Twinges- freda cycling inferiority

[shootingstar]

Comments like here: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=22674&page=2 that some of you might feel differently in non-roadie cycling gear on a non-roadie bike vs. roadie cycling gear on a roadie bike...

Does remind me occasionally, twinges of my freda cycling inferiority. You know freda, is the female version of the "fred", male version of nerdy cyclist. Unroadie. :o I have always had hybrid bikes..under $800.00. And am happy to have the bikes I have and have accepted the fact I'm not comfortable with drop handles when I have a slight neck problem. (that is alleviated with some stretching exercises). I love looking a sleek bikes but in the end, it doesn't seem to meet my type of cycling lifestyle / way of cycling.

I have no intention to race nor randonneur...Don't know about doing a super-duper trans-continental ride..but given my geo-spatial weaknesses, can't see this doing it solo.

There are cycling days where I don't feel as fit...and will dress "less" cycling oriented. ie. a less-flashy cycling jacket, more muted-coloured jersey, you know. Just allow me to feel less fit, don't notice my performance but let me cycle-to-feel-better..kind of an inferiority complex.

Am I the only one here with occasional twinges of freda cycling hang-ups? I really ought to get over this ...after cycling regularily for past 17 yrs... but strangely..am only human. :)

[Geonz]

Yes.

You are the only person who has ever felt insecure about her cycling in the whole wide world.

:D :D :D :P :P :P

Hangups just keep on doin' that... things go smoothly for a while... then they hang us up for a bit :)

There must be something not right with you if you don't want to go out and ride 600 km .... or p'raps something right ;)

You mean EVERY DAY isn't your flashy fashion statement?
Gosh, must be something' right there, too. Embrace our hangups :)

Snork. All hybrid here... but that's what works for me.

[bounceswoosh]

Does it count that I feel inferior to my bike?

Cuz I sure do. I haven't made as much progress as I'd like in technical mountain biking, but I ended up getting a ridiculously sweet ride*, and -- this is the really over the top part -- it's gold anodized. I feel pretty self conscious doing what are considered lightweight local rides (still pretty hard, I suspect, compared to most terrain in the US) on this beast of a bike.

A friend of a friend talks about how his bike must be so bummed to be stuck with him as a rider. Sometimes I think my bike feels the same way.

Also, I got a free jersey from the bike shop from which I got my ridiculously sweet ride, and I am nervous about wearing it. Because it's a high end bike shop ...

It doesn't help that there are so many competitive riders in the area. It's entirely possible that the guy or gal who just passed you is a pro-level rider. Drop that to sport level, and it's almost certain =P

Ah well. I've ordered the Hill Slug jersey to avoid any accusation of false advertising.

Yeah. Really need to get over it. What matters is that I'm out there, right?

*Ellsworth Truth with hand-picked components

[Zen]

I have only one cycling hangup.
I'd like to be faster (which is why some people call me Mo. First name Slo)
I ride because I enjoy the experience. I doubt I would enjoy a double century.

I have a hybrid and i have a road bike and will admit to dressing down a bit for the hybrid.
You wouldn't wear a black leather bustier to a picnic, would you?

Dress and ride for yourself and no one else :)


.

[shootingstar]

I have a hybrid and i have a road bike and will admit to dressing down a bit for the hybrid.
You wouldn't wear a black leather bustier to a picnic, would you?

Dress and ride for yourself and no one else :)


.

Well, it does feel like wearing high heels at a picnic if I wear a flashier jacket on a hybrid. :o But then on the other hand, it feels right at night for visibility.

YOu know I admantly did not wear any cycling jerseys until the last 5 years, simply because I didn't want to look like a weekend wannabe poseur cyclist. Seriously. For the first 12 years..I wore t-shirts or rolled up men's shirts (to protect my arms from fierce heat) in warm/hot temperatures. And I was piling way more mileage then annually compared to now... then during T-shirt period was 6,000 kms. annually. Now I'm lucky if I can edge up to 50-60% of that this year.

