Elitism

don_don

Greg T wrote:

biondino wrote:

I love you, Greg T (and I also have high flange Phil Wood hubs! We're made for each other!)

I'd suggest that we get down to the nasty, however I know that your Avatar is in fact not a completely true representation of what you look like, but a very good representation of how you are....

Given that I'm an appearance driven whore I'll pass on your offer as rough gay hell dog rumpy isn't doing it for me.

Borrow Linsen's Avatar of Imogen Stubbs however and we have a deal.

Go on Blondie, do it. The forum could do with another good love story.....

passout

don_don wrote:

Greg T wrote:

biondino wrote:

I love you, Greg T (and I also have high flange Phil Wood hubs! We're made for each other!)

I'd suggest that we get down to the nasty, however I know that your Avatar is in fact not a completely true representation of what you look like, but a very good representation of how you are....

Given that I'm an appearance driven whore I'll pass on your offer as rough gay hell dog rumpy isn't doing it for me.

Borrow Linsen's Avatar of Imogen Stubbs however and we have a deal.

Go on Blondie, do it. The forum could do with another good love story.....

As a cyclo-cross pervert...can I watch?! (I would put up a suitable smiley but it may cause some of you to pass out.)

Jay dubbleU

rally200 wrote:

Within any group some people will try to establish a pecking order, it's human nature. But I think it shows some strange insecurity when old hands post smug/snide/critcal responses to newbs - especially in the road beginners section.

I have to say that I have never felt this on the commuter section - we may argue furiously about almost everything but I have certainly never felt patronised by the roadies in this area - even those who ride 5 grand bikes compared to my 400 quid hybrid - I have learned a lot particularly as I haven't ridden a bike for 10 years - and no - hybrids are not just for commuting - mine's just come back from bikepacking in Scotland

always_tyred

Jay dubbleU wrote:

rally200 wrote:

Within any group some people will try to establish a pecking order, it's human nature. But I think it shows some strange insecurity when old hands post smug/snide/critcal responses to newbs - especially in the road beginners section.

I have to say that I have never felt this on the commuter section - we may argue furiously about almost everything but I have certainly never felt patronised by the roadies in this area - even those who ride 5 grand bikes compared to my 400 quid hybrid - I have learned a lot particularly as I haven't ridden a bike for 10 years - and no - hybrids are not just for commuting - mine's just come back from bikepacking in Scotland

You are clearly mad. There has been no sun here for 8 months, and we have had more than 8m of rain in places.

Rich158

Always Tyred wrote:

Jay dubbleU wrote:

rally200 wrote:

Within any group some people will try to establish a pecking order, it's human nature. But I think it shows some strange insecurity when old hands post smug/snide/critcal responses to newbs - especially in the road beginners section.

I have to say that I have never felt this on the commuter section - we may argue furiously about almost everything but I have certainly never felt patronised by the roadies in this area - even those who ride 5 grand bikes compared to my 400 quid hybrid - I have learned a lot particularly as I haven't ridden a bike for 10 years - and no - hybrids are not just for commuting - mine's just come back from bikepacking in Scotland

You are clearly mad. There has been no sun here for 8 months, and we have had more than 8m of rain in places.

That's a normal summer up there isn't it No wonder your all permanently pissed, I would be in that climate.

Jay dubbleU

Always Tyred wrote:

Jay dubbleU wrote:

rally200 wrote:

Within any group some people will try to establish a pecking order, it's human nature. But I think it shows some strange insecurity when old hands post smug/snide/critcal responses to newbs - especially in the road beginners section.

I have to say that I have never felt this on the commuter section - we may argue furiously about almost everything but I have certainly never felt patronised by the roadies in this area - even those who ride 5 grand bikes compared to my 400 quid hybrid - I have learned a lot particularly as I haven't ridden a bike for 10 years - and no - hybrids are not just for commuting - mine's just come back from bikepacking in Scotland

You are clearly mad. There has been no sun here for 8 months, and we have had more than 8m of rain in places.

Sanity has never been high on my list of priorities :twisted:

Rode from Tyndrum to the start of Ben Lui in sunshine - my only complaint not enough snow

NGale

I have learned not to buy a bike from JJB sports

I have learned that an MTB is not a good bike for commuting

I have learned that I don't yet feel save on a drop bar road bike

I have learned that at this stage a flat bar road bike is ideal for me.

I have learned that in a year or so time I will want to progress further in my cycling.

I have learned that in order to be a good competent cyclist I need to pass through these stages

I have learned.....

Jay dubbleU

passout wrote:

Yes but it's hard to love a hybrid in the same way that you might love a 'racer' or an MTB - bikes with a certain 'purity'.

