A bike should neither appear nor disappear
03-24-22, 04:15 AM
#1
should be more popular
Thread Starter
A bike should neither appear nor disappear
Ok hear me out.
When we are riding around on our little bikes and they, along with much else, disappear from our attention, we are likely trapped in thought, riding on autopilot, not really there, until something out of the pattern appears. We all know which types of routes and conditions particularly promote that kind of cycling. The bike effectively disappears.
On the contrary, we may be out there and contort in discomfort because we are on the wrong type of saddle, have general positional bike fit issues, or hear a dry chain or that mysterious intermittent clicking that has us oh so interested. The bike stands out causing some sort of issue or niggle, it appears.
Both of these are not terribly safe options, riding under a spell or frequently looking down at the derailleurs seriously hinder spatial awareness, dare I say enjoyment.
It would follow that ideally, a bicycle should neither appear in the mind by standing out through misfit related discomfort or mechanicals that preventative maintenance could have avoided, and likewise should never disappear along with the rest of the ride behind a veil of thought fog.
Riding with a neither appearing nor disappearing bike feels alert and alive. Many know it.
For those who haven't ridden such a paradoxical bike in a while, one that's just there along with all the rest around us in equal standing, this may be the place to share what worked well for people here. What I found helpful was frequently exploring new routes and finding them from referencing and memorising a map or landmarks prior to the ride, no GPS. Or riding routes with varied surfaces and terrain at a good pace that demands proactive bike handling within a reasonable safety margin. Eliminating or cutting down technology distractions whilst riding. Getting a professional bike fit with subsequent hardware changes and adjustments to avoid short term discomfort or long term injuries. Being picky about the exact fit of clothing. Keeping on top of maintenance for a trustworthy and predictable bike setup. Not resisting or stressing about aspects of the ride I can't change. Setting slightly ridiculous riding targets, like longer distances or intimidating climbs, and just doing it, and managing things as they are met.
Do you know the type of bike I am talking about, and how do you find it?
When we are riding around on our little bikes and they, along with much else, disappear from our attention, we are likely trapped in thought, riding on autopilot, not really there, until something out of the pattern appears. We all know which types of routes and conditions particularly promote that kind of cycling. The bike effectively disappears.
On the contrary, we may be out there and contort in discomfort because we are on the wrong type of saddle, have general positional bike fit issues, or hear a dry chain or that mysterious intermittent clicking that has us oh so interested. The bike stands out causing some sort of issue or niggle, it appears.
Both of these are not terribly safe options, riding under a spell or frequently looking down at the derailleurs seriously hinder spatial awareness, dare I say enjoyment.
It would follow that ideally, a bicycle should neither appear in the mind by standing out through misfit related discomfort or mechanicals that preventative maintenance could have avoided, and likewise should never disappear along with the rest of the ride behind a veil of thought fog.
Riding with a neither appearing nor disappearing bike feels alert and alive. Many know it.
For those who haven't ridden such a paradoxical bike in a while, one that's just there along with all the rest around us in equal standing, this may be the place to share what worked well for people here. What I found helpful was frequently exploring new routes and finding them from referencing and memorising a map or landmarks prior to the ride, no GPS. Or riding routes with varied surfaces and terrain at a good pace that demands proactive bike handling within a reasonable safety margin. Eliminating or cutting down technology distractions whilst riding. Getting a professional bike fit with subsequent hardware changes and adjustments to avoid short term discomfort or long term injuries. Being picky about the exact fit of clothing. Keeping on top of maintenance for a trustworthy and predictable bike setup. Not resisting or stressing about aspects of the ride I can't change. Setting slightly ridiculous riding targets, like longer distances or intimidating climbs, and just doing it, and managing things as they are met.
Do you know the type of bike I am talking about, and how do you find it?
03-24-22, 04:52 AM
#2
Zoom zoom zoom zoom bonk
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Transparent Aluminum is the next big thing in frame material.
03-24-22, 05:16 AM
#4
should be more popular
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by downhillmaster
I find that my bikes tend to disappear only after I carefully and painstakingly balance my wheels.
03-24-22, 05:40 AM
#5
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Originally Posted by yaw
…Do you know the type of bike I am talking about, and how do you find it?
03-24-22, 05:56 AM
#6
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I don't know about my bikes disappearing, but I have Strava Beacon in the event I disappear my wife can find me before having the authorities launch a silver alert.
__________________
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
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03-24-22, 06:09 AM
#7
he said member
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Originally Posted by znomit
Transparent Aluminum is the next big thing in frame material.
