Am I so out of touch with modern cycling?

[legrandefromage]

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

 

[JCS]

Who needs all the modern gear... denim is well proven by the mountain biking pioneers !

 

[argonsixar]

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...

 

[argonsixar]

I should add that I ate my breakfast twice and my lungs came up too. But had to be done.

 

[wynne]

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.

 

[greencat]

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."

 

[vcballbat]

5. Completely baffled and confused ...