General Cycling Discussion - "Plush" bike (R)Evolution?....I'm so confused.

Read in Bicycling magazine about the comfortization of road bikes into a new breed called "Plush" bikes. I'm in my 50's and have adjusted my current road bike to be more comfy for my own purposes which is no big deal. But the article sounds alot like the retro-grouch/Grant P-Rivendell view of what road bikes used to be like and what we should be riding. My current bike isn't real expensive, but I have been looking at buying a new road bike after I do my first sanctioned century ride, kind of a reward to myself,and am now beginning to wonder if all the high tech stuff I'm looking into is worth the bucks or not. I've currently spent, over that last year and a half, almost if not more than what my bike is worth in the way of bikes clothes, accessories, pedals, shoes etc. I like my clipless pedals and feel just fine in my bike shorts and jersey etc and can not see going back to flat pedals, I've tried, casual shorts and seersucker shirts. Have I/we been duped into buying bike specific clothes and hardware or are the benefits as real as I/we perceive? What's your view? Thx, Thom.

Maybe manufacturers realized that a lot of us don't wish to pretend to be pro racers.

If you are going to switch bikes look into a recumbent. As long as the event rules specifically say no recumbents you can compete. They are great for centuries, touring cross country, commuting, fun and club riding. You can do just about anything other than technical single track and the extreme/downhill MTB/BMX stuff. The best thing is the comfort, and the fact that you can wear virtually anything you want on a 'bent. Other than perhaps shoes/cleats all you will need are comfortable clothes. Besides, how many roadies are still smiling after a century? On a bent it should be no big deal, grins all the way. Just something to consider.

'bent Brian

I'll never be caught dead in Lycra. But I like the "racish" qualities of a good road bike.

...and the fact that you can wear virtually anything you want on a 'bent.

With the exception of kilts and skirts. Unless you enjoy exhibitionism of course, and what bent rider isn't at least a little bit exhibitionist.

Hi,
the industry has 'discovered' old farts have wallets. This is quite different from what Rivendell is doing. Rivendell makes an old fashioned bike. These new plush frames are as hi-tech as they can make them. The idea is high performance AND comfort.

I liked the pic of the Trek Pilot, I seriously want to test ride one of those. I doubt I would buy one, but I want to see up close and personal what all the shouting is about. Wish they were doing this a couple years ago when I was getting a bike. Oh well.