjoy riding as a hobby, or an exercise program, or part of a cross training program. Is it a sport to me. Yes, and no. Yes, because it will be part of a triathlon that I will complete in 2008. But, more for me it is another way to cross train and work my body differently. And, it is a way to enjoy the outdoors with my wife when we ride the "comfort" bikes and sometimes ride some bike trails with some friends.

People who are concerned about being near or over the weight limit of bicycle parts should not be buying them in the first place.

However, expensive components only make a negligible difference in performance, while the extra adipose tissue that most people over the limit are carrying is obviously slowing them down more than any second-rate parts. Perhaps, if these overweight people have the money, they should first invest in coaching, or educating themselves about their nutrition, training, & other lifestyle regimen.

Allow me to make it clear that I am not writing this out of jealousy, ignorance, or hatred, but rather out of compassion for other Clydes.


Interesting post. I've quoted a few parts that stuck out for me. All I can say is you forgot to add a disclamer stating that your intended audience was the over weight clydes not the low body fat clydes.

Dear Peletonracer, did you realy mean to insult the members of this forum? I somehow don't think that was your intent, but it certainly came accross as such. I totally disagree that cycling must be a sport. For me cycling is:
1. A healthy, inexpensive, and environmentally sensible way to get around town, and currently my main for of commuting to work.
2. A way to enhance my aerobic fitness, reduce my bood pressure and help loose a little weight
3. A way to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoor

Please note that word Sport never comes up and that is fine by me. I do long summer rides and have participated in some very enjoyable charity rides and have raised money for some good causes. The only person I compete with is myself. I motivate myself to ride as often as possible. I don't need to compete against others.

I am on this forum so that I can find ways to enjoy riding and not have my bike break. I am 6' 2.5" and weight around 215lbs, I should be about 200 lbs. If most Americans were "only" 15 Lbs over weight we would not be experiencing such a health crisis. I am not here to debate how healthy I or other forum members are. We are all here to enjoy cycling and to gain additional health bennefits, and hopefully ensure that we can live as long and as healthy as possible.

I don't care about super light weight bikes, that cost a fortune, and from my reading, I think neither do most of the other forum members. What we do want are bikes that are not so delicate that they collapse under normal use. I use my bike for daily commutes. That means I take some work clothing, all my food and drink for a day, bad weather gear (you never know what mother nature will provide), pump, spare tire, and some minimal tools. My bike is also "loaded down" with a generator hub, lights, rear rack, front and rear fenders, and a sturdy U-lock, saddle bags, and a handlebar bag. I have all these things so that I can go anywhere I need, and fix and reasonable problem I may have while riding.

I am not looking to spend top dollar to save an ounce here or an ounce there. I need something that is study. The late Sheldon Brown for instance lamented the change to lower spoke count wheels and the silly arguament that is was for improved performance. With the average adult getting heavier our wheels are getting weaker. I don't need to save 3 grams on a few spokes or any other bike component... one good swig of water and I'll weight that much more.

I don't disagree that proper training and motivation can realy help any of us get faster and loose more weight, but we are not here to disuss becoming proper athlets. We are here to support each other in our shared lover of getting out there and enjoying the ride. Any day riding is better than a day sitting home or driving a car (with the exception of the recent ice storm... that was not fun to ride in).

Happy riding,
André

Pelotonracer, where on earth did you ever get the idea that the focus here was the unobtanium framed, light wheel bikes? :eek:

Our general recommendation here has always been don't sweat the grams on the bike, and instead work on the engine.

By the way, I completely disagree with your closing statement. Cycling is both a sport AND a hobby as well as transportation. Some of us race, some of us do bike paths and recreational racing, and some are commuters. The only thing that will get ripped on here in Clyde's would either be someone lying to themselves, or elitist posts.

I enjoy cycling as both a sport and a hobby. I find pleasure in pushing myself to my physical limits with 10,000 vertical feet of climbing in a day, and I also find pleasure in building a bike with new, interesting components. I'm both a rider and a collector. How is the purchase of a set of Zero-G brakes any different from rebuilding a 7-Eleven team bike with all NOS components, then hanging it on the wall? I don't NEED either, but I derive pleasure from fiddling with bikes, much like a hot-rodder fiddling with his car or a modder overclocking his PC.

