Originally Posted by Razorrock

I'm still a little confused on the shoes. You can run in jogging shoes and be fine but pedaling a bike in them will give you sore feet?

I assumed it was more of a carryover from racing where you lose some efficiency with a spongy sole. Didn't realize it was a comfort thing.

Originally Posted by Whib

If I rode a thousand miles A MONTH I’m sure I’d learn myriad things that I’ve not yet learned...alas, I’m a meager amateur, a busy dad, and a middle school teacher: I turn the pedals whenever I get the chance, which isn’t nearly as often as I’d like; with that said, were I retired and empty of nest, 1,000 a month would still not be on my bucket list.

Originally Posted by eja_ bottecchia

The negativity towards the OP comes from the fact that someone who putts around, and is a self-professed noob, goes around passing advice, like Moses coming down the mountain top with the Ten Commandments. That’s off-putting, to say the least.

This is not the OP’s classroom and we are not all a bunch of little, eager, fresh-faced kids sitting at the teacher’s feet waiting for him to impart his pearls of wisdom.

Don’t look for a brand, look for a friendly shpo. Really? That’s just plain wrong, to say the least. So if the folks at the local Walmart (or Costco or Target) are really friendly and nice and sweet and helpful, I should buy a gas-pipe Huffy from them and pass up on the nice Trek, or Specialized (or heaven forbid Colnago) from the cranky LBS operator? That’s sheer nonsense and anyone who follows that kind of advice deserves the crappy bike they get.

Most of the other pronouncements by the OP are equally nonsensical. Cycling-specific shorts with padding are just more comfortable and make riding more pleasurable. Of course if you are only riding around the block, then Eddie Bauer shorts are just dandy. But if you spend hours on a hard saddle, riding up and down hills you want the most comfortable shorts available. Tennis shoes are fine, but for real comfort, and pedaling efficiency, mile after mile on a road bike nothing beats a pair of nicely fitted SIDIs (or any other brand of cycling-specific shoes).

Is not a question of being an elitist cyclist, or looking down on others who pedal to the cadence of a different rhythm. Personally, I couldn’t care less what anyone rides, wears, drinks, etc. It is a question of being comfortable, of being efficient, of being stylish (because styling points count towards raising the smile-quotient), of being able to log 6,000 miles in 11 months, following brain surgery and feeling good about it.

Do what feels good for you, just go ride (this was the OP’s single best piece of advice). But don’t come across preachy, or “teachy.” And be open-minded enough to be able to hear (or read) a dissenting voice (or voices) without getting your knickers in a wad and without wilting like a damned snowflake. That’s what’s is currently wrong with modern society, the moment someone disagrees with someone else, then everyone gets butthurt and run to Twitter to “clap back” ( what an idiotic term ).

As my former law and riding partner used to say whenever I would start whining about a climb that was too long or too steep...buck up buttercup, pedal harder or get off the bike.

And yes, life is too freaking short to ride cheap bikes, drink cheap booze...and smoke cheap cigars and drink cheap coffee.

Peace out.

Originally Posted by eja_ bottecchia

Don’t look for a brand, look for a friendly shpo. Really? That’s just plain wrong, to say the least.

Originally Posted by eja_ bottecchia

As my former law and riding partner used to say

Peace out.

Originally Posted by Lazyass

But the OP's advise is not good for cyclists who put in long miles unless you want to deal with pain.

If anything the OP has the attitude towards those of us who spend money on our gear and bikes. He acts as if he's the smart one.

Originally Posted by jefnvk

Whilst I agree with you on the core point, that advice has been handed out by numerous folks here since I've joined, it is not a new idea from him.

It is not a piece of advice that worked for me, but as with everything argued around here many people seem happy following it.

Originally Posted by eja_ bottecchia

The negativity towards the OP comes from the fact that someone who putts around, and is a self-professed noob, goes around passing advice, like Moses coming down the mountain top with the Ten Commandments. That’s off-putting, to say the least.

This is not the OP’s classroom and we are not all a bunch of little, eager, fresh-faced kids sitting at the teacher’s feet waiting for him to impart his pearls of wisdom.

Originally Posted by eja_ bottecchia

The negativity towards the OP comes from the fact that someone who putts around, and is a self-professed noob, goes around passing advice, like Moses coming down the mountain top with the Ten Commandments. That’s off-putting, to say the least. ...


