Professional Cycling For the Fans - I hope Lance loses...

maybe then the american bicycle industry will stop obsessing about racing. We don't need 5000 models of racing bike. What we need are sensible bikes that real people can ride.

Such bikes used to be available. Then Greg won the Tour and suddenly all the bike companies focused on racing and forgot everything else. I rejoiced when Greg retired. I thought "Finally, the bike companies will pull their heads out of their arses and start building real bikes again." But before they had a chance to come to their senses, along came Lance and the obsession continued.

What the heck are you talking about??

So you think everyone likes the same bike you do?

What exactly are "real people" to you?

Do you prefer the old model of bikes where there were pedals attached directly to the huge front wheel and you had a little baby-buggy wheel in the rear? I think the bikes of today are awesome and getting better. :rolleyes:

If nowone buys those 5000 different brand racing bikes, then they wont be made.

maybe then the american bicycle industry will stop obsessing about racing. We don't need 5000 models of racing bike. What we need are sensible bikes that real people can ride.

Such bikes used to be available. Then Greg won the Tour and suddenly all the bike companies focused on racing and forgot everything else. I rejoiced when Greg retired. I thought "Finally, the bike companies will pull their heads out of their arses and start building real bikes again." But before they had a chance to come to their senses, along came Lance and the obsession continued.

What A Bitter Pill

... Troll.

Root for who you want. But the hybrid and comfort bike sector is huge anybody in the business have any numbers? Just curious.

maybe then the american bicycle industry will stop obsessing about racing. We don't need 5000 models of racing bike. What we need are sensible bikes that real people can ride.

Such bikes used to be available. Then Greg won the Tour and suddenly all the bike companies focused on racing and forgot everything else. I rejoiced when Greg retired. I thought "Finally, the bike companies will pull their heads out of their arses and start building real bikes again." But before they had a chance to come to their senses, along came Lance and the obsession continued.

Seriously, what are you talking about. There are so many bikes out there that do not fall under "RACE BIKE"

... Troll.

Um, no.

I hope he wins. It doesn't have anything to do with what kind of bike you want to ride. There's more models of bikes now in every functional catagory then ever before. If you can't find one out there don't blame the racers.

maybe then the american bicycle industry will stop obsessing about racing. We don't need 5000 models of racing bike. What we need are sensible bikes that real people can ride.

Such bikes used to be available. Then Greg won the Tour and suddenly all the bike companies focused on racing and forgot everything else. I rejoiced when Greg retired. I thought "Finally, the bike companies will pull their heads out of their arses and start building real bikes again." But before they had a chance to come to their senses, along came Lance and the obsession continued.


You dont need to JUST own a road bike. I own a mountain bike for when i go riding with my friends. I also own a road bike for when i train. Gezz maybe your the one who only thinks about road bikes. Lighten up

Hmmmmm lets see, is something wrong with this picture... I ride a "BIANCHI" not a "TREK"...
I Hope Lance wins, and even last Year I was Hoping he would win even tho he rides "TREK"
I was at the LBS today looking for some bar tape, and I was sure I saw Trek bikes of all different shapes, sizes and "TYPES"... Please tell me if I am wrong, but "TREK" does make touring bikes, cruisers, tandems, kid bikes etc.
(sarcastic arent I)
I have not noticed an increase of Racing bikes in any of the LBS that I frequent. I dont understand people. I mean if this guy doesnt like Lance and hopes he loses then fine, so be it, but dont blame the bicycle makers or LBS.
I hope Lance wins, I hope he kicks some major butt and I hope "TREK" makes millions more racing bikes :D

maybe then the american bicycle industry will stop obsessing about racing. We don't need 5000 models of racing bike. What we need are sensible bikes that real people can ride.

Such bikes used to be available. Then Greg won the Tour and suddenly all the bike companies focused on racing and forgot everything else. I rejoiced when Greg retired. I thought "Finally, the bike companies will pull their heads out of their arses and start building real bikes again." But before they had a chance to come to their senses, along came Lance and the obsession continued.

