Some fixies have brakes, depends on the person’s preference. They are also VERY affordable. I see lots of couriers on them.
I don’t understand this mentality. It’s a competitive sport. Some people spend thousands on hockey gear, or football gear, or whatever. It allows them to ride better and gain an advantage (speed and time).
Maybe I’m missing something here though. I don’t see people here that don’t actually ride regularly (some don’t compete, granted, but ride on a team and spend hours in the saddle) wearing cycling gear as described in the article. Do people in other places do this? Like, do you see people on Walmart specials wearing a $300 Castelli short or something? If so, yeah, weird.
And just to defend the cost a bit (because my bikes are worth more than my car), I’d rather spend that kind of money on something that promotes health than on a big screen TV or something similar. I spend a lot of time outside.
I don’t understand that mentality either. I don’t race at all, but my biking gear ain’t cheap either. I ride for run and cardio training, both mountain bike and road, and my gear cost multiple thousands of dollars. I also have a junker old hardtail mountain bike that someone was throwing out that I use for a city commuter bike that I probably couldn’t get more than $25 for on craigslist. Everything has it’s place.
People spend money on stuff that gives them enjoyment. A full suspension 29’er is a lot of fun, and worth every penny. The clips, shorts, and helmets are a tiny amount of money in the face of the bike, and I use them on my road bike too.
Meanwhile you’ve got people like me - I ride a heavy coaster-brake bike (40 pounds worth) I bought 45 years ago as a teen, wear ordinary athletic shoes, shorts or jeans, and a t-shirt/flannel shirt/hoodie depending on the weather, and sometimes get laughed at. My only “gear” is a helmet and rear-view mirror for when I have ride alongside road traffic.
I guess you wouldn’t call me a “cyclist”, I’m just a person who uses an old clunky bike as an excuse to get outside in the fresh air and move around for a bit of exercise. For me a ride is 5-10 miles at a leisurely pace. I’m not really interested in going fast, pushing limits, or competing with anyone.
So I guess I’m doing it wrong, huh?
On second thought - nope, I’m happy and enjoying myself and that’s what really matters.
Um…the Cracked article was humor. Sort of like a stand-up routine, only written down. Exaggeration, hyperbole, some silliness and ridicule, you know, to make you laugh. :rolleyes:
… but also usually with a nugget of truth inside it.
Just bought my Wife a $7000 bike. She takes racing quite seriously. On the other hand, we spent a day riding in Munich on rented bikes in September. No toe clips or anything. Eight very easy to change gears (it was in the twist grip, nice system). We did wear helmets, but know one else did.
Coaster bike for me, no gears, pedal backward to brake, heavy, with fat tires to go over curbs or whatever, and the best part - no one wants to steal it!
To each, their own. I don’t get it, the expensive, lightweight, high tech, fancy shorts etc, but then, I figure, I don’t have to. I don’t judge them, (okay, maybe just a little if you’re kitted out like you’re entering the Tour de France I’m gonna wonder where your head is at, but that’s more not understanding, than feeling superior, in truth!), and I assume they don’t judge me.
But please don’t complain when someone steals your incredibly expensive bike, if it’s that expensive, quit leaving it out on the street already! Get a damn garage or something!
Like all good humor.
Eh, I used to do century weekends on a schwinn varsity just going around visiting friends [I would range between Leroy, Caledonia, Henrietta and Fairport NY because of friends located in those places. I lived in Caledonia and went to school in Brighton for several years.] This was in 1973-77, Then I moved into Rochester.
Our clothing of choice tended to be jeans, tshirts and sneakers.
Though for a while in 83-84 dated a guy who was into insane bicycling and did the bike that weighed about what a canteloupe does, and the spandex and all. Meh, different strokes. He never derided my choice of a bike that weighs what a small horse does and clothing from the off the rack at Kmart.
only read part of it… seems like they’re wanting to put their whole foot flat on the ground or something… if you can’t put a toe down which is all you need then you’re probably on too big a bike.
I’ve got old school clips and clip ins, but i prefer track pedals without either at the moment.
If you really want to be read the riot act look up the velominati and their bunch of rules.
This hybrid casual cyclist wears lycra shorts. Not because I’m trying to be more aerodynamic, I just appreciate the butt padding when I’m an a bike ride for two hours or more.
As one of those lycra-clad, carbon fiber riding roadies, I’d say you are doing it exactly right. You are getting exercise and having fun and happy. Heck as your bike weighs twice what mine does, you may be getting even better exercise!
You’re a cyclist in my book.
I own a single-speed cruiser.
It has a basket, lights, & a bell.
This is called Fun.
I will turn 51 this year.
I value the upper body exercise it gives me as I carry it up and down from the 2nd floor where it lives most of the time. Also, lifting it in and out of the pickup when I travel to one of the local bike trails or parks 
Glad to see there are others out there that still ride classic bicycles. Broomstick and I are kindred spirits in cycling.
There’s a really nice bike trail in Little Rock, The Arkansas River Trail System. I prefer going out in the country but use that city trail too. There’s a lot of carbon fiber bikes zipping along out there. Gets a bit lonely on my Schwinn 10 speed.
I have my ancient Schwinn Varsity - I think my brother partially disassembled it with an eye towards letting one of his kids use it after refurbishing it, but then whatever happened and it has hung in Mom’s garage unused and abandoned for like 20 years … poor thing. I probably should have mrAru pack it up in the van and bring it home, maybe the roomie would like it. If nothing else I could freecycle it.
So is everyone else in this thread, unless you have a desire to divide us.
No, not at all. Anyone using a bike is a cyclist. It’s all about getting exercise and having fun. The equipment people choose to use is entirely their choice.