.

Originally Posted by Whib

Oh but your sad little biography to defend your original rudeness wasn't off-putting at all, your honor.

Newbs can't offer advice to other newbs on this forum without offending the crème de la crème?

Dude, biking clearly doesn't help you with anger management.

Originally Posted by McBTC

True, true... there's not a single point of the 10 rules given that'll make anyone else a better biker. I'm sure they're all valuable insights for the OP and some on the BF seem to be genuinely moved them. Still... within the first 400 miles newbies might consider some tire irons, patch kit, gloves, helmet, sunglasses, water bottle(s), maybe some tools unless your seat post has a quick release, Y-rag, wireless computer...

Originally Posted by Whib

I was wondering when you'd start bragging again.

Originally Posted by Whib

LA, bro, your digital hackles are so quick to rise. I wonder, are you this defensive in real life? Or does the internet civic firewall provide you a false bravado? Read my original post, attempt comprehension, and you’ll see it was meant for the newbies. I never “acted” as the “smart one” — in contrast, I was only acting as an encouraging one, something, obviously, outside your superior realm.

To you and that other grump, and to all the braggarts and the equipment elites with “stables” full of high-priced bikes upon which you perch, noses aloft, and pedal thousands upon thousands of fearsome, formidable miles: this thread was never intended for you; find the one titled “I am the most serious of cyclists and this is why” and gasconade there. To the newbies, whom I aimed to address from the outset: biking is a super fun way of bolstering your fitness level, be it low or high. It’s why kids ride with a smile on their face.

Originally Posted by MRT2

I don't know about that. I might put it this way. Once you set a realistic budget, you are likely to find similar products at a given price point. So go with the bike shop that offers friendly and informed advice, has a reputation for after sales service, and is local enough to take advantage of after sales service.

Originally Posted by MRT2

Or wear a cheap watch, which is one of my pet peeves. (others will disagree)

Originally Posted by eja_ bottecchia

You are right. I bought my last three bikes oversea, from a man with a solid reputation. He is in Englad and many of you may already know him.

I have my bikes serviced locally at a shop, and from a mechanic, who was featured in the last edition of Road Bike Action magazine. His reputation is equally solid, he knows what he is doing.

Originally Posted by MRT2

I am a believer in forging relationships with local bike shop people. That doesn't mean your bike shop owner, salesman or mechanic needs to be your best buddy. Nor does it mean that you can or should buy all your bikes, parts, clothing and accessories exclusively from one shop. But, if a local shop spends the time with you helping you find the right bike for you, IMO, it is good karma to give that shop your business. And when I say karma, I am saying it in the colloquial sense of, you never know when you might need them.

Originally Posted by eja_ bottecchia

I may be bragging, but at least I am not a whining, butthurt snowflake.

Originally Posted by eja_ bottecchia

Sad little biography? Are you serious? What a snowflake.

BTW, I am not a judge, so calling me your honor is not correct. I never wanted to be a judge, why be a referee when you can be a player.

Your language reflects the attitudes and beliefs of the butthurt cupcakes that take offense at everything. What a sad and pathetic state of affairs.

I rode 1000 miles in six months...waah waaah. I am a dad and don’t have time to ride more...waaah waaah. I am a teacher....waaah waah.

Pathetic.

Originally Posted by eja_ bottecchia

I may be bragging, but at least I am not a whining, butthurt snowflake.

Yeah, I AM a lawyer. That’s not bragging, that’s a fact.

Not bad for an immigrant kid who came to this country seven years before starting law school.

And yes, being a lawyer helps me avoid cheap bikes, cheap booze and cheap coffee.

You work hard too and you msy get there someday.

BTW, nothing against teachers. Back in my day I learned a lot (and I owe a lot) from hard working, dedicated teachers. The new generation of educators? Not so impressive.

Originally Posted by bubish

...Says the person clearly upset about someone trying to offer helpful advice

Originally Posted by eja_ bottecchia

WOW, can you still cycle, with that huge chip on your shoulder? How arrogantly sanctimonious of you.

If you are referring to my answer all I did was to state a truth that, at least for me, works: life is indeed too damned short to drink cheap booze and ride cheap bikes. When the OP responded, disagreeing with me, I wished him good luck. I made my point, he made his point and all was good...until your post.