I'm glad you could vent your frustration with yourself, but don't think it's shared by all of US.

However, I have noticed on these forums that every time someone mentions a new component, frame, or set of wheels, one question is inevitably asked- “What’s the weight limit on it?” However, this is utter nonsense. People who are concerned about being near or over the weight limit of bicycle parts should not be buying them in the first place.

If people don't know the weight limit, why not ask? If I broke, or wore out, a part, or if I was shopping for a new bike, and I was concerned if it was strong enough to support my weight I'd do some research. If I couldn't find an answer I could trust, you can bet I'd post a question here. It doesn't matter whether it's a set of wheels that costs $200 or $2000, the whole point to forums is that people should be able to come here and find their answers. One would hope that this specific forum, Clydes & Athenas, would be free from the aggressive, elitist, antagonistic, etc attitudes that are so common in other forums.

Does this Dura-Ace make my butt look big? :D

How I translated OP's rant:

"Dear fat guys,

Please stop showing up to my group rides with nice gear. I'm emabarrased for you all, since you obviously don't understand that expensive, well engineered components aren't meant for heavy, slow riders who enjoy a weekend metric century in addition to their daily commute.
This is serious work I do, so stop reminding me I could actually be having fun on my bike.

-- Some guy who really wishes he could have a Ho-Ho, but his over-zealous nutritionist and trainer would beat him up"


I'm sorry for enjoying myself every time I plant my corpulent behind on my saddle. I'll try to remember and cast my gaze downward next time I find myself getting "out of my place" at the LBS and I'm looking at the expensive component upgrades.
Before I go wasting my money on things I don't deserve, am I allowed to upgrade to Cane Creek SCX-5 brakes, or should I leave those on the shelf for a Serious CX Racer(tm) to purchase?

:lol: :roflmao: :lol:

The predominant issues I see talked about here regarding equipment is:
Fit (important for clydes/athenas as we are on the long tail of the distribution) and
Durability. (versus cost, not weight of components as in roadie forums.) This is arguably the most difficult thing to measure as it requires testing. So, we post and ask about other's experiences before we buy.

I also see comfort as an issue and that is important as the OP points out. The bike needs to be ridden---not looked at, but if the bike's beauty gets your rear into the saddle then spend the $$$.

Oh and about it being a sport, I don't do sports, don't watch them, don't care for them. I bike because it's fun and gives me some sense of achievement and it's one of the few exercises that don't bore me to death.

Parts of the Op's rant rings true with me. However, as an just recently on the other side of obesity, I really want to "fit in". I enjoy shopping in normal size store now. The only double x's I need are cycle gear. Also, I ride as much as the average rider in my club, so I want nice gear too- CF bike, ultegra, sidi and assos. Maybe if everyone else where riding a range of crap, then I would not feel this way. Sometimes I love cycling in spite of the equipment and sometimes I love cycling because of the equipment.

OP's points are true, but they are not the whole truth. He is happy not to be a clyde anymore. Is he just parroting the new party line?

OP is not getting much love in the roadie section for his cross post either-

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=388128

You would think with a 903 post count that someone would have a better grasp of what this part of BF is for. All I want to know is I weigh 340lbs; how much am I allowed to spend on a bike? Let me know and as soon as possible. I will sell off my ride and get me a $69 special single speed from Walmart so I can better fit into my 'sport' if that is what it takes.

I may not be as fast or go as long. I might ride a cheep bike by comparison (sub $1,000) but at the end of the day when it comes cycling I am better then you. I know how to enjoy what I do. I don't need someone who has never met me to make a blanket statement about what I choose to do with my money and how it offends you personally.

Just my .02

Dear Fatso:

You should only ride a bicyle purchased at Walmart, and leave the nice bikes to us skinny folks.

If you had written this, instead of that long treatise, I wouldn't have wasted 1 minute of my life reading it. Now I'm going to ride to Cold Stone Creamery and get a ginormous waffle bowl of ice cream with hot fudge, whipped cream, and almonds. Got a problem with that?!?

