poser cyclists

meehs said:

Really? Where do you live? There are a lot of cyclists around here but not so many that I'd be continuously waving if I were to aknowledge them. Anyway if that's the case, don't wave. Me? I'll say good morning to the guy on his Colnago out for a morning training ride that passes me and the middle aged woman riding a Walmart bike in street cloths that I pass during my morning commute. I never notice my arm getting tired or my voice going out due to the sheer volume of cyclists I run into every morning and evening. I wish there were that many.

I live and work in London. Some of the other cyclists I see I know, some I get to know because I see 'em lots. Some I really wouldn't want to know because they do annoying things.
Last week I was on holiday in Norway and borrowed some bikes, a couple of cheap MTBs and an antique tandem. (I have never ridden a tandem before.) I went out with my family looking like God knows what for a fun ride, and noticed that some cyclists we met ignored us and some gave a nod at least.
I suppose it does depend on the number you meet as much as your attitude.

leslierc8853 said:

Riding that expensive bike or wearing a Discovery jersey may provide a certain joy to that person or help them oversome some tragedy in their life. Enjoy life; celebrate others' happinesses!

I agree with Leslierc (a belated happy birthday!). My last birthday I was given a postal team shirt. I felt just a little bit awkward about wearing it -- didn't want to be putting on airs -- but got over it. (For example, Leslierc, how many people around here wear Redskin jerseys? And none of them expect to be mistaken for the middle linebacker.) This year for my birthday I was given a TdF King of the Mountain jersey. I love it, but, lordy, I'm not going to be caught wearing anywhere where there are hills!!!!!

As far as being ignored by those on high end bikes, I have been fortunate (or unfortunate) enough that I seem to get roughly the same level of response (or non-response) from other riders regardless of their equipment and attire.

It does seem to bother me a bit more when it is someone that I can classify as an elitist in my mind... I have to be honest, I think I am slightly more willing to forgive someone for not waving or nodding back if they are not all decked out.

I say hello to cyclists and many times pedestrians as well. Some pay attention, some don't.

I've noticed, while on trails or roads, that some groups (3 or so) will acknowledge my presence and grace me with theirs, while other older loan riders can kinda sense that I'm new at this whole thing. Like they can taste it.. the darn bunnies! Seriously, though. I just think some people are afraid that one day you'll be the one passing them... maybe we should just ALL ignore eachother. *Sarcasm*

I think we're making a big fuzz over very little. If people hit the jackpot and want to spend 5K on a DA carbon Trek and put training wheels on it, so what? How does that affect you?. Just let 'em be...

I have a Cannondale and I usually wave to other C'dale users as well, it's just sort of a "fraternity" tribute. I sometimes nod to full pelotons or individuals, but not to all of them.
Just think that people tend to relate better to other people who are like them, so the more they identify with you, the more the'll salute. That's all.

Please there's plenty of things in the world to worry about, let's not make this bigger than Ben Hur, because it's not.

Ronanmk said:

I think we're making a big fuzz over very little. If people hit the jackpot and want to spend 5K on a DA carbon Trek and put training wheels on it, so what? How does that affect you?. Just let 'em be...

I have a Cannondale and I usually wave to other C'dale users as well, it's just sort of a "fraternity" tribute. I sometimes nod to full pelotons or individuals, but not to all of them.
Just think that people tend to relate better to other people who are like them, so the more they identify with you, the more the'll salute. That's all.

Please there's plenty of things in the world to worry about, let's not make this bigger than Ben Hur, because it's not.

Yeah but it's a mutual respect thing - and it's also a way to set the tone in welcoming new riders to get more involved in the sport. If I were new to cycling, these people would give me no incentive to seek to participate in or support local cycling. Quite frankly, I probably put 5x the effort into the sport than most of these guys and I STILL have no desire to ride in their pack.

I also tend to believe that in the areas where cycling is popular, there's a better understanding and awareness as it relates to "sharing the road" with motor vehicles. In bringing more people to our sport, we can create more attention and even a demand for bicycle road safety. It really does start at the ground level, and even a little casual respect between strangers might motivate an unknown rider to want to be part of something bigger.

Ashley3 said:

I agree with Leslierc (a belated happy birthday!). My last birthday I was given a postal team shirt. I felt just a little bit awkward about wearing it -- didn't want to be putting on airs -- but got over it. (For example, Leslierc, how many people around here wear Redskin jerseys? And none of them expect to be mistaken for the middle linebacker.) This year for my birthday I was given a TdF King of the Mountain jersey. I love it, but, lordy, I'm not going to be caught wearing anywhere where there are hills!!!!!

Thanks for the belated birthday wish. Is this a great forum or what?!