Go figure. But then I realize..it really is more comfortable to wear wicking material tops..and to have a back pocket..
:rolleyes:

[Crankin]

I definitely am not worthy of my bike (Kuota Kredo), but, hey, if I was stupid enough to pay for it, I guess I deserve it! And, I do get acknowledged by snooty racer guys as they pass me. I find this strange, because I had a Trek 5200 before, not exactly a Freda bike.
But, I do find myself dressing differently when I ride my hybrid. In fact, I have found it liberating to discover a new type of cycling apparel. I wear wool when it's cold and I have some new wicking tops that are not jerseys, but are kind of cool. I tend to wear a skort, knickers, board shorts, or mtb shorts when I ride this bike.
I always feel slightly inferior on my bike until I talk to my "regular" friends who think riding 5 miles is crazy.

[OakLeaf]

The only time I wear cycling apparel on my hybrid is when I've just gotten back from a road ride, have errands to run, and don't want to take a shower and put on clean clothes and get them all sweaty again right away. Otherwise it's either regular clothes on the hybrid, or clothes appropriate to the destination (whether it's gym clothes, or a skirt or nice slacks for church or dinner). I will wear a cycling jacket or my Xinglet when the weather or light conditions dictate, but I put those on over whatever I was wearing anyhow.

When I got my new road bike I really felt like I didn't deserve it. After 2500 miles (which is less than that bike deserves in the amount of time I've had it), it's just my bike. Too bad about the mileage and about my slow legs ;)

At the end of last season my Wednesday night group went out to eat. People started talking about how many miles they had for the year. Most of them were in the 5-7000 range. I was embarrassed to even say how few I had! But ya know, cycling isn't my only workout. I was by no means the fastest one in that group, but I kept up with the slower ones. Maybe I should've felt okay about that.

[rij73]

My first bike (which I got just a year ago) was a flat-bar road bike. I got cycling gear right away because I was doing fitness rides in the park. I did look a little out of place, but I didn't care. I was having great fun, and I loved the lycra shorts and wicking jerseys.

Now, though, I have a gorgeous road bike, and to be honest, I do feel a bit embarrassed out there. Not because of how I'm dressed, but because the bike is simply too nice for me! I get passed in the park by almost every roadie there no matter what they are riding, and it does make me feel like a poser to be so slow on my beautiful carbon bike.

Don't get me wrong... I adore my bike and look at it lovingly all day. I just feel a bit sheepish out there when guys on fixed-gear old-school bikes pass me on the hill. :o

[Andrea]

This reminds me of something I've been contemplating on my morning commutes lately ...
Roadie guys (ok, women too, but there aren't very many, so I'm generalizing) around town know me as a racer, etc. They see my team kit and often know who I am and usually wave to me or greet me when we pass going opposite directions.
Since I started commuting on my Mule bike (a home made hybrid- photos in the commuter forum), I'll pass the same guys I occasionally train with on the weekends. There's an early morning ride from a bike shop in midtown that a lot of them go to. Since I'm on a goofy looking bike (not calling hybrids goofy at all- just my hybrid) and not in a team kit, when I wave at them, the most reaction I ever get is a chuckle and occasionally a slight wave back (if they'll even make eye contact).

What gives? How about being nice to everyone instead of just the people you think are "worthy" of your greetings??

[Jolt]

Hey, nothing wrong with being a utility cyclist, riding a hybrid and wearing regular clothes while doing so--we don't all have to be racers. Plus, think of how much we save on gas by riding our bikes around town instead of driving! I can relate to sometimes feeling like a dork though--having a big plastic crate on the back of the bike (see avatar) and wearing the "screaming yellow zonker" vest for visibility can do that! However, I think I'd feel sillier wearing roadie gear while riding around town doing errands on a hybrid--just doesn't go together so well, does it?

[Andrea]

I wear an orange & reflective yellow safety vest :D

[F8th637]

I wear regular clothes even on my road bike if I'm going to run errands or something on it or going for a ride that is less than 10 miles or so. I will still wear a bright shirt so I can be seen but I'll leave the lycra at home.

I'm with zen (Ms. Mo) on this. I want to ride for the experience and to see things not to chase after people. Becoming faster will come in time, I've even noticed that I've gotten faster in the past couple of months which is always a welcome surprise. I figure if I'm going to beat myself up for doing something I love and enjoy. . I probably better stop. ;)

And when I DID have my hybrid (who now lives with zen) I wore the whole get-up because it made sense to me to wear it. I'm going for miles on the bike even if it is a hybrid so I better dress for comfort lycra-style!

