I took the OP to be addressing forum advice and the "vast majority" I was referring to was us regular forum posters. The OP specifically wrote "in so many of the threads" from there I was speaking strictly based on forum members. There is no question that virtually all bikes come from WalMart style stores.

Many of us here are married.

Then they should consider themselves "serious cyclists", regardless of the type or price of bicycle, and be pleased; mission accomplished!

Only if they are seeking to be considered "serious cyclists" by self styled curators of bicyclist labeling will they need to be concerned with the price of their bicycles or the cut of their bicycling outfits.

The GF has said she loves how riding makes my legs look. So sometimes is will put a little extra effort into a hill climb or sprint in order to try to improve their looks to the extent they can look any better than they already do.

ok

Yup. I often ride to get Away from someone else.

(My wife doesn't care enough about cycling to read this site, so I can say that.)

Did n;'t I tell you? IndyFabz just knows he looks Fabulous.

+1

Agree wholeheartedly with this. As someone that got back into cycling just a relatively short time ago, it's rather aggravating to start a thread asking for advice, only to get.. "do what feels good to you" or "buy what you like." If I knew what felt good to me, or what I like, I wouldn't be asking for advice. It's nice to lean on other's vast experience and knowledge when trying to shorten the learning curve. To get a generic response like some give, doesn't help at all. I realize a lot of things in cycling are personal preference, but until you get that experience to develop a preference, you rely on help.

And...

An I misread the title as pleasure yourself.

[Note to self: please don't waste time reading vainglorious, opinion filled threads.]

We're going to miss you around here.

So everyone, show of hands.... and be honest ... how many of us were riding just to please Rydabent?

Haha, touché.

Most bicyclist I meet are very warm & friendly people. I can't imagine why they would care about what other people are riding or wearing. People get exited about bicycles the same way they get exited about cars, motorcycles, tractors, and boats. Opinions are like ********. Everybody has one and they all stink. Now, get out there and ride.

Why wouldn't I ride to please myself?

My wife fell in love with me for my sense of humor.

It is my wit and charm that keep her around.

Lincoln, NE (as per his info. Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Women....sure are motivation enough to keep up a difficult ride. Of course they are motivation for many things

If the sea had only one form of fish in it , land would be non existent for humans. If the sky had only one form of bird or insect flying around nothing would grow. And if road cycling were the only form of using a bicycle then the red cross would run of out blood because it would all be used in doping....lol.

Point is that it takes all types to make this world go round. This being an informational internet forum one would expect the "hardcores" to be a major influence. But it really all boils down to you. You need to be happy with what and how you live your life.

However I do love listening to the road cycle club conversations at my bar I work at lol. Goes something like this lol

"Im 65 years old , my family should keep their mouth shut telling me I am risking my life riding a bike on a highway with traffic shoved up my ass! Im not going to sit and grow old on a couch. they can kiss my ass my family can, treating me like a Salmon on their last Salmon run! IM FINE! Other than my hip and my knees but you know ya keep riding cause who the hell are they to tell me what to do...."

I really don't see that. If people ask for advice, others provide it based on their own experiences and preferences. Otherwise, there are forums catering to many types of riding and no one that I see is running around telling others what they should be riding. I mean, except of course for the recumbent acolytes. They do tend to proselytize a bit.

I only ride my bikes to please others.

He averages about 1.6 post a year, you won't be missing much.

Absolutely, everyone has their own ways to cycle, which gives them relaxation in their own way. So we should not try to tell them OR teach them how to cycle, what to cycle.

Come on people lol U aint nothin unless ur this guy lol..This is what you want right here lol The pinnacle or our society lol..