How you know you are a modern roadie

[Andre Jute]

There are some roadies or ex-roadies in this forum, which is just as well. Until I came here I didn't even know that it was possible for a roadie to have sense of humor.

Honestly, for years I thought that the key characteristic of a roadie, even before shaven legs or lycra, was a total lack of humor.

[Danneaux]

Fortunately, we don't have to worry about such things happening here on the Thorn Cycling Forum.

Sorry for the bad experience, Sam.

All the best,

Dan. (...who didn't know there were "Rules" to be followed when enjoying a bicycle)

[Slammin Sammy]

Honestly, for years I thought that the key characteristic of a roadie, even before shaven legs or lycra, was a total lack of humor.

Well, that's because in cycling, as in other passionate pursuits, it's possible to get so engrossed, that the line between fantasy and reality gets blurred, or for some, disappears. I don't subscribe to the "us vs them" views that are often expressed in frustration, but we've all met some people that, when they don the garb (Lycra in team colours, in this case) and slip "into character", become at best boring beyond belief, and at worst, mindless automatons in peletons. They can't be bothered being courteous on trail or road to other lesser mortals, let alone say "G'day", or lift a hand in a friendly wave.

I'm glad it makes them feel good, but as John said, "Get a life!". 

[JWestland]

Some people take their hobby waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to serious ^_^

Though The Rules, no coloured tires. Seems fair to me lol.

[John Saxby]

So true -- it's s'posed to be fun, not torment & stress, eh?

[JWestland]

There's always a bit of tribalism /injokes in any hobby...we don't expect roadies to know about SPD sandals though, so how can they expect us poor tourers to know about "the rules" or the torque needed for tightening carbon so it neither slides nor explodes...

I'm still stuck on "BB standards that are not square/ISIS spindle are all new fangled nonsense" and "why on earth is there so many crank bolt standards, really do we need any more of this new non compatible stuff, sheesh" clearly not target audience for this article...

[Andre Jute]

I'm still stuck on "BB standards that are not square/ISIS spindle are all new fangled nonsense" and "why on earth is there so many crank bolt standards, really do we need any more of this new non compatible stuff, sheesh" clearly not target audience for this article...

I go a bit further. I don't even see that "it is all about the bike". I expect machines I paid for to be all about me.

[Bill C]

Some people take their hobby waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to serious ^_^

Though The Rules, no coloured tires. Seems fair to me lol.

rules are made for breaking ! coloured tyres are fine

but there should be a rule against poorly fitted/slung on mudguards
and against men on girls bikes, unless they are Scotsmen in those skirts they wear 

[Danneaux]

rules are made for breaking

Agreed, generally.

...but there should be a rule against...men on girls bikes

  And yet... a cruise through the local university campus today reveals the hottest cycling market segment for that crowd is the Fixed-gear/singlespeed diamond frame and the derailleur mixte. The Fixies seem to be enjoyed equally by men and women, while the greatest number of mixte pilots are male (or were today, by my observation). I asked about their appeal and was told they are "Cool. Way."

They kinda are. My sister has a corker of a mixte, though it is saved from abduction by being a bit small for me. 

Things come and go in popularity and bicycling is often fashion driven. What's old is new again, and so forth. Meanwhile, some things that always worked still do.

The sloping top tubes of MTBs seem to have blurred the distinction between "gendered" bikes. The generously sloped top tube on my 590M Nomad might have drawn the odd glance back in the day, but its clearance is most welcome when dabbing a toe on the roughest of logging roads. Andre's Kranich is one of the strongest designs imaginable in an upright bike and eases dis/mounts.

Ah, me. We each find our own way and like most voluntary pursuits, cycling should be enjoyable for those who engage in it. Peace to all, just ride as you can and like!

Best,

Dan.

[Bill C]

Hi Dan
university campus said it all   I'm with Paul Calf when it comes to student's (you might need to youtube it)

btw just having a joke. no offence to students, and i did say girls bike not Mixte, YOU said that just covering my behind  
atb Bill

edit
it/he was funny back in the day, seems a bit dated now, lol

[Slammin Sammy]

I note that, IMHO, based upon serial err... observation, that the young ones are at the heart of today's bicycle revolution. They appear to be the largest growth market.

Why do I say this? Locally, my beachside suburb is suddenly filled with pretty young girls and guys on cheap but colourful mixtes and step-throughs, no helmets on (or proper shoes, or even pants!), talking (or texting!) on their phones whilst riding. My mate with his new bike shop can't keep up with the demand for these retro, low cost but very attractive bikes (from Linus, Pappilionnaire, Breezer, etc.) They are creating a swell starting to approach tsunami proportions, and not a Trek, Specialised, Campognolo, or even Giant amongst them!

It is a revolution. They are making transport and fashion choices in equal measure, and will in due course comprise a new, majority cycling generation most of whom would never have watched, and would have zero interest in a Tour de France, cyclocross, or MTB race. If they discover these things (or touring, for that matter) in later life, it will be by accident. Yet they are creating the groundswell for safe cycling infrastructure, public transport bike facilities and active transport solutions that years of lobbying would never have produced!

You go girl! (And bloke) 

[Andre Jute]

It is a revolution. They are making transport and fashion choices in equal measure, and will in due course comprise a new, majority cycling generation most of whom would never have watched, and would have zero interest in a Tour de France, cyclocross, or MTB race. If they discover these things (or touring, for that matter) in later life, it will be by accident. Yet they are creating the groundswell for safe cycling infrastructure, public transport bike facilities and active transport solutions that years of lobbying would never have produced!

Always happy to be on the cutting edge, and modestly to receive recognition for it.

[Slammin Sammy]

Always happy to be on the cutting edge, and modestly to receive recognition for it.

You go too, Andre!! 

[JWestland]

rules are made for breaking ! coloured tyres are fine

but there should be a rule against poorly fitted/slung on mudguards
and against men on girls bikes, unless they are Scotsmen in those skirts they wear 

Totally OK in The Netherlands! Esp. if you're a bit older a step through frame is the business

[JWestland]

On one of the fixed gears forums I'm on everybody is building touring bikes now