The Joy of Diversity
11-25-11 | 12:21 AM
#27
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From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
11-25-11 | 09:21 AM
#29
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Edmonton, Canada
I've been enjoying checking out people's winter rides the past couple of weeks. I'm surprised how few have studs this time of year, though...it's pretty basic equipment for ice riding. Still, it's pretty impressive - at my last job there was one other winter rider (office of ~200 people), while at my current job there 3-6 bikes this time of year, depending on the day, and only about 120 people in total. Summer, of course, we run out of space in the bike room as 15-20 bikes per day crowd in.
Seriously? 2% on a nice day in summer? My opinion of Portland just dropped substantially.
Seriously? 2% on a nice day in summer? My opinion of Portland just dropped substantially.
11-25-11 | 12:35 PM
#30
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
Seriously, there's some major knee-jerking in here. People do know that the word 'diversity' is a quality neutral term, right? It's just another way of saying 'heterogeneous'.
On my campus there's a similar diversity, with the largest group (probably about 50%) being box store bikes in various states of modification and repair (I see one regularly that always has its front brake disconnected, so I'm guess his wheel must be badly out of true). Next largest is newer low to middle end LBS bikes, more mountain and hybrid than road, and maybe a 3rd decked out for commuting (racks, fenders, and lights); followed by older (+15 years) LBS bikes (more road than MTB) in various states of repair; and finally an equal-ish mix (like a few of each) of really nice bikes (roadies in the summer, fat tired snow bikes in the winter), BMXs, and no-frills fixies. No unicycles, though.
On my campus there's a similar diversity, with the largest group (probably about 50%) being box store bikes in various states of modification and repair (I see one regularly that always has its front brake disconnected, so I'm guess his wheel must be badly out of true). Next largest is newer low to middle end LBS bikes, more mountain and hybrid than road, and maybe a 3rd decked out for commuting (racks, fenders, and lights); followed by older (+15 years) LBS bikes (more road than MTB) in various states of repair; and finally an equal-ish mix (like a few of each) of really nice bikes (roadies in the summer, fat tired snow bikes in the winter), BMXs, and no-frills fixies. No unicycles, though.
11-25-11 | 09:42 PM
#32
Hi, folks
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Northern CA
I don't agree with the poster you are quoting as far as his general analysis of what a Fred will or will not do. I personally love aero bars and clipless peddles but they are not for everyone. Both take practice to become comfortable with. I find when people can't get over their fear of things they tend to generalize that they are unnecessary and make broad statements like any real pro would never use them. I wouldn't take any offence to such a statement, it is nothing more than someone's opinion
11-25-11 | 10:05 PM
#33
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From: Beaverton, OR
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And yet, there was a picture of an aerobar with a light mounted on it. Are we to suppose that a passing Fred vandalized a tri-athlete's bike in this way?
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12-01-11 | 12:17 PM
#36
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From: Beaverton, OR
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Lest I seem to be just picking on low-end bikes, here's a shot of a Long Haul Trucker I snapped this morning in the same parking area.
I can't remember who it was that was going on about the typical stack of spacers and/or inclined stems on Surlys, but this bike should make that person happy. I think it sets a new standard, to say nothing of the Fredly number of accessories.
Then there's this:
I'm fairly certain that this bike belongs to local artist/engineer Mark Allyn. I always enjoy seeing his work.
I can't remember who it was that was going on about the typical stack of spacers and/or inclined stems on Surlys, but this bike should make that person happy. I think it sets a new standard, to say nothing of the Fredly number of accessories.
Then there's this:
I'm fairly certain that this bike belongs to local artist/engineer Mark Allyn. I always enjoy seeing his work.
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