What's the right bike to ride to a first date?
07-20-17, 12:01 PM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,716
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5787 Post(s)
Liked 2,580 Times
in
1,430 Posts
Simple --- pick any suited to the ride.
Consider, if the choice of bike would have any effect on the outcome, the relationship is a non -starter anyway.
She's dating YOU, not your bike.
Consider, if the choice of bike would have any effect on the outcome, the relationship is a non -starter anyway.
She's dating YOU, not your bike.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
07-20-17, 12:04 PM
#27
Senior Member
Good luck on your bike date! I enjoyed my dating scene years back but could never go through it again.
07-20-17, 12:11 PM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 7,922
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1627 Post(s)
Liked 630 Times
in
356 Posts
I like the classic three speed, or the Nobilette. The former is a no-pressure steed if you decide to go for a casual ride together after meeting, the latter an automatic conversation starter.
Do have any idea what kind of bike she'll be riding?
Do have any idea what kind of bike she'll be riding?
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
07-20-17, 12:28 PM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,486
Mentioned: 102 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1639 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 829 Times
in
538 Posts
Me, I'll be fine being the stoker
__________________
72 Line Seeker
83 Davidson Signature
84 Peugeot PSV
84 Peugeot PY10FC
84 Gitane Tour de France.
85 Vitus Plus Carbone 7
86 ALAN Record Carbonio
86 Medici Aerodynamic (Project)
88 Pinarello Montello
89 Bottecchia Professional Chorus SL
95 Trek 5500 OCLV (Project)
72 Line Seeker
83 Davidson Signature
84 Peugeot PSV
84 Peugeot PY10FC
84 Gitane Tour de France.
85 Vitus Plus Carbone 7
86 ALAN Record Carbonio
86 Medici Aerodynamic (Project)
88 Pinarello Montello
89 Bottecchia Professional Chorus SL
95 Trek 5500 OCLV (Project)
07-20-17, 12:32 PM
#30
Seńor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,923
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,090 Times
in
638 Posts
The other portion of bicycle selection strategy is this.
Suppose she rolls in on some generic hybrid, and you are on a racing bike. If she's never ridden a drop bar bike before, the difference in bicycles might not make riding bicycles seem something that you have in common to her, and your ice breaker will need to be something else.
If you roll up on an upright bicycle, and she does too - you've preserved that ice-breaker. If she shows up on a bike with a drop bar, it gives you an opening to tell her about your drop bar bicycles.
No doubt a more creative mind than mine might be able to turn that 1st scenario around, but anecdotally, when I have ridden my Superbe to the polling place to vote, it gets much more comment (and none negative), than when I have ridden one of my 10-speeds.
Hope you have a very nice time on your date.
Suppose she rolls in on some generic hybrid, and you are on a racing bike. If she's never ridden a drop bar bike before, the difference in bicycles might not make riding bicycles seem something that you have in common to her, and your ice breaker will need to be something else.
If you roll up on an upright bicycle, and she does too - you've preserved that ice-breaker. If she shows up on a bike with a drop bar, it gives you an opening to tell her about your drop bar bicycles.
No doubt a more creative mind than mine might be able to turn that 1st scenario around, but anecdotally, when I have ridden my Superbe to the polling place to vote, it gets much more comment (and none negative), than when I have ridden one of my 10-speeds.
Hope you have a very nice time on your date.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
07-20-17, 12:32 PM
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,486
Mentioned: 102 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1639 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 829 Times
in
538 Posts
Sigh,.......young man confidence and puppy love all in one pic!
__________________
72 Line Seeker
83 Davidson Signature
84 Peugeot PSV
84 Peugeot PY10FC
84 Gitane Tour de France.
85 Vitus Plus Carbone 7
86 ALAN Record Carbonio
86 Medici Aerodynamic (Project)
88 Pinarello Montello
89 Bottecchia Professional Chorus SL
95 Trek 5500 OCLV (Project)
72 Line Seeker
83 Davidson Signature
84 Peugeot PSV
84 Peugeot PY10FC
84 Gitane Tour de France.
85 Vitus Plus Carbone 7
86 ALAN Record Carbonio
86 Medici Aerodynamic (Project)
88 Pinarello Montello
89 Bottecchia Professional Chorus SL
95 Trek 5500 OCLV (Project)
07-20-17, 12:36 PM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 376
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
A tandem would be way too presumptous, IMHO. In fact I think it would be rather creepy...almost like showing up with a condom visible in your back pocket.
My vote would be a good all-around road bike, nothing too flashy, but not shabby either.
My vote would be a good all-around road bike, nothing too flashy, but not shabby either.