03-24-22, 06:34 AM
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Hello. What's this thread about?
03-24-22, 06:40 AM
#9
Senior Member
I worry about my bike disappearing if I leave it out on the front porch too long.
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03-24-22, 06:41 AM
#10
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Originally Posted by indyfabz
Hello. What's this thread about?
My 3 bikes never disappear - they are in my head and in my basement.
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03-24-22, 06:58 AM
#11
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Originally Posted by yaw
Do you know the type of bike I am talking about, and how do you find it?
The ideal bike has always been described as one which disappears under the rider and you dont think about it.
As for zoning out on a ride, sure I have done that. Autopilot can happen, but that is due to much more than the bike(route, weather, thoughts all need to be ideal). Having a GPS computer in front of me keeps me engaged because I look at current speed, current grade, how far to my next turn, etc.
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03-24-22, 07:03 AM
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Originally Posted by mstateglfr
I do not know of the type of bike you are talking about.
The ideal bike has always been described as one which disappears under the rider and you dont think about it.
As for zoning out on a ride, sure I have done that. Autopilot can happen, but that is due to much more than the bike(route, weather, thoughts all need to be ideal). Having a GPS computer in front of me keeps me engaged because I look at current speed, current grade, how far to my next turn, etc.
The ideal bike has always been described as one which disappears under the rider and you dont think about it.
As for zoning out on a ride, sure I have done that. Autopilot can happen, but that is due to much more than the bike(route, weather, thoughts all need to be ideal). Having a GPS computer in front of me keeps me engaged because I look at current speed, current grade, how far to my next turn, etc.
Last edited by cb400bill; 03-24-22 at 07:08 AM.
03-24-22, 07:05 AM
#13
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Originally Posted by eduskator
My 3 bikes never disappear - they are in my head and in my basement.
03-24-22, 07:06 AM
#14
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Originally Posted by mstateglfr
I do not know of the type of bike you are talking about.
The ideal bike has always been described as one which disappears under the rider and you dont think about it.
As for zoning out on a ride, sure I have done that. Autopilot can happen, but that is due to much more than the bike(route, weather, thoughts all need to be ideal). Having a GPS computer in front of me keeps me engaged because I look at current speed, current grade, how far to my next turn, etc.
The ideal bike has always been described as one which disappears under the rider and you dont think about it.
As for zoning out on a ride, sure I have done that. Autopilot can happen, but that is due to much more than the bike(route, weather, thoughts all need to be ideal). Having a GPS computer in front of me keeps me engaged because I look at current speed, current grade, how far to my next turn, etc.
03-24-22, 09:33 AM
#15
more daylight today!
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WTF ...it'll be awhile before, if ever I reach the zen level to understand what this is about much longer to understand what it means.
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03-24-22, 10:05 AM
#17
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Originally Posted by yaw
The bike stands out causing some sort of issue or niggle, it appears.
03-24-22, 10:59 AM
#18
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Originally Posted by yaw
When we are riding around on our little bikes and they, along with much else, disappear from our attention, we are likely trapped in thought, riding on autopilot, not really there, until something out of the pattern appears. We all know which types of routes and conditions particularly promote that kind of cycling. The bike effectively disappears.
Originally Posted by yaw
On the contrary, we may be out there and contort in discomfort because we are on the wrong type of saddle, have general positional bike fit issues, or hear a dry chain or that mysterious intermittent clicking that has us oh so interested. The bike stands out causing some sort of issue or niggle, it appears.
Both of these are not terribly safe options, riding under a spell or frequently looking down at the derailleurs seriously hinder spatial awareness, dare I say enjoyment.
Both of these are not terribly safe options, riding under a spell or frequently looking down at the derailleurs seriously hinder spatial awareness, dare I say enjoyment.
Originally Posted by yaw
It would follow that ideally, a bicycle should neither appear in the mind by standing out through misfit related discomfort or mechanicals that preventative maintenance could have avoided, and likewise should never disappear along with the rest of the ride behind a veil of thought fog.
Riding with a neither appearing nor disappearing bike feels alert and alive. Many know it.
Riding with a neither appearing nor disappearing bike feels alert and alive. Many know it.
03-24-22, 11:41 AM
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It’s important that nothing is uncomfortable and nothing makes mechanical sounds. Otherwise - whatever. 🤷
If I'm doing an easy ride I'll often be thinking about something or another, typically not the bike. If I'm doing intervals I will often think about reaching the next signpost and then the next, or look at power or just shut off mentally. Sometimes I'll notice how lovely the bike is or how something is off and needs tinkering with.
