Stratocaster

The other day, while hitting golf balls (yet thinking about cycling) I came to a conclusion:
At the moment, I am a poser.

I enjoy the kits. I enjoy the variety of bikes, the specs, the colors, the brands.
Yes, I enjoy riding. I enjoy climbing. I enjoy descending.
But alas, I'm not a very strong cyclist.
I'm 53 years old - I'm in pretty good shape - I've been athletic all my life. But I'm not sure I've ever been in really "good" shape.

It takes some grit and determination to be a strong cyclist. I feel I'm up to the task. But for the moment, I have to put my situation in perspective. I've only started this journey about a year ago. I've been on a few group rides, and many of the other (and older) cyclists are much stronger.

I have aspirations. I also view myself in a certain way: a "youthful, athletic 53 year old guy (that in his head thinks he's still in his 30's).

I have 2 somewhat expensive bikes - well, the lower tier of "good", yet dream of getting a 3rd more expensive bike (carbon with nice specs). I still want more clothing/gear.


I guess what I'm saying is that, at the moment, I'm "looking" better than I actually am.
Oh, the horror!!!

vinfix

Just ride, and you'll get stronger. As you get more experience, you'll find what does & doesn't work, gear wise. Sounds like you already have plenty of bike.

Golf may be fun, too, but there's only so much time. Save that for when you're really old.

Hoonigan

The most important thing is that you're doing something you enjoy and getting fit, and that YOURE OUT THERE DOING IT. Who cares what other people think. Everyone starts somewhere.

GeoKrpan

I see lots of guys who look fast and aren't. The ones that swagger are my favorite victims. : )) I also see guys who don't look fast and are.

texaspandj

Do you at least own a strat?
I remember racing and matching from head to toe and thinking if I'm not fast at least I'll look good. So, at least you look good, said to you and heard by all, especially me.

PepeM

I wear my skinsuit for commuting on my hybrid.

seymour1910

I don't think that makes you a poser or any of the other names you see here on BF. Why can't it be that you just like nice things? At 53, my guess is that you've worked most of your life and put yourself in a position to afford cycling, golfing and other activities you enjoy. Why shouldn't you enjoy what you've built? I'm 20 years younger than you and still building. My current plan has me retiring at 56 from the government, by that time I will have 38 years military/civil service time. I plan to enjoy myself. I sacrafice a lot now, so I will be able to live good later.

To me, the epitomy of a poser are the folks living outside their means to impress others. Driving cars they can't afford and things like that.

Dave Cutter

Just one of, the really nice things about cycling is the gear!

Years ago while taking a break at a MUP rest area I saw a young couple arrive. They took plenty of time getting their bikes ready and gearing up, preparing for whatever ride they had planned for the day. They took so long as to get my attention. At 1st I thought they had a problem, or was hesitant to ride. But it appeared they were just enjoying the process. Since then... I too have learned to enjoy the gearing up process.

I am retired. My morning ritual no longer requires getting the dimple center in my tie. My shoes don't need to shine. But I do enjoy getting ready. Everything.... from making sure there is no salt on my helmet straps to a drop of oil on my clipless, clip mechanism. I've learned to enjoy the gearing up.

Compared to that (maybe) 20 year old that passed me like I was standing still last year (in 100 degree heat).... I am pretty slow. Maybe... I am even a cycling poser. But compared to my same age friends who have trouble making it through a shopping trip to the mall.... I am impressive.

P.S. I like golfing gear too.

CafeVelo

Guys like you keep the bike shops open, so rock on.

Seriously, of all the non-cruiser bike customers the biggest segment is 40-60 year old guys, either roadies or triathletes.

dalava

Well, I know your problem: you still play golf. Don't you know cycling is the new golf?

Darth Lefty 

Don't just stand there, let's get to it
Strike a pose, there's nothing to it

topslop1

I'm just starting to buy some good bibs. I'm a comfort queen at the end of the day so that's why my money is going there, and 28mm tires, etc.

I'm 1/2 poser, 1/2 hipster on the bike if I can confess. I'll roll nice bibs and then a $7 t-shirt on top if I don't need to carry anything in my pockets / can use my saddle bag.

The idea is my crotch can benefit from the extra money spend. My top half doesn't really care about the difference between a sweat wicking tshirt and a sweat wicking jersey. Cheap camo helmet, bandana, broken Ray Bans complete the look.

Ride for you and no one else.

redfooj

the strongest ive been, with the jankiest gear, was in college.

my old self with a literal trash-found bike could destroy my 10 year corporate monkey riding carbon wheels eating energy gels

pacalolo

FWIW I still play golf, too. And that's because at 41, my 55+ colleagues don't cycle and never will. I suck at golf, but on the tee-box I look better than any of them because I'm fit. If you looked at our foursome, you might assume I was the best (until you saw my drive). Guess that makes me a poser in golf, too.

BounceCT

You are being a enthusiastic cyclist and happen to afford nice kit/bike etc. As long as you aren't showing off its all good! Keep Riding!

Stratocaster

I guess that's the thing - I really am enjoying the many aspects of this new hobby - clothes, bikes, travel, workout, etc.
...but perhaps enjoying the clothes and bikes a bit too much.

69chevy

Don't worry, I'm a cyclist turned poser.

Coaching stole my time on the traner this winter and my riding buddies from last year dropped me with ease last week.

The worst part is I bought new kit this winter and showed up looking faster than ever.

texaspandj

Golf and cycling are like sex, you don't have to be good at it to enjoy it.

caloso

I get that. I keep a set of clubs and play a few times a year, usually with my 70-something parents. My mom would really like to get the grandkids into it. It's a good inter-generational game.

topslop1

I believe it. I think these retired guys who are early 50's smoke everyone locally here because they've got so much damn time to be out on the bicycle. Kinda like dem college kidz.

rmfnla

I damaged my knees early on so I've never been fast, but I don't pretend to be so I guess I'm OK...

indyfabz

I apparently now see dead people when I commute.

dcwldct

"To look good is already to go fast." Paul Fournel

Velominati ? To Look Good is Already to Go Fast

I definitely feel faster when my whole kit goes well together. It makes sense that one would perform better when one's confidence is higher, and looking fresh is a great way to feel like hot stuff.

Wheever

Sigh. Me too. Maybe after I do a century I won't?

Trsnrtr

To the OP, you aren't a poseur until you spell it right.