[bounceswoosh]

I wear regular clothes even on my road bike if I'm going to run errands or something on it or going for a ride that is less than 10 miles or so. I will still wear a bright shirt so I can be seen but I'll leave the lycra at home.

I'm with zen (Ms. Mo) on this. I want to ride for the experience and to see things not to chase after people. Becoming faster will come in time, I've even noticed that I've gotten faster in the past couple of months which is always a welcome surprise. I figure if I'm going to beat myself up for doing something I love and enjoy. . I probably better stop. ;)

And when I DID have my hybrid (who now lives with zen) I wore the whole get-up because it made sense to me to wear it. I'm going for miles on the bike even if it is a hybrid so I better dress for comfort lycra-style!

Lycra is comfortable ... jerseys wick ... bike socks are so comfy I like to wear them even when I'm nowhere near a bike ... why *not* wear technical gear whenever you're on a bike?

I guess it would be weird going into a grocery store or something in Lycra. I have a great skirt from Title 9 that I could wear over spandex to feel a little less exposed.

[F8th637]

Lycra is comfortable ... jerseys wick ... bike socks are so comfy I like to wear them even when I'm nowhere near a bike ... why *not* wear technical gear whenever you're on a bike?


Exactly! After switching to bike gear, I have officially stopped working out in anything with cotton. All those white cotton socks I had?! Now unused! I wear lycra and other synthetic dry-wick materials exclusively right down to my socks now. I'll never go back! :D

[Geonz]

Snork.... why ahve rules at all? I wear... whatever makes sense at the time, or whatever's on top of the laundry bin (is that pile clean or dirty? sniff...)

[mimitabby]

I almost always feel like a poseur. except right after I scale a mountain pass :confused:

[7rider]

I almost always feel like a poseur. except right after I scale a mountain pass :confused:

Same here.
Well, no mountain passes in MD...I guess it's all relative.
I may not be at the front of the pack, but I'm out on my bike (waving hand...also not deserving of my flashy bike here).
Being out and about and doing something healthful for your mind and spirit are the important things.
Enjoy the accomplishment.
(oh...but I am guilty of chasing down the rider in front of me! I'm frequently bored and I want to play!)

[GLC1968]

Up until I moved here, I always wore cycling specific clothing. Some if it was more 'flashy' than other stuff, but it was all technical. I rode in primarily HOT conditions and for longer rides (greater than 8 miles at a time). Only cycling clothes made sense, so I never gave it much thought. Yes, there were rides where part of it was on a MUP where no one else was in cycling gear, but it didn't make me think twice because I knew what I was wearing suited my purpose.

Now I have a bike for errands and commuting that is more upright. It allows me to ride in regular clothes and I do. I do notice a different group of cyclists acknowledging my existance than when I'm on my road bike, but I don't think I feel any less like a cyclist. I see the super fast roadies go by and if for even a second I feel like I'm less than them, all I have to remember is the beautiful Ti bike awaiting the next road ride in my garage. :p

There were many times when I took my touring bike on 'training' rides at work with the guys. The were worried about wearing armwarmers when the other guys weren't (or about carring a big wedge under their seat) and here I was with a big honkin' mirror, a handlebar bag and a rack on my bike. I didn't need those things for that particular ride, but they were there for a purpose so I didn't care. From my experience, I think guys are more concerned with how they are accepted when they ride than most of the women I know.

[shootingstar]

Ok...I have not yet graduated to cycling socks yet. Maybe later..when turning 50 next yr. :D Somehow as long as my feet are dry, I'm happy. Methinks I also don't have same problems of sweaty feet as others might.

Hilarious to think we're not as "good-looking" as our carbon bikes. I never thought of matching level of techie cycling garb to the level of bike design roadiness. I just wonder about myself looking sleek cycling lovely and...getting passed..

