doktoravalanche

I get funny looks from roadies, commuters on unsuitable MTBs, and kids on 'jump bikes' occasionally yell out "gay bike!"*
Normally this happens when i'm overtaking them. I think to and extent riding my folder gives me 'short bloke syndrome**' in that i tend to bomb around on it just to make the point that i can, but that's also just because i like it's flicky BMX-like handling. The occasional WTF!? from people as i zoom past is merely a bonus.

*as long as it's happy, i'm happy for it..
** even though i am 6ft...

stevegor

Jur,
I have one of those clips, but 'cos my legs are so built up the darned thing digs in too much and it hurts so I tuck my pants into my socks......no wonder I get strange looks!!

Simple Simon

Thats a good point Dr. ! I too push harder when riding small wheeled folders compared to 700c or MTB's .. and likewise I'm tall - maybe sort of justifying those small wheels .. its good to hear "cool" , but still hurts a bit to hear .. "look - a g*t on a clown bike" ... luckily get many more "cool"s than "clown bike"

Sammyboy

I don't get comments, but I get looks. I'm 6'3 and 240 or so pounds, so I'm aware that on my 20 I look like a gorilla on a circus bike. I work fairly regularly in East London, so I'll ride 8 miles from Waterloo to Newham to get there, and that takes me along the embankment. There's nothing I like better than marking a guy in full lycra on a CF road bike, and trying to hang with him; most recently, it was a bloke on a Cervelo. They HATE having a 30 year old folder on their wheel, and will ride like hell to try to shake you off, and of course, I ride like hell to try to keep up, using every trick in the book, particularly timing the lights if they're stood still so that I get a rolling start and come through like a train. I can stick with them for a couple of miles, but they always get their way in the end, and I get to work sweaty....

rhm

Hey, this is a great thread! I've enjoyed every post I've read. That said...

On my DT Mini, with the dynamo powered headlight and tail light going all the time, I pass roadies all the time. Any serious roadie who doesn't want to stay passed can and will pass me again, and there's nothing I can do about it, but most of bikers I pass are not serious roadies. Sometimes they sneak past me at a red light.

I do get funny looks and comments, but rarely from other cyclists. Kids of all ages think it's cool, and often say so. When I pass 'roadies,' serious or otherwise, they often don't bat an eye, as if they don't see me at all (what focus!).

I think reactions to my bike are tempered by reactions to my garb. For months now it's been too hot to wear long pants, and when I do, the pants clip digs into my leg too, so I usually go the cuff-in-the-socks route. That, combined with the tweedy jacket with leather patches on the elbows, is the preferred look for an intellectual on a bike, isn't it? The problem is, for part of the year it's too hot to wear a wool jacket, and the rest of the year I commute in the dark, so I wear illuminite. Maybe I can get a tweed jacket with reflective patches on the elbows....

folder fanatic

I guess being a woman, I can get away with riding a different sort of bike(s). My folding bikes are my sole bikes I use now due to the high threat of theft, anywhere at anytime around here. I usually get compliments even when I ride Euorpean style-with a nice skirt, business blouse, makeup, and nylon hose. The point here is how one carries him/her self around other people-not the bike you ride.

senseamp

I hope that underneath all the comments about CF roadie bikers, and Lycra wearers, you all realize that no matter what style they choose, they are RIDING A BIKE! They are not sitting in their cars! The difference between them and you is very small compared to the difference to other travelers.

I used to ride/commute allot. I got passed allot. I long ago resigned myself to the fact that my body does not (and never has) performed like a Ferrari (more like a Skoda :-) But does that mean I can't pull on a pair of cycling shorts, spd shoes, a nice sweat wicking shirt?

I'm about to take all 311Lbs of me back on the commute, so when you pass me, think good thoughts.

I'll be doing MY personal best.

John

Sammyboy

I don't think most people here have anything against people that ride different bikes or dress differently, as long as they don't insult us. For me, the reason I like to try to race lycra clad CF roadies is to test myself and get fitter - I assume that all the gear gives them at least some advantage over me, so it's a fun test.

Speedo

I don't often go on group or club rides, so I'm always a bit of a stranger when I do. On group rides I've noticed a kind of avalanche effect with regard to my Bike Friday. At the start I get some funny looks. Then as the ride progresses and people see that I'm not having trouble keeping up, there are some side comments. Then, all it takes is one person at a stop coming up and asking questions, and suddenly I'm surrounded by a crowd of curious people.

I really should keep that stack of Bike Friday sales cards handy!

Speedo