I-Like-To-Bike

Prove it!

cafzali

Ever hear of Strava I know you have, just lightheartedly pointing out the fact that being able to prove one's superiority in a sport that many practice by themselves is what it's all about. Obviously, a tool like Strava isn't inherently bad -- all this depends on how far you take it. Certainly, Strava didn't create this innate need to compete and challenge oneself, but they're certainly playing off of it and the service's popularity demonstrates the market exists.

Cyclosaurus

In that case, maybe you're not insecure then...you're just a proxy and enabler for others' insecurities and imagined slights. You should probably advise your friends to avoid all human interaction altogether, just to be safe.

Fastfingaz

O. K. so who's on first? I don't know, No, he's on second!!!!!

caloso

What's on second. I Don't Know, third base.

Fastfingaz

,,,, So what's on second? and I don't know on third base, O.K then.......

BlazingPedals

Is it being a snob to think you're better than everyone else, when you really are?

rydabent

Some people need to get over themselves. No matter what you do there is always someone better than you.

OTOH -------------- he who tooteth not his own horn will find his horn has not been tooted. But hopefully in moderation.

Atakuweh

OP makes some very good points and I'm sure he types a lot faster than me! Overall I think cyclists are a lot less snobby in person than they are when posting to forums like this online. That's got a lot to do with internet culture in general, I think – it's easier to be a jerk when you're not actually in the presence of the person you're dissing, isn't it? Of course that doesn't excuse being a jerk no matter what. The same type of thing applies to things like email communication – you have to mince words sometimes to avoid being taken the wrong way, because no one can see your face or hear the inflections in your voice that might explain that you're trying to be humorously sarcastic, or condescending, or whatever. Or not – some people really ARE jerks! A smiley face icon can only go so far.


But I agree that cycling in general tends to either attract some folks who have something to prove to someone to make them feel better about themselves; or else there's something about it I can't explain that brings out uncivil behavior in some. Can you imagine how cycling would change if no one's bikes or clothes had any manufacturer's logos splashed all over them? What if everyone had the same color bike and everyone wore the same colored shorts and jerseys and helmets, all without logos? I'm not advocating that – it would be boring, for one thing, and not good for commerce, either! But it would kind of equalize the playing field to the extent that you'd have to make your superiority known by your riding skills, as opposed to your fancy whatever. Until the first jerk buys a can of spray paint, anyway.

LovelyLisa119

Check out the book, "Just Ride" by Grant Peterson. In the book he discusses this.

If people want to imitate famous racers, so be it. Some people love to accessorize and have the best of the best. Great for them!

But if you are one of them, that doesn't make you better than the teenager with the Walmart Special. In fact, nowadays I see so many people staring at screens, whether it be phones, TVs, tablets, etc. At work, home, and most everywhere else. I hate seeing snobby cyclists take the fun out of this hobby for people who can't afford to be so fancy, or who choose not to.

The beautiful thing about bikes is, you only need a bike to ride. It seems that people have forgotten this important fact from their childhood. You want to go see a friend, so what do you do? Hop on your bike! You don't change into special bike designated clothes. How silly! Just Ride! (Although, to be fair I sweat a lot more now that I'm older. So maybe for me, a change of clothes )

Most of us are doing it for our health or recreation. We aren't racing. We aren't sponsored. We're just having fun. So do what's fun. I'm a poor college student. I can't afford pimped out bikes, and I certainly don't have a variety in my garage to choose from. And there are cyclesnobs out there who would argue that I shouldn't bike because I can't afford the "right" bike, or the "right" clothes. Biking isn't some exclusive country club event. Where do these people get off passing judgement?

People often ask PTs/trainers/doctors/etc. when the best time to exercise is. Here's the answer: The best time to exercise is the time when you'll actually get it done.
What is the best way to bike then? The way that gets you on your bike.
If you feel like you need all the bells and whistles, fine. If you don't like that stuff, can't afford it, or whatever, then don't. Just do whatever gets you moving! Just ride! And help and encourage your fellow bikers.

We're ALL passing the guy on the couch! Keep going

fietsbob

live in expensive places?

