Is it my imagination, or...
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 19
From: Seattlish
Bikes: SWorks Stumpy, Haibike Xduro RX, Crave SS
Is it my imagination, or...
It appears that some folks really care what other folks buy or ride. That is, it really appears at times that it morphs from "I like.....because" to "the stuff you like sucks....."
How many folks here are really happy with what they have? I can say I love my two bikes, and honestly do not believe there is a better road bike out there for me. My mountain bike is awesome, but I know there are better bikes for certain conditions, but maybe not overall for me. My single speed isn't done yet, so time will tell.
How about you guys???
How many folks here are really happy with what they have? I can say I love my two bikes, and honestly do not believe there is a better road bike out there for me. My mountain bike is awesome, but I know there are better bikes for certain conditions, but maybe not overall for me. My single speed isn't done yet, so time will tell.
How about you guys???
#2
It's your imagination.
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#3
Banned
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
I have a 2013 Trek Madone. To me it is the most fun bike I have ever ridden. Trek Madone, Zipp 303/404 wheels with Chris King hubs. Dura Ace 9000 Components. Stages Power Meter. Zipp Aero bars and Bontrager Stem. Garmin 1000. I love the bike. Each to their own. Any bike can be fun for the right ride or purpose. To me. I love my Trek.
#5
Old Fart
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 3,348
Likes: 3
From: Bumpkinsville
Bikes: '97 Klein Quantum '16 Gravity Knockout
I love my bikes!
Having been lurking here for quite some time, I get the impression that most people here are very happy with their bikes, whether they be heavy clunkers or nimble racers, or anything in between. We like what we like, and buy what we like.
But I think there is a natural human tendency...
Like, when you're driving your car: Anyone who drives slower than you is an idiot; Anyone who drives faster is a maniac. YOUR speed is always just right!
I think we tend to feel the same way about bikes (and lots of other things, too)
Any bikes which are cheaper and/or crappier than ours, we see as being pieces of junk, and wonder how anyone could enjoy them.
Any bike we see which is more expensive/nicer than ours, is too much.
Having been lurking here for quite some time, I get the impression that most people here are very happy with their bikes, whether they be heavy clunkers or nimble racers, or anything in between. We like what we like, and buy what we like.
But I think there is a natural human tendency...
Like, when you're driving your car: Anyone who drives slower than you is an idiot; Anyone who drives faster is a maniac. YOUR speed is always just right!

I think we tend to feel the same way about bikes (and lots of other things, too)
Any bikes which are cheaper and/or crappier than ours, we see as being pieces of junk, and wonder how anyone could enjoy them.
Any bike we see which is more expensive/nicer than ours, is too much.
#6
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,252
Likes: 70
From: Kansas
Bikes: This list got too long: several ‘bents, an urban utility e-bike, and a dahon D7 that my daughter has absconded with.
I am not too wild about my Novara Gotham. It is well suited for my short commute; but little else.
I do like my Bacchetta Giro 26att. My Alegro recumbent and BikeE both feel slow by comparison.
To stay with theme of "what I have is great," I do think more people should give recumbents a serious try. I am amazed at how often I hear people complain about bicycles being terribly uncomfortable (they are); yet, these people have never seen or ridden a recumbent.
I do like my Bacchetta Giro 26att. My Alegro recumbent and BikeE both feel slow by comparison.
To stay with theme of "what I have is great," I do think more people should give recumbents a serious try. I am amazed at how often I hear people complain about bicycles being terribly uncomfortable (they are); yet, these people have never seen or ridden a recumbent.
#7
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 19
From: Seattlish
Bikes: SWorks Stumpy, Haibike Xduro RX, Crave SS
I am not too wild about my Novara Gotham. It is well suited for my short commute; but little else.
I do like my Bacchetta Giro 26att. My Alegro recumbent and BikeE both feel slow by comparison.
To stay with theme of "what I have is great," I do think more people should give recumbents a serious try. I am amazed at how often I hear people complain about bicycles being terribly uncomfortable (they are); yet, these people have never seen or ridden a recumbent.
I do like my Bacchetta Giro 26att. My Alegro recumbent and BikeE both feel slow by comparison.
To stay with theme of "what I have is great," I do think more people should give recumbents a serious try. I am amazed at how often I hear people complain about bicycles being terribly uncomfortable (they are); yet, these people have never seen or ridden a recumbent.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 631
Likes: 355
From: Eastern Iowa
Bikes: 2014 Trek Allant drop bar conversion, modified Schwinn MTN commuter, 2015 Trek 520, Soma ES, Salsa Journeyman, 1980 Trek 414
I am not unhappy with the bikes I currently ride, but would entertain the chance to try out other bikes, if given the chance.
#12
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,642
From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
I like my bikes for the most part, and when people do say something it's usually complimentary, so... /shrug
#13
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
Likes: 649
From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
People read Bike Forums because they are interested in bikes. When you post about your own bike they imagine themselves using that bike for the kind of riding they do. Since everybody's riding experience (and riding budget) varies, everybody's version of an ideal bike is going to vary. Don't take it personally.
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#14
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 19
From: Seattlish
Bikes: SWorks Stumpy, Haibike Xduro RX, Crave SS
For me, I could not care less, given I love my bikes and in general I am not concerned with the thoughts of others unless they are folks who are close to me. I am talking about how a lot of folks seem to react to what others like. Kind of like justifying their own purchases by reducing the choices of others. However, when a thread about peeing on yourself is popular one has to wonder....
who else out there loves their bikes? Or, are saving and prepping for a dream bike?
who else out there loves their bikes? Or, are saving and prepping for a dream bike?
#15
Super Moderator