3_days said:

I get vibed from cyclists all the time because I go out in a T-shirt, B-ball shorts and hat on backward ... I love to just get on the bike and ride - Many times, I'll mess with my set-up and take a quick run to see if I like it; so I don't bother with the jersey or shorts. Many times that quick run turns into 90 minutes or more.

I've actually said hello to other riders and been ignored. I've waved to passing riders who pretend not to see me.

How hard is it to say hello or wave or even smile ...?

I get that all the time even when Im wearing my team kit, some people just arnt friendly I guess. Or maybe they are just daydreaming/doing an interval/in intense pain ect. Id like to think they are doing that instead of all jerks.

frenchcycling said:

What stuff do you guys think makes up a poser cyclist? (for example, team issue equiptment, discovery channel kit, hairly legs, carbon everything etc.)

If hairy legs make be a poseur, so be it. I won't be shaving anytime soon to take three seconds off my next 60 mile ride.

mcw said:

If hairy legs make be a poseur, so be it. I won't be shaving anytime soon to take three seconds off my next 60 mile ride.

ditto. somehow i'd feel MORE like a poseur if i started shaving my legs. besides, nobody gives me a leg massage after my rides! so what's the point?

First of all, you guys are fumbling the real issue behind the male leg shaving deal:

Truth be told, the new millenium females are done with the hairy caveman thing. Leg hair is total 1900's!!! Yeah sure, call me names but I have Cosmo and Modern Woman in my bathroom, so I know my stuff-

Poser or not, today's ladies only want that aero- look!!!

kaikane said:

ditto. somehow i'd feel MORE like a poseur if i started shaving my legs. besides, nobody gives me a leg massage after my rides! so what's the point?

Trust me, like bibs with no undies, don't knock the shaved leg thing. Coming from a bodybuilding background, I was shaving long before I got serious about cycling. Being rather hairy anyway (dark eyetalian dude) I can tell you there is no better feeling than being hairless. Like the other poster said, chicks dig it big time too. I don't do it for any kind of aero or poseur look, it just plain feels better!!!!

capwater said:

Trust me, like bibs with no undies, don't knock the shaved leg thing. Coming from a bodybuilding background, I was shaving long before I got serious about cycling. Being rather hairy anyway (dark eyetalian dude) I can tell you there is no better feeling than being hairless. Like the other poster said, chicks dig it big time too. I don't do it for any kind of aero or poseur look, it just plain feels better!!!!

No thanks. What's next, facials, manicures and makeup. One of the advantages of being a guy is not having to deal with all of that stuff. I barely have time to ride as it is. As for the chicks, I am married, with a baby, so that is a non-factor for me.

I am not knocking it for others, just not my thing.

Nothing puts the fire back in your lady's burner like the male stubble free leg shave ...

Next time she has a tough day at work ... or needs some relief - you just rub your soft man legs on her and BOOM -

instant SHANGRI LA!!!

(As for the manicures and make-up, I'll look into that ... at least I could use those as another excuse for being late all the time)

frenchcycling said:

What stuff do you guys think makes up a poser cyclist? (for example, team issue equiptment, discovery channel kit, hairly legs, carbon everything etc.)

If you are more concerned about shaving off a few second on your time than shaving your legs.
If you finish a ride and your legs feel more like an attached weight than appendages.
If the sweat burns your eyes so badly you can't see what type of bike someone else has or what type of jersey they are wearing.
If you hurt like hell ,but are looking forward to the next time.

You may not be real good, but you are real.

A poser, hmmm

Maybe someone who has more posts than has been on a bike in awhile...

say, where did i put my Harley leather jacket?

capwater said:

Trust me, like bibs with no undies, don't knock the shaved leg thing. Coming from a bodybuilding background, I was shaving long before I got serious about cycling. Being rather hairy anyway (dark eyetalian dude) I can tell you there is no better feeling than being hairless. Like the other poster said, chicks dig it big time too. I don't do it for any kind of aero or poseur look, it just plain feels better!!!!

okay...but...like...where do you stop? shaving, that is....

raymond see said:

when you go to Manila Philippines and see 200 cyclists riding either COLNAGOS or SEVEN CYCLES TITANIUM...and got either DURA 10 or CAMPY CARBON...then wears either PHONAK SWISS, TREK YELLOW JERSEY,PRIMAL WEAR ... dont you dare call them posers...these are mega rich executive cyclists...riding once a month for MASTERS CUP EXECUTIVE RACES...the race is from February to November...if you dont think they are fast...go ahead...try your luck...they are all good enough to join the SouthEast Asian Games....P.S. the one on the RED FERRARI COLNAGO C35...thats me...if you wanna know how fast the Ferrari can go.... i have maxed it 67kph on flats... 🙂

Kewl.. got any pics or links to share?
Thanx!

Not to get off topic...

...but WHERE does a cyclist stop shaving? I've done it for swimming, but yeah...

"I'd like a bell that matches my bike."