Am I so out of touch with modern cycling?

legrandefromage

Bin Monkey
BoTM Winner
PoTM Winner
GT Fan
Feedback
View
I was lucky enough to be out today and the three cyclists I saw were in distinct categories

1. The classic All Black. Everything black, even on a grey low light day it was all black, no smile, no nod, no lights just black EVERYTHING

2. The 'I bought everything Halfords recommended and then some and went back for more' . A youngish lady with helmet askew, snood, jacket, gloves, leggings, shoes, glasses, all the kit but really struggling on some sort of step through Pendleton 'ladies' bike that creaked and rattled its way along

3. The middle aged 'I've read everything on the internet so it must be right!' - new bike with discs (rubbing) and a very long headtube, helmet too far back, headscarf, amber lense glasses, all the clothing that 12c needs, new shoes and looking like he was enjoying every minute of it - if sweating and grimacing is the new way of enjoying something

4. This pillock

1730476008666.png
 
I got passed by a guy on Sunday. Belted past me saying nothing, dressed in black. I caught him after a mile and he patronised me with how well I had done to catch him. ( Me in bobble hat, reflective jacket, mudguards, grey beard).

I just said 53x 11 mate. Sorts the men...
 
I've had people say to me "you're quicker than you look". Cheers for that. What I really want to say to them is "you're slower than you look", but I've managed to remain civil (externally)... so far.
 
I used to mountain bike in tweed trousers with cycling clips just to freak out my day glo lycra peers bitd. Now I can't be arsed with such youthful affectations. Now I just ride a mixture of whatever's not in the wash, what was discounted in the middle of Lidl, comfortable for the weather and/or not yet completely worn out. Recent acquistions inc waterproof socks. What a blessing!

I'm like the stingy cyclist version of Liam Neeson, "I can tell you I don't have money or any sense of style. But what I do have are a very particular set of cycling gear; gear I have acquired over a very long career. Some ill fitting modern tat, some 30+ year old crap. Gear that make me a nightmare for people like you."
 
Last edited:
Not! Cycling has changed so much lately with all the new tech and trends, so it’s normal to feel a bit out of touch. Just enjoy the ride—no need to keep up with everything out there! Are there any specific changes you’re curious about?
 
nothing like having a good post to create a bit of tribalism amongst what should be the friendly world of cycling
 
Back
Top