View Poll Results: Is it appropriate for people to touch the bike?
Yes - you are right to want to chase them around with a can of Nare.
21
48.84%
No - what's the harm? If they scratch it against a pole or dent it, who'd notice?
0
0%
It's wrong, but the bike is an attractive nuisance and you just have to deal with it.
22
51.16%
Voters: 43. You may not vote on this poll
Attractive Nuisance?
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Toronto (again) Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,931
Bikes: Old Bike: 1975 Raleigh Delta, New Bike: 2004 Norco Bushpilot
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
My wife and I have been having a problem...we love when folks get interested in the triplet, take photos and ask questions about it, but I've noticed that on several occasions when we leave it locked up people will come up to it, touch it, sit on it in a pose, put their legs on it...etc. I am a tight boundary person and think touching someone else's property like that is wrong. My wife thinks I'm too uptight. I get that it's a weird and cool bike - and we like that people look...but is it out of line when they actually sit on it without permission, blow the horn, etc.?
#27
Spin Forest! Spin!
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Arrid Zone-a
Posts: 5,956
Bikes: I used to have many. And I Will again.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
10 Posts
My favorite quote of the month!
Bottom line, it's poor upbringing. And parents like these just pass it down to another generation.
#28
If I own it, I ride it
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Cardinal Country
Posts: 5,580
Bikes: Lejeune(14), Raleigh, Raysport, Jan De Reus, Gazelle, Masi, B. Carré(4), Springfield, Greg Lemond, Andre Bertin, Schwinn Paramount
Mentioned: 56 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 591 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 663 Times
in
312 Posts
I think you nailed it. It shows lack of respect for other people's property and that comes from what they saw when they were growing up.
#29
Cisalpinist
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Holland
Posts: 5,557
Bikes: blue ones.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
11 Posts
Yes, kids need to watch more pulp fiction to get respect for another man's vehicle. And a lot of other life lessons as well
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 610
Bikes: Surly Trucker
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
People fondle and even try to mount (while it's locked to a post, rack, etc) my high wheels. I have a mixed opinion. Part of me really despises them, but the other part realizes that a good 90% of all high wheels were crashed before I got my hands on them.
#33
Full Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 223
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 23 Times
in
6 Posts
I agree with all above about the inappropriate touching and your right to be annoyed/angry about it. However, the last post about the high-wheeler made me realize something- it's all about the comedic, "fun" aspect of the ride. Folks probably can't imagine that you'd take issue with them messing with your "clown car" bicycle. It's all a big joke- right? So what's the big deal?
Most people already consider bicycles a toy, but when you pile-on with penny-farthing wheelsets, or triplet frames, then you're just taking it to Steve Martin levels of absurdity- so why not get in on the joke?
The reason I bring up Steve Martin is because his use of the banjo in his early comedy routines engendered a similar reaction. He was, and is, a serious and skilled practitioner of the 5-string banjo, but he recognized that in the public square the banjo had a ridiculous quality. So he used that assumption, and his skill with the instrument, to augment his comedy in a really effective way. But most folks still considered his banjo-playing nothing more than a sight-gag. (Which in his case was fairly intentional.)
But getting back to the bike. To most people the idea of using a bicycle as a serious form of transport, and one to be considered the equal to an automobile, is simply incomprehensible. So when a bicycle such as the triplet or the high-wheeler comes into view, it's clown-car time and all fun and games. Who would think to deprive them of the amusement?
I'm beginning to find myself drifting into a rant, so I'll stop here...
cheers, Joe
oh yeah, 5-string rules!
Most people already consider bicycles a toy, but when you pile-on with penny-farthing wheelsets, or triplet frames, then you're just taking it to Steve Martin levels of absurdity- so why not get in on the joke?
The reason I bring up Steve Martin is because his use of the banjo in his early comedy routines engendered a similar reaction. He was, and is, a serious and skilled practitioner of the 5-string banjo, but he recognized that in the public square the banjo had a ridiculous quality. So he used that assumption, and his skill with the instrument, to augment his comedy in a really effective way. But most folks still considered his banjo-playing nothing more than a sight-gag. (Which in his case was fairly intentional.)
But getting back to the bike. To most people the idea of using a bicycle as a serious form of transport, and one to be considered the equal to an automobile, is simply incomprehensible. So when a bicycle such as the triplet or the high-wheeler comes into view, it's clown-car time and all fun and games. Who would think to deprive them of the amusement?
I'm beginning to find myself drifting into a rant, so I'll stop here...
cheers, Joe
oh yeah, 5-string rules!
#34
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,199
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 378 Post(s)
Liked 1,409 Times
in
909 Posts
I always very quietly ask them if it's their bike?
As they say "no," they realize I'm not being friendly.
The ones that I catch picking them up; those get a more personal message.
You have to be careful, though. If you startle them too much, the bike can fall over.
As they say "no," they realize I'm not being friendly.
