Originally Posted by
BassNotBass
And how do you base the importance of efficiency? By ending up at the front of the pack of a bunch of amateur weekend warriors instead of in the middle or at the end of the pack... when your accomplishment is forgotten by your peers at the end of the day? Continue on your quest for efficiency if you need to impress your peers. Or ride for yourself and the pure joy of just riding and obtaining your personal goals.
Efficiency is about working smarter, not harder.
I don't do group rides and I don't race. I commute and I ride by myself. The only person I compete against is myself.
I don't wear cycling shoes because I think I'm Contador. I don't wear them to look cool or pro or to fit in.
I don't even have a computer on my bike anymore, because I realized that the numbers are more of a distraction than anything.
I wear cycling shoes because firm soles are more comfortable and confidence inspiring than squishy street shoes. Even with some sort of retention street shoes do not feel as steady in the wet.
You think because I wear cycling shoes, and advocate their use, that I don't experience the pure joy of cycling? If you think that wearing street clothes and Chucks while riding a bike makes you more in tune with cycling or more zen then you're just as much of a poser as some of those amateur weekend warriors.
I ride for fun and I ride for utility. I use what works best for me and lets me enjoy cycling to the fullest.
Like bragi I had more problems riding with street shoes than anything. I enjoy cycling much more, and do it much more comfortably, with the special shoes and clothing.