Can a bike feel boring?
10-08-21, 02:31 PM
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Can a bike feel boring?
I just took 4 of my bikes out for a quick spin around the block and one of them feels very neutral and boring, a 1997 Trek 750. Now I’m wondering if a seat, handlebar change or tires would help or does it get put on the chopping block. The other bikes for reference are an 84 Trek 850, a 91 trek 990 and a Lyon. Could it be that the 750 has the thinnest tires of the bunch at 38 and my butt is accustomed to 42’s or larger?
10-08-21, 02:41 PM
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The hybrid had different geometry, and is made for a stable, neutral, kind of boring ride. It’s for people who just want to ride rations the neighborhood and local bike trails.
so, yeah, it’s boring but it’s made to be.
so, yeah, it’s boring but it’s made to be.
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10-08-21, 02:44 PM
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Yes.
Larger frames and certain headset and fork geometry can make them feel more stable and not as twitchy. But if you like twitchy, which to me is actually more "agile", then smaller frames I'm finding more fun to ride.
I'm sure everyone is different with how they perceive their "fun" out of a bike though.
Larger frames and certain headset and fork geometry can make them feel more stable and not as twitchy. But if you like twitchy, which to me is actually more "agile", then smaller frames I'm finding more fun to ride.
I'm sure everyone is different with how they perceive their "fun" out of a bike though.
10-08-21, 02:49 PM
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Not a fan of hybrids on any type of gravel.
10-08-21, 02:53 PM
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I think that is much more about the perspective of the rider, not so much the bike. Certainly, there are differences in the handling, speed, comfort, general feel, etc., but what one finds boring, another will not. I ride numerous bikes with a lot of differences, while I definitely have preferences, I find none of them boring. But I just plain like riding bikes. There are people that find riding any bike boring. I have never been on a fat bike, while I have no urge to buy one, I would like to try one out.
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10-08-21, 03:31 PM
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I've told my kids that boring is under appreciated. It means that you don't have any badness staring you in the face.
Could it be that your 750 is just so perfectly balanced that nothing stands out?
Could it be that your 750 is just so perfectly balanced that nothing stands out?
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10-08-21, 03:40 PM
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With its 17" chainstays, 70.5º X 73º geometry, and 11" bottom bracket, the 750 isn't going to feel too exciting no matter what tires you run. I think 24 years ago, "boring" was the goal.
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10-08-21, 06:38 PM
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There are no boring bikes, only boring rides.
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10-08-21, 06:57 PM
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10-08-21, 08:40 PM
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^ This
You want more excitement? Go find some 700x40 or 42 tires with a little bit of bite, whatever will fit on your frame, and take that 750 out on some dirt trails.
Even though it is not a mountain bike, it’ll go on some lower technical trails.
John
You want more excitement? Go find some 700x40 or 42 tires with a little bit of bite, whatever will fit on your frame, and take that 750 out on some dirt trails.
Even though it is not a mountain bike, it’ll go on some lower technical trails.
John
10-09-21, 04:54 AM
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Define "boring"? I've heard of narrower tyres being described as "harsh" or maybe "fast", but "boring" is a new one for me. I would tend to equate "boring" with a bike that was sluggish handling or just very bland in performance or even just looks. Like say a low end mass-produced road bike with a budget groupset and upright geometry. That would be "boring" to me.
10-09-21, 05:29 AM
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I have a 94 750 with the same tubing and construction. It is not a very lively ride and feels harsh and stiff, especially in the rear but it tracks true, and fast. I wouldn't call it "boring," per se, mine is a lot of fun - just not as plush as my nicer steel bikes.
10-09-21, 06:38 AM
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this. I have a early 90s bianchi volpe, and it’s not the most exciting on the road. I set it up for riding mountain bike trails though and its great for that.
10-09-21, 06:49 AM
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Is a 12,000 HP top fuel dragster more exciting than your Toyota Corolla? Sure.
Would you want to drive your top fuel around all day? I doubt it.
Years ago, I had a touring bike. I also had a bike built just for racing. Comparing the two, the touring bike was "boring", but sometimes, boring is what you want.
Would you want to drive your top fuel around all day? I doubt it.
Years ago, I had a touring bike. I also had a bike built just for racing. Comparing the two, the touring bike was "boring", but sometimes, boring is what you want.
10-09-21, 02:13 PM
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That looks a lot like the circa 1990 Bianchi Boardwalk I had (might have been a 3x7 Suntour groupset and 32mm tires). It was my sole mode of transportation when I was in high school/college and "boring" was what I needed. I don't recall anything noteworthy about the bike except it put up with lots of abuse being ridden year-round in Montana.
10-09-21, 03:11 PM
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10-09-21, 03:15 PM
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I only ride with Interstate traffic. I was concerned that I might have to ride against it once, but it turned out I didn’t. Had the entire westbound lanes of I-90 in Montana all to myself. Fun experience.
10-09-21, 03:27 PM
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10-10-21, 03:55 AM
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Steel bikes with 0.4 wall top tubes and low trail are tiresome, sort of like a needy girlfriend.
