Originally Posted by
TejanoTrackie
I think the point is that the FG and SS experiences are very different. For example a FG almost demands good foot retention, but it is pretty much optional on an SS. You need to be constantly alert on a FG when descending hills or cornering or making tight turns, but can be pretty casual on a SS. For me my FG is a much more intense experience than riding my SS. I get a hard workout on my FG, but don't break a sweat on my SS. My FG is a performance machine with a stiff aluminum track frame and clipless pedals, whereas my SS is an old vintage steel road frame with relaxed geometry, fenders, rack, and double-sided pedals w/o clips or straps. FG and SS are similar but not the same.
I think you are onto something, here, though I don't necessarily agree with everything you wrote. I definitely believe that a FG bike requires more attention from the rider, and it will appeal to some people. I like the extreme simplicity and relax of riding SS - so I guess there are two distinct categories (at least) of riders, generally speaking. Not that one can't belong to both, of course.
What I sometimes do, when riding one of my SS is, I just go around, for hours, aimlessly and at less than a moderate pace, just enjoying myself, feeling transported as in a dance, and never wanting to go back home, ever more approaching a state of nirvana of some sorts. I love those afternoons a lot. I feel one with my bike and with the world. A FG rider, I imagine (I tried it, this is from my FG experience) would approach nirvana in a state of much higher alertness, one that, for me at least, wouldn't be sustainable for more than 1 hour, two at best, after which I would be mentally exhausted. I am sure a FG rider will feel one with his bike and with the world, too, but coming from a completely different direction.