Every once in a while, the folks over in Road pleasantly surprise me :D
OP is not getting much love in the roadie section for his cross post either-

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=388128

.....Now I'm going to ride to Cold Stone Creamery and get a ginormous waffle bowl of ice cream with hot fudge, whipped cream, and almonds. Got a problem with that?!?
I do, unless you plan on getting enough for everyone.:D

OP is not getting much love in the roadie section for his cross post either-

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=388128

Very true, interesting how the OP has tucked his tail and and run from the threads. Not a single response as of 2:25pm.

Hey pelotonracer,

I'm 224 lbs and have my eyes on a Giant Rincon. Am I too fat for that? It's not too expensive for me is it? Please let me know before I have the chance to embarrass you.

kthxbai

Bau

Dear Peletonracer,

I'm sorry you made poor life choices and can't afford and don't appreciate nice bike schwag. Please don't hate those of us that didn't and can.

Kthnxbye

Dear Peletonracer,

I'm sorry you made poor life choices and can't afford and don't appreciate nice bike schwag. Please don't hate those of us that didn't and can.

Kthnxbye

I don't think it's that he can't afford nice gear. I think he's afraid that his elitism is somehow diluted if a "recreational" (i.e. not a licenced racer) cyclist uses the same equipment. 'Cuz, it's important that you don't look all chavvy when you roll up to the start line.

I do, unless you plan on getting enough for everyone.:D

Ugh Coldstone's got nothing on Denise's Ice Cream. *Made fresh in the back, every flavor you can imagine and for those of you who drink, alcoholic flavors!*

Can you say troll? :p


I was once the one you called “big guy” on group rides. That’s right- all 6’, 230lbs of my Clydesdale self. I would ride 100-150km a week, and I enjoyed some occasional racing. Needless to say, I did not perform very well- I usually got dropped on the first climb of the race. However, since then, I have lost over 70 lbs over the past year- I did this through hard work, determination, & perseverance. I used to ride a Trek 1500, which served perfectly well. I am currently considering a Cervelo R3 SL or Scott Addict for the upcoming racing season to reward myself for reaching the goals that I set out at the beginning of last year.
However, I have noticed on these forums that every time someone mentions a new component, frame, or set of wheels, one question is inevitably asked- “What’s the weight limit on it?” However, this is utter nonsense. People who are concerned about being near or over the weight limit of bicycle parts should not be buying them in the first place.
Most components with weight limits are high-en;- that is to say, much research and development costs have been used to make it as light, but still relatively safe as possible. However, expensive components only make a negligible difference in performance, while the extra adipose tissue that most people over the limit are carrying is obviously slowing them down more than any second-rate parts. Perhaps, if these overweight people have the money, they should first invest in coaching, or educating themselves about their nutrition, training, & other lifestyle regimen. This will benefit them far more than having Zero-G brakes over their 105’s.
Many raise the argument that if they have the money, let them spend it however they want. Allow me to make it clear that I am not writing this out of jealousy, ignorance, or hatred, but rather out of compassion for other Clydes. Rather, I am trying to allow you to get the most enjoyment out of cycling. Last year, when I was still over 200lbs, I bought a new set of wheels, Mavic Ksyrium ES, thinking that it would make me go faster? Sure, it felt nice on the first few rides, but I was still getting dropped on the climbs- which was not fun at all. I regretted this purchase, but as I bought it on eBay, I kept the wheels. I told myself, I’m not going to spend any more money on fancy bike parts until I deserve it!
So what is a Clydesdale to do, you ask?

1) Thinking of joining in on that next CF, Ti, Unobtanium rage on your group rides? Get a coach/nutritionist/dietitian instead.
2) Think of your bike as a tool, not a jewel. It’s meant to be RIDDEN, not to be coddled & stared at. With all due respect, why don’t you coddle your 40-inch waist?
3) Stop spending so much time on BF (I need to work on this one!) Just think of how many miles you could put down instead of staring at this screen!

Cycling is a sport, not a hobby. Be sensible.

I don't think it's that he can't afford nice gear. I think he's afraid that his elitism is somehow diluted if a "recreational" (i.e. not a licenced racer) cyclist uses the same equipment. 'Cuz, it's important that you don't look all chavvy when you roll up to the start line.

Considering "x"=I really wish I could afford to upgrade to "insert bike here"

While he has some salient points, and good on him for dropping 70 pounds the condescending attitude is annoying to say the least.


