Originally Posted by
91MF
i did a couple charity rides this year and was treated like a fool by some of the older 'cyclists'. i was talked down to for 'modifying' my road bike with pursuit bars and when i mentioned i liked to mess around on a fixed gear bike i was mocked 'do you have orange wheels on it?' 'o you are one of those brakeless jackasses' i dont give a **** what people think of me but some kids might feel like its not a sport for them if they are treated poorly.
You make an excellent point. Even well meaning advice givers run the risk of making cycling appear elitist. It puts people off. I prefer to ride with a jersey, clipless shoes, and cycling shorts, but I guess that even the appearance of such gear can come off as elitist. I know I used to think so myself years ago when I commuted in jeans and a work shirt.