Originally Posted by tacomee
Yeah, you're right vrkelley-- folks who ride those heavy Euro-style bikes are often very good cyclists.
A buddy and I went off to see some friends in Germany and did a lot of cycling with them-- all of it on these heavy, clunky 3 and 4 speed bikes. My buddy was dumb enough to complain about the bikes and the Germans laughted at him and called him a name a really can't use on a family forum like this-- let's just say it was whimp spelled with a P. Our hosts would say stuff like "The weakling American needs a lightweight bike!" all in good fun of course. I guess riding some 40 pound pile of crap is a badge of honor to some across the pond-- this really had a powerful effect on how I think about bikes.
My take is that the Europeans in question are the significant percentage of cyclists there who prefer practical and reliable bicycles to get to a destination. These cyclists do not share the stereotyped North American cyclists 's obsession with maximizing speed and theoretical efficiency, or at least looking and acting the part.
In places where bicycle commuting is considered an activity practiced by normal people of all sizes, shapes and ages, cyclists are aware that a slower/relaxed cycling pace can often save time for commuting at the typical distances. Changing outfits, cool down periods and extra showers necessary in the name of maximizing speed and efficiency and cycling with stripped down lightweight racer-boy cycles does not always add up to maximum efficiency in use of time. Nor does the "pain IS gain" philosophy of cyclist training considered a serious way to commute or get about town.
Carrying an expensive high tech lightweight bicycle around like a ball and chain at every location because of security concerns doesn't appeal to European commuter/ recreational cyclists in the same way that it does to the sterotyped North American enthusiast. Locking up a heavyweight outside seems much more efficient and speedy, IMO.
European cyclists in general may have a very different perspective on cycling "efficiency" than found at many North American cycling clubs or Internet discussion group.