Aw screw it....it is a very effective troll and has succeeded in bringing out the "raar" in me

IF I were a multi-millionaire, it would seem stupid for me NOT to buy high end components.
There was a time in my life that was much better financially. I bought my first new car. One of my thoughts at the time was- Now, somebody else will eventually have a good used car to buy. There wouldn't be USED CARS available if nobody bought new ones! IF somebody upgrades to high end components, it may allow someone else to upgrade to mid level components. It's all part of the chain of life!

The problem I see is that the entire world of fitness is set up for fit people, it's not just bicycling. They don't make bicycles for 600 lb people, but then again, they don't make treadmills, sneakers, snowshoes, or running shoes for them either (and yes, I know that's not strictly true, but the principle applies).

Losing weight is hard. Every little thing you can do helps. If that means riding a bike when you're sort of too heavy to ride a bike, just do it anyway. If some internet stranger gets in a stew over it, that's his problem.

If some of these high-end bike companies were a bit more on the ball, they'd make special bikes just for heavier folks. If it doesn't break, then those folks are likely to buy their next lighter bike from them as well- they'd sell a fat man 3 bicycles instead of zero.

The problem I see is that the entire world of fitness is set up for fit people, it's not just bicycling. They don't make bicycles for 600 lb people, but then again, they don't make treadmills, sneakers, snowshoes, or running shoes for them either (and yes, I know that's not strictly true, but the principle applies).

Funny you mention snowshoes. 2 years ago when I bought mine, it took me forever to find a pair rated for my (former) weight of 265 pounds, plus winter clothing, plus winter camping gear. Most snowshoes aren't rated to 325 pounds.

Dear Pelotonracer,

Today I passed by a bicycle store selling the prettiest shiniest bike I've ever seen. I know purchasing it won't make me a faster, more skillful cyclist. I do know that the 15 pounds I've lost since January through stationary bike intervals and resistance training, combined with fine tuning the types of food I eat will help me ride the 75 km charity ride in June, as well as my daily commute.

I'm doing this to make me happy. Just as the new bicycle I am dreaming about and squirreling away my pocket change for will make me squee with joy whenever I'll ride it.

What you or any other ignoramus thinks... well that's a few points off your karmic value. Good luck with that dear.

In other words, whatever dude.

Yours, Cyclokitty

I've already posted this response in the road forum, but it's equally relevant here, so:

Many valid points were made by many. Now that I read my post again, I realize that it sounds a bit condescending, so I'll dial down the language on future posts. However, I still stand by my point.

I think that it's fair to say that many of the responders' posts can be summarized with:

"Pelotonracer, you are an arrogant elitist who feels insecure about recreational cyclists using the same equipment as you."

I not trying to discourage less-than-fit people from buying expensive stuff because I like to look down on them No- I want them to know that if they want to get the most out of cycling, be it for fun, competition, or fitness, they should not spend their money on expensive components, but on improving their engine. This is a point often lost in this forum, when we see others' pictures of their shiny sub-15 lb bikes.

Will expensive equipment bring you more enjoyment? Yes, it will- for a while. But after the initial euphoria wears off, the clearcoat is scratched, & the wheels are no longer round, the cyclist is still left with a sense of emptiness. If, however, we use that money to go towards maximizing our training time & eating right with the help of a professional, we will enjoy this brilliant sport to its potential.

The reason that I started my original post with a little anecdote about myself is that I know how easy it is to convince yourself that after you buy that next awesome wheel, groupset, frame, etc., you will enjoy riding more. You will, but this is the same fallacy that many drug abusers have- after the initial high, the original problem still exists.

One must ask, is the purpose of cycling to build fancy bikes? If you respond "yes", please ignore everything in this thread. However, if your answer is "no", & you enjoy cycling for the purpose of improving your lifestyle, competing with others, or simply enjoying the sound of the wind in your ears, then please, do yourself a favour & just ride.

IF I were a multi-millionaire, it would seem stupid for me NOT to buy high end components.

WHY?

I read an article a few years ago on self made millionaires. Interestingly, most of them did not spend lavishly. They drove reasonably priced cars, didn't own Rolex watches, etc. If mid-range components do the job, what's the point of buying high-end ones?

