General Cycling Discussion - new cyclist - always funny

I used to be a runner, but about a year and a half ago I switched to cycling due to a foot injury. I am not made of money, so just ride what I can get.

After a month or so, I started to really like cycling. I have an older hybrid (700x32 tires, no drop bars, NOT the fastest bike out there), have a rear rack on it and use it to get groceries, run errands, get to/from work, etc. I am not claiming to be in the best shape or anything, but I find it amazing what people do with bikes. I see people every day with full spandex, a bike that looks like it is worth more than my house, yet they are just not in shape. I never thought of dropping thousands of dollars on a new bike because I figure it is riding that gets you in shape, not what you ride. Anyway, I am sure this isn't anything new for all of you experienced people, but it is just really amusing to see people pull their bikes off of a car to sprint back and forth on a bike path, when I am still faster than them on my POS bike after riding a couple dozen miles between work and errands.


Don't want to offend anyone here, I am not sure what type of people are on this forum, but what drives someone to take out a second mortgage on their house to get all this equipment, but still not be in shape?

Some folks have a lot of money, so spending $2000+ on a starter setup is no big deal. Also, there are folks that maybe know about cycling, used to cycle a lot, stopped, got out of shape, and are coming back to it. But I think the latter is the most common.
If I made 150k + a year, I would drop the cash for a nice setup independent of my physical condition.

If you're biking to get in shape, it seems that a heavy bike with rubbing brakes, poorly adjusted bearings, and a rusty chain would be desirable, right?

(hnsq, I'm not implying you have those things)

i purposely keep my tires flat to get in better shape.

but seriously, I know what you are saying. I do understand, it is just a little funny as someone who has been an avid runner for years, the same as the overweight man running with no shirt on.

I have nothing wrong with having the gear, you just better be able to back it up with ability...


and mike_s, no offense at all. It has been a losing battle to keep this bike in a ridable condition without replacing parts (or all of it). Who knows, maybe this is just jealousy of better bikes :)

I used to agree. I bought a $450 hybrid and was very happy for a while. But now that I better understand the type of riding I like to do, I want something that's off-road capable. I regret not getting drop bars, and my bike's gearing is unnecessarily wide. I really want a cyclocross bike and am tempted to blow 2x - 3x the amount I spent on the hybrid, because that's what 'cross bikes go for. :bang:

I also thought it was silly to drive your bike to the MUP, and then drive it back home. I ride 7 miles to get to the park, ride the MUP 7.4 miles up, 7.4 miles down, and then 7 miles back home. Driving there would kinda suck. But, hell, who am I to judge? If they want to avoid biking on the streets and drive straight to the park, good for them for even doing anything at all. :thumb:

There are a lot of bad drivers behind the wheels of Jaguars and BMW's.

It just so happens you can buy the cycling equivalent for 1/10th the price.

Knowing how to ride it has nothing to do with it.

I generally outride most everybody on my commuter. I take it because I still get a workout. Riding the race bike with them would be like coasting downhill all day.

I agree with you that it's not the bike that makes the rider, but it does make sense that you need a bike geared toward the riding you want to do. If fast road rides are your thing, you need a decent road bike. If you're a commuter, a road bike is not necessarily the best choice (although that's what I use because that's what I have).

I do sometimes get a kick out of the guys (or gals) out there on high dollar bikes dressed in full kits who obviously aren't in the best of shape, but if that motivates them to get off their butts and do something, more power to them.

I also question my own sanity once in a while because I commute in cycling shorts and jersey, when most of the other commuters I see are wearing street clothes or gym shorts and t-shirts. Then, I remember that I wear what I do because it's the most comfortable stuff I have to ride in and stop worrying about it.

I try to not worry about what others have or are doing and just ride!

Perhaps you're confusing "being in shape" with "getting into shape".

One of my regular ride partners dropped a nice chunk on his bike in 2005--when he weighed 280. He bought a nice bike because he thought it would give him more incentive to ride, since nice bikes are, well, nicer to ride.

Took him three years, but he's down to 180 now. Still riding the same bike.

bikes are not that much. you can get a brand new $2,000 bike every 2 years if you only save $83.00 a month.

i know many people who pay as much or more for a gym membership and have nothing to show for it afterward. and tons of those people are not in any kind of shape.