And we should all be driving VW Bugs. Are you nuts or just drinking?

maybe then the american bicycle industry will stop obsessing about racing. We don't need 5000 models of racing bike. What we need are sensible bikes that real people can ride.

Such bikes used to be available. Then Greg won the Tour and suddenly all the bike companies focused on racing and forgot everything else. I rejoiced when Greg retired. I thought "Finally, the bike companies will pull their heads out of their arses and start building real bikes again." But before they had a chance to come to their senses, along came Lance and the obsession continued.

You know, it would be a waste of time to try to explain how silly you are.

It really doesn't matter what you "hope". He is gonna win, sorry.

:beer:
It really doesn't matter what you "hope". He is gonna win, sorry.

What?????

At my LBS they have 1 Specialized Road, & 1 Trek Road; everything else is MTB's & kid's bikes.

There's shops that cater to racers, and there's shops that cater to the average Joe (like the one in my town), and there's everything in between.

Do you hope the Cardinals lose too so you can buy cheap baseball gloves?

maybe then the american bicycle industry will stop obsessing about racing. We don't need 5000 models of racing bike. What we need are sensible bikes that real people can ride.

Such bikes used to be available. Then Greg won the Tour and suddenly all the bike companies focused on racing and forgot everything else. I rejoiced when Greg retired. I thought "Finally, the bike companies will pull their heads out of their arses and start building real bikes again." But before they had a chance to come to their senses, along came Lance and the obsession continued.
Go to WalMart or Target and support them, I am sure they will have a great selection for you

Go to WalMart or Target and support them, I am sure they will have a great selection for you
yes he might be able buy a bike that fit his critiria :D :D

cycletourist,
if Lance loses, you know you will be the most hated member of the forum, just a friendly advice, just keep to yourself those negative thought that you have.
thanks.
oscar

What we need are sensible bikes that real people can ride.



I remember when 'fanny packs' seemed like a sensible idea. :rolleyes:

Maybe all of the American racers will retire and then people will lose interest in cycling and companies will go under and there will be fewer choices.

I don't think I've ever seen such a one sided thread with everyone piling on. Did you just accidentally hit the keys and it by chance came out with your post? I hope so, as a fellow Missourian I'm embarrassed.

After reading all of this "stuff", I'll have to agree with Cycletourist somewhat. Particularly when you're really looking for a good comfortable bike. Even TREK has caved on thier 520 model lately, the drops are down by my ankles! For racing fine, but most of us don't race. Those of us that don't race really don't want to look like we're racing either. Does that mean that we're not interested in the good of the cycling industry? Does every NASCAR fan drive around a billboard of adds all over his car, and not care about the auto industry? Please people, Cycletourist is on the SAME side as you are, just sees it from a more comfortable position.
With the way that some have responded I would suppose that you racers out there could keep up with the likes of Rob Kish, Tim Brummer, or even Sam Whittingham?!?

maybe then the american bicycle industry will stop obsessing about racing. We don't need 5000 models of racing bike. What we need are sensible bikes that real people can ride.

Such bikes used to be available. Then Greg won the Tour and suddenly all the bike companies focused on racing and forgot everything else. I rejoiced when Greg retired. I thought "Finally, the bike companies will pull their heads out of their arses and start building real bikes again." But before they had a chance to come to their senses, along came Lance and the obsession continued.

Err you're joking right?

How will a famous racer (who's earned many victories) affect the number bicycle models? Actually if his team keeps winning using the same brand, wouldn't LESS bike models as opposed to a a differant team each year on differant setups?

maybe then the american bicycle industry will stop obsessing about racing. We don't need 5000 models of racing bike. What we need are sensible bikes that real people can ride.
I'm a real person and I ride real bikes.
What I always see when I walk into a bike shop are mostly mountain bikes and comfort bikes and that is what most of the (uninformed) customers are asking about. They have no intention of riding in the woods or off-road trails. They want them for road (neighborhood streets) riding.