[Zen]

If that bothered me I'd never ride :D

[Eden]

This reminds me of something I've been contemplating on my morning commutes lately ...
Roadie guys (ok, women too, but there aren't very many, so I'm generalizing) around town know me as a racer, etc. They see my team kit and often know who I am and usually wave to me or greet me when we pass going opposite directions.
Since I started commuting on my Mule bike (a home made hybrid- photos in the commuter forum), I'll pass the same guys I occasionally train with on the weekends. There's an early morning ride from a bike shop in midtown that a lot of them go to. Since I'm on a goofy looking bike (not calling hybrids goofy at all- just my hybrid) and not in a team kit, when I wave at them, the most reaction I ever get is a chuckle and occasionally a slight wave back (if they'll even make eye contact). I don't however wave to every other cyclist - I'd wouldn't have my hands on the handlebars enough....

What gives? How about being nice to everyone instead of just the people you think are "worthy" of your greetings??

I've experienced the same thing - usually when I'm commuting and wearing a rain coat over my team kit - the racers I would usually wave at, sometimes give me a confused look if I still wave.

Out here I think there is reason, I'll let you decide if you like it or not.... we have *a lot* of cyclists, from all different worlds, racers, hipsters, rec riders, randonneurs, commuters etc. If you waved to every other cyclist on the road, it would be like waving to every other driver out there... overwhelming, so you usually see people greeting those in their clique. I usually give an unprompted greeting to other racers - more often than not I know them in some way anyway. If I'm waved at by another cyclist, I will certainly return the greeting if feasible. Happy to have a chat with anyone who rides with me or stops at the same light.

For the most part I wear techincal gear - one thing, I'm on a team and like it or not it is adverstising. They give us money to wear that kit, so we basically agree to wear it when we go out on the bike. Truthfully for any ride longer than a few miles its just more comfortable too.

I do however own a hybrid bike - I'm kind of opposite of most people, I always had road bikes, but the hubby and I decided we wanted something that could take on dirt roads and gravelly trails without going the full mt bike route. I take that one out sometimes to run errands, shopping etc. as its the only bike that I have that I can really carry stuff on and I wear street clothes when I ride it. It can be a refreshing change. Everyone leaves you alone, no "competitive commuters", macho guys aren't trying to prove themselves by passing the racer chickie by or rude comments by folks I pass while doing hill repeats (yes twice now I've had a person comment as I've gone by - sorry my zone 5 hill repeats have NOTHING to do with you, yes I'm working hard and yes I'm going by you, but its not personal).... oddly enough though, I think drivers are worse - they give me more space when I'm kitted out on the road bike.

[katluvr]

I get passed in the park by almost every roadie there no matter what they are riding, and it does make me feel like a poser to be so slow on my beautiful carbon bike.

Don't get me wrong... I adore my bike and look at it lovingly all day. I just feel a bit sheepish out there when guys on fixed-gear old-school bikes pass me on the hill. :o

After 5 years of road biking, multiple charity rides, bike vacations, centuries...you name it...I remain "slow and steady". Yet to build the speed. Still see "newbies" start out and be faster than me. Yet at the recent "MS Bike Tour" I jsut completed....I see the same folks pass me over and over cuz they ride fast/hard, then rest even longer at the stops....I just keep moving steadiliy a long. I did 95 miles on day one and 83 on the second day. I may be slow...but I am pretty happy w/ my performance. Besides, if all the training makes me dislike being on my bike....then I wouldn't enjoy it.

But I am glad to hear/see I am not alone in feeling like I'll never be a buff, fast, cool biker chic. Yes, my bike shorts dig into my thighs and I get some of those unsightly bulges from having a some not so lean legs!

:)
K

[tulip]

I had a great time this afternoon running all my errands on my city bike, in jeans. Of course, I still had my helmet and my cycling shoes (Shimano mountain bike shoes so they're relatively easy to walk in). I just cannot pedal without being clipped in!

All the drivers were polite.

Downtown Richmond has NO bike racks!!:mad:

[SlowButSteady]

look like a weekend wannabe poseur cyclist.

This is the way I feel! Like I'm a little girl playing dress-up. I also feel that way in a riding habit, a dress, hiking clothes, etc.

If I go to a cowboy bar in jeans and boots, I feel conspicious.

