elite.......

I dont think that all elite cyclists are [censored].. a lot of them seem to be when they are riding but that is because they are so focused on their ride... there are a lot that look down on people with lesser abilities, but I think it can be an unfair stereotype...

Anyway my view of an elite is someone that goes the whole nine when they are riding... nice bike, riding shoes, cycling gear, helmet, computer, maybe heart rate monitor... someone who lives it. And it doesnt mean their stuff has to be high end most expensive stuff on the market, but an elite usually does buy all his stuff from the LBS... no wal mart [censored] for the true elite. Besides you do gotta support your LBS.

I will be elite someday.

ps.... what is the point of the picture in your post... is that little kid elite?

cycling_jedi said:

I dont think that all elite cyclists are [censored].. a lot of them seem to be when they are riding but that is because they are so focused on their ride... there are a lot that look down on people with lesser abilities, but I think it can be an unfair stereotype...

Anyway my view of an elite is someone that goes the whole nine when they are riding... nice bike, riding shoes, cycling gear, helmet, computer, maybe heart rate monitor... someone who lives it. And it doesnt mean their stuff has to be high end most expensive stuff on the market, but an elite usually does buy all his stuff from the LBS... no wal mart [censored] for the true elite. Besides you do gotta support your LBS.

I will be elite someday.

ps.... what is the point of the picture in your post... is that little kid elite?

yeah, I have never run into such creature ( elite ) but since I have only been riding for about 3 months I have plenty of time I guess. As for the pic I thought it was cool. thats all.

vic32amg said:

Other than being a complete [censored] and having a $5000 roadbike what else qualifies someone as an Elite cyclist?

Those are pretty much the qualifications. The proper name is S.U.R.P., and we don't let you into the club and give you the secret handshake unless you have some minimum sense of fashion. We cannot let a rider with non-color coordinated shoes embarrass the group during the Wednesday hammer session; it would not be civilized.

That kid is a shoe in for the next Fast and Furious movie, Fast and Furious IV: Kindergarten Drift.

vic32amg said:

Well Im often lurking in the shadows of the forums here and I have a question for the regulars. Other than being a complete [censored] and having a $5000 roadbike what else qualifies someone as an Elite cyclist?

sustainable 450 watts for hours or something like that i thought it was ... elite types have double the aerobic power of trained 'regular' people, both in running & cycling. No matter how much I 'live it', pretty sure thats impossible for me..

.. right looking on wikipedia it says a power:weight ratio of >6 watts/kg, e.g. a 70kg individual would have to generate 425watts sustainably.

if I could afford a full carbon bike for my first bike.... hell, i would!

Lol. Can we just imagine? Not so sure this is believable. Ok an elitist as a cyclist. I would say when someone is lean and ripped from riding. Maybe they alternate with other forms of exercise to break it up. An elitist to me is someone who has that lean biker's butt and legs. You can't miss the form of the legs to the gluteals on someone who rides. This obviously means that they are doing something serious. They will be well informed about cycling and all that goes with it.
An expensive bike and a bad attitude doesn't constitute for an elitist. The attitude is the indicator not the price.An elitist can ride any bike, but the attitude is a clear indicator that someone is far from it.

Most elite cyclists that I've bumped into range widely in terms of personality. There are the obnoxious and egotistical types. But there are also the humble and down-to-earth types that happen to own a top-end bike and are generally very good cyclists. I try not to be judgmental and realize that this earth is populated by all types of people.