No it isn't - you obviously don't own one 8)

rally200

Having taken 3 scalps on Saturday morning, I'm all for elitism again.

Scalps 1 & 2 : ..slightly fat couple on Toys'R'Us MTBs, platform pedals, paddock boots, barbours,, and riding hats.

Scalp 3: Aged farmer, shopper bike, tweeds & wellies.

I am cool.

(do they have to know you're racing to count as a scalp)

chas67

Hmmmmmmmm, must say I agree with the OP - it has struck me that there are a number of over zealous factions on here which puts me off a bit - in the last 20 odd years of commuting, I've enjoyed time on fixies, racers, tourers and MTBs .... they're all good as far as I'm concerned .....

vorsprung

chas67 wrote:

Hmmmmmmmm, must say I agree with the OP - it has struck me that there are a number of over zealous factions on here which puts me off a bit.

I suggest you try something other than the Internet

Kieran_Burns

Meh.

I don't care about elitism to be honest and while there are some clearly experienced, healthy and skilled cyclists on here they are nothing but welcoming.

Yeah, as I've just said elsewhere I feel like a Sunday leaguer in comparison but so what? I do okay and I enjoy myself.

I've learned things on here and the enthusiasm shown has spurred me on to try harder and spend more time & money on a hobby I thoroughly enjoy.

I think that while there may be an elite cadre on here, they do not exclude others; more like show what can be done.

It's just a shame they can't see the light of CX commuting that's all....

passout

Jay dubbleU wrote:

passout wrote:

Yes but it's hard to love a hybrid in the same way that you might love a 'racer' or an MTB - bikes with a certain 'purity'.

No it isn't - you obviously don't own one 8)

No, but there is one in my shed. It's the wifes' (obviously) and I sometimes ride it because it has a Kiddie seat on the back & my daughter likes the odd trip out on a sunny day. It's awful - cheap & far too upright. Why do you do it?

greg66_tri_v2.0

Kieran_Burns wrote:

It's just a shame they can't see the light of CX commuting that's all....

HE'S A WITCH!!!

BURN HIM!!! :twisted:

Rich158

Kieran_Burns wrote:

Meh.

I don't care about elitism to be honest and while there are some clearly experienced, healthy and skilled cyclists on here they are nothing but welcoming.

Yeah, as I've just said elsewhere I feel like a Sunday leaguer in comparison but so what? I do okay and I enjoy myself.

I've learned things on here and the enthusiasm shown has spurred me on to try harder and spend more time & money on a hobby I thoroughly enjoy.

I think that while there may be an elite cadre on here, they do not exclude others; more like show what can be done.

It's just a shame they can't see the light of CX commuting that's all....

It's perverted I tell you

I have to say though that watching a CX race at my local trail centre I saw the biggest act of devotion ever. There was one guy, who was obviously pretty good as he looked like he was sponsored, who was storming every lap. As he came up to a flat straight his wife would be there waiting for him with water bottle in hand, he'd take the bottle, have a couple of swigs a dispatch the bottle down the side of the hill into the bushes, where his wife would fish it out and have it waiting for him on the next lap. She did this for the whole race whilst looking after a todler :shock:

If I tried that I'd more than likely get a facefull of water bottle after the first lap :?

Fair do's to you CX guys, but it's not proper off-roading is it, i mean half the time you carry the bikes uphill :shock: , what's that all about

Greg T

Kieran_Burns wrote:

I think that while there may be an elite cadre on here

An elite cadre?

I think special needs would be more accurate, this is a virtual drop in centre for OCD bike nut jobs.

1234 turn round, clean the bike, comb the hair, 1234 turn round, clean the bike, comb the hair,

Kieran_Burns

I was being polite, but now you've let the cat out the bag..... :P


IMHO anyone who has a cadence and heart meter is past the point of no return

MrChuck

passout wrote:

Jay dubbleU wrote:

passout wrote:

Yes but it's hard to love a hybrid in the same way that you might love a 'racer' or an MTB - bikes with a certain 'purity'.

No it isn't - you obviously don't own one 8)

No, but there is one in my shed. It's the wifes' (obviously) and I sometimes ride it because it has a Kiddie seat on the back & my daughter likes the odd trip out on a sunny day. It's awful - cheap & far too upright. Why do you do it?

Because they're actually pretty useful bikes?
Jay- it's just snobbery, maybe one day they'll be as trendy as CX bikes are at the moment.

Greg T

Kieran_Burns wrote:

IMHO anyone who has a cadence and heart meter is past the point of no return

I have a cadence meter on the road bike....