If I wear a floral-tropical print shirt to a Jimmy Buffett concert, I feel conspicous.

I do have to have my clothes "match" the bike. Baggies on the off-road bike. Roadie shorts and jersey on the road bike. Likewise with shoes, helmets.

I have to remind myself that I am a cyclist. I can ride semi-decent distances and ride (road) on a regular basis, off road less so.

Like Zen, my name reflects my slowness.

[tc1]

Aww, ShootingStar, everybody feels like a dork sometimes. The thing to do is to go out in public and share the love (the dorkiness.) Seriously, don't let anyone, especially yourself, make an exile of you.

Didn't you just have eye surgery? Or was that someone else?

[emily_in_nc]

My favorite "Freda" story was last summer at the local farmer's market, when I was stopped by a couple of roadie guys in full team kit and sparkling carbon bikes, but woefully unprepared for anything since they refuse to even use a seat bag. One of their seatposts started slipping, so seeing me, they pulled into the market to ask if I had a multi-tool they could borrow. But of course! :cool:

I was standing next to my Bike Friday Pocket Crusoe with rear rack, rack pack, air horn, Halt holder, and (of all things) KICKSTAND! Wearing my "utility cycling outfit" of a Terry skort and plain red jersey. I felt "unworthy" for half a second until I realized how silly that was. I had the multi-tool and was well prepared for anything. They "looked marvelous" but were essentially helpless out there!

:rolleyes: ;) :D

Emily

[singletrackmind]

On occasion I get snorted or laughed at for the camelback or whatever mountain bikey or non bikey thing I might have on. Whatever. I don't ride to be the popular kid in school, dressed for the right clique. I don't care if others are and I don't care if they aren't. If they do that's up to them, hope I've made them feel better egging on their false sense of superiority and all. :)

Until I pass them, anyways. :D

[shootingstar]

Didn't you just have eye surgery? Or was that someone else?

It was kelownagirl:)

I never thought about this type of stuff when I returned to cycling first few years...maybe it's slow acquisition of more flashier cycling wear...that's causing such thoughts..

but I'm happy to proclaim in action ,at any speed..a cyclist. :)

[kelownagirl]

Chiming in here, (WITH my still-bad eyes). I still feel like a poseur (sp?) even if I'm in my gear, on my road bike.

My issue? I REALLY REALLY want a nice new carbon bike and I can afford one now and I've ridden this one for two years and worked really hard to get better so I think I actually deserve a good bike BUT I am a little self-conscious about buying an expensive bike because of the expectations that I feel goes with it. I'm afraid people will expect me to be better and faster than I am, and then they'll think of me as a Fred.

But it's not enough to stop me from buying a new bike. :p:o:D

[Kano]

Yeah, there I was, 220 pounds, buying the carbon bike with Ultegra components. This was my step up from the comfort beast. Seemed like way too much bike for me, where I was that day, when I was at the LBS to buy an entry level road bike.

My Roubaix Elite was on clearance -- she only cost a few dollars more than if I'd bought the brand new model Allez sitting next to her.

Who am I to pass up a bargain like that, even if she was too fancy for beginner-me?


Karen in Boise

[lph]

I admit to sometimes feeling a little superior to my snobbish bike buddy, when I smoke him on the uphills on my used bike that costs 1/6 of his italian dream machine. But I lucked out on a good deal and had a good buying experience, so in a way my bike is MY own dream machine. I'm already looking at replacing components after having had it less than a year, but it doesn't bother me because the bike didn't cost me much in the first place.

I probably would never drop a lot of money on a bike. But I do think it's better to use a lot of money on a really nice bike than on, say jewelry, or a designer sofa. Not that's it any of my business how people use their money anyway (and you could always argue that one should give it to charity instead) but still it makes more sense to me to buy something really really functional AND beautiful, that helps you get fitter and enjoy your sport all the more, than to buy something that's just decorative.

[crazycanuck]

Nice bike bike yip yip!!! Jewelry..nyah..

[redrhodie]

Chiming in here, (WITH my still-bad eyes). I still feel like a poseur (sp?) even if I'm in my gear, on my road bike.

Still bad eyes :eek:!? Have you seen another Dr? Hasn't it been a few weeks since your surgery?