The ones that I catch picking them up; those get a more personal message.
You have to be careful, though. If you startle them too much, the bike can fall over.
Last edited by RobbieTunes; 12-13-11 at 07:53 PM.
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Rhode Island (an obscure suburb of Connecticut)
Posts: 5,630
Bikes: one of each
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
12 Posts
Try living aboard one of these. Not only do they get drunk and try to board at 3 in the morning, they gotta do their best pirate accent for their ren fest wanna be buddies.
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Rhode Island (an obscure suburb of Connecticut)
Posts: 5,630
Bikes: one of each
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
12 Posts
Das Machine is nicht fur gefingerpoken und mittengrabben. Ist easy schnappen der springenwerk, blowenfusen und poppencorken mit spitzensparken. Ist nicht fur gewerken by das dummkopfen. Das rubbernecken sightseeren musten keepen das cotten-pickenen hands in das pockets - relaxen und watchen das blinkenlights.
#37
curmudgineer
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Chicago SW burbs
Posts: 4,417
Bikes: 2 many 2 fit here
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 263 Post(s)
Liked 112 Times
in
70 Posts
Das Machine is nicht fur gefingerpoken und mittengrabben. Ist easy schnappen der springenwerk, blowenfusen und poppencorken mit spitzensparken. Ist nicht fur gewerken by das dummkopfen. Das rubbernecken sightseeren musten keepen das cotten-pickenen hands in das pockets - relaxen und watchen das blinkenlights.
The Machine is not fur gefingerpoken and mittengrabben. Easy snatches if that is jumping work, blowenfusen and poppencorken with sharpen-park. Is not fur trades by the dummkopfen. Rubbernecken sightseeren musten keepen that cotten pickenen hands in pockets - relaxen and watchen blinkenlights.
#38
If I own it, I ride it
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Cardinal Country
Posts: 5,580
Bikes: Lejeune(14), Raleigh, Raysport, Jan De Reus, Gazelle, Masi, B. Carré(4), Springfield, Greg Lemond, Andre Bertin, Schwinn Paramount
Mentioned: 56 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 591 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 663 Times
in
312 Posts
Das Machine is nicht fur gefingerpoken und mittengrabben. Ist easy schnappen der springenwerk, blowenfusen und poppencorken mit spitzensparken. Ist nicht fur gewerken by das dummkopfen. Das rubbernecken sightseeren musten keepen das cotten-pickenen hands in das pockets - relaxen und watchen das blinkenlights.
I had a variation of this on my stereo when I shared a house. It was a little cruder, though.
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,829 Times
in
1,995 Posts
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times
in
313 Posts
I actually did the saddle bag a few weeks ago - I had some left overs in a plastic bag and took them out - using the bag for a Brooks getting doused.
DUDE - seriously...have some courtesy! We want to take photos and see the derailleur man!
Speaking of - saw this Bruce Gordon locked up to a gate in Denver:
LOL - I did have the Brooks saddle thing coming!
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 7,075
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
I have the same thing happen with my motorcycles. People that would never think about climbing into a car, and taking pictures of their kids or whatever, seem to have no problem whatsoever with putting their kids on my motorcycle, having them hang all over it, kick it, etc., etc. Or they don't put their kids on it, but they don't stop them when they decide to climb all over it. Ticks me off big time.
that is a great movie.
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 110
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
To most people the idea of using a bicycle as a serious form of transport, and one to be considered the equal to an automobile, is simply incomprehensible. So when a bicycle such as the triplet or the high-wheeler comes into view, it's clown-car time and all fun and games. Who would think to deprive them of the amusement?
Since this kind of behavior happens to motorcycles, classic cars, and in my own personal example, riding a horse into town, the reality is that people just get excited when they experience something novel, exciting, unique, or nostalgic.
In the US culture we have attached significant value to modes of transportation (usually automobiles) and especially private property. So while I understand that people will develop strong feelings and reactions to things that seem to violate their personal space it's probably worth remembering that it's a fairly unique and modern concept to conflate "private" property with personal boundaries. At the end of the day, especially considering what one will reflect upon when getting ready to travel beyond this reality, it's probably not worth stressing over. And it's definitely not reasonable to compare fiddling with an object to fondling another person (and a minority at that).
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Posts: 11,674
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1372 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,751 Times
in
938 Posts
Since I do not take my good bikes out and park them, I have had no problem with bicyclist wanna-bees, however, a motorcycle story comes to mind.
A long time ago, in a far away land (Canada) a middle age guy, and me, another middle age guy, rode our motorcycles to a coffee shop. While there, a lady walked up to my buddies 1943 Harley forty five in civilian trim. She plunked her little boy onto the sprung solo saddle and my bud immediately jumped up from the table, and zoomed towards the door.
As I caught up to him, I heard him say, "That ain't no f**k*ng pony, lady." The kid was off, and so were they, in a heart beat. I did, however, think it to be a bit much.
