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I listen to a podcast once in awhile called Cycling 360. It's really helpful for the newbie like me up to the advanced rider. However, it's 3 guys that do the podcast, and once in awhile they make jokes about having a Madone, implying it's not a good bike. I've read so many positive things on TE about them, and not knowing much about bikes, why would these guys joke about it not being a good bike? Genuinely curious.
Well, my guess is that they present a BIG target.
There is a lot of interest in cycling in the small unknown brands. Everyone wants to have that bike that no one has ever heard of. (I'm testing it for the manufacturer...blah blah) It's part of the game called "pretending to be a pro cyclist or pretending to have an industry inside" that we all play.
Trek is a well known, established entity with a ton of resources. A lot of folks own Treks. In some peoples minds...this makes them a lesser brand.
Personally I think its bogus.
jealousy because they can't afford one?
Some people delight in smearing anything they haven't done, don't own and can't get just to make them selves feel secure. Perhaps we should call it "madone envy."
Part of it is also just that sooooooooo many people buy Madones. There are often jokes about people grabbing the wrong black Madone from the huge pile at the rest stop on the Fat Cyclist Fifty, etc.
Kind of like the jokes about green Subaru Outbacks. "How do you get a table at a restaurant in Boulder? Tell the maitre'd that there's a green Outback in the parking lot with its lights on."
Madone is kind of seen as the safe entry bike into the heady world of "real" roadbikes. That stereotyped first step. I can see where people who have gone on to more unique bikes may poke fun at the "McDonaldone," but it's kind of silly to base a podcast around a repeating joke on it... :rolleyes:
(none of my roadbikes are "real", they're all steel)
And just as there is nothing wrong with green Subarus, there is nothing wrong with Madones.
Of course you can always make your Madone unique like the Worlds Greatest Madone :cool:
http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2009...t-ii-true.html
That bike hurts me.Quote:
Originally Posted by Trek420
They are very popular, in Austin they are somewhat looked upon as "oh you are a Lance wannabe". They are great bikes and there is a reason they are so loved. Not everyone that rides one here likes Lance, not everyone that likes Lance rides one. So yes, when you are viewed as the mainstream choice you become the target. Nothing wrong with them.
I am more a mountain biker and in Austin there is a group of people who think if it isn't a "boutique brand" like Titus, Pivot, Knolly, it isn't worth riding. My bike is a $3k race machine but isn't worthy in their eyes. Well there is a reason there are a ton of Specialized out there and I don't like being the same as everyone but hey when we're on to something we're on to something. I am sure the boutique brands kick a$$ but that doesn't mean the mainstream brands don't.
Of course, all of the above is true. However, I'm not laughing! I just bought a Madone! It is a far superior bike to my previous Trek. I did some research on other manufacturers, but it is mind-numbing for us recreational riders to extract the differences. One of the biggest reasons I chose to stay with Trek was the number of shops that carry them in my area--made it easier to find the model I wanted.
Of course, my DH rides a custom-built Look. Apparently, it says "I'm a serious rider" but then again, I spend a lot of time trying to undo that by acting like a goofball! Bento box, handlebar bag, camelbak, map holder, falling for no reason--should have left the reflectors on the Madone! You should the look on the fitter's face when he saw the Cars sticker of Lightning McQueen on my stem :D
That's awesome!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by TrekTheKaty
I agree, that is awesome.Quote:
Originally Posted by TrekTheKaty
I'm starting to think that if you ride a bike made by any of the "big four" (unless it's top-of-the-line), you aren't seen as a "serious cyclist" in certain circles because they're so common. Who cares what they think? But then, I put SPDs on my road bike, I own and use a Camelbak, and I still have my pie plate. I would have the wheel reflectors, but they broke.
Yep, I forgot the Spd's. He actually recovered after the "what the HECK?" face. He tried to peel it off for my new stem and shyly confessed he had just seen the movie for the first time.
LOL. I own a black Madone (2009) and a brand new silver Outback. I absolutely love both.Quote:
Originally Posted by KnottedYet