Originally Posted by
Treespeed
I know you aren't trying to be confrontational or anything, but what the heck do you mean by the right kind of bikes and appropriate cycling gear. Bike makers produce every imaginable kind of bike from single speed cruisers for $150 to multi-geared upright hybrids, and no one is stopping folks from wearing whatever they want when they ride their bike.
You are absolutely correct that anyone can get any type of bike they want and clothing from almost any manufacturer to fit their needs.
What you have to understand is that The Rake is a coffee shop paper which is light on facts but high on controversy. There are a few main local bike chains (by chains I mean in the Twin Cities area) which sell what would be considered roadie gear. That isn't to say they don't carry commuter gear, actually they often do, but the high priced items are on show.
We have two bike co-ops here. One is very utilitarian and nice, but the other is rather...um...harsh. The latter will tell you what you want to ride and will tell you to enjoy it. The Rake is supports the later. That bike shop was founded on great ideals, but they just aren't nice people.
They told me I didn't need to use my old rear panniers, but just need a larger messenger bag...even though I already own some nice pannier and a comfy messenger bag. They told my girlfriend they wouldn't warranty any bike she rode (she is over 300 lbs) but the Clyesdale/Athena forum has countered their sillyness.
Just an all around poor LBS.
If you are going to support a shop like that then you need to make everything else look bad. That is the sort of thing The Rake does.