I not trying to discourage less-than-fit people from buying expensive stuff because I like to look down on them No- I want them to know that if they want to get the most out of cycling, be it for fun, competition, or fitness, they should not spend their money on expensive components, but on improving their engine.

If that was your intent, and your only intent, then why not just say that?



This is a point often lost in this forum, when we see others' pictures of their shiny sub-15 lb bikes.

That's odd, I don't recall seeing too many pictures of sub-15 lb bikes in this specific forum. Perhaps you're confusing where you saw said pics?



One must ask, is the purpose of cycling to build fancy bikes? If you respond "yes", please ignore everything in this thread. However, if your answer is "no", & you enjoy cycling for the purpose of improving your lifestyle, competing with others, or simply enjoying the sound of the wind in your ears, then please, do yourself a favour & just ride.

I find myself wondering why you felt the need to create a thread pontificating your position to others? The great thing about a hobby is that each of us is free to enjoy it in the way WE choose.

I've already posted this response in the road forum, but it's equally relevant here, so:

Many valid points were made by many. Now that I read my post again, I realize that it sounds a bit condescending, so I'll dial down the language on future posts. However, I still stand by my point.

I think that it's fair to say that many of the responders' posts can be summarized with:

"Pelotonracer, you are an arrogant elitist who feels insecure about recreational cyclists using the same equipment as you."

I not trying to discourage less-than-fit people from buying expensive stuff because I like to look down on them No- I want them to know that if they want to get the most out of cycling, be it for fun, competition, or fitness, they should not spend their money on expensive components, but on improving their engine. This is a point often lost in this forum, when we see others' pictures of their shiny sub-15 lb bikes.

Will expensive equipment bring you more enjoyment? Yes, it will- for a while. But after the initial euphoria wears off, the clearcoat is scratched, & the wheels are no longer round, the cyclist is still left with a sense of emptiness. If, however, we use that money to go towards maximizing our training time & eating right with the help of a professional, we will enjoy this brilliant sport to its potential.

The reason that I started my original post with a little anecdote about myself is that I know how easy it is to convince yourself that after you buy that next awesome wheel, groupset, frame, etc., you will enjoy riding more. You will, but this is the same fallacy that many drug abusers have- after the initial high, the original problem still exists.

One must ask, is the purpose of cycling to build fancy bikes? If you respond "yes", please ignore everything in this thread. However, if your answer is "no", & you enjoy cycling for the purpose of improving your lifestyle, competing with others, or simply enjoying the sound of the wind in your ears, then please, do yourself a favour & just ride.

Bravo on rereading your post and maning up. I am glad you are in cycling nirvina and trying to relate your experience so the rest of us may learn or not learn something from it.

Sometimes I love cycling in spite of the equipment and sometimes I love cycling because of the equipment.

+1
I am an Athena (REALLY Athena), even after losing 55 pounds. I saved for a year to get my first road bike - you guessed it - a CF beauty. Did I really need a CF bike for my first ride? No. Do I realize that CF and Campy won't make me fast? Of course! Do I plan to continue the long battle to improve my fitness? YES. Do I absolutely love not only riding my new bike, but just looking at it (in awe I might add)? You betcha'.

I hear what I think the OP was trying to say, but you can't tell people how to spend their hard-earned money or what SHOULD make them happy according to your point of view.
Am I sorry I didn't get a more entry-level road bike instead of my Orbea Onix? Not in a million years!!

"Funny you mention snowshoes. 2 years ago when I bought mine, it took me forever to find a pair rated for my (former) weight"

A number of years ago, we lived in Colorado not too far from Rocky Mountain National Park. I got a pair of snowshoes and had a lot of fun in the winter when other folks were sitting around the house. They're not too useful here in Dallas, though. Seems like mine were 30" ones, but it's been a while.

pelotonracer: You make an outrageously condescending post then you say our sorry and follow that up with a post thats almost as condescending. I only want to know one thing:

Y?
What is the point of telling us all something we already know? I think I know I'm fat and I don't need some one to tell me what parts I should be buying. If my cables need replacing and I have the money and the desire to have the new ones gold plated then thats my business but it still wouldn't give me the right to step in uninvited and tell someone else that they are inferior to me.