If I'm doing an easy ride I'll often be thinking about something or another, typically not the bike. If I'm doing intervals I will often think about reaching the next signpost and then the next, or look at power or just shut off mentally. Sometimes I'll notice how lovely the bike is or how something is off and needs tinkering with.
03-24-22, 12:17 PM
#20
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Originally Posted by bahula03
Schrödinger had a cat, suppose it stands to reason he would/would not have a bicycle as well 
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03-24-22, 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by yaw
Ok hear me out.
When we are riding around on our little bikes and they, along with much else, disappear from our attention, we are likely trapped in thought, riding on autopilot, not really there, until something out of the pattern appears. We all know which types of routes and conditions particularly promote that kind of cycling. The bike effectively disappears.
On the contrary, we may be out there and contort in discomfort because we are on the wrong type of saddle, have general positional bike fit issues, or hear a dry chain or that mysterious intermittent clicking that has us oh so interested. The bike stands out causing some sort of issue or niggle, it appears.
Both of these are not terribly safe options, riding under a spell or frequently looking down at the derailleurs seriously hinder spatial awareness, dare I say enjoyment.
It would follow that ideally, a bicycle should neither appear in the mind by standing out through misfit related discomfort or mechanicals that preventative maintenance could have avoided, and likewise should never disappear along with the rest of the ride behind a veil of thought fog.
Riding with a neither appearing nor disappearing bike feels alert and alive. Many know it.
For those who haven't ridden such a paradoxical bike in a while, one that's just there along with all the rest around us in equal standing, this may be the place to share what worked well for people here. What I found helpful was frequently exploring new routes and finding them from referencing and memorising a map or landmarks prior to the ride, no GPS. Or riding routes with varied surfaces and terrain at a good pace that demands proactive bike handling within a reasonable safety margin. Eliminating or cutting down technology distractions whilst riding. Getting a professional bike fit with subsequent hardware changes and adjustments to avoid short term discomfort or long term injuries. Being picky about the exact fit of clothing. Keeping on top of maintenance for a trustworthy and predictable bike setup. Not resisting or stressing about aspects of the ride I can't change. Setting slightly ridiculous riding targets, like longer distances or intimidating climbs, and just doing it, and managing things as they are met.
Do you know the type of bike I am talking about, and how do you find it?
When we are riding around on our little bikes and they, along with much else, disappear from our attention, we are likely trapped in thought, riding on autopilot, not really there, until something out of the pattern appears. We all know which types of routes and conditions particularly promote that kind of cycling. The bike effectively disappears.
On the contrary, we may be out there and contort in discomfort because we are on the wrong type of saddle, have general positional bike fit issues, or hear a dry chain or that mysterious intermittent clicking that has us oh so interested. The bike stands out causing some sort of issue or niggle, it appears.
Both of these are not terribly safe options, riding under a spell or frequently looking down at the derailleurs seriously hinder spatial awareness, dare I say enjoyment.
It would follow that ideally, a bicycle should neither appear in the mind by standing out through misfit related discomfort or mechanicals that preventative maintenance could have avoided, and likewise should never disappear along with the rest of the ride behind a veil of thought fog.
Riding with a neither appearing nor disappearing bike feels alert and alive. Many know it.
For those who haven't ridden such a paradoxical bike in a while, one that's just there along with all the rest around us in equal standing, this may be the place to share what worked well for people here. What I found helpful was frequently exploring new routes and finding them from referencing and memorising a map or landmarks prior to the ride, no GPS. Or riding routes with varied surfaces and terrain at a good pace that demands proactive bike handling within a reasonable safety margin. Eliminating or cutting down technology distractions whilst riding. Getting a professional bike fit with subsequent hardware changes and adjustments to avoid short term discomfort or long term injuries. Being picky about the exact fit of clothing. Keeping on top of maintenance for a trustworthy and predictable bike setup. Not resisting or stressing about aspects of the ride I can't change. Setting slightly ridiculous riding targets, like longer distances or intimidating climbs, and just doing it, and managing things as they are met.
Do you know the type of bike I am talking about, and how do you find it?
https://www.velominati.com/
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03-24-22, 12:53 PM
#22
Should Be More Popular
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Originally Posted by indyfabz
Hello. What's this thread about?
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Originally Posted by rjones28
Addiction is all about class.
03-24-22, 12:59 PM
#23
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Originally Posted by Bob Ross
Niggle, please...
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03-24-22, 01:02 PM
#24
Senior Member
Originally Posted by yaw
ok hear me out.