This is no different than most any other hobby. People drop cash on expensive equipment just because they can and makes them feel good. Nothing wrong with that.

For commuting, honestly, I wish I had a lot of money to drop on a bike. I ride to get where I'm going. I don't want to be all sweaty in my work clothes any more than I have to. Yeah, it's good exercise too, but if I want more exercise I'd rather ride farther spinning than ride a short distance grinding. Anyways, a poorly-adjusted and poorly-assembled bike is wearing its own parts down.

My ideal commuter bike, if money was no object, would have quality parts put together properly, a comfortable riding position and a good saddle, 21 speeds, metal fenders and a chain guard, and a frame that is light enough to carry up stairs but strong enough to not fall apart over potholes and park trails and maybe even pull a trailer. All that stuff adds up, money-wise. That bike would not be cheap.

The closest things I've found that are comparable are the commuters and comfort-MTB hybrids from Giant, which range from $400-$700 US.

This is no different than most any other hobby. People drop cash on expensive equipment just because they can and makes them feel good. Nothing wrong with that.

Coming from an amateur astronomy background, I imagine there are two kinds of expensive bike buyers just like there are two kinds of expensive telescope buyers. One works out what the perfect instrument is for their own personal needs, and saves up for it; the other one dives in head first and buys the most expensive toy without much analysis. Usually the former ends up getting a lot of use out of the new purchase, while the latter doesn't use it as much as they thought they would.

Don't want to offend anyone here, I am not sure what type of people are on this forum, but what drives someone to take out a second mortgage on their house to get all this equipment, but still not be in shape?

So answer me this: What type of people devote their time to observing what kind of bicycles other people ride and worrying about if the other people deserve such a high end bike? Why do you care?

So answer me this: What type of people devote their time to observing what kind of bicycles other people ride and worrying about if the other people deserve such a high end bike? Why do you care?

how shallow of me...I am so sorry.

I guess in the two hours a day I am on a bike I need to close my eyes so I don't notice other riders.

What was I thinking???


Retro - when did I say anything about what someone deserves? I just said it was funny...If you ever see me riding down the street on a rusting hybrid, you are welcome to laugh as hard as you can.

For commuting, honestly, I wish I had a lot of money to drop on a bike.

I did. $1500 on a fair weather cyclocross commuter. $1300 on a foul weather tourer commuter.

Given the current conditions, I don't regret it one bit. I still drive three days per week but I know I can go completely car free if the need arises.

I will admit that it seems odd to see someone who does not look to be in great shape on a bike that you would expect to see in the TdF but if you are motivated to get into shape and have the money, why not get the best bike you can afford ?

It will make that getting into shape that much more enjoyable.

Then there are the guys who look like they're in good shape that have the uber $$$ rigs that can;t hold my back wheel... and I don't ride anything special.

We call those people poseurs.

I am always happy to see people riding bikes no matter what they are wearing or what they are riding.

Hey OP - I think I work with you - you certainly have the same attitude as the guy I see at the bike rack who makes fun of my "fancy bikes". Reverse snobbery is still snobbery.

Whether you ride a rusty piece of crap, or a fancy blingy bike, there will always be someone else to criticize your choice.

I like my bikes, they make me happy. I enjoy riding them. In fact, if I wasn't at work, I'd be out riding one of them right now.

Coming from an amateur astronomy background, I imagine there are two kinds of expensive bike buyers just like there are two kinds of expensive telescope buyers. One works out what the perfect instrument is for their own personal needs, and saves up for it; the other one dives in head first and buys the most expensive toy without much analysis. Usually the former ends up getting a lot of use out of the new purchase, while the latter doesn't use it as much as they thought they would.

I agree. And funny you brought up astronomy. I wanted the best I could comfortably afford. I started out with great binoculars and a very nice short tube refractor. Within the year, after spending many hours at local star parties I was hungry for more aperature......so I kept on buying more equipment.

In fact, I've been on Astro Physic's waiting list since 1999 for a particular scope. Never heard from them. But meanwhile, since astronomy took so much time out of my weekends, my cycling started to suffer. I eventually sold most all my astro equipment but I hung onto a few binoculars, including a couple of giant binos for those occasional back yard star gazing nights. :D

I know two people who don't ride or ride very little and they collect bikes. I think they both like mechanical devices and bikes are relatively inexpensive to collect.