I felt the "my bike's too good for me" feelings when I first got it, but now, I'm just so happy on it, it was money well spent. I figure most of the guys you see on fancy bikes are in the same boat, riding for reasons other than competetive racing, so their all too busy with their poseur-ing (is that a word?) to notice mine.

As fer you jewelry nay sayers, I want to point out that owning a piece of jewelry is not the worst thing you can spend your money on. Gold holds its value well and can actually appreciate (it's nearly quadrupled in price in the past few years). Sad to say this, but a wedding band will most likely outlast any bike. There are more frivilous things you could do with your money than spend it on jewelry. This message was brought to you by the goldsmiths of America ;) :D! Yeah, I'm a jewelry designer. Yeah, I also love my bike more than any stupid piece of jewelry, but I gotta eat, too.

[bounceswoosh]

I felt the "my bike's too good for me" feelings when I first got it, but now, I'm just so happy on it, it was money well spent. I figure most of the guys you see on fancy bikes are in the same boat, riding for reasons other than competetive racing, so their all too busy with their poseur-ing (is that a word?) to notice mine.


I had an epiphany while riding today. Like most ephiphanies, it doesn't sound profound, but it felt profound. Who cares if my bike is better than I am? So I'm not an amazing rider. Does that mean I don't benefit from better shifting under load? Does that mean I don't benefit from a better fit? The hand-picked components, where I chose SRAM shifters because they allow me to more comfortably shift -- just because I'm not an awesome rider, does that mean I don't deserve to have my shifters where I can reach them easily? And if someone really does have an attitude about whether I deserve this bike, why should I care? The only reason I would care is because I would share something of that attitude. But I think, as of my epiphany this afternoon, I don't care.

On the other hand -- riding such an awesome bike does inspire me to become a better rider. And I'm okay with that.

Oh, yeah, and I love me some nice jewelry. I have a few relatively cheap pieces I adore, and a few "real" pieces that I also adore. I don't feel bad about spending the money on the nice pieces. They give me pleasure. But somehow I feel like spending on jewelry is more culturally acceptable than on bikes, so somehow we feel that the only "excuse" for being so wasteful would be to be so incredibly amazing as to be pro-level or something.

Screw that. I just want to ride.

[shootingstar]

As fer you jewelry nay sayers, I want to point out that owning a piece of jewelry is not the worst thing you can spend your money on. Gold holds its value well and can actually appreciate (it's nearly quadrupled in price in the past few years). Sad to say this, but a wedding band will most likely outlast any bike. There are more frivilous things you could do with your money than spend it on jewelry. This message was brought to you by the goldsmiths of America ;) :D! Yeah, I'm a jewelry designer. Yeah, I also love my bike more than any stupid piece of jewelry, but I gotta eat, too.

Hey red, I wear primarily earrings. That's the only jewellery plus thick clasp bracelets occasionally (not bangles).

As a strong selling point for future, why not think of innovative jewellery designs that women who engage in sports like cycling can wear safely? WEaring gold studs is..just boring... that is, if one is not bike racing. Why bother piercing ears then if only wearing studs most the time? I have several handmade silver earrings because that's what I buy at handmade arts/crafts shows. I love them but some of them I cannot wear on bike. I do have my 1 pair of real gold earrings which are a bit unusual in design...3-D triangles that open halfway. Yes, I can wear them without them falling off when I am on bike.

As for old poseur feeling ...in flashy gear or on flashy bike..it must be hangover abit from my kid days...I was your typical skinny bookish nerd in high school.

but true, as the last poster before said, 1 flashy piece of cycling wear/gear or bike can inspire one abit to do better.. like wearing your colours proudly/happily.

[Zen]

How did this get to jewelery?



.

[RoadRaven]

I had an epiphany while riding today. Like most ephiphanies, it doesn't sound profound, but it felt profound. Who cares if my bike is better than I am? So I'm not an amazing rider. Does that mean I don't benefit from better shifting under load? Does that mean I don't benefit from a better fit?
....
And if someone really does have an attitude about whether I deserve this bike, why should I care? The only reason I would care is because I would share something of that attitude. But I think, as of my epiphany this afternoon, I don't care.
...
Screw that. I just want to ride.


