Will the madness stop Bike horror encounters

DonDaddyD

So, after having a wonderful battle with a single speed (guy wearing campag hat so not a Fakenger) and a rapid hybrid (Scott I think). I pull up to Clapham South trainstation, waiting at the lights with me I spot the lovely decals of a Wilier Izoard in its beloved white, red and naked carbon clothing.

I look it up and down, and notice that the person on top of it was wearing ordinary trainers and had f*cking flat pedals attached to the cranks. I nearly threw up!

Edit.... "Now before I continue you have to realise I have spent hours standing outside studying the Izoard in DeVer (one of my LBS window)...."

It was about 8.40am, earlier than most bike shops in the area open (except Cyclopolis - who don't sell Izoard's - good bike shop). The bike looked ridden and he didn't have a bag so it wasn't like he was taking it to the bike shop to fit pedals and put on shoes... I played out every other scenario to give the guy the benefit of the doubt, but couldn't find any reason for having flats on an Izoard.

So I ask, what bike shop would willing sell something as beautiful as an Izoard or any £2000 bike and let the person walk out with flats on it!? There is a reason bikes like that get sold without pedals!

Why would you spend £2000+ on a bike only to put flats on it!? Why!? I don't care if the dude was a beginner with a sizable income, some things are just not done. Putting flats on an Izoard should be up there with the instinctive inability to strangle yourself with your own hands - try it.

I'm annoyed and frankly disgusted! I mean sure, get what you can afford and all that, but for f*cksake is nothing sacred anymore? You don't do that to an Izoard!

I bet when the guy isn't cycling he wears skinny jeans - the item of clothing I associate with all I find wrong in the World.

:evil:

always_tyred

DonDaddyD wrote:

I bet when the guy isn't cycling he wears skinny jeans - the item of clothing I associate with all I find wrong in the World.

:evil:

Interesting. For me its the Chelsea away kit.

Christophe3967

Always Tyred wrote:

DonDaddyD wrote:

I bet when the guy isn't cycling he wears skinny jeans - the item of clothing I associate with all I find wrong in the World.

:evil:

Interesting. For me its the Chelsea away kit.

For me its more this....

PinkPedal

I spot the lovely decals of a Wilier Izoard in its beloved white, red and naked carbon clothing.

I look it up and down, and notice that the person on top of it was wearing ordinary trainers and had f*cking flat pedals attached to the cranks. I nearly threw up!

I have seen the same guy at Clapham South! I did think it was rather odd that someone who has spent that much on a lovely bike isn't clipless.

mountainroadie

DDD +1+1

il_principe

PinkPedal wrote:

I spot the lovely decals of a Wilier Izoard in its beloved white, red and naked carbon clothing.

I look it up and down, and notice that the person on top of it was wearing ordinary trainers and had f*cking flat pedals attached to the cranks. I nearly threw up!

I have seen the same guy at Clapham South! I did think it was rather odd that someone who has spent that much on a lovely bike isn't clipless.

Heresy basically. They saw him coming...

lost_in_thought

Now now, bike tarts...

If someone wants a lovely bike and wants flats on it, then that's their prerogative.

On that note, I still haven't found any sandals that'll take speedplay cleats...

greg66_tri_v2.0

lost_in_thought wrote:

Now now, bike tarts...

If someone wants a lovely bike and wants flats on it, then that's their prerogative.

On that note, I still haven't found any sandals that'll take speedplay cleats...

You need not worry.

People stare long and hard at the straw boater and long flowing skirt when you're on the Maxima for so long they never get as far as the sandals. :twisted: :P

_Brun_

G66 has just made me realise there's a gap in the market for a really expensive ultra-light carbon fibre basket.

Edit: This would be an ideal compliment to top-end shifters as there are no cables to get in the way. Win!

How would you rate that DDD?

downfader

DDD dont be such a bike snob. I tell you what, If I ever win the lotto I'm getting one and putting flats on it - just for you!

Rockbuddy

PinkPedal wrote:

I spot the lovely decals of a Wilier Izoard in its beloved white, red and naked carbon clothing.

I look it up and down, and notice that the person on top of it was wearing ordinary trainers and had f*cking flat pedals attached to the cranks. I nearly threw up!

I have seen the same guy at Clapham South! I did think it was rather odd that someone who has spent that much on a lovely bike isn't clipless.