After I make my way through this crap I come to the sensible stuff --- road bikes.
My commuter is a road bike and my regular ride is a road bike.
Neither is made by Lemond. One brand was around long before anyone ever heard of Greg Lemond. The other is a personal choice based on how the bike handles and how I feel when riding.

maybe then the american bicycle industry will stop obsessing about racing. We don't need 5000 models of racing bike. What we need are sensible bikes that real people can ride.

Such bikes used to be available. Then Greg won the Tour and suddenly all the bike companies focused on racing and forgot everything else. I rejoiced when Greg retired. I thought "Finally, the bike companies will pull their heads out of their arses and start building real bikes again." But before they had a chance to come to their senses, along came Lance and the obsession continued.

I beg to differ. Bicycle companies produce what the consumers want and while bicycle shop floors may not always have what every consumer is looking for, every possible type of bicycle design is presently available from just about every -- US and overseas -- producer.

True afficianados of bicycle technology can also look beyond the big names and patronize any one of a hundred or so custom builders to have a near-perfect frame fabricated to meet their needs. For example, -- and given your "handle", lament about "sensible bicycles", and links -- it's clear you know who Grant Peterson is and are likely familiar with his Rivendell line of classic bicycles.

Additionally, if your conscience will permit, consumers can most certainly buy the very practical models of bicycles built in Europe where they truly are obsessed about racing... Koga-Miyata's line-up of machines come immediately to mind: http://www.koga.com/uk/. Available from Harris Cyclery (which you must also be aware of if you're a follower of Sheldon Brown and are hung-up about "sensible bicycles") and other retailers worldwide, they have a full-line of Trekking, Liesure, and Town & Country bikes that probably fit the bill for what you describe. Of course, Cannondale [http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/04/cusa/flavor/] and Trek [http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/citybike/] or [http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/road/520.jsp] offer these same types of machines, but you'd have to actually ask to see them in a catalog because they are slow movers in many regions and seldom make it to the display floor.

And just in case you're not trolling and actually read of any of this with an objective eye and consider complaining that the US bikes aren't practical because they don't come with mud-guards, again, it's because consumers don't usually want them in most regions, Northwest US being the exception. However, they are usually options or can be acquired as an after market item... or buy a Koga-Miyata World Traveller which comes with them as OEM.

... Troll.

You rang?




I remember when 'fanny packs' seemed like a sensible idea. :rolleyes:

Fanny packs are a sensible idea for people who ride nekkid.

Cycletourist, boyfriend, there are lots of kinds of bikes out there and Lance's popularity is helping to sell them, which pushes technology and keeps prices low and...well, let's just say you're wrong. It's O.K. though. I still love you!

:love:

After reading all of this "stuff", I'll have to agree with Cycletourist somewhat. Particularly when you're really looking for a good comfortable bike. Even TREK has caved on thier 520 model lately, the drops are down by my ankles! For racing fine, but most of us don't race. Those of us that don't race really don't want to look like we're racing either. Does that mean that we're not interested in the good of the cycling industry? Does every NASCAR fan drive around a billboard of adds all over his car, and not care about the auto industry? Please people, Cycletourist is on the SAME side as you are, just sees it from a more comfortable position.
With the way that some have responded I would suppose that you racers out there could keep up with the likes of Rob Kish, Tim Brummer, or even Sam Whittingham?!?

I dont know what lbs your going into but the ones here are mostly mtb,beach bikes,lots of hybrids and a half rack of road bikes. For every double sides rack of mtb,you get a couple of road bikes. $500-3000 road bikes so if you look,plenty of non-race bikes. I dont race cars but want the best tires,dual exhaust and mobil 1 oil like the big boys. I dont race but want a light bike,the best tires and equipment like the big boys. I you want a bike with handle bars that wrap around to your hips and is pink,thats ok but some of us would like better,maybe a race bike that we dont race.

surely a bigger range of bikes = more competition = lower prices which surely is just great for the consumer. In the UK, most bike shops don't even sell race/road bikes and if they do their tucked away in a corner and the sales people always try to steer you towards hybrids or mountain bikes.

