Have you ever helped an invisible cyclist?

[Trek420]

On my way home today I noticed a woman across from me smile. I thought it was the new Obama spoke card. While not an invisible cyclist she did not fit the urban fitness cycle chick mold. She was dressed in traditional Muslim garb albeit with some business tweaks to the outfit.

As I exited the train she stopped me to ask questions; how much do bike shoes cost, where do you get them, how much does this and that part cost ... I was helpful but said I really don't talk about the cost of my bike, it's parts etc.

She said she'd just purchased a Giant bike but she has to ride in a skirt. Where could she get skirt guards? I mentioned some of the bikes that come with them like some of the townies.

She said she has to ride the bike she's got because she rides a 26" frame.

If you're lurking here .... "on what planet do you ride a 26"?"

She's about my height, a little taller.

I think my commutermoblie mtb is either a 13" - 17".

Lady, you got sold a hill a'beans. But maybe a LBS will fit her to a Townie Amsterdam or Bianchi Milano or ...

KnottedYet would be proud of me, I did not debate her.

But as I walked away I heard her muttering loudly "why don't they tell me what things cost? Why are they so secretive? Why don't cyclists talk about how much their bikes cost? ..."

So maybe she's been trying to get info.

When I got downstairs I flagged her down and suggested two local shops. I referred her to the one that carries Giant and told her who to ask for there. That if her Giant needs a part to have a chain guard they should have it.

She thanked me and I rode away