But he is clipless, old skool

Rockbuddy

Maybe, just maybe he's one of those guys that has never got into the whole bike tart thing. He likes his comfy trainers and flat pedals and lack of clipless moments I bet he doesn't even wear lycra!?! Am I right???

I have trainers which are slowly dissolving they are so old and worn but I keep them just for cycling. I've never had "clipless" and am getting a bit peeved with the clips on my road bike, so thinking seriously of trying without. If I upgraded (maybe a Trek Madone or like some day) I would definately keep the trainers (if not dissolved fully) and may even put flats on - Hmm, what about mtb flats, now they're cool 8)

downfader

Rockbuddy wrote:

PinkPedal wrote:

I spot the lovely decals of a Wilier Izoard in its beloved white, red and naked carbon clothing.

I look it up and down, and notice that the person on top of it was wearing ordinary trainers and had f*cking flat pedals attached to the cranks. I nearly threw up!

I have seen the same guy at Clapham South! I did think it was rather odd that someone who has spent that much on a lovely bike isn't clipless.

But he is clipless, old skool

I dont use clips or straps or anything like that. I use flats on the Jake and do a fair old speed. I think they're over rated at times. :roll:

nielsamd

Aww maybe the person is just `in between' pedals. I once set up a bike and my last purchase was the pedals...mail-order.. and they sent me an odd pair! 2 right sides! So while I waited for a replacement set I also rode around with flats.......

always_tyred

downfader wrote:

Rockbuddy wrote:

PinkPedal wrote:

I spot the lovely decals of a Wilier Izoard in its beloved white, red and naked carbon clothing.

I look it up and down, and notice that the person on top of it was wearing ordinary trainers and had f*cking flat pedals attached to the cranks. I nearly threw up!

I have seen the same guy at Clapham South! I did think it was rather odd that someone who has spent that much on a lovely bike isn't clipless.

But he is clipless, old skool

I dont use clips or straps or anything like that. I use flats on the Jake and do a fair old speed. I think they're over rated at times. :roll:

Don't knock it till you try it.
Its not that much different on the flat, but when sprinting or climbing, by god it makes a difference. So much difference, in fact, it should be part of the FCN equation.

downfader

Always Tyred wrote:

downfader wrote:

Rockbuddy wrote:

PinkPedal wrote:

I spot the lovely decals of a Wilier Izoard in its beloved white, red and naked carbon clothing.

I look it up and down, and notice that the person on top of it was wearing ordinary trainers and had f*cking flat pedals attached to the cranks. I nearly threw up!

I have seen the same guy at Clapham South! I did think it was rather odd that someone who has spent that much on a lovely bike isn't clipless.

But he is clipless, old skool

I dont use clips or straps or anything like that. I use flats on the Jake and do a fair old speed. I think they're over rated at times. :roll:

Don't knock it till you try it.
Its not that much different on the flat, but when sprinting or climbing, by god it makes a difference. So much difference, in fact, it should be part of the FCN equation.

Fair play on the climbs, I understand that. Even so I dont think they're needed here. They've never interested me tbh, LOL. I prolly will try them oneday but not for a long time.

Rockbuddy

Always Tyred wrote:

Don't knock it till you try it.
Its not that much different on the flat, but when sprinting or climbing, by god it makes a difference. So much difference, in fact, it should be part of the FCN equation.

Maybe one day, don't clock up enough miles to justify the outlay at the moment (especially if not for me). Just the short commute and odd loop after work or weekend ride. Although did spend most of today cycling around Cardiff getting forms signed for work today, nice to be paid to ride (even if only around Cardiff ) Thanks for the advice though, ya never know - was gonna get a flat bar hybrid till reading this forum so anything's possible

sarajoy

Rockbuddy wrote:

was gonna get a flat bar hybrid till reading this forum so anything's possible

Nowt wrong with them meladdo!

tardington

I'm assuming DDD is facedown on his keyboard, having conniptions.

My gf likes the carbon basket idea!

Rockbuddy

sarajoy wrote:

Rockbuddy wrote:

was gonna get a flat bar hybrid till reading this forum so anything's possible

Nowt wrong with them meladdo!

Hold ya 'orses SJ, I never said there was anything wrong with flatties, I have an mtb, which I love and of course it has flat bars. My commute had changed from half and half trail and road to just road....so after reading what people had to say here, decided to take a leap of faith and go for a drop bar. I'm getting used to it but is very different from a flat bar, NOT better JUST different...

artaxerxes

guy wearing campag hat so not a Fakenger

Don't be too sure, there are some Fakengers who take the little details to the extreme. I saw an East Asian fakenger (I cringe in embarassment whenever I see one) who had painstakingly pre-distressed bike/jeans/bag/everything, but was still so poor on the bike he could only have been a fakenger.