From the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association:
(numbers represent shipments to retailers, not retail sales)

2002 2003
mtb 53% 51%
20/24" 30% 30%
hybrid 10% 10%
ROAD 6% 8%
tandem <1% <1%

-from Bicycle Retailer and Industry News


So the bike industry is concentrating only on Road Racing bikes? I don't think so.

A good bike shop will cater to all kinds of riders; casual riders all the way up to hardcore riders should feel welcome at the LBS when they walk through the door. I know there are bike shops that emphasize road bikes (here in Houston it's any Trek dealer). But the thriving bike shops know which bikes are their bread and butter bikes.

How many road bikes are sold vs all other bikes?

In 2003, 185,358 road bikes were sold as opposed to 2,029,550 of all other types of bikes (info from same source as above - BRAIN).

So what is all of the fuss about???

Can't find what you're looking for at one LBS...then shop elsewhere.

From the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association:
(numbers represent shipments to retailers, not retail sales)

2002 2003
mtb 53% 51%
20/24" 30% 30%
hybrid 10% 10%
ROAD 6% 8%
tandem <1% <1%

-from Bicycle Retailer and Industry News


So the bike industry is concentrating only on Road Racing bikes? I don't think so.

A good bike shop will cater to all kinds of riders; casual riders all the way up to hardcore riders should feel welcome at the LBS when they walk through the door. I know there are bike shops that emphasize road bikes (here in Houston it's any Trek dealer). But the thriving bike shops know which bikes are their bread and butter bikes.

How many road bikes are sold vs all other bikes?

In 2003, 185,358 road bikes were sold as opposed to 2,029,550 of all other types of bikes (info from same source as above - BRAIN).

So what is all of the fuss about???

Can't find what you're looking for at one LBS...then shop elsewhere.

Well can't argue with the numbers... like everyone else has said find another LBS if you cant find what you're looking for

I can't believe I clicked on this thread and then bothered to look for a response from cycletourist.

I want my 2 minutes back.

This is an interesting thread with a provacative title.

In my newspaper today there was an article titled: "Pretend you're Lance with these new bikes." The byline credited "the editors of Consumer Reports." The article focused on comfort bikes and hybrids ranging in price from $250.00 to "more than $500.00" (U.S.)

The article specifically recommended bikes from Jamis, GT, Trek, Schwinn, Giant and Gary Fischer. It steered the reader away from "bikes selling for $100 to $200 at places like Wal-Mart and Toys 'R' US". It also included a few tips about fit and maintenance. All told, it was a fairly good article.

It's interesting to me that Lance's name was used in the headline to feature relatively inexpensive comfort and hybrid bikes.

Granted, the U.S. market may not have many Flying Pigeon or Pashley type bikes, but there are a lot of styles of bikes out there, in a wid range of prices, and Mr. Armstrong's popularity might just be helping to sell them all.

[QUOTE=livngood]I beg to differ. Bicycle companies produce what the consumers want and while bicycle shop floors may not always have what every consumer is looking for, every possible type of bicycle design is presently available from just about every -- US and overseas -- producer.

Question: Do the bicycle companies produce what cosumers want, or are they telling/teaching the consumer that they want what the bicycle companies produce? Example: Before Lee Iaococa told American consumers that they "needed/wanted" a minivan nobody needed one. Same for the SUV. Now I'm just as guilty here, but how many of us have a car that we only use on the road? How about only in the mountains? One only for crusin' the beach? Do we "need" 2, 3 or more bikes in the stable to do multiple tasks? I know it's nice to have and all, but aren't we overdoing it when one bike should be able to handle it? It in the very least it would be more economical.
Point: Sometimes more choices isn't the best choice.