This is no different than most any other hobby. People drop cash on expensive equipment just because they can and makes them feel good. Nothing wrong with that.

I totally agree. Every hobby tends to have a kind of uniform, from fishing to car collecting. A bicycle kit is not much different from what happens if you join a weekend baseball club or team. In fact sometimes the best deals on the cloths you were come from buying a kit all at the same time. It is just what some people prefer. I know baseball fans that don’t even play baseball but they have the hat, jersey, jacket and sometimes more just to go watch a game. At least if someone is riding they have an excuse for the riding gear. Just because some out of shape person is wearing a swimsuit or trunks when they swim doesn’t mean they feel they are Michael Phelps. They are just more suited to swimming than cut offs.

why not get the best bike you can afford ?

How about why not get the best bike you can justify?

I have no problem with a slow guy on a $5000 bike when he rides 5000 miles per year. Anybody who rides and rides and rides can justify being on any bike they **** well please.

There are poseurs everywhere though. Look for the spandex clad ones with 1000 miles on their odometer after three years of sitting next to their $5000 bike outside the local coffee shop. Look for those in full body armor on six inch travel trail bikes that walk every rock garden.

Shall we move on to skiing poseurs? They're even more ubiquitous.

I have nothing wrong with having the gear, you just better be able to back it up with ability...
And why is that?

I think that anyone can ride whatever they choose as long as they can afford it. If some fat old guy wants to put on full team kit and ride a $5000 bike at 5 mph on the MUP, so what? If he wants to buy the same bike and hang it on the wall that is his prerogative too. He isn't under any requirement to "back it up with ability".

Personally none of my bikes are real high end and I stay in pretty good shape for my age. I rode coast to coast carrying all my gear last year, ride regularly and at a decent pace, and can ride a reasonable pace on a century ride, but I don't see where your or my opinion about what someone deserves to ride is relevant. They certainly are under no obligation to "back it up with ability".

I have nothing wrong with having the gear, you just better be able to back it up with ability...


Most people who own and drive Ferraris are non-professional, average drivers too.

i purposely keep my tires flat to get in better shape.

but seriously, I know what you are saying. I do understand, it is just a little funny as someone who has been an avid runner for years, the same as the overweight man running with no shirt on.

I have nothing wrong with having the gear, you just better be able to back it up with ability...


and mike_s, no offense at all. It has been a losing battle to keep this bike in a ridable condition without replacing parts (or all of it). Who knows, maybe this is just jealousy of better bikes :)


You use tires... Heck I ride right on the rims... and I keep the brakes locked all the time.

I don't see the negative. People buy what they can afford. I ride with a few people that have spent 5X then I, but I keep up with them and even out preform them. Just keep riding and enjoy the fact you don't need the top end stuff to excel.

BTW: Spandex is lousy for cycling. Lycra is better for muscle support and more durable. Jerseries are made from polyester. Once you get a pair of real bike shorts, you'll never ride a bike again without a pair on.

To quote Lance, "It's not about the bike."

what drives someone to take out a second mortgage on their house to get all this equipment, but still not be in shape?
I think it's funny too, unless the person sticks with it. A friend of mine bought a nice hybrid, so his roomie bought a nice mountain bike, then her friend bought a nice road bike. Now, literally none of them ride any of their bikes. Just sit around with flat tires gathering dust.

That is when I think it's ridiculous. It's like paying for a year at a gym, then not going after the first month.

If they stick with it though, more power to 'em.

I turned my home gym into a clothes rack.

I used to be a runner, but about a year and a half ago I switched to cycling due to a foot injury. I am not made of money, so just ride what I can get.

After a month or so, I started to really like cycling. I have an older hybrid (700x32 tires, no drop bars, NOT the fastest bike out there), have a rear rack on it and use it to get groceries, run errands, get to/from work, etc. I am not claiming to be in the best shape or anything, but I find it amazing what people do with bikes. I see people every day with full spandex, a bike that looks like it is worth more than my house, yet they are just not in shape. I never thought of dropping thousands of dollars on a new bike because I figure it is riding that gets you in shape, not what you ride. Anyway, I am sure this isn't anything new for all of you experienced people, but it is just really amusing to see people pull their bikes off of a car to sprint back and forth on a bike path, when I am still faster than them on my POS bike after riding a couple dozen miles between work and errands.