A long time ago, in a far away land (Canada) a middle age guy, and me, another middle age guy, rode our motorcycles to a coffee shop. While there, a lady walked up to my buddies 1943 Harley forty five in civilian trim. She plunked her little boy onto the sprung solo saddle and my bud immediately jumped up from the table, and zoomed towards the door.
As I caught up to him, I heard him say, "That ain't no f**k*ng pony, lady." The kid was off, and so were they, in a heart beat. I did, however, think it to be a bit much.
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
#44
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,199
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 378 Post(s)
Liked 1,409 Times
in
909 Posts
Das Machine is nicht fur gefingerpoken und mittengrabben. Ist easy schnappen der springenwerk, blowenfusen und poppencorken mit spitzensparken. Ist nicht fur gewerken by das dummkopfen. Das rubbernecken sightseeren musten keepen das cotten-pickenen hands in das pockets - relaxen und watchen das blinkenlights.
Replaced under warranty, but I don't let the Cleveland Philharmonic's "1812 Overture" LP into the public domain.
Last edited by RobbieTunes; 12-14-11 at 06:51 AM.
#45
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,199
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 378 Post(s)
Liked 1,409 Times
in
909 Posts
Since I do not take my good bikes out and park them, I have had no problem with bicyclist wanna-bees, however, a motorcycle story comes to mind.
A long time ago, in a far away land (Canada) a middle age guy, and me, another middle age guy, rode our motorcycles to a coffee shop. While there, a lady walked up to my buddies 1943 Harley forty five in civilian trim. She plunked her little boy onto the sprung solo saddle and my bud immediately jumped up from the table, and zoomed towards the door.
As I caught up to him, I heard him say, "That ain't no f**k*ng pony, lady." The kid was off, and so were they, in a heart beat. I did, however, think it to be a bit much.
A long time ago, in a far away land (Canada) a middle age guy, and me, another middle age guy, rode our motorcycles to a coffee shop. While there, a lady walked up to my buddies 1943 Harley forty five in civilian trim. She plunked her little boy onto the sprung solo saddle and my bud immediately jumped up from the table, and zoomed towards the door.
As I caught up to him, I heard him say, "That ain't no f**k*ng pony, lady." The kid was off, and so were they, in a heart beat. I did, however, think it to be a bit much.
#46
car dodger
I've had people lean on, or bump into, my bike resulting in my jumping up and snatching the bike from tipping over. The reaction I get is usually a trifling laugh, as in "no big deal". Maybe I should lean on their car hood while making a cell phone call to get the point across? Yes it's a public space but that doesn't mean it's okay to ignore other people's space and possessions.
__________________
1989 Schwinn Paramount OS
1980 Mclean/Silk Hope Sport Touring
1983 Bianchi pista
1976 Fuji Feather track
1979 raleigh track
"I've consulted my sources and I'm pretty sure your derailleur does not exist"
1989 Schwinn Paramount OS
1980 Mclean/Silk Hope Sport Touring
1983 Bianchi pista
1976 Fuji Feather track
1979 raleigh track
"I've consulted my sources and I'm pretty sure your derailleur does not exist"
#47
Vello Kombi, baby
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Je suis ici
Posts: 5,188
Bikes: 1973 Eisentraut; 1970s Richard Sachs; 1978 Alfio Bonnano; 1967 Peugeot PX10
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 80 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
13 Posts
I think I draw the line at sitting on the bike. Over the last twenty years, I've had dozens of folks tap on my brooks saddles and shake their heads in wonder. Used to make me feel good, because I knew I'd still be able to find them cheap-like, because all the folks thought they were uncomfortable. Of course,they've now gained some fashion cred, much to the disgust of my pocket book.
On the other hand, I wouldn't touch another person's bike, especially because I know fingerprint residue causes crabon fibre to shatter.
On the other hand, I wouldn't touch another person's bike, especially because I know fingerprint residue causes crabon fibre to shatter.
__________________
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
#48
Vello Kombi, baby
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Je suis ici
Posts: 5,188
Bikes: 1973 Eisentraut; 1970s Richard Sachs; 1978 Alfio Bonnano; 1967 Peugeot PX10
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 80 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
13 Posts
Before I vote, what the @#$% is "Nare?"
__________________
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
#49
PanGalacticGargleBlaster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Smugglers Notch, Vermont
Posts: 7,531
Bikes: Upright and Recumbent....too many to list, mostly Vintage.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
I assumed he meant Nair and wanted them to be hairless.
__________________
--Don't Panic.
--Don't Panic.
#50
Vello Kombi, baby
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Je suis ici
Posts: 5,188
Bikes: 1973 Eisentraut; 1970s Richard Sachs; 1978 Alfio Bonnano; 1967 Peugeot PX10
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 80 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
13 Posts
I was hoping it was Sake you could drink while smacking them in the cranium with an empty (Sake bottle, not Cranium).
__________________
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!