As someone who's done a lot of loaded bike touring and who respects the great traditions of lugged steel frames, I've got to say, are you crazy? There's plenty of room for everyone in bicycling, including Lance Armstrong and Grant Peterson. It's not an either/or question.

[QUOTE=livngood]I beg to differ. Bicycle companies produce what the consumers want and while bicycle shop floors may not always have what every consumer is looking for, every possible type of bicycle design is presently available from just about every -- US and overseas -- producer.

Question: Do the bicycle companies produce what cosumers want, or are they telling/teaching the consumer that they want what the bicycle companies produce? Example: Before Lee Iaococa told American consumers that they "needed/wanted" a minivan nobody needed one. Same for the SUV. Now I'm just as guilty here, but how many of us have a car that we only use on the road? How about only in the mountains? One only for crusin' the beach? Do we "need" 2, 3 or more bikes in the stable to do multiple tasks? I know it's nice to have and all, but aren't we overdoing it when one bike should be able to handle it? It in the very least it would be more economical.
Point: Sometimes more choices isn't the best choice.

Or maybe Chrysler started producing minivans and others produced SUVs because they listened to their customers and that's the type of vehicle they were requesting.

Nobody needed anything until it was made. I think thats what makes the world go around. Nobody needed a van until it was made. Nobody needed an elect razor until it was made. Ect,ect,ect.

Nobody needed anything until it was made. I think thats what makes the world go around. Nobody needed a van until it was made. Nobody needed an elect razor until it was made. Ect,ect,ect.

You must be in marketing... that or software development.

I clean toilets.

Root for who you want. But the hybrid and comfort bike sector is huge anybody in the business have any numbers? Just curious.

Yes, but when I was in the store shopping for my new road bike, a customer recommended to me, "hey man, you should get a hybrid....the streets around here [Houston] are just too rough..." I appreciated an honest guy giving me his honest input, but...if I am shopping for a road bike, I am clearly not shopping for a hybrid, any more than I am shopping for a moped or a skateboard.

maybe then the american bicycle industry will stop obsessing about racing. We don't need 5000 models of racing bike. What we need are sensible bikes that real people can ride.

Such bikes used to be available. Then Greg won the Tour and suddenly all the bike companies focused on racing and forgot everything else. I rejoiced when Greg retired. I thought "Finally, the bike companies will pull their heads out of their arses and start building real bikes again." But before they had a chance to come to their senses, along came Lance and the obsession continued.
I agree that's what we need is an awareness of transportational cycling apart from sport cycling, not that sport cycling's bad.

I hope if Lance wins, he remembers what it was like on Texas roads and supports the everyday bicyclist, like he does Isuzu. (At least there would be some awareness in America that cycling is a real sport,
like football...............

I was racing bicycles before Lance Armstrong came on the scene, and I will continue to race them long after he has retired.

I beg to differ. Bicycle companies produce what the consumers want and while bicycle shop floors may not always have what every consumer is looking for, every possible type of bicycle design is presently available from just about every -- US and overseas -- producer.

True afficianados of bicycle technology can also look beyond the big names and patronize any one of a hundred or so custom builders to have a near-perfect frame fabricated to meet their needs. For example, -- and given your "handle", lament about "sensible bicycles", and links -- it's clear you know who Grant Peterson is and are likely familiar with his Rivendell line of classic bicycles.

Additionally, if your conscience will permit, consumers can most certainly buy the very practical models of bicycles built in Europe where they truly are obsessed about racing... Koga-Miyata's line-up of machines come immediately to mind: http://www.koga.com/uk/. Available from Harris Cyclery (which you must also be aware of if you're a follower of Sheldon Brown and are hung-up about "sensible bicycles") and other retailers worldwide, they have a full-line of Trekking, Liesure, and Town & Country bikes that probably fit the bill for what you describe. Of course, Cannondale [http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/04/cusa/flavor/] and Trek [http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/citybike/] or [http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/road/520.jsp] offer these same types of machines, but you'd have to actually ask to see them in a catalog because they are slow movers in many regions and seldom make it to the display floor.

