Gotta quote Bugs Bunny: "Whatamaroon!"

My commute is 16.5 miles each direction w/a 500 ft elevation difference. I use a CX bike w/panniers, rack, etc. Yes, one can get a decent commuting bike for 3-400.00USD w/ENTRY LEVEL COMPONENTRY...not that there's anything wrong with that. Except if one commutes any distance you'll be changing it all out in a year. I have to change clothes completely upon arrival at work. Fortunately, there's a locker room w/a changing area. I'd like to see these guys do my commute in 90-100F/60%+ in their regular clothes, work a full shift then ride BACK w/a 500 ft climb at night...in a suit. I don't think so. My 'commuter rig' is a combination of 3 bikes, 4 helmets, 5 pr fingerless gloves, 6 or 7 jerseys, 6-7 padded shorts, winter gear, rain gear, tools, truing stand and accessories like lights, chargers, etc. Anything and everything to keep my stress to a minimum and my 'road time' to a maximum.

And the guy owns RIVENDELL for Pete's sake. The most self-important, pretentious, retro-grouchy bike makers in the country. He's WEALTHY. Trump as bike maker. And he's going to tell me I'm chasing away potential cycle-commuters because I wear spandex on my commute? Been doing this for 25 years. WAY before it became 'green'. Started in Chicago before there was such a thing as a bike lane. It was an economic necessity for me. The health benefits came secondarily. My clothing is something I arrived at the same as every other part of my commuting rig...because it works! The fact that I wear mtb shorts over the padded shorts is out of respect to my co-workers and nothing more. When I'm on a recreational or group ride it's spandex/lycra all the way.

The guy sounds really patronizing. Walnut Creek? The pretense center of the universe...except maybe Topanga Canyon. But, it was very gracious of Grant to dab his toe in the mess that is we poor unwashed and bless us w/3:34 of his infinate wisdom.