Rockbuddy

linoue wrote:

guy wearing campag hat so not a Fakenger

Don't be too sure, there are some Fakengers who take the little details to the extreme. I saw an East Asian fakenger (I cringe in embarassment whenever I see one) who had painstakingly pre-distressed bike/jeans/bag/everything, but was still so poor on the bike he could only have been a fakenger.

You mean you cringe at the fakenger right not 'cos he's East Asian

DonDaddyD

RIGHT YOU LOT There are boundaries!

Its one thing getting, riding and justifying a flat bar road bike, hybrid, mountain bike or a aluminium (sora/Mirage) road bike with flats or toe clips for your commute. But this is an Izoard, AN IZOARD! A WILIER IZOARD!!!


The bike isn't even sold with anything less than Ultegra or Centaur! Yes you can build it with 105 or Veloce but the bike shop won't recommend it (the good ones anyway, they should recommend a Mortirolo - which shouldn't have flats on it either). Would you steel wheels and hub caps on a Maserati becuase it amounts to the same thing!?

Putting flats on a carbon fibre bike, let alone an Izoard, is frankly stupid and a waste of money and the bike.

tardington

It's not about the brand, it's about the rider, surely!

DDD, at school were you a cool kid who wore Abercromby and Fitch sweatshirts?

downfader

tardie wrote:

It's not about the brand, it's about the rider, surely!

Exactly. I couldnt give a damn what people ride or what tech they have or omit. As long as they dont break any laws or injure anyone

Rockbuddy

DonDaddyD wrote:

RIGHT YOU LOT There are boundaries!

Its one thing getting, riding and justifying a flat bar road bike, hybrid, mountain bike or a aluminium (sora/Mirage) road bike with flats or toe clips for your commute. But this is an Izoard, AN IZOARD! A WILIER IZOARD!!!


The bike isn't even sold with anything less than Ultegra or Centaur! Yes you can build it with 105 or Veloce but the bike shop won't recommend it (the good ones anyway, they should recommend a Mortirolo - which shouldn't have flats on it either). Would you steel wheels and hub caps on a Maserati becuase it amounts to the same thing!?

Putting flats on a carbon fibre bike, let alone an Izoard, is frankly stupid and a waste of money and the bike.

Ok I'm convinced it looks better without peddles, you should just have it as you buy it, that's what you're saying isn't it DDD :P

Not sure how efficiantly you'll get the crank arms rotating wihtout peddles though

brushed

I have a neighbour who I encountered on his expensive carbon bike (I forget the brand) learning to use clipless by using one look pedal on the right and one flattie on the left as he didnt have the confidence to go the whole hog in one go.

Made me laugh.

Maybe this guy is a stage behind.

DonDaddyD

tardie wrote:

It's not about the brand, it's about the rider, surely!

AND

Downfader wrote:

Exactly. I couldnt give a damn what people ride or what tech they have or omit. As long as they dont break any laws or injure anyone

No, its not about the brand or the rider, its about the bike. The Izoard is a Sportive/race bike, its designed to be ridden for long distances, very fast. Its an option for the enthusiast. You are not going to get the best out of the bike on flats. Much like your not going to get the best out of a Ferrari permanently driving it in the centre of London. The Izoard's design is to deliver its expectations in the most efficient way. Flat pedals contradict the bikes entire principles.

If you want to ride with flat pedals (given the speed restrictions flats haveover clipless) buy a cheaper bike like a Wilier Evasion or La Triestina....

tardington

Ah! But can you deny a lot of wankers own ferrari's? 8)

Fireblade96

If you want to ride with flat pedals (given the speed restrictions flats haveover clipless) buy a cheaper bike like a Wilier Evasion or La Triestina....

Oi ! I'm looking at a La Triestina as my new, best, most-expensive-I've-ever-owned bike ! I can guarantee it won't be ridden with flats though...

Blimmin' bike snobs :?

admittedly I did test ride it today with single-sided flat/SPD pedals, so any passing bike pedant may have assumed I was using flats. And it still had the price label dangling from the bars. And you know what ? It was great and I think I'm going to buy it...

DonDaddyD

Shouldn't put flats on a race bike let alone an Izoard!