I will tell you why my truth works for me, and why it may work for others. I am an immigrant. My parents worked long and hard to build a good life and a successful business in their new country. They scrimped and saved and denied themselves way too many pleasures. Nothing was given to them, not by the US government not by anyone else.

My mom died at the relatively young age of 75 from complications rising from poorly managed diabetes. She never got to visit her beloved Paris. She never got to buy French perfumes from a Parisian shop, she never got to buy the designer dresses that she wanted.

My father currently suffers from dementia. He never got to visit his ancestral homeland in Catalonia.

But they saved money and built a business and now I am the economic benefactor of their financial thriftiness.

I would gladly give back every damned penny that I got from them if I could only have my Mom back to take her to France and Paris. (Although she was too poor in Cuba to own, let alone learn to ride, a bike she was a big fan of the TdF and the TdF riders). And even though my Dad is still alive, in the strictest sense of the defintion, I would do anything to have him back, the way he used to be, and take to Catalonia.

So yes, when it all comes down to it, life is too effing short to ride cheap bikes and drink cheap booze. If you have a problem with that concept then go to ... the mods know exactly what I am driving at. They also know where to find me.

I am just tired of the sanctimonious arrogance of those who think that it is somehow a crime to live large...life is indeed short. And while I am at it, it is also nasty and brutish. So ride cheap bikes and drink cheap booze if that warms your heart. In the end, however, you are only shorting yourself out.

Originally Posted by eja_ bottecchia

The negativity towards the OP comes from the fact that someone who putts around, and is a self-professed noob, goes around passing advice, like Moses coming down the mountain top with the Ten Commandments. That’s off-putting, to say the least.

This is not the OP’s classroom and we are not all a bunch of little, eager, fresh-faced kids sitting at the teacher’s feet waiting for him to impart his pearls of wisdom.

Don’t look for a brand, look for a friendly shpo. Really? That’s just plain wrong, to say the least. So if the folks at the local Walmart (or Costco or Target) are really friendly and nice and sweet and helpful, I should buy a gas-pipe Huffy from them and pass up on the nice Trek, or Specialized (or heaven forbid Colnago) from the cranky LBS operator? That’s sheer nonsense and anyone who follows that kind of advice deserves the crappy bike they get.

Most of the other pronouncements by the OP are equally nonsensical. Cycling-specific shorts with padding are just more comfortable and make riding more pleasurable. Of course if you are only riding around the block, then Eddie Bauer shorts are just dandy. But if you spend hours on a hard saddle, riding up and down hills you want the most comfortable shorts available. Tennis shoes are fine, but for real comfort, and pedaling efficiency, mile after mile on a road bike nothing beats a pair of nicely fitted SIDIs (or any other brand of cycling-specific shoes).

Is not a question of being an elitist cyclist, or looking down on others who pedal to the cadence of a different rhythm. Personally, I couldn’t care less what anyone rides, wears, drinks, etc. It is a question of being comfortable, of being efficient, of being stylish (because styling points count towards raising the smile-quotient), of being able to log 6,000 miles in 11 months, following brain surgery and feeling good about it.

Do what feels good for you, just go ride (this was the OP’s single best piece of advice). But don’t come across preachy, or “teachy.” And be open-minded enough to be able to hear (or read) a dissenting voice (or voices) without getting your knickers in a wad and without wilting like a damned snowflake. That’s what’s is currently wrong with modern society, the moment someone disagrees with someone else, then everyone gets butthurt and run to Twitter to “clap back” ( what an idiotic term ).

As my former law and riding partner used to say whenever I would start whining about a climb that was too long or too steep...buck up buttercup, pedal harder or get off the bike.

And yes, life is too freaking short to ride cheap bikes, drink cheap booze...and smoke cheap cigars and drink cheap coffee.

Peace out.

Originally Posted by Flip Flop Rider

on a separate note, would you advise a young person to study law. To me it seems like a great career but was wondering your opinion. thanks

Originally Posted by WNCGoater

Obviously some deeper issues here. Good luck with your life.

Originally Posted by MRT2

Yes, but the beginner probably won't know enough about what to look for to be successful buying a bike overseas.