I am at the low end of the club in terms of road racing
I hope to become relatively good in time trials for my age/gender

But I love riding... I enjoy just being on a bike
I truly believe that if you enjoy something, then you should have the gear/equipment that you want
So what if I will never be selected for an internationsl team or represent my country at the Olympics... I deserve good equipment as much as the next person... as much as bounceWhoosh

GREAT epiphany!!!
:D:):D

[lph]

How did this get to jewelery?
.

I brought it up, because I compared buying an expensive bike to buying expensive jewelry. Redrhodie - I hear you, and I know that jewelry in fact probably is longer lasting than a nice bike :) I'm just one of the ones who'd be scared to have expensive stuff (anything, really) because I'd be afraid I'd lose it or break it.

Bounceswoosh put it better - it's culturally acceptable to buy expensive jewelry or a gorgeous dress without being Nicole Kidman, so there's really no reason one should feel wrong about buying a nice bike without being a pro-level rider.

My calves are aching. I have to go lie down :D

[redrhodie]

I brought it up, because I compared buying an expensive bike to buying expensive jewelry. Redrhodie - I hear you, and I know that jewelry in fact probably is longer lasting than a nice bike :) I'm just one of the ones who'd be scared to have expensive stuff (anything, really) because I'd be afraid I'd lose it or break it.

My calves are aching. I have to go lie down :D

How was the race?! I'll look for the full report later. You're writing, so it couldn't have been all bad!

No need to defend your position on jewelry! I feel the same way, and I can fix it if it breaks. Most of us would rather buy bike stuff.

Sorry for the hyjack, Zen. I's to blame.

[Tuckervill]

still hijacking...

I wear my french wire earrings with backs on them. Usually just the little plastic tubes that they sometimes come secured to the card with. You can buy the little tubes at the craft store in the jewelry making section.

If I have my hair down, they can't be seen. You can snip them in half, too.

Karen

[Zen]

But I love riding... I enjoy just being on a bike

And that is the crux of the biscuit.
[/QUOTE]

[Zen]

GREAT epiphany!!!


Indeed!

[Tokie]

Besides always dropping $$$ on bicycles and upgrades, clothes and cycling accessories......I also buy very nice comfortable lightweight eyeglasses almost every other year. They are usually expensive too, especially after the progressive bifocals. ( I have a tiny head, and the only Costco glasses that fit are the kiddie ones:o) When my friends and colleagues comment on this indulgence, I always say "it's cheaper than smoking", which it is. Not that I ever smoked! So I guess you could use that analogy for bike expenses, AND when the money is spent, it's not "up in smoke!". I also remind my (non-cyclist) friends who question my cycling expenditures that I ride over 5,000 miles a year, so that comfort on my bike really is a big deal for me! Enjoy your bike, what ever bike, clothes etc that make you happy! Tokie

[BeeLady]

When I began cycling it was with a group that met at the LBS. Most of the folks were in lycra and jerseys, so I bought the stuff, too. I do appreciate "technical" clothing from my backpacker days and really didn't differentiate the different types of bikes, riders, etc. I began on my 10-year-old hybrid two years ago.

When I got my Volpe I always wore my "cycling clothes" except that I would wear a skirt over my Lycra when I would be grocery shopping and stuff like that.

It was with great relief that I saw in the commuter section that many of the riders ride in street clothes. Now I do also, unless I'm going for 10 miles or more or a group ride or whatever. Fortunately I have some technical (wicking) blouses that are not jersey and look more regular.

Now with my Big Dummy I feel very uncool as the kids (who can afford) and who have these bikes ride them in flip-flops as the ultimate "non-biker" look. So, being a dorky old lady I am riding in shorts and shirts (but technical, not jerseys.) But I have to go clipless as I just need that advantage.

Maybe one day I will have a road bike and then all my lycra will be put to good use.

One idea -- I would not like even ONE person decide they can't/won't ride a bike because they won't wear lycra, can't afford all the fancy gear, the right shoes, etc. I would like to be an advertisement that says "Bikes are the coolest thing ever invented and we all need to be on one!"