And just in case you're not trolling and actually read of any of this with an objective eye and consider complaining that the US bikes aren't practical because they don't come with mud-guards, again, it's because consumers don't usually want them in most regions, Northwest US being the exception. However, they are usually options or can be acquired as an after market item... or buy a Koga-Miyata World Traveller which comes with them as OEM.

Nice post Mark, I couldn't agree more. In the 70's when I started riding, recreational riders had the choice of faux road bikes with crap shifting, lead pipe frames and seats designed by a sadistic proctologist. One of these was the Schwinn Varsity, a 35 lb weapon that would likely kill a pedestrian should he ever get hit with one. Another of the limited choices was the one speed Cruiser whose styling was inspired by motorcycles and after trying to pedal one of these up a significant hill, probably drove some folks to buy motorized transportation. Another option was the English 3-speed. Probably the best of the lot for most recreational riders, albeit with limited gearing and a less than bullet proof hub with more internal parts than a Swiss watch. Out of this consumer purgatory exploded the mountain bike, a practical, rugged multi-geared bike that was embraced by recreational riders even if they never went off road, if for no other reason it worked well and had a seating position that didn't require advanced yoga to assume.

Ironically, during the period of 60's and 70's, the hey-day of crap bikes, there was virtually no American racing presence in Europe. If the bikes back then are the reward for not having Americans racing in Europe, I will take up bird watching if that cycling technology ever appears again.

I think Earnhardt should stop racing, THERE ARE TOO MANY CARS ON THE ROAD!!!

I remember when 'fanny packs' seemed like a sensible idea. :rolleyes:

fanny packs still are a sensible idea.

I think Earnhardt should stop racing, THERE ARE TOO MANY CARS ON THE ROAD!!!

LOL.. Even if Lance did lose (though hes not) What you think they'd stop making racing bikes? Every bike website such as cannondale has tour bikes, road bike, road racing, cruisers, hard tails .. ect ect.

After reading all of this "stuff", I'll have to agree with Cycletourist somewhat. Particularly when you're really looking for a good comfortable bike. Even TREK has caved on thier 520 model lately, the drops are down by my ankles! For racing fine, but most of us don't race. Those of us that don't race really don't want to look like we're racing either. Does that mean that we're not interested in the good of the cycling industry? ...Please people, Cycletourist is on the SAME side as you are, just sees it from a more comfortable position.


Thank you. That is sort of what I was getting at, although I did not state it well. I meant to say the only ROAD bikes available are road racing bikes but in my haste (bitterness?) I left out that crucial word "road".

In the 70's and 80's the "standard" road bike was what I call a "day tourist". An inexpensive diamond frame road bike with high handlebars, long reach brakes and plenty of room for fenders and wide tires. Perfect for the recreational cyclist. Road racing bikes and expedition bikes were specialty items.

But that changed when Greg Lemond won the tour. Suddenly everyone was aware of racing and the basic road bike design paradigm changed. Road bikes today are designed like racing bikes. Even inexpensive road bikes that are not suitable for racing are still DESIGNED like a racing bike. Low non-adjustable handlebars, skinny tires, and frame designs that won't allow wider tires or fenders. These days when I walk into a bike shop to look at road bikes all I see are road racing bikes. The few companies that offer touring bikes only offer "expedition touring" bikes or some half-assed compromise posing as an expedition tourer (like the Trek 520). The old standard of general purpose road bike is gone.

Greg and Lance may not be directly responsible for bike design but the exposure they bring to bike racing leads bike companies to focus almost exclusively on racing (at least when designing road bikes). Road bikes are more uncomfortable today than they have ever been. So long as the bike industry is promoting torture machines disguised as road bicycles there will NEVER be a revival in road bike sales. And the only way they are ever going to change their focus is if the cycling media stops fawning over celebrity road racers. And that will only happen when they stop winning.