However when riding fixed my cadence measurement is more intuitive - when my head starts bobbing like Paris Hilton on fast forward I'm spinning out.

roger_merriman

hybrids tend to be the workhorse/utility bikes, they are also not racing bikes, and cover a massive range from bikes that are flat bared roadies to slicked up MTB's to shopping/taking kids out bikes.

so a broad chuch of bikes, and something of a jack of all trades,

are they treated a little unfairly on here? a bit but then there are some awful hybrids around.

are crosses a little over hyped for light off roading? yes probably one doesn't have too look hard to find hybrids with good clearances for wide plush tires and even basic suspention forks, and a good wide postion, that would like for like take one over rougher ground than a cross would. yes a MTB would be better, which goes back to the jack of all trade in that most of the time for most the things that one would do with a bike, there are better bikes than hybrids, not always but very little that is.

DonDaddyD

I want to get this out there. It's unfair to call someone elitest or a snob if they've made a suggestion with no previous knowledge on the lifestyle or financial capabilities of the person they are responding to. A person can only initially respond from their perspective.

Hmmmmmmmm, must say I agree with the OP - it has struck me that there are a number of over zealous factions on here which puts me off a bit

Pray you don't encounter a Jeph Loeb (comic write/Heroes/destroyer of my childhood) thread: http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.p ... light=Loeb

IMHO anyone who has a cadence and heart meter is past the point of no return Wink

I have one and the other but never both at the same time..... I'm in denial....

MrChuck wrote:

Jay- it's just snobbery,

Is it snobbery or is it preference? Snoberry suggests comparison and that people are pre-judging others on supposed financial and social status/capability. I've seen none of that.

If someone states a price such as they can only afford £200. I've seen nothing but helpful answers. Almost everyone here, even those commuting on bikes ranging in the £1000s (which is expensive to me) arguably started on a cheap bike so have some point of reference.

Side comment: What I find is that the majority of the older members (30+ - with the exception of Jash and soon to be LiT) have an expensive bike or more than one. But they would do, they've been working for longer and or have a larger disposable income or had more time to save for a bike.

antfly

And what,may I ask,is wrong with a bit of snobbery?

cjcp

Kieran_Burns wrote:

Yeah, as I've just said elsewhere I feel like a Sunday leaguer in comparison but so what? I do okay and I enjoy myself.

I'm with you there, brother. Problem is that I forget all this stuff I read. :oops:

But, have you been over to the Pro Race section? Ooof. They know the names of the siblings of obscure junior Belgian cyclists.

Btw, are we agreed that fixers are left-wing activists, apart from those from SW London, who are just Champagne Socialists, that crossers and hybriders are Guardian-reading Cappuccino Liberals and that roadies are right-wing Daily Torygraph riders? :P

sarajoy

May I just make it clear as the OP that I'm fine and happy with the talk that goes on here.

Anyone who comes across as elitist, definitely isn't purposefully doing so.

And I wouldn't have used the word myself, until I saw it cropping up in several threads screaming out to be addressed.

May I also re-iterate that the 'problem' is not only that some regulars may be /appearing/ to be opinionated/snobbish, but also (and indeed, mostly) due to a misunderstanding of the cheeky banter that goes on in here.

antfly

What gets me are the cliques on here who only ever chat to each other.You know who you are.

Greg T

crossers and hybriders are Guardian-reading Cappuccino Liberals

Guys on fast hybrids don't read newspapers or drink coffee they just stay in and talk about their strategy to drop me and leave me weeping at the roadside whilst they drink energy drinks.

Sara - let's hear your cheeky banter then - I'll try and not misunderstand you - bottom bracket = bum yes?

GT

sarajoy

antfly wrote:

What gets me are the cliques on here who only ever chat to each other.You know who you are.

You get those on every forum though - and they're usually just the hugely prolific posters who have become incredibly used to each other and maybe even met up offline. Such folk never realise it looks cliquey, they just respond to the people they know...

Greg T - tell you what chap, you'll know when I'm being cheeky, you'll feel a yank on your inner tube...

itboffin

Generally we mock anyone called Greg :twisted: the old (again the Greg's) the young, sick and injured or anyone with less than 2000 posts :roll:

Edit.

You know who you are

MrChuck

antfly wrote:

And what,may I ask,is wrong with a bit of snobbery?

Well, as an enormous bike snob myself, I'd have to say nothing really 8)

Greg T

sarajoy wrote:

Greg T - tell you what chap, you'll know when I'm being cheeky, you'll feel a yank on your inner tube...

You need to be careful with that, the valve's not what it was and you may find that I lose pressure too soon.