Dudelsack 

is not the sting of the snob
no greater than the sound
of a snowflake as it strikes
the surface of granite
detach, my friend
seek the transcendent
truth, beauty, justice
and HTFU

delcrossv

I only care when snobby behavior affects me directly- like when two jerks in matching kit were wandering all over the track riding side-by-side at 10-15mph while I'm trying to practice sprints- and wouldn't hold a line when asked. Take it to the MUP a$$holes! Grrrr.

localroutes

The bike world certainly has its' level of perceived hierarchy. Personally, I have traveled through all the levels, from newbie to century rider to age group racer. At each step along the way I felt I had become more and more accomplished and I started to take on a little attitude, until I was able to look inward and understand that we all have to start somewhere and it would be best to share one's experiences and knowledge as opposed to alienating those who have not yet achieved the upper levels of bike riding. After all it still comes down to just pedaling the bike. I'd like to see us as a bike community embrace the opportunity to reach out to those who love the sport and help them improve to whatever level they wish to attain.
localroute

DBA

Where's the like button?

chasm54

Are there? I've been riding bikes for fifty years, for recreation, commuting, touring, racing, and just going to the shops. I've never met a cyclist who suggested, either directly or by implication, that people who can't afford expensive kit shouldn't ride bikes.

I've met plenty of racers who are obsessed with their equipment, not always for the right reasons. I've met recreational cyclists who express contempt for those on racing bikes who wear full cycling kit. I've met supposedly cool dudes who sneer at other people's attire, on or off the bike. I've met recumbent evangelists who refuse to believe that anyone can be comfortable on a diamond frame. But I've never, ever, met a cyclist who has believed that ordinary people shouldn't ride ordinary bikes in ordinary clothes.

GP

Doesn't the book also say you shouldn't eat fruit?

XXLHardrock

I'm a middle age overweight truck driver who's taken up cycling for recreation and fitness, and I'm pleasantly surprised by the college age, skinny jean wearing, IPA micro brew drinking, fixie riddin, Obama voting, no doubt blogging, Hipsters that I've met at a few bike shops where I've shopped. Helpful, solid advice for what I'm trying to accomplish on a bike, not what they are trying to achieve on their bikes. Sure these guys are trying to make a sale and are only practicing good customer service, but I'm still impressed. If you want snooty, go find some BMWMOA riders, you'll find more acceptance riding rice at Sturgis.

Then there's the "steel is real, my LHT is so awesome on that bit of single track on the way to work" (yea so is a Walmart bike)blogger crowd. Just where does one begin?

Cyclosaurus

I've encountered many supposed "anti-snobs" who have contempt for roadies in kit at BF. It's basically a "who do they think they are?" attitude. I have never actually encountered a roadie who actively showed any snobbery or jerk-like behavior. As far as I'm concerned, the real jerks, the real people who are bigots, are the people who are quick to judge roadies as "snobs" when there is no evidence that there it exists in bike culture any more than in anything else in life. People always make up reasons to hate other people. That those others are Wearing Colorful Spandex While Riding a Carbon Bike has to be one of the stupidest ones people have cooked up as a justification for such hate.

spdracr39

Y'all do realize that the OP Butters"the troll"32 left after page 1 right ?

Fastfingaz

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I think I'll have to stay with my original answer,,,, but there really seem to be a lot of problems out there according to ya'll

rydabent

lovely

Your point about the book Just Ride" is well taken. Just because someone is a poseur is no reason to be snooty.

What is funny is the fact that I have stopped and helped get a fully kitted roadie going again. He had no tools, tubes, patches or pump with him. I on the other hand I have my "bike shop in a trunk pack" on my bike.

Machka 

+1

As I indicated before ... methinks this was a "hit and run" trolling thread.

Don in Austin

I wear levi shorts, a pink cotton t-shirt and push platform pedals with steel-toe work boots on my road bike that isn't strictly that because it has flat bars and MTB drivetrain. Last night, as every Wednesday night, I went on a group ride with 100% riders in standard road clothing and riding full road bikes. Great ride, friendly company and 100% friendly vibes when we stopped for our meal towards the end of the ride.

Snobbery is there if you look for it and are sensitive to it. Camradery is equally available.

Don in Austin

rydabent

Pondering this thread, I guess it comes down to the fact that the 2% of any group gives the whole group a bad name.