,

Today I passed by a bicycle store selling the prettiest shiniest bike I've ever seen. I know purchasing it won't make me a faster, more skillful cyclist.


I pass a bicycle store near me that sells only very high end all carbon racing bikes. These bikes are absolutely beautiful in my opinion and I just like to look. Now I know they're not for me, but I just like to look at them through the window. :)

I did go inside once to ask about some component I was looking for, and know what? I stood there for 10 minutes and not one sales person even acknowledged my presence! Very poor sales and business practice in my opinion. I could have been there to buy for my skinny 115 pound wife or other relative for all they know.

Oh well, I still like to check them out through the window sometimes. I can still appreciate a beautiful machine when I see one. :rolleyes:

I suspect they run out after I walk away to make sure I didn't smudge their window with my nose. haha

I've already posted this response in the road forum, but it's equally relevant here, so:

Many valid points were made by many. Now that I read my post again, I realize that it sounds a bit condescending, so I'll dial down the language on future posts. However, I still stand by my point.

I think that it's fair to say that many of the responders' posts can be summarized with:

"Pelotonracer, you are an arrogant elitist who feels insecure about recreational cyclists using the same equipment as you."

I not trying to discourage less-than-fit people from buying expensive stuff because I like to look down on them No- I want them to know that if they want to get the most out of cycling, be it for fun, competition, or fitness, they should not spend their money on expensive components, but on improving their engine. This is a point often lost in this forum, when we see others' pictures of their shiny sub-15 lb bikes.

Will expensive equipment bring you more enjoyment? Yes, it will- for a while. But after the initial euphoria wears off, the clearcoat is scratched, & the wheels are no longer round, the cyclist is still left with a sense of emptiness. If, however, we use that money to go towards maximizing our training time & eating right with the help of a professional, we will enjoy this brilliant sport to its potential.

The reason that I started my original post with a little anecdote about myself is that I know how easy it is to convince yourself that after you buy that next awesome wheel, groupset, frame, etc., you will enjoy riding more. You will, but this is the same fallacy that many drug abusers have- after the initial high, the original problem still exists.

One must ask, is the purpose of cycling to build fancy bikes? If you respond "yes", please ignore everything in this thread. However, if your answer is "no", & you enjoy cycling for the purpose of improving your lifestyle, competing with others, or simply enjoying the sound of the wind in your ears, then please, do yourself a favour & just ride.

Are you Pete's brother by any chance?

If not then:

image removed due to it's causing the poor moderator to fall on the floor,twitching!- TS

I've already posted this response in the road forum, but it's equally relevant here, so:...

I not trying to discourage less-than-fit people from buying expensive stuff because I like to look down on them No- I want them to know that if they want to get the most out of cycling, be it for fun, competition, or fitness, they should not spend their money on expensive components, but on improving their engine. This is a point often lost in this forum, when we see others' pictures of their shiny sub-15 lb bikes.

Since you wrote this response initially for the Road forum, maybe that's true. Look through the posts here in the Clydesdale forum, though. Most people here are working on improving the engine. Just like you, when we meet a goal we like to reward ourselves with shiny new equipment. Granted, many of our goals are different than yours was. Quite a few of us will NEVER be under 200 pounds, (If I were to drop to 2% bodyfat, I would still weigh 210 pounds.) so when we buy new stuff we need to keep an eye on weight limits. All of us here understand that a new pair of wheels or a drivetrain upgrade isn't going to magically turn us into Tom Boonen.

Will expensive equipment bring you more enjoyment? Yes, it will- for a while. But after the initial euphoria wears off, the clearcoat is scratched, & the wheels are no longer round, the cyclist is still left with a sense of emptiness. If, however, we use that money to go towards maximizing our training time & eating right with the help of a professional, we will enjoy this brilliant sport to its potential.




Dear Fatso:

Anything you touch with your fat, subby fingers immediately turns to shiite. When fat people like you buy an expensive bike it's like paying for the services of a high priced hooker. No bike worth anything deserves to be touched by fat f*cks like yourself. Why don't you just forget about cycling, and go into competitive donut eating instead?


There, fixed.

bautieri, DUDE! Please get rid of that thing!

I responded to the guy over on the road forum... but I'd like to add something here.