Don't want to offend anyone here, I am not sure what type of people are on this forum, but what drives someone to take out a second mortgage on their house to get all this equipment, but still not be in shape?

Translation: "I'm dirt poor and I am jealous when I see people on expensive bikes. But rather than express my jealousy, I'll make fun of the ones who are "out of shape". I have low self-esteem (probably due to the fact that I make so little money), so I bolster my perception of self-worth by laughing at them to make me feel better about myself and my pathetically low income."

Why should it matter to you what someone else rides? You tried to phrase your original post as an innocent question, but your contempt for these out-of-shape nice bike riders is so obvious. Take some time to really think about the true reasons you started this thread, and you may find that you have a serious need for some attitude adjustment.

In case you were thinking that I was bothered by your original post because I'm one of "them", think again. I've been riding for over 20 years and have raced competitively for over 10.

Perhaps you're confusing "being in shape" with "getting into shape".

One of my regular ride partners dropped a nice chunk on his bike in 2005--when he weighed 280. He bought a nice bike because he thought it would give him more incentive to ride, since nice bikes are, well, nicer to ride.

Took him three years, but he's down to 180 now. Still riding the same bike.

Wow! That's kinda like riding a bike that weighs a hundred pounds less than when he bought it! Anti-gravity territory.
Good for him!

I used to make fun of people training in MMA gear who were not fighters. It seemed silly to me, to spend the money on some Tapout or Affliction fighting gear when all they were doing was training for fitness. Well, one day I hadn't done my laundry in 2 weeks and I was out of shorts to wear, I came down to my MMA board shorts. They were so comfortable for the training, I didn't feel bad for making fun of the other people, but I felt stupid for not giving it a try earlier.

Moral of the story: being more comfortable during your workouts is a good thing, and all those people wearing all that gear may be a hint.

But I still kinda laugh at all those cyclists wearing skin tight gear... at least until I get some of it and realize the difference, then I'll feel stupid again.

How about this --

It's not about wearing skin-tight gear because it's skin-tight; it's about wearing the stuff that really seems to work, even if it's skin-tight.

I would have never bothered with a cycling jersey until I got a cheap one on a whim, and now I have a small bunch of 'em (some more snug than others) because I like being able to carry stuff in their pockets instead of hip pockets on regular shorts (or cargo pockets on cargo shorts) AND I appreciate how they cover up any possible plumber's crack (which is, of course, eliminated with bibs; but sometimes I wear other stuff instead).

I also took to lycra shorts because I didn't like how regular shorts get tugged around by the saddle, and I didn't like it when loose fabric rubbed against my skin. Plus, the higher cut in the rear is the second half to avoiding plumber's crack (and again, totally eliminated with bibs).

Do I end up looking like a goofball? Sometimes, yeah, I sure do. But after a few hours of riding, I'm glad that I'm wearing it.

Plus, the higher cut in the rear is the second half to avoiding plumber's crack (and again, totally eliminated with bibs).
Kind of OT, but...
I guess everyone is built differently, but I have a hard time imagining how your butt crack can show in properly fitting bike shorts.

I agree with the posters about this being seen in just about every hobby. There are a lot of people out there with more $ than cents, they jump in whole hog on everything. On the upside it makes for great deals on Craigslist a couple of years down the line…
Several of my guitars came from people who bought them to learn on, and never learned. But they wanted to buy a guitar they could “grow into”, costly lesson, but it is their money.

Perhaps peer pressure has a little something to do with it? I look at the pictures posted of recent rides from a local bicycle club. They all seem to be riding top notch bikes and dressed in the latest cycling apparel, looks like most of the headwear may cost more than my bike… I just don’t see fitting in with the crowd without all that “stuff”. If I was really interested in joining (I’m not) I really don’t see anyway around dropping some serious cash to “fit in”…

Translation: "I'm dirt poor and I am jealous when I see people on expensive bikes. But rather than express my jealousy, I'll make fun of the ones who are "out of shape". I have low self-esteem (probably due to the fact that I make so little money), so I bolster my perception of self-worth by laughing at them to make me feel better about myself and my pathetically low income."