07-20-17, 12:39 PM
#33
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,222
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1350 Post(s)
Liked 1,245 Times
in
623 Posts
It may have been the same day as the pic.
I was 11 y/o She 10 y/o. She wanted to kiss all day long. We Did.
Good Luck Oddjob2
I was 11 y/o She 10 y/o. She wanted to kiss all day long. We Did.
Good Luck Oddjob2
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
Last edited by 10 Wheels; 07-20-17 at 12:52 PM.
07-20-17, 12:40 PM
#34
Senior Member
If you want this to go beyond one date:
Ride a bike similar to what you think she will be on.
Be more interested in her than your bike.
Know that she doesn't give a crap which bike you are on and/or why.
Ride a bike similar to what you think she will be on.
Be more interested in her than your bike.
Know that she doesn't give a crap which bike you are on and/or why.
Last edited by KDTX; 07-20-17 at 12:45 PM.
07-20-17, 12:48 PM
#35
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,006
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 280 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2198 Post(s)
Liked 4,601 Times
in
1,764 Posts
Showing up on a bike for a first date is a great idea. But talking about it? Not a good idea.
07-20-17, 12:52 PM
#36
Senior Member
Depends on the signal you want to send to start the date:
1. Take your most expensive, modern, fancy bike - signal that you have money, and like to spend it, but that you're also probably preoccupied with appearances, and maybe too caught up in guy stuff to be emotionally available.
2. Take your goofiest, most interesting vintage frankenbike - signal that you're free spirited, artistic, and a bit of a show off. She'll know you're a fun guy, but might also feel intimidated if she's not equally playful and spontaneous.
3. Take your rarest, oldest, most authentic vintage bike, and let her know what it is - signal that you're smart, exacting, obsessive, and probably too OCD to be a good partner. However, if she's a cat lady or equally obsessive about something, this may be attractive.
4. Take a rat rod fixie bike, something with primer and rust and rock band stickers and drewed derailleur hanger, and casually toss it against a fence when you arrive - single that your a bad-ass dude who doesn't give a damn, even though it will be painfully obvious you spent a lot of time working to cultivate that image of not caring.
5. Take a full race bike, and show up in full race kit - signal that you aren't really interested in dating, but would like a riding partner.
6. Show up in a good looking all-arounder road bike, especially something in Celeste blue. When you arrive, don't mention the bike unless she does, and if she does, tell her thanks, that you put it together yourself, and say no more about bikes the rest of the date - signal that you have good taste, are competent with the manly arts, and aren't a deranged C&V obsessed bike nut.
1. Take your most expensive, modern, fancy bike - signal that you have money, and like to spend it, but that you're also probably preoccupied with appearances, and maybe too caught up in guy stuff to be emotionally available.
2. Take your goofiest, most interesting vintage frankenbike - signal that you're free spirited, artistic, and a bit of a show off. She'll know you're a fun guy, but might also feel intimidated if she's not equally playful and spontaneous.
3. Take your rarest, oldest, most authentic vintage bike, and let her know what it is - signal that you're smart, exacting, obsessive, and probably too OCD to be a good partner. However, if she's a cat lady or equally obsessive about something, this may be attractive.
4. Take a rat rod fixie bike, something with primer and rust and rock band stickers and drewed derailleur hanger, and casually toss it against a fence when you arrive - single that your a bad-ass dude who doesn't give a damn, even though it will be painfully obvious you spent a lot of time working to cultivate that image of not caring.
5. Take a full race bike, and show up in full race kit - signal that you aren't really interested in dating, but would like a riding partner.
6. Show up in a good looking all-arounder road bike, especially something in Celeste blue. When you arrive, don't mention the bike unless she does, and if she does, tell her thanks, that you put it together yourself, and say no more about bikes the rest of the date - signal that you have good taste, are competent with the manly arts, and aren't a deranged C&V obsessed bike nut.
07-20-17, 01:09 PM
#37
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,503
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,470 Times
in
1,435 Posts
There isn't a single post here that hasn't made me smile or laugh. @10 Wheels, I like you even more than before.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
07-20-17, 01:15 PM
#38
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,222
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1350 Post(s)
Liked 1,245 Times
in
623 Posts
There isn't a single post here that hasn't made me smile or laugh. @10 Wheels, I like you even more than before.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
07-20-17, 01:15 PM
#39
Semper Fi
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,942
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1172 Post(s)
Liked 358 Times
in
241 Posts
Its between Italian and French, the two great countries of love, depending on OJ2 stable. Polish up which ever one you choose real nice, like getting a hair cut and shoe shine before Cary Grant met the lady he was having dinner with.