When we talk about frames and components here, it's a lot more helpful to say, "Hey. I just spent a lot of money on Brand X wheels, and they weren't worth the money."

We all know that the bike doesn't make the rider.

bautieri, DUDE! Please get rid of that thing!

Sorry about that, imageshack really sped up the .gif interval when I uploaded it. I created it with a .75 second interval between the two frames not the god awful nanosecond interval it took on once uploaded.

Next time don't stare directly at bright flashy things. :o

I'd like to hear more about this competitive donut eating thing.

Hambone made a great point (that I have quoted in the link in my sig):



Buy the bike that 1. fits you the best and 2. you think is sexy. Buy the bike that when you see it in the store it just tugs at your guts and makes you want to ride. When I saw the frame of my road bike (a GT Edge Aero) I had a reaction to it. I still look at that bike and want to ride... fast.

<snip>

And truth be told, a good bike is one you sit on -- a bad bike is one that leans against a wall somewhere. If you enjoy your bike and ride it... it is a good bike. No offense intended.


If buying higher end components will give you that 'I can't wait to get back on my bike' feeling everytime then by all means open the wallet and go for it. If it means riding an extra hour or two then go for it. If it means you'll ride through the winter/rain/night where you would wimp out before then go for it. If it gets you on the road more then go for it and feel free to flip off anyone who tells you differently....except for the wife of course ;)

The problem I see is that the entire world of fitness is set up for fit people, it's not just bicycling.

The real problem is our culture makes us fat. We didn't have such an obesity epidemic 30 years ago, and from what I've seen, it's due to many factors that pile together to make it hard.

We're built to survive scarcity. That's working against us now that we have abundance, and a society that's increasingly sedentary.

Next time don't stare directly at bright flashy things. :o

But then how could I look at all the photos of you guys' new bikes!!! :D

The real problem is our culture makes us fat. We didn't have such an obesity epidemic 30 years ago, and from what I've seen, it's due to many factors that pile together to make it hard.

We're built to survive scarcity. That's working against us now that we have abundance, and a society that's increasingly sedentary.

Okay so North American culture has generated the largest collection of people who are obese. We sit too much, do too little physically, and stuff our faces with processed crap, much of which they are just finding is causing all kinds of health problems. However that is beside the point, the real solution, doesn't need experts, just follow three simple rules:

1) Throw away your TV*, I don't think they have made anything really good since about 1975 anyway.....
2) Sell your car, if you can't get to work biking or walking, then you should move closer, or get a job closer to home.
3) Only purchase food GROWN within 100km of home.

* This really should apply to computer monitors as well, but how would you follow BF?

Now when it comes to bicycles, the industry seams to be possessed with the idea of racing, so we get super light weight components made of unobtainium, that break if ridden by anyone who outweighs a common house finch.....

Now, what I would like to see, and if a bike company wants to use the idea, they can email me for where to send the cheque, is a heavy duty but practical bicycle. Heavy duty doesn't mean heavy, but would have components designed to be reliable over the long term, even with a not so light weight rider. It's not hard for the engineers to sacrifice light weight for strength, while not making the component crazy heavy. Actually most of the components already exist in the MTB world, but incompatibilities are designed in so that you can't combine components from the MTB line and the road (racing) lines.

For example, my MTB would make an excellent clyde touring bike with drop bars, but there are too many components that would need to be replaced with light weight racing components, for it to be practical.

A comment: everyone is making this a "political" issue when the issue should be about value. I have gone through numerous low to mid-line bikes and found that you get what you pay for when it comes to durability and riding enjoyment. A $300 bike is good for a season or so, whereas an $800 bike is nicer to ride and will last a few seasons with maintenance. I have decided to buy my last bicycle and I spending the money to commission the most durable cycle I can: a full rigid titanium mtn bike with a Rohloff transmission and Phil Woods hubs and BB. it will cost me dearly but I am sick of buying a new bike every couple of years. I think it will pay for itself over time compared to buying any other machine.

Just sayin'

p.s.: I normally run high pressure slicks and my mountain bike passes most road bikes I see on the roads and cycle trails.

90% of the effort (money) goes into the last 10% of quality.

Oh, lighten up!!!

People are a bit sensitive here. I agree with the substance of what peloton wrote even if the delivery was lacking.