Why should it matter to you what someone else rides? You tried to phrase your original post as an innocent question, but your contempt for these out-of-shape nice bike riders is so obvious. Take some time to really think about the true reasons you started this thread, and you may find that you have a serious need for some attitude adjustment.

In case you were thinking that I was bothered by your original post because I'm one of "them", think again. I've been riding for over 20 years and have raced competitively for over 10.

haha, nice try man. I have a job as a computer analyst for a fortune 250 company. I just graduated college in May and have more money than most people my age. Not that this should really be in the equation, but I am doing the same job as co-workers who are 5 years older than me. I won't tell you my salary, but I could easily afford a lot more than how I live.

I do have the money to buy a new bike every other month, if I really wanted to, but I was trying to be humble and not have that as part of the issue. Its not that I have contempt for people in spandex, or people who are out of shape. I have contempt for people who are lazy, and people who think spending money will get them back into shape, or buying a new _____ (bike, home gym, etc.) gets them out of the responsibility of actually working hard. When I was running, I was to the point where I started to lose feeling in my toes because I needed to give myself a few weeks rest, and I wouldn't do it. I am fairly stubborn like that, and I just don't have much respect for someone who substitutes gear for effort.

Its about the emotions versus the common sense. Retail buying is about that. We are conditoned as a consumer oriented society. We get mixed up between needs and wants. Our first responsibility is to our families, not the local bike shop, and certainly not to a professional bike team kit.

Most people who own and drive Ferraris are non-professional, average drivers too.

Just remember, half the people on the road are below average. :)

so answer me this: What type of people devote their time to observing what kind of bicycles other people ride and worrying about if the other people deserve such a high end bike? Why do you care?

+1.

haha, nice try man. I have a job as a computer analyst for a fortune 250 company. I just graduated college in May and have more money than most people my age. Not that this should really be in the equation, but I am doing the same job as co-workers who are 5 years older than me. I won't tell you my salary, but I could easily afford a lot more than how I live.

I do have the money to buy a new bike every other month, if I really wanted to, but I was trying to be humble and not have that as part of the issue. Its not that I have contempt for people in spandex, or people who are out of shape. I have contempt for people who are lazy, and people who think spending money will get them back into shape, or buying a new _____ (bike, home gym, etc.) gets them out of the responsibility of actually working hard. When I was running, I was to the point where I started to lose feeling in my toes because I needed to give myself a few weeks rest, and I wouldn't do it. I am fairly stubborn like that, and I just don't have much respect for someone who substitutes gear for effort.

You know, kid, I lost 145 pounds through hard work and determination. I also lost contempt for people. You might try dropping contempt as well.

how shallow of me...I am so sorry.

I guess in the two hours a day I am on a bike I need to close my eyes so I don't notice other riders.

What was I thinking???


Retro - when did I say anything about what someone deserves? I just said it was funny...If you ever see me riding down the street on a rusting hybrid, you are welcome to laugh as hard as you can.

I doubt Retro would. He has class.

If some guy, poseur or not, has a nice Cervello or otherwise but looks to be out of shape - I really do not care. Hey, it's his money and his bike and I say "More power to him!".

At least he is out riding.

I've got plenty enough stuff to worry in my OWN small sphere of influence.

I learned a long time ago to not worry about what I do NOT have any impact on and/or that will not impact me. And, I've dealt with enough people over all my years that I learned that people often have the oddest reasons why they do something; that things more likely than not are what they seem.

Like others have said, maybe that person is working on getting in shape. Maybe he has a lot of money. Maybe he just likes nice stuff. Maybe he is a Poseur or a "Fred" as some like to lable - but really, who cares?

So, whether the OP finds it humorous or otherwise, I guess that's up to him.

I'm one of the guys you would probably see on a bike that some may not think I deserve because I am not in shape YET. But I will be and having a nice bike (that I can indeed afford) will help me get there quicker because I will ride it more.

And the bottom line is I do not give one whit about what someone else cares, thinks, or otherwise. It's MY fitness, MY money, and MY bike.

If you don't like it, don't look. But at least be an adult.

I doubt Retro would. He has class.



And the bottom line is I do not give one whit about what someone else cares, thinks, or otherwise. It's MY fitness, MY money, and MY bike.

