Originally Posted by alanbikehouston

For some bizarre reason, when it comes to Grant Peterson's ideas about bikes, the average "pretend racer" loses his ability to read, think, or reason.

Grant Peterson thinks a well-designed road bike would ALLOW the use of 35mm or 32mm tires. He has never said that the use of 32mm or 35mm tires should be "mandatory"...simply that cyclists should have choices.

I have a 25 year old bike that was designed to ALLOW the use of 35mm tires. And, 35mm tires would be terrific for riding on gravel roads, dirt roads, and dirt trails...all of which are common in some of the most beautiful parts of the USA.

But, I use the bike for urban commuting, including riding in rain, sleet and hail. The bike's design makes it easy to combine 28mm tires with full coverage fenders, and still have plenty of room to clear mud and debris between the fork and the tires. If I wanted to use the bike for a fast century ride in sunny dry weather, I could fit it with 23mm tires.

In short, as a well-designed road bike, it gives me the ability to ride on any sort of road in America, plus the ability to ride OFF the road, and ride in weather conditions that sends the majority of "pretend racers" into hiding.

In contrast, most so-called road bikes in 2008 are simply cheaper copies of pro racing bikes. Ultra-short wheelbase and steep geometry. Designed for 23mm tires. Perfect for a fast 30 minute ride on a dry smooth road. Hell on a five hour ride on the torn-up, bombed out roads found in much of decaying 21st century America. Want to use 28mm tires and fenders and ride in the rain? Can't do it. Want to ride on a muddy trail. Can't do it. Want to use it for a fast 200 mile week-end tour? A guarantee of a painful Monday morning.

There is nothing wrong with riding poorly designed bikes, just as there is nothing wrong with wearing shoes that are two sizes too small. But, walking is more enjoyable if your shoes fit, and riding a road bike is more enjoyable if you are riding a bike designed for RIDING, not a bike designed to fool your friends into thinking you are a "pro cyclist".

Are you one of the 20 or 30 Americans who earn their living racing a road bike? You still need a road bike designed to meet Grant Peterson's design standards. When you are riding down a gravel road in January through a sleet storm, you will be happy to be on a bike that can use 32mm tires and full coverage fenders.