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 21,985
Likes: 1,159
From: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
I've been in many races, and on many group rides. I pay a LOT of attention to HOW people ride. At the end, I couldn't tell you much about WHAT they ride.
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Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
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#17
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 12,556
Likes: 799
From: Middle of da Mitten
Bikes: Trek 7500, RANS V-Rex, Optima Baron, Velokraft NoCom, M-5 Carbon Highracer, Catrike Speed
Nobody cares what bikes you ride, as long as they don't have to ride 'em. Nuttin' personal, but I prefer my own bikes.
#19
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,697
Likes: 2,039
From: Up
Bikes: Masi, Giant TCR, Eisentraut (retired), Jamis Aurora Elite, Zullo, Cannondale, 84 & 93 Stumpjumpers, Waterford, Tern D8, Bianchi, Gunner Roadie, Serotta, Serotta Duette, was gifted a Diamond Back
I don't put too much substance in what other people ride, anymore. I used to think that my friends should be riding better bikes, but learned that they ride what fits them.
But I always think there is a better bike for me, thats why N+1 applies to me.
But I always think there is a better bike for me, thats why N+1 applies to me.
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 1
From: Northern San Diego
Bikes: mid 1980s De Rosa SL, 1985 Tommasini Super Prestige all Campy SR, 1992 Paramount PDG Series 7, 1997 Lemond Zurich, 1998 Trek Y-foil, 2006 Schwinn Super Sport GS, 2006 Specialized Hardrock Sport
The fact is, psychologically, many if not most people have a deeply felt desire to have their own decisions validated by their peer cohort. When that cohort does not share one's individual preferences, one may feel less confident in their own choices.
#22
Banned
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,701
Likes: 2,506
From: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
It's all in your imagination. I never felt a need to have my bike choices or my clothing choices validated by other people. Every cyclist should feel confident with their choice of bike and their choice of clothing that they wear while ridng and not worry about what somebody else thinks.
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 1
From: Northern San Diego
Bikes: mid 1980s De Rosa SL, 1985 Tommasini Super Prestige all Campy SR, 1992 Paramount PDG Series 7, 1997 Lemond Zurich, 1998 Trek Y-foil, 2006 Schwinn Super Sport GS, 2006 Specialized Hardrock Sport
It's all in your imagination. I never felt a need to have my bike choices or my clothing choices validated by other people. Every cyclist should feel confident with their choice of bike and their choice of clothing that they wear while ridng and not worry about what somebody else thinks.
#24
Senior Member




Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 21,816
Likes: 5,766
From: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
#25
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 881
Likes: 204
From: Norman, OK
Bikes: Casati Laser, Ciöcc Exige, Black Mountain Cycles Road
I really like my bikes. Or better, I love one of my bikes and the other one I have tinkered with enough that I really like it. I also like a lot of other people's bikes. I'm pretty sure I would like your bikes very much.