G'luck on the date, where y'all going for coffee?
Bill
G'luck on the date, where y'all going for coffee?
Bill
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
07-20-17, 01:29 PM
#42
tantum vehi
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Flathead Valley, MT
Posts: 4,440
Bikes: More than I care to admit
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1167 Post(s)
Liked 992 Times
in
491 Posts
__________________
1970 Gitane TdF; 1973 Gitane TdF
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
07-20-17, 01:33 PM
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: LF, APMAT
Posts: 2,752
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 623 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 397 Times
in
226 Posts
This thread takes me back to my high school days in the 80's. There was a young lady I liked. I asked her out, but she said I had to meet her parents first. They invited me to dinner at their house. I really liked riding bikes and hated driving. I would work bike rides into everything I did. So I decided to ride my bike to her house. It was a nice Fuji racing bike BTW. Anyways, Dad did not look terribly impressed when I rode up. I think he equated bikes with poverty. And no, I did not get to date her.
07-20-17, 01:36 PM
#44
Occam's Rotor
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 7,248
Mentioned: 61 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2366 Post(s)
Liked 2,331 Times
in
1,164 Posts
07-20-17, 01:39 PM
#45
Occam's Rotor
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 7,248
Mentioned: 61 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2366 Post(s)
Liked 2,331 Times
in
1,164 Posts
07-20-17, 02:08 PM
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,486
Mentioned: 102 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1639 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 829 Times
in
538 Posts
I was going to say, don't show up with you grail race bike as it might look like you're trying to show off and maybe make her bike look bad........but who knows......... if she might roll up on a De Rosa, Masi or Pinarello??......and you might have brought something similar to a Huffy Aerowind......
Maybe better ask her innocently what she rides, before the date......
Maybe better ask her innocently what she rides, before the date......
__________________
72 Line Seeker
83 Davidson Signature
84 Peugeot PSV
84 Peugeot PY10FC
84 Gitane Tour de France.
85 Vitus Plus Carbone 7
86 ALAN Record Carbonio
86 Medici Aerodynamic (Project)
88 Pinarello Montello
89 Bottecchia Professional Chorus SL
95 Trek 5500 OCLV (Project)
72 Line Seeker
83 Davidson Signature
84 Peugeot PSV
84 Peugeot PY10FC
84 Gitane Tour de France.
85 Vitus Plus Carbone 7
86 ALAN Record Carbonio
86 Medici Aerodynamic (Project)
88 Pinarello Montello
89 Bottecchia Professional Chorus SL
95 Trek 5500 OCLV (Project)
07-20-17, 02:13 PM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,486
Mentioned: 102 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1639 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 829 Times
in
538 Posts
Good for both of you!
__________________
72 Line Seeker
83 Davidson Signature
84 Peugeot PSV
84 Peugeot PY10FC
84 Gitane Tour de France.
85 Vitus Plus Carbone 7
86 ALAN Record Carbonio
86 Medici Aerodynamic (Project)
88 Pinarello Montello
89 Bottecchia Professional Chorus SL
95 Trek 5500 OCLV (Project)
72 Line Seeker
83 Davidson Signature
84 Peugeot PSV
84 Peugeot PY10FC
84 Gitane Tour de France.
85 Vitus Plus Carbone 7
86 ALAN Record Carbonio
86 Medici Aerodynamic (Project)
88 Pinarello Montello
89 Bottecchia Professional Chorus SL
95 Trek 5500 OCLV (Project)
07-20-17, 04:07 PM
#48
ambulatory senior
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Peoria Il
Posts: 5,998
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1955 Post(s)
Liked 3,661 Times
in
1,679 Posts
masi worked for me. 1 year and going strong she says!
07-20-17, 04:13 PM
#49
multimodal commuter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ, NYC, LI
Posts: 19,808
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
Mentioned: 584 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1908 Post(s)
Liked 574 Times
in
339 Posts
Put the tandem and a bolt cutter in the pickup truck and drive to somewhere near the date.
Find her bike, cut the lock, stash it in the pickup. Ride the tandem back.
When she discovers her bike has been stolen, you can offer her a ride home on the tandem.
The next day you appear heroically having retrieved her bike from the thieves.
What could possibly go wrong?
Find her bike, cut the lock, stash it in the pickup. Ride the tandem back.
When she discovers her bike has been stolen, you can offer her a ride home on the tandem.
The next day you appear heroically having retrieved her bike from the thieves.
What could possibly go wrong?
07-20-17, 04:27 PM
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,158
Mentioned: 481 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3810 Post(s)
Liked 6,699 Times
in
2,611 Posts
Yeah, blame it on the bike!