If you don't like it, don't look. But at least be an adult.

Man...lighten up people. I started this just making an observation...not giving a commentary on a segment of society. I challenge any of you to honestly tell me you don't notice other people's bikes. I don't care what they do, I would never show any sort of distaste for them (which is why I posted this online - where it doesn't really matter) and I didn't want to dig against anyone in particular (why this is in the general forum, and not a racing or road forum).

And before more of you judge me based on the 2 paragraphs of text I have written, ask yourselves if being judgemental based on a single internet thread is any better than what you are accusing me of.

Man...lighten up people. I started this just making an observation...not giving a commentary on a segment of society. I challenge any of you to honestly tell me you don't notice other people's bikes. I don't care what they do, I would never show any sort of distaste for them (which is why I posted this online - where it doesn't really matter) and I didn't want to dig against anyone in particular (why this is in the general forum, and not a racing or road forum).

And before more of you judge me based on the 2 paragraphs of text I have written, ask yourselves if being judgemental based on a single internet thread is any better than what you are accusing me of.

"...it is just really amusing to see people pull their bikes off of a car to sprint back and forth on a bike path, when I am still faster than them on my POS bike after riding a couple dozen miles between work and errands. Don't want to offend anyone here, I am not sure what type of people are on this forum, but what drives someone to take out a second mortgage on their house to get all this equipment, but still not be in shape? "

No, nothing judgmental there. :)

Meanwhile I've violated Agate's rule about treating fools kinder as long as they take up less of your time. Bye!

Man...lighten up people. I started this just making an observation...not giving a commentary on a segment of society. I challenge any of you to honestly tell me you don't notice other people's bikes. I don't care what they do, I would never show any sort of distaste for them (which is why I posted this online - where it doesn't really matter) and I didn't want to dig against anyone in particular (why this is in the general forum, and not a racing or road forum).

And before more of you judge me based on the 2 paragraphs of text I have written, ask yourselves if being judgemental based on a single internet thread is any better than what you are accusing me of.

If it sounded like I was accusing you of anything, I apologize because I was not. I was simply saying that none of us are any better than anyone else and that I could not possibly care less what anyone else thinks. I do think your original post came across much worse than you thought it would and that is what upset some people.

Peace.

I just graduated college in May

New college grad - always funny.

The kid just made an observation.
Almost seems like some take it personally, not really what those of us that “don’t care what others think” would tend to do…

I use to rib my wife about driving to town to walk on a track in a circle. She said it was safer than a road with traffic; it was lighted and easy to keep track of her progress.
I said, honey what’s for supper…

Man...lighten up people.
You would do well to follow that advice yourself.


And before more of you judge me based on the 2 paragraphs of text I have written, ask yourselves if being judgemental based on a single internet thread is any better than what you are accusing me of.
I don't think anyone accused you of anything other than saying the things that you said.


but seriously, I know what you are saying. I do understand, it is just a little funny as someone who has been an avid runner for years, the same as the overweight man running with no shirt on.

I have nothing wrong with having the gear, you just better be able to back it up with ability...
When I see an overweight man running, shirtless or otherwise I think, "good for him, he's trying to get in shape."

Also, you never explained why you feel a guy with a nice bike "better be able to back it up with ability".

I don't think anyone accused you of anything other than saying the things that you said.



Which is all we have to work with, incidentally. And there's nothing 'factual' in his post that couldn't be manufactured for trolling purposes.

New college grad - always funny.


and while I just silently laugh to myself - never say anything out loud (the internet doesn't count as 'real' conversation), you pretty quickly go for a personal comment...

http://www.yehudamoon.com/images/strips/2008-02-04.gif

something else i find funny...and the older I get the more I find myself as this guy...

... but I was trying to be humble ...

No, you weren't.


...I am still faster than them on my POS bike after riding a couple dozen miles between work and errands...

No, you weren't.

I was trying to be humble about money. I wasn't about to say 'I could buy a $6000 bike if I wanted to'. And honestly, I haven't spent much money on a good bike yet because I don't feel I have worked hard enough to earn it. I ride a $400 bike for now, and I can't personally justify spending any more money on one until I am in the physical condition I feel someone should be in to use a $2000+ bike. That is my personal view, and yes like everyone else, my personal view shapes how I see other people...