It seems there's a fairly constant stream of the same questions or issues here. In the main, there's lots of good info and opinion, plenty of entertaining dialog, etc. But...

At times I'm amazed by the willingness of folks to invest time in providing a helpful reply to someone who often hasn't even bothered to frame a decent question or do a single google search.

At other times, I'm stunned by how some folks will keep backing over a cat long after it is flat, because they refuse to accept that one size (their size) doesn't fit all.

So in the spirit of those two extremes, the questions reflexively posed without any background or forethought, and the answers reflexively provided and/or rejected, I figured I'd throw out this short list of recurring topics. Perhaps some of you will see fit to add to it. Maybe even to provide the DEFINITIVE position on some.

I should note that, in best stray poster fashion, I didn't thoroughly search the forum to find out if there is a thread like this already. So, here goes:

#1 - I'm a design student and want your survey response on my mousetrap ideas
#2 - Brooks saddles are.....
#3 - Everyone else on the MUP is crazy but me
#4 - Which bike should I get? I want one the best one that I can ride.
#5 - Which backpack or messenger bag?
#6 - Pannier insurgency in backpackistan / messengerville
#7 - How about those lights!
#8 - Carbon fiber commuters ? !!
#9 - Craigslist commuters? !!
#10 - Damn cagers
#11 - Damn pedestrians
#12 - Damn other bikers
#13 - Damn cops / security guards / authorities
#14 - Damn criminals (esp. bike thieves)
#15 - Damn hostile / insensitive people
#16 - Dressing in modern miracle fabrics
#17 - Dressing in wool, misc. retrogrouch kit

If we got rid of all the recurring topics, there'd be nothing left.

I will admit that if I were running for Mayor of Commutervile, BF I would ride a Surly Cross Check (that I bought used on craigslist) with a Brooks B-17 saddle, Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires, PB Superflash taillight, Magic Shine headlight and Planet Bike Cascadia fenders, and I would go to great lengths to avoid taking a position on the backpack/messenger bag/pannier issue. The centerpiece of my campagin would be denouncing people who ride on sidewalks, drive SUVs or talk on cell phones.

I find even the recurring topics help me as it seems there is always updated information. Local bike shops don't have anyone experienced in commuting and therefore I rely on this forum for 95% of my commuting information. I appreciate all the honest and helpful feedback.

Ride safe,

Jeff

Yup, I agree with Andy. This board is basically here to service newbies and answer their questions, and a place to vent about idiocy we see or have to put up with. That's pretty repetitive. Without these posts, you may as well shut this board down.

+1

Topics come up again and again because they are what interest people. That gets boring to folks that have been here for awhile but there's still valuable discussion to be had.

I've recently started participating in the road forum and there are some strong feelings there (for some members) against new posts regarding topics that have been covered in the past. But if you take those away there's nothing left but snarky threads that have only a tangential relationship to road cycling.

When a forum has been around for years and years, there's not that much that's really new.

Ha ha. That's the spirit! But you've lost the Honjo / VO fender vote and the campaign may be in crisis once it emerges whether that Cross Check is geared, fixed, or IGH (with or without a chain tensioner). You look vulnerable this November, perhaps to some cell phone toting cager who drives his SUV on sidewalks and won't let you park your bike inside his building.

I think Andy just answered every question ever posted on the commuting forum.

You don't have to read or respond to the posts. I agree, some things seem redundant (i.e. one post on"back pack or panniers" vs. another post the same day about "sweaty back"). I also know the search function can be a little difficult to navigate at times. Especially when you don't know what exactly to search for. I do feel a lot of the questions are in good faith however.

don't forget the steel vs. aluminum debate
And helmets, a good pasta strainer or something for your head.

I thought the "SweatyAss" post was rather innovative and refreshing.

In answer to the OP's post:

best up grade(s)?

S'wounds, if I see one more of these ubiquitous threads about ubiquitous threads...

The search function is not very functional in this forum. I've generally found Google does a better job; (instead of doing an advanced search in Bikeforums.net, I Google "bikeforums.net" & "keyword".

I'm very recently guilty of asking #4, but the end result was that some kinder, gentler folk than the OP helped me find my Globe Live3, which makes me and my dog both very happy. But even still, everyone has a different answer for a different question, at a different time. I say let-'em-rip.

I've been thinking about how asking many Giants fan's a commuting in a Rally thong. That would be new

The search function is useful but often some of the threads are several months or years old and there have been hundreds of new members added to Bike Forums in the mean time. Those new members should be able to give their input on a topic or ask a question without being criticized because there was a thread covering it months before they joined the forum.

#18. Will installing slicks on my mountain bike make it as fast as a road bike?

My new build...

(a) praise me
(b) help me
(c) did I spend to much?
(d) all of the above

Something about growing out a beard for the Series but then I'd be forced to get a recumbent.

Also, many threads fall into the "so watcha doin?" category.

do you...
what do you...
who here...
does anyone else...
who thinks...
did you...
have you...

#19 - Damn recurring topics

Better yet, restrict your google search to the domain by searching "site:bikeforums.net keyword".

There is a reason why people go to message boards and not web sites. While they may ask the same question that has already been covered many times over, they are asking it to an audience so they can follow up with further questions.

If everyone just googled their questions, then there would be no need for Bike Forums. It would just be a blog of how everyone's ride went. Frankly, that is boring (unless you are doing it in an exotic location) and not many people would be interrested in reading it.

Turing Machine
Gödel's incompleteness theorems

Well, I chose the Cross Check over the LHT specifically because it could be used with any of those configurations. As for the Honjo/VO vote, they're a fringe group anyway. The anti-Grant Peterson sentiment should be strong enough to outweigh them.

#20. Deer/dog/squirrel chased/ran out in front of/tried to **** me today.

[QUOTE=thenomad;11689582]I thought the "SweatyAss" post was rather innovative and refreshing...QUOTE]

I think it was 'Sweaty Butt'. Not sure if the former would've gotten past the mods I agree though I found it cheeky, subversive and fun.

perspiring posterior predicament?