PedallingATX

when you have frosted tips, wear lots of Abercrombie, and drive an SUV!!


Am I doin' it right??

StephenH

The word may have been around, but not with the current specific meaning. I find for example that it can mean a "hepcat" (from what, the 1930's?) or "a person, esp. during the 1950s, characterized by a particularly strong sense of alienation from most established social activities and relationships." I would say that almost certainly a "hipster" from the 1930's or 1950's wouldn't be considered one today. And in fact, that 1950's definition seems to be exactly the opposite of the current definition.

Phrenetis

you care.

fixsterHipster

when your v-necks look like v-stomachs.
[get it?] haha

fixsterHipster

mix-match bikes are DOPE .

whenaminotme?

Hipster.

When you just fast enough not to sweat.

UCP

this.

whenaminotme?

Second that. Best so far.

B:H Pusher

2nd

Hammerchop

when you care of what someone else thinks of you.

oh wait
that just makes you insecure.

bbattle

How to be a Fixie Clone
8 July 2007
So you wanna ride a fixie? I found this photo online of a Portland fixie rider sporting almost every cliché. Here’s a little guide so you’ll know you’re doing it right.


Portland Fixie Clone

Gears: One. Note back wheel. No derailleur, no freewheel. Nice and simple. It’s pretty. Looks sleek. Whatever the theoretical benefits of riding a fixed-gear bike may be, the real reason it’s popular is because of the way it looks.

Brakes: None. Again, it makes things pretty to get rid of all that clutter, but make sure you tell people it’s because you have no problem stopping with your powerful legs. You’re that good. You like the control. Brakes schmakes!

U-Lock: Back pocket. Kryptonite brand with the yellow or orange detail. Either will do just fine; so express your individuality here. The lock should be smallest one you can find, both for the fit and to let people know you don’t have quick release wheels. Real messengers don’t do quick release so they can lock up securely in seconds flat. Remember, you want to look like a real messenger; so don’t put that lock in your bag where it’s less likely to fall out. Show it off. Put it where everybody can see it.

Bag: Huge. For “deliveries,” or in your case the apron from you barback job and the PBR you’re taking to the party. Don’t install a rack or panniers, which would be totally practical for somebody who’s not a messenger (like you), but would also ruin the sleek lines of your bike. It used to be that Timbuk2 was the way to go, but they’re a big “lifestyle brand” now. Chrome is the new Timbuk2 — in so many ways — including how fast their cool is getting played out by general public awareness. You can still show your face with a Chrome for the time being, but better start saving your tip-out for the next hot bag. As for classic one strap across-the-sholder messenger style versus two strap backpack style, you can go either way. Again, express yourself. Just make sure it’s the right brand.

Helmet: I’m joking, right? Yeah, of course. Never wear a helmet. It would make you look stupid and mess up your (shaggy, greasy, unwashed) hair. Helmets are sensible, which is the very antithesis of fixie hotness.

Hat: Snug, long-brimmed, classic cycling hat like the pros on the Tour de France used to wear. Looks like a baseball cap, really, but it’s not, thank you very much, since it was bought at a bike shop. Extra points if it’s hand-sewn out of recycled materials by a local (straight male) craftsperson, like these.

Spoke Cards: This is a trend at its peak, most likely. See the cards stuck between the spokes of the back wheel? It’s a mysteriously popular affectation nation-wide and seems to have come out of nowhere. Yeah, all the kids back in Beaver Cleaver’s time used to put playing cards between their spokes. No doubt this fad harkens back to that golden age, reeking as it does of childhood nostalgia, which is rife among Portland hipsters. Since the cards are all different, it offers another one of those opportunities to express your individuality… in exactly the same way as your friends. My guess is that this little enthusiasm with soon implode in on itself, just like the all those pin-on buttons a couple of years ago. You can now buy spoke cards on Etsy (like this incredibly ironic one); so the end is nigh.

Key Chain: Now here’s a trend that’s just taking off. I’ve only seen it three times so far, but always on the right guys. Check out that springy band around the rider’s arm. It’s one of those coil key chains that you see on the wrists of salespeople at, like, Dress Barn for their cash registers. I can only assume it’s the key to his u-lock, though why he doesn’t carry that on his real key chain (which is clearly visible in the photo) I don’t know. That would make sense, wouldn’t it? But then, how would you let other insiders know that you’re one of them? Make sure you wear this over your clothes at the elbow, not — repeat, not — on the wrist, because that just looks stupid.

Now all that’s left to do is throw on a pair of mid-calf cut-off Dickies and a tight, ironic tee-shirt emblazoned with “West Springfield Middle School Wildcats,” and you’ll be all ready to pose in front of Stumptown. See you there, but I might not look at you if somebody with a Vanilla frame is talking to me. Hope you understand.

teiaperigosa

cosine

ftw


edit: in response to above post....ulocks are NOT faster/better lockups for real couriers. I've yet to see someone lockup faster than a chain and masterlock combo....and key is better on elbow than wrist if you like touching cars (unless you want to scare everyone with your key clanking on their ride)...plus having your key clank around on your bars is no fun... other than that, funny post..especially the huge bag for 'deliveries', lol

happytruck

comment on the internet

UCP

reply on the internet

happytruck

benajah

I have noticed a lot of people here in Oakland riding singlespeeds (not fixed gears) with ONLY front brakes, then needing to stop quick in traffic or whatever and freaking out when they start to endo. Its funny to see.
The hipster thing has hit here in north oakland big time but most are trust fund babies. There are a few artists, writers, college students and the like, but they are not the majority

louderthangod

I've been living in the bay area my whole life and the subject of whether or not someone has a trust fund has never come up with a fellow cyclist. As someone who grew up broke I've also never found a correlation between the quality of a person's character and the size of their bank account.

oneangrytoast

whats the big deal about having one of these?

benajah

Louderthangod: ""I've been living in the bay area my whole life and the subject of whether or not someone has a trust fund has never come up with a fellow cyclist. As someone who grew up broke I've also never found a correlation between the quality of a person's character and the size of their bank account.""

I never said there was anything wrong with it, in fact rich kids emulating the less advantaged as a style thing is extremely common, very normal everywhere in all forms and there is nothing wrong with it. Its just funny to watch, especially for a trained anthropologist who understands the cultural motivations that are behind it.

jim-bob

How can you tell when someone's got a trust fund? I'd like to sharpen my anthropological eye.

Thanks in advance!

UCP

Esp in females.

Gotta get me one dem shugga mammaz.

bbattle

liberal guilt?

xsnakobx

You liberals should be ashamed, stealing guilt from us Catholics...

benajah

Ive just seen the same thing in every place Ive lived, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Kenya, UAE, Iraq, Italy, England, Germany, Ireland, India people are the same everywhere.
Why else would Abercrombie make army surplus looking clothes? Or Levi's sell off the shelf jeans with holes in them? Business, figuring out a clever way to separate people from their money is the lubrication of the economy. No hipster created the hipster thing. Some advertising exec did.
For that matter, how did Timbuk2 bags become so popular across the board? Not real practical if you don't actually ride a bike.

MysticRats

Ya the coiled key chain is actually pretty useful, I used to have my lock key on a carabiner
(Ya I know Hipster) along with me house keys n other crap. Having them separate on these stretchy coils is better. Ya i wear it higher up as well cuz it gets in the way near the bars n clanks.