Grant Peterson's Shoes Ruse

[Trek420]

Why? Have you ever had a conversation with him?


Veronica

Now we're debating

And cycling shoes; do you prefer spike heels or pumps?

[Veronica]

Now we're debating

No, I just get annoyed when people make assumptions about someone whom they have never met. There's this assumption that Riv and Grant only build "retro" old fashioned bikes. Having worked with them to build up my double century bike, which is now the bike I use for triathlon, I can tell you, they build you the bike you want.

That's Grant's whole point. Get the bike you want, that suits you and how you ride.


Veronica

[Trek420]

I've read that some find him oh I dunno opinionated? When you build one of the worlds best bikes you are entitled to your opinions

I've never met the guy. When Knott and I went on a pilgrimage to "the shrine of steel lugged bikes" we saw his bike.

Does that count?

As for the shoe debate while I ride clipless most days but I have to agree with him in some ways. On the advice of my LBS (hi Chirs!) I got BMX style pedals on my freewheel mixte. Well really he chose them, I had no say in the matter.

They are shockingly surprisingly grippy. I'd consider them for my commuter and probably never miss the clipless.

Riding with a broken toe I need the support of a stiff sole and that alone is a benefit to bike shoes.

[OakLeaf]

All I know is that one of the things I remember most clearly from 23 years ago is making the transition from sneakers to stiff nylon soled cleated cycling shoes. (This was before clipless and carbon soles. ) Same bike, same legs, same pedals, same toe clips, same route, not even trying to push, it was good for an average 1.5 mph. Way too much to be a placebo effect.

Clipless just made it safer since I could get a foot out without having to take a hand off the bars.

As I've said before, how soon we forget.


I've got platforms on my commuter and ride that in sneakers, crocs, loafers, sandals, dress shoes, even low heels. Obviously it's more convenient. But for pedaling efficiency and comfort, I don't see any comparison.

[Mr. SR500]

Ok, Grant's "Writings" drive me nuts. I'm sure he is a great guy, but he often comes across as "my way is best". That said, I believe ride what you want and enjoy - it's all good.

[SadieKate]

Grant provided a great voice way back when (and still does) that there is an alternative to the average party line thrown at you in most bike shops. He's a quirky inconclast. Unfortunately, he frequently comes across as espousing not just another party choice in the greater scheme of things but THE Party.

Nobody is right or wrong, but personality can make the difference in changing a discussion to a sermon. Grant has a lot of value to offer, but I have to be in the right frame of mind to read his articles.

[luvmypwds]

He may be opinionated, but he does always point out that those are his opinions. We can choose to read them or not. But regardless of whether he is right/wrong etc., I have to say that he built me a darn great bike!

[jobob]

Eh. *shrug* Grant is certainly unusual in his preferences.

And I share some of his preferences -- not because they're his, but because I happen to like them.

For instance, bar-end shifters. I happen to like them. I like how they work, and I like how they look.

And I like wool jerseys (er, but not in the summer). OTOH, my husband wears wool jerseys pretty much year-round, very lightweight ones in the summer.

And saddlebags large enough to carry what I need to carry. OK I've been paring down some on the size of the saddlebags I've been using , but I'll never have a teeny-tiny one. Ain't gonna happen. I like to be able to wear a jacket or a bolero and have a place to stash it, and I'm not too keen on wadding one up and stuffing it in my jersey pocket.

And he'll never proclaim to anyone that they don't need a triple chainring or a mountain cassette because gee, that's not what's done if you're a "serious" cyclist.

I don't buy into his seersucker - floppy hat - baggy shorts - sneakers style, but heck, it works for him. And I like my clipless pedals, although I wear mountain bike shoes and Keen cycling sandals rather than road shoes because I like to be able to walk around comfortably.

My husband doesn't like regular polyester cycling jerseys so he tends to be Grant-ish and wears wool jerseys or seersucker shirts on top, although he still wears cycling shorts and rides w clipless pedals (usually w Shimano sandals).

Yeah, Grant definite espouses another approach to cycling - use what's comfortable and practical for you. He can get a bit heavy-handed sometimes but I tune into what works for me and tune out the rest.