When we are riding around on our little bikes and they, along with much else, disappear from our attention, we are likely trapped in thought, riding on autopilot, not really there, until something out of the pattern appears. We all know which types of routes and conditions particularly promote that kind of cycling. The bike effectively disappears.
On the contrary, we may be out there and contort in discomfort because we are on the wrong type of saddle, have general positional bike fit issues, or hear a dry chain or that mysterious intermittent clicking that has us oh so interested. The bike stands out causing some sort of issue or niggle, it appears.
Both of these are not terribly safe options, riding under a spell or frequently looking down at the derailleurs seriously hinder spatial awareness, dare i say enjoyment.
It would follow that ideally, a bicycle should neither appear in the mind by standing out through misfit related discomfort or mechanicals that preventative maintenance could have avoided, and likewise should never disappear along with the rest of the ride behind a veil of thought fog.
Riding with a neither appearing nor disappearing bike feels alert and alive. Many know it.
For those who haven't ridden such a paradoxical bike in a while, one that's just there along with all the rest around us in equal standing, this may be the place to share what worked well for people here. What i found helpful was frequently exploring new routes and finding them from referencing and memorising a map or landmarks prior to the ride, no gps. Or riding routes with varied surfaces and terrain at a good pace that demands proactive bike handling within a reasonable safety margin. Eliminating or cutting down technology distractions whilst riding. Getting a professional bike fit with subsequent hardware changes and adjustments to avoid short term discomfort or long term injuries. Being picky about the exact fit of clothing. Keeping on top of maintenance for a trustworthy and predictable bike setup. Not resisting or stressing about aspects of the ride i can't change. Setting slightly ridiculous riding targets, like longer distances or intimidating climbs, and just doing it, and managing things as they are met.
Do you know the type of bike i am talking about, and how do you find it?
When we are riding around on our little bikes and they, along with much else, disappear from our attention, we are likely trapped in thought, riding on autopilot, not really there, until something out of the pattern appears. We all know which types of routes and conditions particularly promote that kind of cycling. The bike effectively disappears.
On the contrary, we may be out there and contort in discomfort because we are on the wrong type of saddle, have general positional bike fit issues, or hear a dry chain or that mysterious intermittent clicking that has us oh so interested. The bike stands out causing some sort of issue or niggle, it appears.
Both of these are not terribly safe options, riding under a spell or frequently looking down at the derailleurs seriously hinder spatial awareness, dare i say enjoyment.
It would follow that ideally, a bicycle should neither appear in the mind by standing out through misfit related discomfort or mechanicals that preventative maintenance could have avoided, and likewise should never disappear along with the rest of the ride behind a veil of thought fog.
Riding with a neither appearing nor disappearing bike feels alert and alive. Many know it.
For those who haven't ridden such a paradoxical bike in a while, one that's just there along with all the rest around us in equal standing, this may be the place to share what worked well for people here. What i found helpful was frequently exploring new routes and finding them from referencing and memorising a map or landmarks prior to the ride, no gps. Or riding routes with varied surfaces and terrain at a good pace that demands proactive bike handling within a reasonable safety margin. Eliminating or cutting down technology distractions whilst riding. Getting a professional bike fit with subsequent hardware changes and adjustments to avoid short term discomfort or long term injuries. Being picky about the exact fit of clothing. Keeping on top of maintenance for a trustworthy and predictable bike setup. Not resisting or stressing about aspects of the ride i can't change. Setting slightly ridiculous riding targets, like longer distances or intimidating climbs, and just doing it, and managing things as they are met.
Do you know the type of bike i am talking about, and how do you find it?
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03-24-22, 02:33 PM
#25
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As my fitness improves, I have moments where I "space out" on some climbs that had felt arduous a week or so prior. I get to the top, and then I realize that there was no involvement mentally, almost a sensation of waking up.
The visual perception of the hills will change as my fitness improves also. They just don't look as steep or long as before. I "space out" because I no longer have the same (real and/or perceived) physical exertion that I once associated with that particular climb, if I maintain the same prior speed of course.
It is a little pleasurable indicator that my fitness is improving. My internal dialogue is like, "I didn't even remember coming up this hill!" Of course I did, but I didn't at the same time. Good stuff.
The visual perception of the hills will change as my fitness improves also. They just don't look as steep or long as before. I "space out" because I no longer have the same (real and/or perceived) physical exertion that I once associated with that particular climb, if I maintain the same prior speed of course.
It is a little pleasurable indicator that my fitness is improving. My internal dialogue is like, "I didn't even remember coming up this hill!" Of course I did, but I didn't at the same time. Good stuff.
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