Cyclist vs Biker
Originally Posted by
NYMXer
…
On a more serious note that is sure to offend some here, from a newbie to cycling's point of view, whenever someone that I meet refers to themselves as a "cyclist", they usually say so in a snobbish sort of way and look down their noses at anyone who does not distinguish themselves in the same manner. Then these "cyclist" will go out on our club ride, ride 3-4 abreast, cross the yellow line, hold up traffic, run red lights and ignore stop signs (you got to get KOM!).
These same people hate when you can ride at their level and refuse to get dropped but will never offer a word of encouragement. I think the term "snobs" is very fitting in these cases. Mind you, not all "cyclists" are snobs, but too many are and it hurts our sport.
Then, I meet people who "ride" bikes, friendly, helpful, generous and considerate of others, They follow the rules, share experiences and offer advice, congratulate you when you out climb them. They don't care what you call them, they enjoy the comradery of a common bond. Whether it is road, mountain or a cruiser ride down the street, they are just happy to be out there enjoying themselves and glad that no one called them late for dinner!
Some might even see themselves in my description, others, hopefully not…
Rant off, not directed at only one in particular, just using a very broad brush.
Originally Posted by
Seattle Forrest
According to the dictionary, a cyclist is a person who is riding a bicycle.
Back in August of last year [MENTION=116878]Viking55803[/MENTION] started this thread
”Bike Riding vs Cycling.”
Originally Posted by
Viking55803
…While moving along I took a break from the sensations to daydream a bit. I was thinking about how the way most folks refer to cycling - riding a bike or biking - are just inadequate words to describe how I think or feel about what I am doing.
Riding a bike seems to be more about getting from here to there, while cycling seems to be about being on the bike.
It doesn't really matter where I go, how far I go, or how long it takes me as it does about the experience itself. Of course, the cliche' comes to mind: it's not about the destination, but he journey, but sometimes cliche's are apt, and I think cycling embodies that in a way few other activities do… for me that's what cycling is about.
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
… So in considering your post, my first thought was I think I see the distinction you are drawing, but then thought it seems to hint a bit of elitism…I am a real cyclist; the others are just riding their bikes, though I presume that was not the intent.
So for example, are the subscribers who post to C&V, or Bicycle Mechanics and rave about parts and models real cyclists? Or are cycle commuters who slog through urban environments constantly on the alert for danger, real cyclists? Or Advocacy&Safety and Living Car Free subscribers who advocate on behalf of cycling, really cyclists?
Not that this matters of course, as you said, and I’m not being argumentative; just reflecting on your thoughtful post. I would suggest a definition of a cyclist as one who claims to being a cyclist. For me I make that claim by describing that I live a cycling lifestyle. IMO this is distinctive, and a virtually “alternative” lifestyle.
Originally Posted by
BlazingPedals
Lycra = cyclist
Leather = biker
If you're somewhere in between, you get to choose!
Sometime later was this thread,
”Good Article About Judgement & Snobbishness Among Cyclists,” and my reply.
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
This summer was a thread on the Fifty-Plus Forum,
”Bike Riding vs Cycling” with 105 replies, that IMO was a good discussion of the topic as in the article, and subject of this thread.
Sometime after that thread ended,
I thought about this seemingly trivial distinction that makes me think a rider is a "real" cyclist. I watch the way they pedal. Without being judgmental about it, a
cyclist has a fluid rotary pedaling motion, whereas I think "
bike rider" when I see someone pedaling in a piston-like fashion. Now since pedaling is the foundation of bike riding, I think that style and form makes the distinction. Of course then, while an E-bike rider is a "
bike rider" they are not
cyclists.
No moral or “snobbish” judgment here, but a more "objective" one, FWIW.
Originally Posted by
baron von trail
Cyclist:
Bicycle Rider
